Inspire, Summer 2010

di rector ’s cha i r Several years ago, I memorized the first chapter of James. The last verse rings in my mind frequently: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This statement is a call to action for believers. During this past school year, one particular chapel message focused on this exhortation. Dr. Joy Fagan ’89, associate professor of Bible, challenged the University family to reach out to our community and help bring change. The song “God of This City” by Bluetree captures this idea well: You’re the God of this city. You’re the King of these people. You’re the Lord of this nation. You are. You’re the light in this darkness. You’re the hope to the hopeless. You’re the peace to the restless. You are. There is no one like our God. There is no one like our God. [Chorus] For greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done in this city. Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here. The village of Cedarville isn’t exactly a bustling city, but that’s never stopped our students from finding ways to serve. Whether raking leaves for an elderly neighbor or traveling to a nearby soup kitchen, they extend a helping hand to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those around them. I am overwhelmed by the passion I see in this generation of Cedarville students. I am constantly impressed by their awareness of people’s needs and how they reach out to the orphans, the widows, and the marginalized in our society. It’s no surprise, then, that I consistently hear stories of how our graduates are investing in the lives of the broken and outcast. Some, like Becky Combs ’95 and Amy Allen ’87, use their career callings to bring hope and healing to hurting children. Others pick up their homes, families, and belongings to begin a new life of ministry in a different city or country. And many of our alumni invest time and energy in their local churches and communities, finding ways to serve in even the most mundane, unnoticed contexts. So what are you doing to reach out to those in need? It is exciting to be at a place like Cedarville, where there are so many opportunities to offer help to the helpless and hope to the hopeless. Let the challenge of pure and faultless religion affect how you live your life today. Remember: “Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.” Jeff Beste ’87 Director of Alumni Relations “Many of our alumni invest time and energy in their local churches and communities, finding ways to serve in even the most mundane, unnoticed contexts.” 28 SUMMER 2010