Inspire, Summer 2010

pres ident ’s perspect i ve Brian Welch is an unlikely disciple — but then, aren’t we all? What makes Brian’s story so unique is that he was a founding member of the heavy-metal group Korn and spent 12 years living a drug-fueled life as an international rock star. He describes what happened in 2004 as a miracle: “I was walking one day, just doing my rock-and-roll thing, making millions of bucks — you know, success and everything — addicted to drugs. And then the next day, I had a revelation of Christ, and I was like, ‘Everything changes right now!’ ” After coming to Christ, Brian (who goes by the moniker “Head”) was overwhelmed with unfamiliar desires. After a life of self-indulgence, his heart was moved to respond to God’s grace by selfless giving. Among other works, he went to poverty-stricken areas of India and built orphanages, called “Head Homes.” He continues to serve and help those in deep need. Covered with tattoos, he has added several fresh ones as a testimony to his new focus in Christ. The most obvious tattoo is Matthew 6:19: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” Brian Welch is investing in eternity by giving and serving others. Giving is at the heart of God’s love for us: not casual giving but sacrificial, unconditional, and generous giving. Responding to God’s love for us with a life of giving seems natural for Christians, yet it’s also the antithesis of the American Dream, where the starting points are self-fulfillment and self-expression.­ That’s why this issue of Inspire is so energizing. Many Cedarville students tell me they want their lives to count. It is no surprise, then, to see how many Cedarville graduates are led to vocations where they can give and serve others every day. They want to be God’s heart, hands, and voice. Seeing what Cedarville grads are doing really does inspire! James challenges us to recognize that living faith cannot be expressed by mere talk (James 2:14–18). We might have beliefs, but we do not have convictions until they have been refined by testing and demonstrated by action. It is my prayer that this generation’s heartfelt service will become the identifying characteristic of the word “Christian.” People may not understand our doctrine or our values, but they do understand our service and our love. And this is the distinguishing attribute of Cedarville graduates. They don’t just love what they do: they love those they serve. Why We Serve by Dr. William E. Brown Dr. Brown’s Top Picks ■ Book The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith If you have not yet read any books from this detective series, you’re missing a wonderful experience by a terrific author. Lynne and I read these aloud to each other — and laugh all the way through! ■ Website www.pandora.com Looking for good background music with all your favorite songs and artists? Then Pandora is the website of choice. Decide what kind of music you like, and Pandora plays it for you continuously. ■ Podcast www.podquiz.com This weekly, 20-question trivia quiz includes four rounds of questions, the first always being a music round. ■ Movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Starring Ingrid Bergman and Robert Donat, this Oscar-nominated 1958 film gives an accurate portrayal of Gladys Aylward’s missionary work in China. “I am often, I believe, praying for others when I should be doing things for them.” — C.S. Lewis 44 SUMMER 2010