Torch, Fall 1999

i ~~_?>~ President Cedarville College Prarer: Spi1ifl1al Senlice a f the many positive outcomes of a consistent prayer life, one of the most rewarding is that of being used in service to the Kingdom. To be sure, prayer results in peace- a peace beyond what we can comprehend by circumstances alone. Of course, prayer results in a closer walk with God; it really does make a difference in your relationship with the Almighty. And, prayer offers solace and comfort in times of distress and discomfort. But, we must not overlook the fact that a consistent, thoughtful, submissive prayer life always results in service. This may take the form of vocational service in pastoral or what we often call "full-time Christian service." (By the way, there really is no such thing as part-time Christian service any more than there is part-time Christianity, but that's a different discussion.) It may take the form of acting as a beacon in a workplace or 2 Torch neighborhood seemingly overwhelmed with evil and darkness. It may be something as simple as routinely providing meals for a shut-in neighbor. Or, it may be the act of prayer that itself becomes a service to others. "... intercession ... is the great work of His servants on earth." -Andrew Murray Andrew Murray, who was born in South Africa in the early 19th century, wrote a fascinating work tided The Ministry ofIntercession. In it he says, "We must banish all fear and, in faith, claim the grace for which we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us-the grace of supplication, the grace of intercession. We must quietly, perseveringly believe that He lives in us and will enable us to do our work. We must in faith not fear to accept and yield to the great truth that intercession ... is the great work of His servants on earth [emphasis in the original]." This issue of Torch is the culmination of our year-long campus-wide emphasis on prayer. Previous issues have focused on practicing prayer and experiencing its power. This issue turns to the outward expressions of service and spotlights missionary work on a variety of fronts, such as in educational institutions and in the culture at large. Both approaches are vital to the continued spread of the gospel and the ultimate establishment of the Kingdom. Neither, however, would be possible without prayer. Our mission of providing an education consistent with biblical truth would not be possible without prayer. Please join the Cedarville College family as we continue the work of the Kingdom and as we hold each other up in prayer.