Torch, Spring 1982

I ~ I I. T hank you for praying! Cedarville College is unusually blessed of God. Our trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and students marvel at all He is doing in our behalf. There is not an area of the college that does not enjoy unusual prosperity . Our enrollment in the last three years has grown by nearly 500 students - almost 40%. We have been able to add numerous programs and staff them with capable, committed Christians . The impact of our students through Christian service opportunities and gospel teams is obvious locally, nationally, and worldwide. It is thrilling to note that our student teams ministered in 350 churches last year; 100 students were involved on many mission fields around the world. The alumni of Cedarville College are invdlved in shaping churches, the Christian school movement, the business community, and other segments of society. We have been able to construct facilities, pay salaries, expand programs, and balance budgets. In part, this has been possible because of God's people who are sold on Christian education and have chosen to sacrificially give of their resources to make it possible. Although all cannot give of their money, most of our friends do faithfully pray for us. Prayer is the only possible explanation for the miracle of Cedarville College . The well-being of this college over these many Praying And Our Prosperity by Dr . Paul Dixon, President years is to the glory of God and due to His grace. Dr. Jeremiah and I both testify to this; thus, we have a deep appreciation for all who faithfully pray for us. Yet, how much more we all need to learn in our Lord's school of prayer. Martin Luther said, "There are three things which go into the making of a successful preacher: supplication, meditation, and tribulation." The same would be true for every Christian . We need to pray - yet we pray so little. We know so little about it. But who will be our teacher? The disciples went to their Master, and so must we . It seems, as we study the gospels, that Jesus was always praying. Whatever His schedule or whomever His critics, He found the place and the time for communion with His Father. At times Christ prayed alone - but often He invited others to join Him. Like us, Jesus grew weary in body and faced the emotional strains that go with it . People probl~ms were His, as they are ours. He lived, as we do, in the midst of a sinfully depraved sea of humanity . The major difference is that we live as sinners and He was sinless . Still Christ Jesus prayed. Apparently our Lord did not simply find time to pray; he made time to pray! S. D. Gordon said, "The Lord Jesus is still praying . Thirty years of living; thirty years of service; one tremendous act of dying; 1900 years of prayer . What an emphasis and example of prayer."