Torch, Spring 2002

Mark’s account states: They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:32). Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen in the coming hours. He was in agony and he prayed for Himself. If Jesus felt the need to pray for Himself in anticipation of His trial, then it is clear you need to pray for yourself. How will you handle trials? You will never have the compassion of Christ until you’ve gone through some deep waters. You just won’t. Only those who’ve experienced great trials can begin to empathize and have the compassion of Christ for others. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (II Corinthians 1:4). So you have to experience God meeting you in your trials before you can meet the needs of others. Exhibiting the compassion of Christ is imperative to transforming the culture. This compassion can only be displayed through an adequate vision which permits us to see like Christ, an accurate ear which allows us to hear like Christ, and an advocating plea which empowers us to pray like Christ. Spring 2002 / TORCH 15 T Presidential Search Prayer Requests • Guidance and strength for the Dixons as they look forward to May 2003 • Wisdom and unity for the trustees and the entire University family • A great finish for Dr. Dixon • The new president • Guidance for the search committee as they work on this large and time-consuming search process • Smooth transition to chancellor role for Dr. Dixon www.cedarville.edu/presidentsearch D r. Paul Dixon has been the president of Cedarville University since 1978. He maintains an active preaching schedule as well as providing leadership to Cedarville’s faculty, staff, and students. A graduate of Tennessee Temple University and Temple Baptist Theological Seminary, Dixon spent 14 years as an evangelist before becoming president. He earned an Ed.D. from the University of Cincinnati and holds honorary degrees from Tennessee Temple and Liberty University. Dixon and his wife, Pat, have been married for 41 years. They have a son, Scott (who is an assistant professor of Bible at Cedarville), and five grandchildren.