Torch, Spring 2003

2 TORCH / Spring 2003 Editor Dr. Martin Clark Managing Editor Roger Overturf Associate Editor Kara Steinman Proofreaders Martha Baldwin Wendy Orchard Senior Designer Michael Bieniek Photo Editor Scott Huck Cedarville Torch Vol. 25, No. 1, Spring 2003 Published by Cedarville University Dr. Paul Dixon, President NO PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS Cedarville Torch is published for alumni and friends of Cedarville University. Direct comments and requests for extra copies to: Managing Editor Cedarville Torch 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 937-766-7808 pr@cedarville.edu www.cedarville.edu ISSN 1093-4618 Follow the Romans Road to Salvation! Romans 3:10-11 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” have spent most of the past several months doing things for the last time … at least for the last time as president of Cedarville University. I opened the academic year in August for the last time. I attended Homecoming in October for the last time. We recently hosted our annual Community Night and Farmers Night dinners for the last time. Soon, I will preside over commencement for the last time. Now, I write to you, my closest and dearest co-laborers, for the last time. As a consequence of all of these last opportunities, I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions. I’ve known the heights of joy as I look into the faces of our bright, energized, committed students. I’ve felt the depths of sadness when comforting the loved ones of those who have passed away in recent months. But the emotion I’ve experienced most in recent days is that of gratitude. I’m grateful that God worked in my life to bring me to the cross and to personal salvation when I was a high school senior. I’m grateful for the wife the Lord led me to while I was a college student. I’m grateful for the opportunities He gave me to become a minister of the gospel and for the resulting effects on the lives of people. But, I am also grateful for the unbelievable opportunities God has given me to serve you and thousands of students throughout the years as Cedarville’s president. Who but God could have foreseen the way He would choose to smile on this place? There have been many accomplishments in terms of facilities, programs, reputation, and affiliation. But the most important accomplishment has been the transforming effect on the lives of those many young people who have been a part of the Cedarville Experience. May God be glorified! Thank you for all you’ve done, and all you will do, to keep Cedarville University a special, God-honoring place. Paul Dixon, President I I Last Time For the