Torch, Summer 1992

by Dr. Paul Dixon, President inistry is people . The Lord has graciously allowed me to participate in many different ministries-evangelism, teaching, discipling , leading a wonderful Christian college-and through it all He has taught me that people are what ministry is all about. God cares about people. As Christ taught , people have no need to be anxious about their lives, because the Father will take care of them. "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow , neither do they reap , nor gather into barns , and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they" (Matthew 6:26)? When we reach out to feed hungry people, we fulfill the Father's plan. Likewise, when we provide water to the thirsty or clothing to the naked , we are part of God's answer to people' s prayers! And when we help people to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33) , God meets people' s deepest spiritual needs . He calls each of us to different ministries . As I look at the Cedarville students preparing for various careers, I wonder in what marvelous ways God will use them in the future . Some will be nurses , showing compassion on their patients . Others will be accountants , advising people with sincere wisdom and integrity. Many will teach in their local churches, getting involved with youth groups , children' s ministries, and community outreach. Most will have the greatest ministry opportunity of being a spouse and parent. In the end, it all comes down to one-on– one. Will that nurse care enough about the patient to sit down and explain a difficult health situation even when exhausted? Will that accountant do his best for the client and earn the right to talk about why he has a strict code of ethics? Will that Sunday school teacher take the time to prepare an effective lesson that can reach the child 's heart? Will that parent help the son or daughter who has nowhere else to turn for help against a temptation? We cannot predict how God will use us , nor can we prepare a careful response to every situation. We must be open to people and care about them. We must understand the Scriptures and pray for wisdom. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. I have publicly and frequently invited Cedarville students to call me collect anytime they have a need , even years after graduation. I never know when my phone will ring with that type of call. They do not come often , but when they do , they are often heartbreaking . Sometimes the caller will ask me to request that the college family pray about the need, and those prayer times in chapel bring us all closer together. Our faculty and staff exhibit the same open caring for the students through advising , counseling , leading support groups , and being willing to set aside some other priority just to listen to a student with a personal need. The Cedarville College family 's ministry to one another teaches students how to be compassionate. The College also provides hundreds of opportunities for students to prepare for a lifetime of ministry by helping people while the students are in college . Our Christian Ministries Department assists students who want to reach out to hurting and lost people across our community and around the world. Preparation for ministry demands more than an obligatory visit to a nursing home or homeless shelter. I am so thankful for the Cedarville students who volunteer for ministry . Furthermore , preparation for ministry requires an understanding of God ' s revealed will for us . We require Bible courses for all our students , and I am encouraged that our students appreciate the Bible faculty . This past year six of the ten favorite professors , as ranked on a student survey, were in the Bible department. The core Bible curriculum is designed to create in our students a heart for the Word of God and to teach them skills to apply biblical principles to their lives. The entire college experience assists the student to understand and communicate with people of various backgrounds . Residence hall life, student activities , study groups , and dating , as well as ministry opportunities , develop an openness in a young person . While only some of us benefit from a concentrated course of study in a Christian college, all of us who are growing Christians practice ministry , read God 's Word , and meet new people. When we are open to people 's needs , God will use us. May each of us "please his neighbor for his good , to his edification" (Romans 15:2) . May we show compassion every day by ministering to people.