1997 Miracle Yearbook

Another year is complete, and another Miracle marks its passing. This year has brought celebration with the opening of the new Ministry Center, and has also brought sorrow with the deaths of three stu- dents. We have witnessed another Presidential election, welcomed a new class of more than eight hundred freshmen, and bid farewell to another class of seniors. Change has been in the air as the college has prepared for new struc- ture and growth by designing graduate programs, dividing into new departmental Schools, and exploring a dis- tance-learning program. There are new faces on the faculty, and familiar faces are gone. Technology up- grades have altered the way many classes are taught, and ways that students do their work. But for all of the changes and unique events, life at Ce- darville remains much the same. Students still take the same classes and do the same things for fun. People still paint the rock and study out- side whenever the sun shows itself. The changes quickly become part of our lives, the rough edges wear off,the feel- ing of strangeness fades. The theme for the 1996-97 Miracle is "Precious Jewels." In light of both change and stability, it is a phrase with different levels of meaning. First, it is a reminder ofour time here at Cedarville. We have learned together, both in classes and out of them, and built experiences and friend- ships that will last a lifetime. We have made many memo- ries, laughed and cried, and each of those moments is a preciousjewel to be prized. Secondly, the theme re- minds usthateverything wedo has lasting significance. Whether a freshman just be- ginning, or a senior preparing to graduate,we should keep in mind those things that are most important. "No other founda- tion can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear;for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire;and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is" (I Cor. 3:11- 13). Wecan make our actions unimportantand transitory, or we can choose to build with materials that will last an eter- nity. The Miracle staff hopes that you have found this year filled with precious jewels of both kinds. MattSherwood 2 openiny Igigy