2007 Miracle Yearbook

T his year's Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program speaker was Dr. Robert Priest. Dr. Priest was raised in Bolivia as the child of career missionaries,and later returned to South America, where he conducted nearly two years of anthropological field research in Peru. More recently, he taught mission and intercultural studies atTrinity Evangelical Divinity School.In his three-day lecture series at Cedarville, Dr.Priestfocused on the topic"Globetrotting for Jesus: New Paradigms in Ministry and Mission." On the first day,Dr.Priest emphasized the importance that he felt should be placed on short-term mission trips and spoke specifically about ministering to the Hispanic population.He also reminded the students that they must serve Hispanic people who live in their own country as well,saying tharthere are more Hispanics living in the United States than there are Canadians living in Canada!'On day two ofthe lecture series, Dr. Priest lent light to the monetary issues that many missionaries and foreign pastors face.He encouraged the students to give their time and money to help these missionaries and pastors further the work thatthey have already begun in cities. On the last day ofthe series, Dr.Priest underscored the importance of wisdom and preparedness when considering short-term mission opportunities. He stirred the minds and hearts ofstudents and left Cedarville knowing that he had made an impact in lives, perhaps even convincing some that the mission field was where God was leading them.When asked how he was challenged by Dr. Priest,junior Ian Thomas said,"Dr. Priest helped me see the importance of understanding people and their culture,especially if I want to become effective as a short term missionary."Clearly, Dr. Priest's message resonated with the Cedarville family. n Dr. Priest's ideas and passions convicted the Cedarville family. Junior Ben Jenkins says,"I was challenged by his phrase:'Don't have zeal without knowledge' Jeff Beste,Erin Gollihue,and Caitlyn York share their passion for missions through song. The praise and worship team help the students put their focu5 on God and ready themselves for Dr. Priest's message.