#10

Hey PIU-Guam Students, here is some news and encouragement for you. . . Prez to Student News.

Hey, Did I tell you, I'm really glad that Kathy is back. She is now convinced that I'm the one. I really enjoyed Chapel, today. Thanks so much for reminding me of God's faithfulness. Remember the right response to God's faithfulness is our obedience. God is faithful even in hard times. Our obedience should be steady as well. After chapel, Kathy and I took Kevin Graham out for lunch. Kevin, a graduate of PIU, is the administrative assistant/music leader/all around good guy at Lutheran Church of Guam. He and his wife, Diana just returned from a short-term mission trip to Japan. The Grahams are planning to become more involved in the work in Japan. Please pray for them. I'd love to see more PIU students head out to minister to the nations. Here is one outstanding opportunity. I'm praying that some of our PIU students will join Crystal Gosnell at Ministry of Mercy. Crystall is an LMUSA missionary and a friend of the Merrells. It was good to hear testimonies in chapel today abut this being a good semester. I agree. From God's faithfulness in meeting our individuals needs to His gracious supply of our needs as a school, we have seen His faithfulness. It was good to take note of that and to offer thanks. I shared in chapel today that I am open to having a Coffee with the President time with you students. Just give me an invitation to come to your dorm, or to meet somewhere else (for you off campus students, we could meet at the pavilion or at my apartment, if you would like.) CwtPis a friend-reaching/fundraising project. My goal really isn't to raise funds from you students, but to explore ways that you can help reach out to those who could, and should partner with us. Let me hear from you. Don't forget about the opportunity for new applicants to apply without the $40 application fee, and for you students to earn $100 credit. Click here for more information. Please continue to pray for Dave and Joyce Owen. Dave is out of the hospital, though his doctors wanted him to stay close by, so he and Joyce are in an apartment nearby. Joyce tripped over somethin construction related, and came up with a black eye and some bruises. Praise the Lord that no bones were broken. Pray that they will soon be back in their California home continuing to recover. You can read the latest here. It's more good news. Billy Edwin is in Hawaii for a family funeral. Let's make him proud with our participation in CLEAN&GREEN, on Monday. The following week, exam week, there will be no C&G. OK, it's not Daylight Saving Time, in fact we don't even do that on Guam, but I think you'll get the point, and beside that, you'll enjoy the video. Remember, you do have a ride to church. Talk to me and I'll make sure you do. Here we are in the Christmas season. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16   Christmas, Let's make it a time to live for God's glory. Hey, maybe some of you can help me out. I'm trying to sell Dave Owen's car. If you know somebody who is looking for a nice ride, send them my way. Here is the ad. Remember,  LIVE 4 JESUS! That's me at the far end.

#9

Our Thanksgiving gathering is 1:00 on Thursday. 

Please bless us with your presence.

Please pray for me and my turkey. I am cooking it without Kathy. It's just me, the internet, and the Lord.

I spoke with Cel. We'll be setting-up differently than in the past. We'll put all the food in classroom 2, and set up tables for eating in classroom 1a&b. We'd like everyone to be in the same place for the meal. 

Everyone (other than those Cel. designates as final setter-uppers), please, be in classroom 1 at 1:00. Before we eat I will ask everyoneassembled to share a thought about something for which they are thankful. Obviously, brevity is important. Please think about it, and share something meaningful. 

As you come in I (or someone) will give you a card with something for which we should be thankful as an institution, and for something for which we should pray. Please give thanks, and pray in your devotions and at other times.

I have asked Stuco President, Jordan Darrow to lead us in a prayer of Thanks for our meal. I have seen the sign-up sheet. I am confident it will be a great meal. ItAfter Jordan's prayer, you'll be able to go to classroom 2 and load your plate. Please come back to classroom 1 so we can all eat together.

AN EARLY THANKSGIVING:

We have been praying for God's provision. Celia just shared news with us about a check we received from one of the foundations that works with us. With this in our account we should be good until the end of the year.

We are a long way from done. I figure we won't be finished until we hear (I hope) "Well done." from our Master.

In particular, be praying for an increase in student numbers. Please, if you know of a prospective student, encourage them, and get their name to Joshua.

Kathy regrets that she won't be with us for the Thanksgiving meal. Right about now, she should be arriving, with Chris's family, at Chad's house in Louisiana. I hope to Skype in as they gather for Thanksgiving there.

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Tuesday after chapel we'll be gathering in at the Pavilion for a time of prayer. You may choose to skip lunch, fasting to sharpen your attention to prayer, or you may choose to delay your lunch meal so you can join us. We'll finish before 12:30. We have much about which to pray, but primarily our focus will be on student recruitment.

The plans aren't all firmed-up, yet, but a group of students are planning a ministry to Saipan during Spring Break. Former PIU staffer, Pastor Marcellus Ngrainigas, of the Palauan Evangelical Church in Saipan, will be working with us. If you would like more information, or if you would like to help bring this trip to reality, see Alex Tavarez. 

SEE you tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving.

#8

Hey PIU-Guam Students, here is some news and encouragement for you. . . Interim President to Students (IP to Ss) News. K2 Since returning, just in time for my 8:00 am class on Thursday, I've been busy and jetlagged, so I haven't plugged in to all of K2, but what I have seen and heard encourages me greatly. By the time most of you students read this K2 willl be history. I'm praying that the impact in your life will be historic. Love God. Love others. It doesn't get much more basic than that, but this is a reminder we all need. Yesterday I asked one of our faculty members what he wanted people to think of when they heard PIU mentioned. He said that he wants people to know that we are a family. The pictures of K2 above ooze family-ness, and the picture of Dave reminds us that being a family is not just about the good times. (By the way, click on Dave's picture to get a report on what is going on with his treatment right now.) Family doesn't let family go through hard times without prayer. So, if this is a family, I guess I'm kind of like the Dad--I am, after all, married to Mama Kat. : ) So, let me have a brief family talk. The PIU family is working its way out of a difficult time, and I'm glad to say we are making some progress. All of us, especially you students need to help. In the end, people look to you students, more than any other indicator, to decide whether PIU is doing a good job. Your behavior, your progress, what you do with the good things poured into you either builds or detracts from our reputation as a school. We are a family. We need to look out for one another. Speaking of family--and I guess we are--We will have a Thanksgiving luncheon, turkey, ham, all sorts of  good stuff, on Thursday, November 23 at 1:00p.m.  All staff, faculty, volunteers, and students are invited. Where I come from gathering for a Thanksgiving feast is about as family as it gets. Don't forget about the APPLICATION FEE WAIVER, from now until 12/15. http://piu.edu/application-fee-waiver-program If you recruit another student—could even be a family member—and they enroll and complete their FAFSA, you will earn $100. Far more important than $100, you’ll introduce others to the good things about PIU. In past editions of IP to Ss I've shared some reasons why you should stay in the dorm, or consider moving into the dorm If you didn't read these totally convincing reasons, look back at past editions.. If you are convinced, talk to Alex Tavarez.   I was not quite 11 years old when John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the thirty-fifth President of the United States. His words still ring. I hope you will translate them into your situation. As our K2  speaker has reminded us. We are here to serve.                                             https://youtu.be/PzRg--jhO8g I'm really glad that you are a part of this family, and I'm glad to be back. By His Grace,     The IP

#7

Hey PIU-Guam Students, here is some news and encouragement for you. . . Interim President to Students (IP to Ss) News. Hafa Adai from half a world away, I'm sitting in my living room in Covington VA, with a fire going in the fireplace. I am nearing the end of my trip.  I flew into Houston Texas. I took a short trip on a shuttle bus to College Station, home of Texas A & M. My younger son and his family live there. Went back to Houston and flew to Raleigh North Carolina. I rented a car and drove from there to Roanoke Virginia, where I dropped off the rental and picked up my car. I went on to Covington Viriginia. I slept at my house on 10/21, and preached twice at Faith Baptist Church, a church that has supported us and PIU. I left Sunday afternoon and drove to Raleigh North Carolina and met with a consultant on Mondaymorning, at 7:00. I drove from there to Columbia South Carolina, Columbia International University, arriving in time for lunch on Monday. I spent the night in the guy's dorm and left there after lunch on Tuesday. Among the other contacts I had in Columbia, I was able to meet with Steve, Grandpa Steve, Bradley. I drove to Orlando Florida, arriving on 10/25. Nino and I attended the TRACS conference. On Saturday morning Nino flew to San Francisco and I drove to Sarasota Florida, to see my niece and her family for a few hours. Audrey and Rob, are part of our support team. I drove about an hour to Tampa Florida, where I enjoyed supper and an overnight with a potential staff person. I spent all day Sunday driving to Atlanta, where I spent the night at the home of PIU Board member, David Mayer. David and I met with the missions pastor at his church, a huge ministry. After lunch on Tuesday I drove to Sterlington Louisiana, where my older son lives. I was able to celebrate Ava's 5th birthday with her. I also met with two pastors while there.  On Thursday, I flew to Newark New Jersey, and then drove to LMUSA headquarters in Schooley's Mountain New Jersey. I gave reports to the Board, and others, and met with some ministry partners. Yesterday, 11/4, I drove to my house. I met with Kathy's brother and sister-in-law, last evening. They were passing through Covington. The church Kathy's brother pastors is part of our support team. I preached this morning at both services of my home church. Tomorrow I'll drive to Beckley West Virginia, to meet with some good friends who are part of our support team as well as participants in the Coffee with the President campaign. On Tuesday I fly from Roanoke Virginia. I should arrive in Guam in time for my Thursday morning class. Please pray that the contacts Nino and I made will be fruitful and that I'll arrive back in good shape. Meeting with Grandpa Steve reminded me of the sacrifice that many have made, and are making, to make it possible for you to get an education at PIU. I hope you'll keep that in mind. There are those who believe in you and want to give you the opportunity to succeed. Let's make the most of this opportunity to the glory of God. You are the best recruiters that we have.  Not only are you good recruiters of students, but you are our best advertisement to encourage others to support PIU. That should serve as an extra incentive to do what you should be doing anyhow. Excell at school, and live for Jesus wherever you are. Don't forget about the APPLICATION FEE WAIVER, from now until 12/15. http://piu.edu/application-fee-waiver-program If you recruit another student—could even be a family member—and they enroll and complete their FAFSA, you will earn $100. Far more important than $100, you’ll introduce others to the good things about PIU. In past editions of IP to Ss I shared some reasons why you should stay in the dorm, or consider moving into the dorm if you aren’t already living there. Here is another. Living in the dorm doesn't cost as much as you think. The fact is, when you consider the price of gas and wear and tear on a car, and then factor in the fact that our dorm students are able to eat quite economically because they prepare their own food, it may be cheaper to live in the dorm than to commute. There is one more reason why you should consider living in the dorm. You have to live somewhere. If you can live in the dorm for less than, or for about the same cost, as living off campus, consider that by living in the dorm you'll help PIU financially. When our dorms are not full we lose income. Talk to Alex Tavarez. When you see Kathy, "Mama Kat," tell her that Howard says he is looking forward to delivering all the hugs people have said to give to her. Remember,  LIVE 4 JESUS!