11/2/2020

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students News.

Hey, look at the picture, above. Don't forget the goal. 

 At our Sunday Worship and Praise (SWAP) time, Alex Tavarez brought an excellent message. From my perspective, it didn't hurt that he started with one of my favorite verses in the Bible, Psalm 46:10. I have shared Psalm 46 with hundreds of people during times of tragedy. Every time I do, I am struck with the power and majesty of verse 10.

  ““Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” (Psalm 46:10, NASB95) 

Alex's message was about being still. That's how most translations translate the first two words of the verse, "Be still." As Alex pointed out, though, there are clearly times when it is wrong to just do nothing. Alex used doing homework as an example. While you may wish that you could agree with the idea, I think we all know that saying, "I'm just going to be still. I'm not going to do my homework." is almost always a wrong response. 

The Bible is full of commands and exhortations to do something. 

• Jesus said to "Seek first [God's] Kingdom" (Matt. 6:33). 
• In the same chapter, he commands us to pray (6:9). 
• The Apostle Paul adds that we should pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17). 
• We are to do our best in regard to the study of the word (2 Tim. 2:15). 
• We are to be eager to do good deeds (Titus 2:13 & 1 Peter 3:13). 

The Christian life is not a life of leisure. Yet, I want to clearly say, I totally agree with what Alex had to say. So, how do I know when to work hard, even harder, and when to cease striving and let God? 

What I am about to write is totally inadequate as a complete explanation. I do believe, however, that these four points will get you started on finding the right balance. I'll word them personally. Each of us needs to apply this to our own life. 

1. KNOW that my strength, my resources, my cleverness, charm, etc. are always insufficient. Read
   
   
   what Jesus had to say about this in Matt. 6. This truth is obvious when God "shows up" in unexpected, unexplainable ways and does what we could never do on our own. It is equally true, however, when I can track something that gets done back to something that I have done. In reality, everything I do is done by God's power, with His enablement, and His permission. ““I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NASB95) 
2. DISCERN: Is this a situation in which there is nothing I can do or one in which there is something I should do. As point #1 implies, there is almost always a measure of both. Another way to put it is I should do what I should--OBEY--and TRUST God for that which is beyond my reach. 
3. BE HONEST with myself and God. "God, in obedience to You, it looks like this is what I should do. I confess, Lord, this problem that needs to be solved, is something that is beyond my ability. I'm going to do what I should do, and trust You for what I can't do. And, Lord, I might have this wrong. Please correct me and guide me, as I proceed." 
4. STAY CLOSE! Really this should be a part of every point. Am I spending time in the Word? Am I praying? Am I part of an assembly of God's people where others can guide and help me? 

There are a lot of things to pray about. I'll just mention one, right now. Please pray for Mama Cel. She has cataract (eye) surgery on Wed. 

Do what you should. Trust God for what you can't. Live for Jesus. Pray for one another. 

By His Grace, 

The Prez.

9/14/2020

 

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students  News.   When it's raining out and you're stuck on campus, it looks like a boring day, right? Wrong, some of our students decided it was a perfect day for Volleyball. Look at this picture. You probably think it is one of the Zoom meetings that it seems like we just can't avoid. It looks that way, but, wrong. A few of we oldsters recognize it as the opening picture for an old TV series, "The Brady Bunch." Things aren't always what they look like at first glance. Recently Alex Tavarez challenged us, based on some great models, to see things differently and do it in a way that makes a change for the better. Daniel and his three friends (read Daniel 1) had been captured by a conquering army and taken hundreds of miles away to Babylon. They would never see family or home again. They lost their freedom. They had to adapt to a strange culture and learn the language of their enemies. Even their names were changed. Yet, these guys impacted their new nation-home for the God of the Bible. Though they had to leave their people, their story has inspired the Jewish people for two-and-a-half millennia. It still inspires God's people. Things aren't always what they seem, at first. Let me modify a saying we use in the Mainland. "It is hard to soar with the Eagles when you spend your time with the chickens in the yard." That saying applies perfectly to Joshua. Joshua had just spent forty years with a bunch of losers--because of their unbelief and disobedience, they lost their opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Now Joshua was leading their children and grandchildren into their new home. Before they could move in, though, they had to move the old residents out. Unfortunately, the kids and grandkids had learned how to whine and complain from their parents and grandparents. It doesn't sound like a very attractive job, does it? Read what God told Joshua. “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:6–9, ESV) The bold portion is our theme verse for the year.   One of the shaping influences in my life came from that great generation that fought in World War 2. I knew men who fought in Europe. I met a man whose toes froze in the Battle of the Bulge, and another who lost his sight. I knew a sailor who served on a battleship in this region. Another man I used to visit flew on a bomber out here in the Pacific. I visited my Uncle's grave in France. He came ashore at Normandy and never got home. These men modeled doing what you ought to do even when it is hard. I'm glad they did. That's our challenge to you. Like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah make up your mind to serve the Lord (Daniel 1:8, "Daniel was determined. . . .") Like Joshua, "Be strong in the Lord" (Joshua 1:9). Like my Dad and his brothers, do something that will make the world better   Here is a song we used to sing when I was a child in Sunday School, only these young people sing it much better than we used to. It captures much of the thought that Alex has shared with us, DARE TO BE A DANIEL!   Live for Jesus. Pray for one another. By His Grace, The Prez.

July 20, 2020

Hi students,

I don't have time to go to Mail Chimp and put together a pretty email, so this will have to do.

Tuesday is Liberation Day in Guam. Many of the usual festivities will not be held because of the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. I hope we can have a great day in spite of the limitations. Liberation Day remembers July 21 in 1944 when US forces liberated Guam from Japanese occupation. Our own Celia Atoigue has stories from her family about this part of the history of Guam.

Freedom, Liberty is an important virtue. Scripture speaks about the greatest liberty.

 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, ESV)

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” (Galatians 5:13–15, ESV)

 Like any precious gift, we should use our freedom responsibly. What are you doing with yours? What am I doing with mine?

In my seven decades of life, I have noticed that the abuse of freedom leads to entrapment, slavery, and an utter inability to enjoy liberty.

• I may be free to indulge in bad habits. I don't have the liberty to be free of the consequences.
• Doing the right thing is frequently hard, but not doing what is right often leads to a loss of freedom.
• “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, ESV) 

In this Covid-19 infected world, how is your freedom being limited? I'm sure that you join me in looking forward to the day when we will be liberated from this virus. But, what can we do in the meantime? 

Instead of focusing on the restraints that are placed on you from the outside, take a look at those your own behavior is imposing. What are you doing or not doing that limits your freedom now, or will limit it in the future? Let's do something about that.

How about making Tuesday a personal Liberation Day? Make a decision to stop allowing Covid-19, the government of Guam and other forces beyond our control to hold us captive. We may have to wear a mask, but our freedom in Christ is not diminished.  Let me know how I can pray for you.

   “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16, ESV)

Watch for an invitation from Mama Kath. She has some Liberation Day plans you'll like. You will have the freedom to attend.

Here is a video that gives information about fall plans at PIU. 

One more thing. Kathy and I don't want to diminish the many other good options that you have for Sunday worship, but we are willing to give you a ride to Faith Church. Let us know if you want to attend with us.

Freely, 
Howard Merrell (The Prez)

6/15/2020

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students  News. Students Alumni, & Anyone else out there who is reading, As if the usual stuff in this world weren't enough, we have Covid-19, all the disruptions it has brought, and now the turmoil, both emotional and in some cases physical, resulting from the unjust killing of George Floyd and the inequities in our cultures the event has forced us to examine. The thousands of miles between us and major population centers hasn't kept it from reaching us. The fact is, it was always here. Romans 8 points out that this whole world groans. A topic in the Theology class that eight of us are working on this summer is, "Evil and God’s World: A Special Problem." Right now it is an extra special problem. None of us in the class, certainly not the teacher, or even Theologian Millard Erickson (whose book we are reading) has this figured out, but in a couple of assignments, the students shared some good insights. Maybe they will help you, as they already have me.  Suffering while doing good for others is exactly what Christ did when he was fulfilling his mission  here on earth. Hebrews 4:15  The justice of God means that he is fair in the administration of his law. He does not show favoritism or partiality.  Love . . .  is not a passing emotion but a way of life. God’s love never fails and never gives up on you.  “His love matches his righteousness”. The things that God expects from us define who he is. He deals with us on the basis of his greatness and generosity. God doesn't promise us that everything will always be good. He promises to always be with us. God is good. God is in control. This is kind of my personal definition of Theology: A all-encompassing philosophy of life that puts God in His rightful place. In times like this, we need to hold tightly to God's truth. While we live in this messed up world we should do all we can to make it more the way it ought to be. Things like: Jella Seilo not only doing such a nice job when she cleans our offices but doing it with a smile. A friend from Bayview Baptist fixing our gate. Kathy painting it. Victor Billy going the extra mile. Christel Wood taking us to the top of the world. Or Bekah being kind to God's creatures. Community Service is a part of who PIU is. Right now, we can use some folk who will serve the campus community. Check with Celia or Victor Billy. You can get some hours done ahead for this fall. In times like this, staying close to the Lord is important. I've been really encouraged to hear reports from some of you about devotional times you are having. Some churches are beginning to meet again. Tomorrow, alumnus, Mike Sabin will be preaching at Faith Presbyterian Christian Reformed Church. You can catch the service live on Faith's Facebook page. Alumnus, Shelter Alokoa is doing the camera work. 10:00 AM Some of you have tuned in to my son's services. You won't be able to catch tomorrow's service until Sunday night or Monday. But previous weeks are here. Several other local churches are online. Get a ride or tune in. Please Pray: Thank the Lord that Jen and Mav's little one is here safely. Thank the Lord that our PIU family has not been infected with Covid-19. Pray for a group of students in Texas who will be taking PIU classes online. It is a way that we invest to make a difference. We have students who can't get home. That is hard. H&K thank the Lord that their son, Chris, was basically unhurt after a bad motorcycle wreck. Pray for our government and church leader. Pray for some in our PIU family who are sick with colds, headaches, etc. Here at PIU, we are working to make decisions for the fall. With so many unknowns it is hard. We are trying to do what is best for you students. Pray for us. We hope to have something to share, soon. By His Grace,     The Prez.

4/4/2020

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students  News.   Students Alumni, & Anyone else out there who is reading As the senior resident of the PIU the PIU campus, I'm going to make an "old guy" pronouncement: "I ain't never seen anything like this before." Some news:   We read in the news that the restrictions on Guam are going to tighten up on Tuesday. There is nothing those of us on campus need to worry about, and those of you who don't live here don't need to worry about us. We do need to pray for one another. We will not be having a Graduation ceremony on May 2. Those who complete the requirements will graduate. Congratulations ahead of time. You'll be able to tell your grandchildren about the year you graduated. We are doing summer school. Get registered for classes. Whether classes will be online or face-to-face is beyond our control. There will be classes. I'd say, likely online. I've been using a new, to me, program. Zoom will allow up to 100 people to meet together, online at once. I'll send you an announcement in the next couple of days about a chapel service we'll do online. We'll keep the first one brief to see how it goes. If you want to volunteer to do music, let me know. Selah called this a "party." I agree. Monday is Clean and Green. Lunch will be provided for all workers at 12:30. A New Testament term for Sunday is the "Lord's Day." We can't "go" to church, but we can participate in the "new normal" way. You have a lot of options. Several local churches are streaming services. Some of you have been "attending" my son's church. Worship tomorrow. Listen to God's Word being preached. Bedside Baptist or the Church of the Sanctified Slumberers is not where you should be. See you. Let's do this! The Prez.     By His Grace,     The Prez.

This is the NEW NORMAL

Solomon wisely observed, "Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”For it is not wise to ask such questions" (Ecc. 7:10). Yet, it seems human nature compels us to do just that. Except for a few adventurous souls most of us aren't all that fond of change. Especially when it is forced on us. The syndrome is so ingrained that it causes us to say and do strange things.

The Israelites started wailing and said,

“If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—

also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 

But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” 

(Numbers 11:5-6)

Do you also remember that you were slaves? Remember the deal with the straw and bricks? Oh yeah, the Egyptians also demanded that drown your newborn sons.

Clearly we at PIU, and indeed the rest of the world, have been forced to make some radical and rapid change. Perhaps you don't like it.

I can hear the voices of countless mothers echoing my head, "I don't care whether you like it or not. This is the way it is. Make the most of it."

I'm not about to argue with the moms of the world, but I actually think we can do better than that. If we believe God is in control, if we believe He loves us, if we believe He is with us, then we can do more than just make the most of this, we can grow and become better in the process. Come to think of it, that is what your mom would want you to do.

For now this is the new normal. Thrive in it.

• Be sure to read and respond to all your official email.
• Pray.
• "Go" to church tomorrow. If you don't have a place to go, Kathy and I invite you to our son's church, North Rock Hill Church. Since it won't be Sunday there, until Monday here, click on last week's sermon.
• In this new normal, having a daily time with the Lord is more important than ever. Let us know if we can help you.
• You haven't heard from me for a while, so I recorded a video about the "New Normal."

I'm not sure why I look so wound up in this picture. It is a calm video. :)

Here is a Q&A sheet with information for you and your family and friends.

Get out of bed. Comb your hair. Brush your teeth. We have to get going.

#4, Quarantine News:

Very brief today.
I told you yesterday that Tuesday is the day classwork begins.  Click here to read about that.

Somehow I got interrupted so this is as far as I got.

I'm back.
An ad hoc committee met on Thursday (I think it was Thursday. 😅) We went through a number of items. The most important information--for you--that came out of that meeting is summarized in this Q&A piece. This is probably something you will want to share with your family. I think it will help put their minds at ease.
I'll have more for you in a little while. Keep living for Jesus!

The Prez.

Day #3, Quarantine News:

A Couple of News Items:

• I believe the count of those who have tested positive for coronavirus on Guam is 8. 
• I talked with Pastor Marcellus, PEC, this morning. The virus has not been identified on Palau. The churches there are still meeting.

Important Notice for Students:

• Celia will be on campus tomorrow. Some of you have Dorm Fee due. Mama Cel. will be in the office from 10:00-12:00 tomorrow.
  If you are living off-campus, get in touch with Celia catoigue@piu.edu to make arrangements to pay. Don't just come to campus. 

Fast Cars and the Current Crisis, Some Thoughts You Need to Read:

Just take a minute and listen to the sound on this video. It is the sound of power being transferred through tires to the road, producing progress.

As most of you know, the old car & truck I have both are stick shifts, Though the shifter works the same as the one on the car in this video. My vehicles lack the muscle. Yesterday, though, I felt that pulse-pounding power that comes when a powerful engine lets loose its power and I get to shift from 1st to second, to third . . . no feeling like it.

I wasn't driving my car or truck. I didn't go anywhere all day. I was in my office. The power didn't come from under a car hood, it came from the minds and hearts of those I'm privileged to work with, but the acceleration was like when Uncle Boots let me drive his old Jaguar Coupe. Or, like the time my friend injected a cup of coffee down my throat when shifted to second and put the accelerator to the floor on his souped-up Ford Fairlane.

I'll stop using the fast car metaphor and simply say yesterday was a day when ideas about how to get PIU going again began to flow. They are still flowing. I'm not going to try to tell you very much since we are still working things out. Mostly, I'm telling you to get ready. 

• For the rest of this semester, computers are going to be very important--even more important than usual. If you don't have a computer, is there one you can borrow? Not just borrow now and again, but one somebody will let you use from now until the semester ends. If you live off-campus and don't have and can't borrow a computer let us know. We'll do our best to work with you.
• The same is true about the internet. You have to have a way to get online. Again, talk to us.
• You got to, got to, GOT TO check your PIU email. Begin a good habit by letting me know that you received and read this email. While your at it, if you didn't reply to the 3-question survey I sent, do that right after you read this.
• You may want to check your seatbelt, because we'll be picking up speed next week. Your teachers are working on assignments, exercises, activities, plans for simulcasts, and more. Our goal is to complete this semester's work in creative ways.
• Did I tell you that I got Uncle Boot's Jag up to 120 mph. It was still gaining speed when I scarred myself--not to mention Kathy--and slowed down, a little.
• You still have a few days to catch up on work you are behind on or to get ahead on reading. I already sent PHIL 200 students a list.

Uncle Boot's car wasn't this pretty, but I'll bet this one doesn't run any better.

It's time to shift gears and get moving again.

Check your email. Let the sender know you got it. Tell your schoolmate to check theirs, too. Seriously, please call, text, or throw a pillow at your fellow-PIU student. "Check your mail! Reply to your email!"
Thanks for your help.

Watch for more.

The Prez.

Day #2, Quarantine News

I'm a few days behind on my reading through the Bible plan. I'm in Deuteronomy right now. After the

miraculous deliverance from Egypt, and experiencing God's provision and judgment over the long years in the desert, the people are ready to enter Canaan. Everything is new. To prepare them to for a new life in a new land Moses taught them some old truth. Since the Law flows from the eternal realities of Who God is, the truth Moses taught them is infinitely old. It is also always relevant. A clear emphasis in Deuteronomy is that the word of God is to soak into every area of our lives. Think of yourself as a chicken leg. We need to soak in the marinade of God's Word. (Just don't lay down on the grill!)

   ““Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, ESV)  

Spend time in the Bible today.

I just read that two more cases of COVID 19 have been confirmed on Guam. As I understand, "Tuesday's cases include a relative of one of those confirmed to have the virus on Sunday, and another person who recently traveled to the Philippines." (https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/411999/coronavirus-two-more-cases-confirmed-in-guam)  This doesn't impact us, or what we are doing. We are doing the best we can to do the right thing. Thank you for working with us.

Expect clarification about the rest of this semester at the end of the week or early next week.  Some instructors are already communicating with students about work to be done to make up work we are missing this week. Keep watch on your email.
Realize, though, that we can't give you clear information about what we don't know. And there is a lot we don't know.





Just to remind you, here is a review of yesterday's Quarantine News:

• Be productive. Catch up. Get ahead. Put in community service hours. We didn't ask for this week but it could be the opportunity you need to succeed.
• Be kind. Stress irritates us. Let's not take it out on one another.
• Stay in touch. If you are reading this on your email, you are already taking a good step. If you are reading this somewhere else, check your PIU email. Your PIU email is the prime source of communication from instructors and administration to you. Check it. If your instructor sends you an email, send them a reply. Let them know you received it.
• Again, Pray. Pray for Karyn Sorenson. As I write she is trying to figure out how to get home. Karyn is on her way now.

We are going to try to have a worship service Sunday morning. We'll let you know when we know more.

   “Look carefully then how you walk,

not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time,
because the days are evil.”
(Ephesians 5:15–16, ESV)  

.

Day #1, 3/17/2020

Students,

I'm out in the Pavilion, on this beautiful day, in the middle of our beautiful campus, watching the Tavarez kids play ball. From where I sit it doesn't look like a crisis. But it is.

Not only here on Guam, but around the world, students from kindergartners to doctoral scholars find themselves not in class. Teachers, including yours, I've already been in a couple of conversations today) are scrambling to figure out, "What do I do now."

Our educational concerns are probably the least of the concerns out there. Businesses are losing money. workers are being laid off. Children who depend on school lunches for nutrition are going hungry. And, all around the world people in bed desperately ill, and families are grieving the loss of loved ones.  We struggle to get a grasp on the global impact of this epidemic, pandemic, or whatever kind of "demic" this is, but let's not forget that imbedded in those numbers are real, hurting people. That brings me to my first encouragement. PRAY.

Right now would you find somebody to pray with, text somebody and request prayer, or stop and pray by yourself. I hope you will pray for those of us in leadership at PIU. We've never been in a situation like this before.

I'll say more about these in days to come but here are a few more suggestions for making the most of these difficult times.

• Be productive. Catch up. Get ahead. Put in community service hours. We didn't ask for this week but it could be the opportunity you need to succeed.
• Be kind. Stress irritates us. Let's not take it out on one another.
• Stay in touch. If you are reading this on your email, you are already taking a good step. Your PIU email is the prime source of communication from instructors and administration to you. Check it.
• Again, Pray. Pray for Karyn Sorenson. As I write she is trying to figure out how to get home.

Thanks,

The Prez.

Howard Merrell

2-14 / Show up. You'll never achieve excellence if you don't.

Howard Merrell <hmerrell@piu.edu>	5:29 PM (0 minutes ago)
to Students

I'm not, and never have been a good athlete. I did enjoy trying, and I guess I still do in limited ways. That's probably why I have always been a soft-touch for stories about athletes who kept trying and achieved a goal that was important to them.

Rocky just wanted to "go the distance" with Creed. Then no one could say he was a bum. 

Rudy wanted to letter on the Notre Dame football team. To do that he had to actually get in the game for one play.

Like the tortoise that outran the hare, both achieved their goals by just dogged determination. They showed up.

At this point in the semester, the bed looks good. It feels better. Distractions are huge. Achievers show up. Be in class. Do your work.

Thanks to students who serve. 

• We have gotten good work done on Clean and Green.
• I heard good reports about our team that just returned from Chuuk.
• Thanks to all of you who serve in churches and ministries.

I'll be out in the Pavilion at 10:00 on Saturday for the encouraging fitness time.

February 23 is the Festival of Hope, https://www.facebook.com/events/603126087129796/

I hope you will attend. Check with Scott or Alex for a ride.
Celia is part of a group that is setting up a bunch of chairs. If you want to help, contact her. (It can also serve as community service.)

Thanks for being such a fine group of young adults.

The Prez,

Howard Merrell
President, Pacific Islands University

Missionary with LMUSA

671 734 1812, ext.15 / hmerrell@piu.edu

Spring 2020, #3

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students  News.   Students Alumni, & Anyone else out there who is reading, As we saw in our opening chapel, The measure of excellence for Paul was doing what God led him to do. It had nothing to do with how he looked compared to others. (2 Corinthians 10:12-13) For him, the pursuit of excellence was a lifelong goal. He kept at it with a single focus. (Philippians 3:8-14) Those who settle for mediocrity won't achieve excellence. In fact, they often don't even rise to the level of being mediocre--middle of the pack. Aim at excellence. Speaking of excellence: This Saturday, several of our students will be attending the training session to be "encouragers" at the Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham, Michael W. Smith, and others. They'll be learning important skills that they can use to point others to faith in Christ. If you would like to join them, please let me or Mama Joyce know. Paul Drake has been encouraging our students toward greater physical fitness for as long as I can remember. He sent me this link to a brief PowerPoint/video, "What Happens When You Start to Exercise?" We'll meet again for our Encouraging Fitness time, 10:00 AM Saturday. Alex Tavarez reminded us to pick up instead of throw down.   Just a few days ago the world was shocked to hear of the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and everyone else in the helicopter. Clearly, Kobe had pursued excellence on the basketball court, and from all I have read, he was continuing that pursuit of excellence after his NBA career.  In my nearly seven decades, I've seen a lot of lives that are described by "Could'a, Would'a, Should'a." I could have been a success if I would have done what it takes. I should have done that, but I didn't.  We are here to help you pursue excellence, from keeping our campus community clean, to caring for our health, to doing our very best in our classes, to getting out of bed on Sunday to worship with God's people. Let's do this! The Prez. PS: Don't forget February 6-8 is our Ministry Equipping Conference. It is about Christian Education in the Church. It is stuff you need to know. Pick up brochures in the front office.