Friday, January 10, 2020

1/11/2020

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . .

President to Students

 News.

 
Students Alumni, & Others who are listening in,

I hope you had a good break. While Kathy and I were very busy, we had a good holiday time. Now it is time to get going again. Let's do our best to make the first semester of the "20"s a great one. Here is a bit of a table of contents:
  • A sincere thanks.
  • A warm welcome.
  • Dealing with some false information--a reprint.
  • Making the most of our resources.
  • Two great opportunities next month.
  • Church
  • Other stuff, good stuff, stuff you should read.
Sincere Thanks:
I mentioned that Kathy and I were very busy. We weren't the only busy ones. A lot of work was done over the break. Much of the work we did caused a mess.
As the return of students drew closer, we weren't anywhere near being ready. Thanks to some students who were here during break, or who got back early, for stepping up and getting some good work done.
One of our veteran teachers said she had never seen the classrooms look so good.
To all who stepped up to help.  THANK YOU.
Over break, Alex Tavarez and some friends put in a lot of work upgrading--really completely rebuilding our Wi-
Fi network. We'll be having a special time, later, to thank Alex's friends. For now, THANK YOU.

WELCOME:
Whether you are a student returning from last semester, from a while back, or one of our new students, WELCOME. We are glad you are here. Students, thank you for helping spread the welcome.

FALSE INFO.
I recently sent a note about some false information that is circulating. Here it is again:


There is no doubt that we are living in troubling times. The increasing tension and hostility between the USA and Iran should cause us to pray more. Many of you have loved ones in the military. We pray for them. Pray for leaders. Pray for the people of Iran.

Unfortunately, some people have chosen this tense time to spread false information.
  • If you receive an email claiming to be about the US military draft, ignore it. Do not respond to it. If you have questions talk to Alex, Celia, Kathy, Joshua, Delight, or me.
  • The United States does not currently have an active military draft. It would take an action by the US Congress to activate the draft. 
  • Pastor Tom Van Engen, who is well past 18, was in the last batch of Americans to be subject to the draft.
  • It is true that it is mandatory for US citizens to register with the Selective Service (information here). That does not mean that the military draft is ongoing. Since just after Pastor Tom's entrance into the US Army (Thank you, Pastor Tom) the US military has been entirely voluntary (Thanks to all who serve).
  • There is no relationship between filling out a FAFSA form, and being drafted. Again, there is no draft.
Please do not pay attention to these rumors and/or lies. Yes, this is a time to pray. We should not fear that which is false. Do not respond to, or pass on this kind of false information.

The trouble with Iran is not the only, or even the greatest, threat in the world, today. There are problems around the world, including here in Micronesia.
This is the anniversary of the death of 5 young men who were addressing what was and is the world's major problem.
It is my prayer that PIU will not cower in fear of falsehood, but will go forth with the truth.
Let's live for Jesus and walk in the light of truth.
You are welcome to stop by my office to pray for our world.


MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE HAVE:
Here in the islands, it is clear that we need to take care of the world the Lord has entrusted to us. When it comes to these matters, it is easy to just think in terms of government programs and ignore our personal responsibility. Over Christmas break, we installed 4 new toilets in dorm bathrooms. They use less water than the old ones. We also dealt with several leaks. I'll be dealing with one more today. Please do your part by:
  • making sure you turn water, lights, aircons, etc. off when not in use.
  • report leaks, malfunctioning toilets, and electrical problems.
  • Leave the showerheads on. We save water by using them. If they are plugged up, report it.
  • Put trash in containers. Aluminum should go in the containers marked for that. 
  • Pick up trash.
  • Put tools, dishes, pots, pans, and equipment away.
One way that PIU continues to function is by cutting down on unneeded expenses. When you help PIU save, it helps you.

Next month there are 2 great opportunities:

CHURCH, it's not a place you go, it is who God's people are. However, an important part of being the church is going to church.
Want a ride?
Ask.

 
Thoughts on church attendance:
#1) It is clear, from the actions of the new Jesus followers on the Day of Pentecost, that fellowshipping with God’s people is the natural reaction of a believer. It’s un-natural for a Christian to avoid church.

Academic Wisdom:
Staying up late and staying in bed, feels good for a time.
Failing a class and losing the opportunity of a lifetime lasts for all of life.

DON'T WASTE YOUR OPPORTUNITY!






       


 

Live for Jesus.
HM

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