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.