Dear Students,
For both of us, this is a busy time.
You have seen me working on the projects, getting ready for the on-campus graduation and trying to get some things finished before we
leave. You haven't seen the prep for the Board meeting and other completion of presidential tasks. Likewise, I see you going and coming from class and doing your Clean & Green tasks, but much of what you do is out of sight. A little while ago, I saw a couple of alumni working on the sixth porch-roof/awning (classroom 1a). They were about to get to a critical point in the process--once you get to that point you have to go on. We are all at that point in our studies and work. To quit prematurely would be bad. Keep on!
Kathy and my time is really filling up. Right now, I'm at Faith Church. Kathy is practicing music with the praise team. I figured I would take a few minutes, while I'm waiting, to write to you. It might be my last chance.
To serve here at PIU, in spite of COVID and other difficulties, has been a great privilege. It has also been heartbreaking at times. Watching students grow, mature, and become more Godly is a great privilege. Seeing you avoid chapel, sleep through church on Sundays, and stubbornly hold onto those things that are destructive of life in its fullness is hard to watch. One of the wonderful realities that I have observed during a lifetime of ministry, is that God is always willing to meet us where we are. It may be too late to redeem your grade in whatever class. It isn't too late to take the right step in your walk with the Lord. If you are going the right direction, keep on.
Two, really big events take place on Saturday. You are all aware of Graduation. Alex and others have done a good job of letting you know all about it.
Right now, let's all say "Boo, Hiss!" concerning the regulations we have to follow.
Now that we are done with that, let's go on and make the most of this. Our graduates are worthy of honor. Let's make sure that we properly recognize them. Graduation is at 5:30 on Saturday. Please check with Alex if you have questions about attendance at Graduation.
The second event (second in this email, but first in time--4:30, Saturday--is the dedication of the main building as the Ezra 7:10 Building. Most of you didn't know my predecessor, Dr. Dave Owen. He was (or do I say, "Is?") Mama Joyce's husband. He was my friend. If you want to find out more about Dave,, watch this video, https://www.youtube.
Dave was a scholar and he dearly loved the students of PIU. Of the four people who have served as President of PIU, Dr. Roland Rauchholz, Dr. Bill Wood, Dr. Dave Owen, and me, even though Dave is the youngest, he is the youngest, he is the first to enter heaven. Dave also served longer as president than any of the rest of us.
The roof repair, painting, and some other work (not the bathrooms) are being paid for by the Dr. Dave Owen Memorial Fund.
Please note, that we have to limit those who can come to this dedication ceremony. Basically, the only ones who can attend are those who have graduation tickets, or one of the few guests that Mama Joyce is able to invite. If you attend the event in person, you will need to wear a mask and observe social distancing. The Dedication will be broadcast via Zoom. If you want the link, write to me, hmerrell@piu.edu..
Since time might get away from me and I might not have the time to write to you again. I want to say a few things that are matter-of-fact but important to me.
- After May 5, I will no longer be using my PIU email. I will use covbchm@gmail.com as my address. It already works so you can
use it now. Kathy's non-PIU email is kmusiq@gmail.com.
- You can also find Kathy and me on Facebook. I know it hard for you to believe this, but we use our real names on Facebook.
- Kathy and I llve in a beautiful area of Virginia known as the Alleghany Highlands. We would welcome any visitors.
- This life we live is full of change. The change of Presidents is just one of those changes. The next President will be somebody different, in many ways, than me. Please show the same love and kindness to the next President that you have shown to Kathy and me.
- Live for Jesus.
- Do your work.
- Pick up the trash, whether it is yours or not.
- Change the world.
By His Grace,
Howard Merrell
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