1/6/2021

 

I have heard from people all over the world who shared the same sentiment about the passing of 2020 and the arrival of 2021.

A summary:

Good riddance to the Old Year and 

A hearty welcome to the New!

 

If it were only that easy. A new set of numbers on a calendar changes nothing.

BUT, I’m glad to say we can expect change—change for the better. Get ready for it. Drum-roll, please!

On January 18 a new semester at PIU will begin, and we’ll be holding classes together in a classroom, actual people together in one place with a teacher there too.

GovGuam has announced that on January 18, in-person instruction will once again be permitted. The PIU Administration decided that the best way to take advantage of this opportunity is for us to delay the start of our Spring Semester so we can start in the classroom. So, classes will begin January the week of January 18. We’ll be sending out more information in next couple of days, but let me answer a couple of questions here and now:

·         We realize there may be reasons why some of you cannot attend classes on site. Communicate with us. We will accommodate your needs if we can.

·         If the government reinstates the prohibition on in-person instruction, we will be ready to finish the semester online. We’ll work with you.

·         We will be abiding by the regulations GovGuam has established. Masks, social-distancing and other precautions will be required, but let’s not forget this is a welcome step in the right direction.

·         We’ll update the schedule, but it will be unchanged except it will start a week later, and the classes in the schedule will be meeting on-campus.

Please take this opportunity to spread this good news. PIU is open more than ever. It is a great time to apply Ephesians 5:16, “making the most of every opportunity.” Watch for more information. Get in touch with us.

By His Grace,

The Prez

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.