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God's Faithfulness
"The central reality for Christians is the personal, unalterable, persevering commitment God makes to us. Perseverance is not the result of our determination; it is the result of God's faithfulness." These poignant words written by Eugene Peterson in his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction are a wonderful reminder that God is faithful to George Fox University.
It has been quite a year. We remodeled Hoover Academic Building to accommodate our rapidly growing nursing program and opened a new 120-bed residence hall (Le Shana Hall). In addition, our current president, Dave Brandt, announced his retirement, effective June 30. The board of trustees appointed Provost Robin Baker as his successor and the 12th president of our institution. Dr. Baker is well-equipped to lead us into the years ahead as we continue to see God's faithfulness in action.
Also, on April 5 we hosted a visit from Equality Ride, a group of gay activists and their allies who intend to challenge our lifestyle statement prohibiting homosexual practice. (Our statement also prohibits adultery, premarital sex, and other behaviors outside of God's intention for the joyful fulfillment of sexual intimacy within marriage between one man and one woman). George Fox University was very clear about who we are and what we believe Scripture teaches, but we extended the love of Christ to these 26 individuals. For more information about our response to Equality Ride, you can visit http://equalityride.georgefox.edu.
Our deepest desire is always to honor Christ as we prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities to which God is calling them. I continue to believe that George Fox students (and the graduates they become) are desperately needed in our world. They are making a difference even now as they go on serve trips both at home and abroad, volunteer at homeless shelters, participate in leadership programs, and join their professors in original research. It is an honor and privilege to serve your students and see God at work in this place . . . He is, indeed, faithful!
Brad Lau
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