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Please consider this special Prayer Letter request personally and, if you will, then share it with your social network via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ such that, together, we can extend the reach of this expression of need.
It was a delight to be reasonably expected, but it took us by surprise. Nonetheless, as Adrien and I sat in Bethlehem College & Seminary’s 5th annual commencement ceremony, it struck us how close we had grown to these graduating students in just our short time here, and the personal pride we took in their accomplishments. How much better then will we, by God’s grace, know the third year students next Spring, and so on? Some “school people” might take this delight for granted. For us, however, it was a warm affirmation of what God has called us here to do:
To spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ by equipping men and women to treasure Christ above all things, to grow in wisdom and knowledge over a lifetime, and to glorify God in any sphere of life.
As Bethlehem College & Seminary’s 2014 school year comes to it end, we lift thanksgiving to God that more generosity has been poured out on this ministry than ever before. God is so good and steadfast in his love. With only a few days remaining before the June 30 fiscal year-end, we are $100,000 short of the amount required this school year to provide students with the contributor-supported scholarships that enable them to graduate free of student loan debt.
Of course, on July 1, we start all over, again. This year, Bethlehem College & Seminary will require $1,200,000 in contributor support to continue to provide a debt-free “Education in Serious Joy” to its college and seminary students.
Whether it is helping us conclude the current year well, or launching us into the new year with a head start, we hope you will seek the Lord on our behalf, and bring us any wisdom, ideas, or resources you may be stirred to share. If you will, please share this message with others via social media.
As we watched those students receive their degrees, Adrien and I were mindful of the very different world into which we are now sending them. Chancellor John Piper observed recently that, “The extraordinary 300-year intersection of Protestant theology and American popular culture is over.” These young people head into a world seemingly more hostile to their Christian worldview than the world we have known. It struck us that, while they were here, the students needed our financial gifts, and, as they leave, we are all so needful of the strength, light, and effectiveness of their witnesses for the advancement of the Gospel.
Bethlehem College & Seminary students graduate with a deep understanding of the Bible and of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life. They know that passionate pursuit of the spiritual affections are essential to both the authenticity of Christian obedience and the demonstration of God’s glory—that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.
Adrien and I have been so blessed by our long association with Bethlehem College & Seminary, first as parents, then contributors, and now “all-in.” We pray you will continue to be blessed as we have been through the affections God ignites in your heart for all that He is doing here.
His Servant and Yours,
Rick Segal
Vice President of Advancement
& Distinguished Lecturer of
Commerce and Vocation
rick.segal@bcsmn.edu
