I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. –Isaiah 63:7
Join me for a few moments in recounting some of the ways that the Lord has shown his steadfast love (some versions translate ‘steadfast love’ as ‘lovingkindnesses’) to Bethlehem College and Seminary:
- Brian Tabb accepting the trustees’ call to be Bethlehem’s third President after a robust search process that recognized that God was clearly sovereign over all the details and events that transpired. God has been preparing Brian for this moment over the course of Brian’s 19 years of engagement with the school and the school’s predecessor The Bethlehem Institute.
- The faithfulness and generosity of those who give to Bethlehem. There is a spontaneity and generosity characterizing the hearts of those who give to Bethlehem that reflects the Spirit’s leading and not man’s planning.
- The professionalism and excellence that the staff and faculty bring to their respective roles that reflect humble stewardship and faith in future grace.
- A strengthening of the partnership that Bethlehem has with both The North Church (a reinvigorated Evening Program) and Bethlehem Baptist Church (a harmonious relationship regarding both the facilities at the church and the newly-acquired property by Bethlehem Baptist containing some apartments that will likely serve Bethlehem students).
- The successful and happy execution of two key conferences – Godward Life (sponsored by Desiring God and hosted by Bethlehem) and Serious Joy (the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors).
- The continued growth in accepted applications for the upcoming school year – it’s entirely possible that we will have twice the number (or more) of incoming students compared with last year’s incoming students.
- Continued growth in the likemindedness between the Chancellor, the Trustees, and the President, and the President’s cabinet.
- The ongoing engagement and health of our Chancellor, Dr. John Piper.
- The faithfulness and fruitfulness of the school in Cameroon.
- Both the vitality and enthusiasm of our students. The energy, inquisitiveness, and diligence our students embody provide refreshment and encouragement to both the faculty and staff at Bethlehem.
- The prayers of all who love Bethlehem. God is at work among those who love him to align our hearts and minds as we walk in the good works that he has prepared for us.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of standing before students, staff, faculty, and Preview Day visitors to announce the Dr. Brian Tabb had accepted the trustees’ call to become the third President of Bethlehem College and Seminary. I was blessed to have a very clear sense that God was with us, and that his lovingkindness will be upon us as we faithfully seek him. With that in mind, please join me to pray for the following things:
- That God would guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- That God would both heal and comfort Tom Steller amidst the treatments he is receiving for a severe medical condition.
- That God would bless the faculty and staff as they serve the school under Dr. Brian Tabb’s presidency.
- That God would continue granting wisdom and humility to Dr. Brian Tabb as he leads the school.
- That God would grant both generosity and faithfulness to pray to friends and family of Bethlehem College and Seminary.
- That God would continue blessing the recruiting team with wisdom and effectiveness and that God would bring to the school those students who would benefit from the exemplary education offered by the school.
- That the trustees would continue their service in overseeing the school with joyful and expectant hearts.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and generosity towards Bethlehem College and Seminary—God has been so kind to us in so many ways,
Tom Lutz
Chairman, Board of Trustees