As We Go Forward

The May Update is annually reserved for all the highlights of Graduation Week. Of course, this year is different.

When our Governor announced the lockdown, we were less than six weeks from finishing the semester. We have contacted the students, and our plans are to complete the classes as the government begins to ease the restrictions.

Concerning the Commencement, the formal ceremony will have to be scheduled sometime in the future. We have also received many requests concerning the Spring Banquet. Yes, we would love to have a chance again to fellowship together when the “all clear” is given.

Each week, brings changes in the dynamics with the current virus. We will keep you informed about all the upcoming opportunities.

What about the Truth?

P.T. Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman. During his early life, this Connecticut native was known to fool crowds with elaborate hoaxes like the Fejee Mermaid and other novelties. But to most people, the name P.T. Barnum is associated with the circus, and his iconic “Greatest Show on Earth”.

In a recent biography of the famous promoter, this interesting story is related. In early 1882, the Royal Zoological Gardens in London struck a deal with P.T. Barnum to sell their famous elephant, Jumbo, to his circus. The beast weighed seven tons, and Jumbo was regarded as the largest elephant in the world.

After great delay (many English tried to block the sale), Jumbo finally arrived on the Assyrian Queen, outside of New York Harbor. While the elephant was in quarantine, P.T. Barnum and his entourage boarded the ship to visit his newest attraction.

Standing before the big cage Barnum cried out: “Dear old Jumbo,” and he appeared ready to weep. Turning to the folks gathered he stated that he had spent $50,000 ($1.2 million in 2020) in acquiring the animal. One of his associates reminded him that the figure was only $30,000. Describing the animal, Barnum believed that Jumbo could reach forty-nine feet high with his trunk. Barnum was again challenged, when the elephant’s keeper responded that the real height was a mere twenty-six feet. Twice being rebuked, Barnum complacently replied: “If I were a showman, I would have exaggerated it, but there’s nothing like the truth.” (Wilson, Robert. Barnum: An American Life. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2019. pp. 264-267).

The Truth is even better than that: for Christ said that the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32).

When Your Talent Fails You

In central Indiana, the month of May is usually devoted to the Indianapolis 500. Since its last cancelation during WWII, the race has continued to be held in May for the past seventy-four years. Because of the recent pandemic, this year the May race schedule has changed.

Only the “best of the best” drivers race at Indianapolis. Each racer has to prove himself worthy, and then pass a rookie orientation course just to get a chance to qualify for what has become known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” And for those elite drivers comes a great reward. The winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2019 brought home 2.6 million dollars.

Over the years, I have collected various race memorabilia. In my office, I have several helmets of racers, of which two are very unique. One is the Mike Mosley’s 1981 Indianapolis helmet showing the yellow color scheme of his Pepsi Challenger entry. The other helmet is undated and signed by a lesser known Indy car driver named Jerry Karl. Both of these men raced against each other at Indianapolis.

Although these two drivers never won the Indianapolis 500, they won other races, propelling them into this very elite group of experienced drivers.

What is unique about these two men (Mike Mosley & Jerry Karl) is that they both died in accidents. No, their fatal injuries did not occur with a fiery crash on the race track. What is unique about these drivers is that both of these talented men died from injuries sustained in separate, one vehicle crashes…on a regular road.

Over my decades in Christian service, I have met many of the great leaders in Christianity. I have also lived long enough to see some “elite” Christians, those whom many thought were the “best of the best,” make a wreck of their lives.

I often think of this verse: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (I Corinthians 10:12) It is not our talent; it is all from the Lord.

Closing Thoughts

Toward the finish of Commencement Week, I often bring Lilliana onto the platform and thank all the folks for their faithfulness in praying for her.

Rhonda and I want to again thank you for your prayers. Those prayers have been fervent and availing, especially last year through the challenging days of Lilliana’s liver cancer. God has been so good.

March and April have been very different.

During the past few weeks, our family has enjoyed the Sunday services via live stream. We have heard so many good messages, and our Sunday morning fellowship often lasts for four hours.

We are sailing in uncharted waters, but we have the right captain on board, and He will guide His work. We serve a great God, and we love to instill that thought into each of our students.

Along with our students, most of you are prayed for daily.

Thank you so much for your love, your prayers, and your support.