November 2009

For about ten Thanksgivings straight before moving from Massachusetts to California, our family would celebrate the November holiday with some close friends in our small town. When we arrived at their house, we’d each get a turkey-shaped piece of autumn-colored construction paper. On each feather we were to write something for which we were thankful.

If I had that Sharpie and four orange feathers today, each one might display a different relationship that I am thankful for: Biola students, Biola staff, Biola faculty, and our growing circle of relationships around the globe.

Feather #1: In these past few months since we began the school year, my respect for Biola students has appreciated as they have let me see into their lives.

In mid-August the Residence Life staff welcomed me to their hideaway campsite for an overnight of skits and singing, story telling and solitude. Someone in authority there said I wasn’t allowed to reveal where we were. It’s a secret. So I won’t.

A few weeks later I took nine freshmen guys to Yosemite for a few days to hear their stories. Climbing steep switchbacks in 90 degree heat with smoke blowing our way from late-summer forest fires. We began the journey to a peak overlooking the majestic Halfdome. At the top we found a cold and deep watering hole pooled by a stream.

I asked each of them over the course of two days to tell me their stories. And these nine students from different parts of the country and Mexico held forth. Their authenticity and vulnerability told me volumes about their dreams and their challenges, their motives and their passions. In two days I got a dousing of what is inspiring this rising generation.

It wasn’t just the two tent experiences that reminded me of how honored I am to serve Biola students and of how thankful I am for them. But every time I am with students—whether I’m sharing a meal in the cafeteria or my heart in chapel—I leave buoyed by their spirit and intellect. As I have come to know these outstanding students—scholars, artists, musicians, athletes, leaders, writers—these Biolans who are creative, hilarious, adventuresome, loving, compassionate, occasionally mischievous and usually wise—I have loved my role even more.

Feather #2: Another reason I love my role is Biola’s staff who went through a very challenging year. The sharp and sudden downturn in the economy forced us to make tough decisions. From being prudent with paper supplies to taking on additional responsibilities to support a fellow staff member to creating a fund for supporting students who were struggling financially, the Biola staff never ceased to amaze me this year by their teamwork and giving attitudes. I am also encouraged by the prayerful spirit of our Biola staff. One of our faithful employees in the facilities area sent me this note:

Dr. Corey,

Just felt led and wanted to share....... The construction crew tradesmen in my group meet every Monday morning @ 7am to share a few verses and then take prayer requests. We take all the needs before the Lord in prayer. The men consistently remember you in prayer. Take strength in knowing that we want to hold you up in that way.

Blessings, George Davis

I am thankful for the admissions staff, and those who came alongside them, who, despite a troubled economy, still managed to pull in a record breaking incoming class for Biola’s graduate schools. I am thankful for those staff members who volunteered to organize and implement our new Banner system. They have worked countless hours to ensure the university’s transition to Banner is smooth on top of all of their usual responsibilities. Thank you for sacrificing your time to make Biola a stronger university.

Feather #3: Biola’s faculty members have also done an amazing job of strengthening this university. It is not only the way in which they pour their hearts into their students, mentoring them and preparing them to make a difference for Christ, but it is also the high level of scholarship that they bring to the university. Without our exemplary faculty, Biola University would not be able to garner the attention of such a notable Christian leader as Chuck Colson.

Our recent alliance with the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview is designed to bring the strengths of our organizations together. I am excited for the opportunity Biola has to collaborate with Colson’s different ministries—BreakPoint and Prison Fellowship—to be part of a larger collective of individuals and institutions with a unified purpose to provide resources that support a Christian worldview.

Colson recently said that Biola is a leading Christian university and a bastion of biblical orthodoxy. It is our hope that through this collaboration, we will be better able to provide the public with rich resources generated by Biola faculty leaders and scholars to help them reclaim Biblical truth and grow in faith.

Feather #4: Last month I traveled to South Korea and with the help of Dr. Sung Lee, director of Biola’s English Language Studies Program (ELSP), and Dr. Billy Kim, chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), I was able to represent Biola and begin some promising connections within the thriving Christian community in Asia. I am so thankful for these new friendships.

A number of influential churches in Seoul graciously opened their pulpits, including Yoido Full Gospel Church, Onnuri Church, Sarang Church and Choong Shin Church. Onnuri Church, a faithful friend of Biola, where Biola Trustee Damoi Park serves as a pastor, hosted an information night for prospective students. I also had the pleasure of meeting the presidents of Handong University and Hycheon and Hannam University, as well as a number of influential leaders in business, education and government.

At Dr. Kim’s gracious invitation, I was able to share with 500 pastors at a conference in honor of FEBC’s 20th anniversary of their location in Daejeon. I was also interviewed for a Christian television broadcast, which will air in Korea on November 27. Dr. Kim has agreed to speak at our graduate Commencement ceremony in May 2010, as well as a Talbot chapel earlier that month.

Biola has also found a friend in Universitas Pelita Harapan and Sekolah Pelita Harapan, a Christian university and high school, respectively, in Indonesia. As the largest Christian university in Indonesia preparing greater than 10,000 students from more than 10 nations, UPH has witnessed recognition from around the world because Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. Biola has formed a partnership with UPH to impact the world for Christ. Recently, Paula and I were able to host UPH co-founder, Dr. James Riady and his wife Aileen, as well as Rector, Dr. Jonathan Parapak and his wife Anne, among others, and I look forward to my second visit to Indonesia in the spring of 2010.
Staying globally focused and culturally relevant as a university needs to remain a core element of Biola’s vision, which is why we are pursuing international partnerships. I believe that the spirit of collaboration makes us stronger institutions as we connect and think about issues that our larger than ourselves. This is certainly consistent with the Certified Research Question I have posed this year: How can we move toward the day when it is virtually impossible for a Biola graduate to receive his or her degree without having experienced a cross-cultural study or service opportunity?

As Veterans Day approaches, I can’t help but think of the men and women who have served both at home and abroad in the fight for freedom for those who do not have any. I am so appreciative of the veterans among us, as I am sure all of you are as well. Please stay in prayer for those who are defending freedom at this very moment.

There are so many things to be thankful for this holiday season. Your feathers may differ from mine, but this Thanksgiving I am grateful for Biola students, Biola staff, Biola faculty, and our growing circle of relationships around the globe. May all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families and be reminded of God’s providence in your lives.

Blessings in Christ.

Warmly,

Barry H. Corey