Memories of the A. D. Building

As I get older, memories become more precious to me. That may be because I am approaching the time when there is more behind than in front of me. When I saw the pics of this week’s disaster, I felt like an old friend had died. Sounds dramatic I know, but it’s true. Though inanimate in nature, the Administration Building was the nexus of very important and memorable events. Some of which helped to define and shape who I am today.

At the Jack Evans Administration Building;

• I struggled hard to learn Greek (and English for that matter).

  
  Practiced with the Accapella Chorus, Gospel Quality, Celestials, Restoration and 2 consecutive Summer Tours.



• Wrote Flying Home, Kiss Away the Pain, Died For All, Keeping the Dream Alive, Psalm 13 and Hear My Cry. (There was a piano in one of the rooms.)
  
  Met with G. Lee as the Ambassador Club President.




• Got some funds from President Evans during fiscal hardship.

  
  Argued often with fellow Bible students over issues that still haven’t come up in over 15 years of relevant ministry. Go figure.
• 
  Hashed out solutions for school bill with Brother Howie.



• Got academic detention from Brother Foster for wrong place wrong time incident. Of course I was innocent. It was all politically motivated. This is my blog after all.

  
  Had a three way argument with Rudy and Robert. Funny now, but not then.



• Preached for first time and broke out into uncontrollable tears during Mission Study.

  
  Got in trouble with Chief for giggling at his “Bursting gillies” remark during security detail. (Don't ask)

“Southwestern I will remember…”

Do you have any memories to share?

Open Letter To SWCC Alumnus, Former Students and Friends

January 27, 2008

Re: An Open Letter to all SwCC Alumni, Former Students and Friends

Dear Alumnus:

As you may be aware, the campus of our alma mater experienced a devastating fire early this morning. Fire engulfed the Jack Evans, Sr. Administration Building and the adjacent Science Building, which are now total losses. The offices of senior administrators and their staffs were housed in the Evans Administration Building, many of whom had worked there for several years. In addition to certain campus files and records, they have lost countless personal belongings, school artifacts and valuable resource information which cannot be replaced.

The fire destroyed the newly renovated Ben Foster Jr. Memorial Auditorium, which comprised most of the second floor of the building. Countless hours of manual labor and thousands of dollars were spent into restoring the “small auditorium” to its former glory in honor of a very special student. The loss of the old Science Building displaces the Student Support Services Program and many additional stored records were lost. All that remains of the former Evans Administration Building are the four skeletal walls of its outer core.

Having seen it with my own eyes, I can assure you that it is a shockingly overwhelming site. Late this afternoon, I stood with students, faculty and alumni with our mouths open totally taken aback by the horrific site of what had been a staple on our campus since its inception. It is difficult to put into perspective the impact this fire will have on the daily operation of the college as that will be determined in coming days and weeks. The Evans Administration Building was many things to many people providing classroom space, daily chapel services, seminars during the annual Lectureship, gospel meetings, and so much more.

The good news is that no lives were lost and the fire was contained to its immediate site not impacting a nearby faculty residence or the other buildings around the circle. While this is a devastating moment in the history of our beloved school, I certainly believe that it can serve as a defining moment for the Alumni Association and her members.

I was able to visit with Dr. Evans this afternoon regarding what action can be taken to assist the administration’s efforts at this time. Before anything significant can be done, Dr. Evans must wait for the report from the fire marshal and the insurance adjuster. At that time, he will issue a formal statement unveiling any building plans in which we might participate individually and collectively.

As we await direction from Dr. Evans, we must be prayerful and thoughtful about our commitment to our college. While the buildings stand in ruins, our precious memories are alive and well. The fire may have burned the buildings, but I pray that it will ignite our sprits toward a renewed energy and love for our dear school.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” I trust that we will be the bright stars who let our light shine upon the campus for the world to see. No matter what additional organizations respond to the call for help – or which ones do not – the alumni have a unique opportunity and responsibility to assist however we can.

I have attached pictures from the site in order for you to understand the significance of the fire. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Southwestern has certainly served His purpose through the years and even this temporary setback will be used for good.

Please stand ready to assist the college when the call for help is made. Southwestern deserves nothing less.

“When I grow too old to dream, Southwestern I will remember…”

Sincerely,

Natesha Wyrick Cathey
President, National Alumni Association of Southwestern Christian College

Cc: Dr. Jack Evans, Sr.

President, Southwestern Christian College

Darryl Cheeks

Chairman, Southwestern Christian College Board of Trustees

www.swccalumni.org

PO Box 10 Terrell, TX 75160 (972)524-3341 ext. 156

Southwestern Christian College Fire Pictures

These just in. Heartbreaking I know, but thank God no one was injured. Hopefully, our sadness will lead us to prayer. Thanks to S. Brice and company for the pics.

Though friends fade from view

To you I'll be true

And through the years

That come and go

I'll think of you in my heart.

Update January 29

A video recording of the fire and aftermath can be seen at http://www.gospelitv.com/

Southwestern Christian College Fire

Our prayers go out for Southwestern Christian College on the news of a devastating fire that took place early Sunday morning. Information and pictures are still forthcoming. The most I have heard is that an electrical fire started on the third floor of the Administration Building, resulting in its complete destruction. No one was hurt, thank God, but this certainly will be a challenge.






Let us pray for President Jack Evans and his staff that they persevere in the aftermath of this great loss.

Southside CoC in Durham, NC

We had a superfantastilistic time at the Southside Church of Christ in Durham, North Carolina. I was privileged to be the guest preacher for their Winter Revival. Privileged, I say, because they love the word, love to worship and know how to take care of their guest. Southside is an accomplished church with great vision for the future. Under the great leadership of Minister Willam Stephens, they are making a great impact in the community of Durham. To see more about Southside, check out their website – http://www.sside.org/index.html

An additional blessing came with the opportunity to fellowship with Ephren Taylor Jr. Wow!! Unbelievable. He made me proud and hopeful about the Church of Christ. He spoke passionately, pointedly and productively about changing the world by changing the church. He’s been a multimillionaire since 16. Understand? He wants to empower the church to carry out their mission. Check him out at – http://www.speakermatch.com/keynotespeakers/-1912355152.htm

Last, but certainly not least, I must tell you of my golf victories. Yes, I got to play Golf too! It was cold, but the Brooklynite preacher was warm. I couldn’t touch brother Stephens, but I victimized his boys on Wednesday. They got upset, pumped up, charged up for Thursday. But I beat em again. Go Brooklyn!!! We had a ball. There is nothing like a golf game mixed with mind games and ghetto trash talk. It was priceless. Thank God for times like these. I know they’ll be ready for me for their “Mad Dash” Golf outing in April. I’m Coming!!

Thanks again Durham. You made the Brooklynite feel useful and relevant in the vineyard.



Golf Victim #1, Brian Moss aka Big Little Brother.

Golf Victim #2 - John Matthis, aka Jamie Foxx in costume.

Update! Update! March 8th.

On short notice Brother Stephens came to preach for our Stewardship Revival. He went about his Father's business. Every night he blessed and encouraged our hearts in the area of Stewardship. He was biblical, relevant, interesting and exciting. Perfect mix.

On a more humbling note, I took him to my home golf course, gave him borrowed golf clubs, and Bro. Stephens still beat me. What can I say; The man can swing a stick. Hopefully he will get older by the time I get better. Haha.

Happy MLK Day

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

by Langston Hughes

Go New York!!!

Transcendence

Kings recently studied an aspect of the character of God called Trancendency. It was an exciting and enlightening study. It seemed simple at first, but like the things of God, it eventually blossomed into an amazing and challenging concept.

The transcendence of God speaks of God’s ability to go further, beyond and above any conceivable level of goodness, glory and greatness. It is an excelling excellence. An ever increasing grandeur. A “going-beyondness”.

The moment you think you’ve attained an understanding of how great He is, He’s greater. The moment you think you can describe His glory, He shines brighter. He is higher still above the highest Arch angel, than the Arch angel is above the lowly ant mite. As high as that is, God is still higher.

“Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think… (Eph.3:20).”

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable (Ps. 145:3).”

As godly as this concept is, it is a relevant and challenging thought. We, as people of God, followers of God, should exhibit transcendence in our lives on our level. While we cannot shine like God or be high like God, there is still a challenge. A great challenge.

Whatever I do that is great today, I must become greater tomorrow. Whatever was called good yesterday, I must excel it today. I must transcend because I am emulating a transcendent God. I cannot be satisfied, or content with doing what I’ve done or being what I’ve been. I must become more because I’m like God.

Sounds tough but it’s worth it. As we bear His name and represent His kingdom, transcendent glory will certainly bring attention to His character.

Transcend. Become more.

Spirit

I noticed a life lesson last night. As I made my way home from Bible class, I gazed admirably on the kaleidoscopic, mesmerizing glow of Christmas lights. They really caught my attention on a certain street in my neighborhood because there were so many houses lit up brightly and festively for the Christmas Season.

Then it dawned on me. It’s January 9th!!! Christmas is way over. C’mon people.

Two possibilities are at work. Both speak to human psyche.

Possibility #1 – Somebody doesn’t want the season to end. Perhaps they think if they keep the lights up, the tree up, and the decorations up, they will in turn keep Christmas around. Sounds a little delusional, but hey, who am I to judge. If it works for them, then Merry Christmas, all year long.

Possibility #2 – Somebody is lazy. This is probably most probable. And it speaks to a principle of life. The holiday spirit, which prompted them to put the lights up, is no longer present to move them to take them down. The excitement, anticipation, and shopping sales caused a temporary exuberance and enthusiasm. When the moment was over, the motivation dissipated.

It happens. That’s why the travel back from vacation seems longer and harder than the trip there. That’s why the work to clean seems more than the work to get it dirty. Spirit makes the difference.

Thank God we don’t live according to a holiday, seasonal or some other temporary spirit. We live according to the Spirit of God. We are motivated by eternal values to do incredible things. Even things we might not otherwise do. Excitement has its place, but faithfulness will take you further.

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness – Psalm 143:10”

Day 1

Yup. It begins again. Another year is upon us, filled with challenges, choices and consequences. My prayer for you is that you make the absolute best out of whatever time you have. The changing of the year reminds us that time is moving. Day 1 of 2008 is a repetition of many day 1’s in my life, as well as yours. My point is this, don’t let the repetition become routine. Day 1 will quickly and quietly become day 365.

Moses said, “So teach us to number our days, so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom Psalm 90:12.”

Time is Portioned – God has given us a portion or allotment of time. We are managers of the time God has given. As stewards we must give account of the time that we have.

Time is Precious – Since it is a gift from God, it should be treated with respect comparable to the giver. You can make money back, doors can reopen, friends can be reconciled or reunited, but you cannot regain lost time. Once wasted it is lost for good. Value the time you have.

Time is Passing – Time waits for no man. No pause button or do-overs in this. A heart of wisdom would move us to make the right decisions. In light of the passing of time we should not deliberate, hesitate or procrastinate. God rewards diligent action. Don’t let time pass you by.

As a being created in the image of God, you can make great things happen with the time that He has given. Have the attitude of faithful, diligent and productive management of the time that God has given.

“Scale back your long hopes to a short period. Even as we speak, envious time is running away from us. Seize the day, trusting little in the future.” - Homer (not Simson)

The Brooklynite Preacher

Going forward faithfully focused for 2008.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!