Cornerstone University - KUMI ORI Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

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A LIFE OF PRAYER We as students of the Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary and Bible Institute recognize that prayer is one of the most important phases of the Christian life. There are verses from the word of God, slogans, catchy phrases, hymns, and poems expressing the need for and value of prayer. But a life of prayer bears greater testimony than any of these. Actual experience in praying and then rejoicing in answered requests is more effective than any amount of classroom theory or chapel exhorta- tion. So we praise God that our school life this year has been conducive to prayer growth. We have learned to start the day alone with our Lord. Some of us fall immediately to our knees beside our bed; some of us spend time in our rooms reading His Word and speaking with Him; some sneak off to the attic at 5.30 a. m. to be alone with the Lord; all of us have found a “secret closet where we receive strength for the day. Then at six o'clock, before going to breakfast, we gather for dormitory devotions. Our “family may be larger than most, but we have had pre- cious times bearing one another's burdens and praying for one another's needs. Three meals a day are begun and ended with prayer. And at school four classes a day are opened and closed with prayer. Does it ever be- come routine? No, for the child of God it becomes more precious day after day. Our school family” unites for prayer regularly each Monday during chapel period to spend the half hour remembering special requests before the Lord. Tuesday at 7:30 a. m. a half hour Is set aside for men’s groups and women’s groups to pray for the school. Thursday morning the Mission Prayer Bands meet. Wednesday and Friday mornings the Genera! Mission Prayer Group assembles to pray for more missionaries, especially men, and for such other requests as might be appropriale for general missions. During free hours smaller groups get together more informally, yet just as purposefully. Back home again we pray before beginning to study— and often during our studies. We pray before going on practical work assignments; we pray be- fore participating in sports; we pray before social activities. Then once more at the end of the day we kneel with praise and thanksgiving abounding in our prayers. A fife of much prayer? Yes, and because of Him to whom we pray, a life of much power. W© wilt give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word.—Acts 6:4 6

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l-R: Harold H. Hess, Wm. Bolthouse, G. H. Dchlberg, George F. Hall. David Olis Fuller, Gerard Knol, Frank H. Gordon, John Cederlund. Not Pictured: Richard F. Barrom, Henry 8erends, George Den Hortog, Howard A. Keithley. BOARD OF DIRECTORS it is the second Monday evening of fhe month. Please join me in an ethical peep” through the keyhole of classroom 312. We spot eleven men on their knees before God in earnest prayer. Their varied requests pour forth from hearts burdened with the realization of per- sonal responsibility to God for the direction of the school. We hear them pray'ng for ailing council member William Bolthouse, for strength for the students, for guidance for the faculty and admin- istration, for a disciplinary problem in the life of a student, and for a revival in our churches. Sin- cere gratitude for the remarkable growth and evident blessing of God upon this school is ex- pressed again and again. After all have led in prayer, and while taking their seats, the men spontaneously burst into Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed. Though none of the men could qualify for membership in Joe Balboch's school choir, yet what their voices lack in quality they make up in quantity, and fhe room seems to fairly ring. Chairman David Olis Fuller calls the meeting to order and secretary Frank Gordon calls the roll, then follows with the official minutes of the last meeting. After the acceptance of that record, treasurer John Cederlund is asked for his report. He passes out neat, detailed carbon copies of all the receipts and expenditures for the preceding month, and in familiar language says, We have much to praise God for, brethren!” Questions are asked; then we hear florist George Hartog move the acceptance of the report with praise to God. Now new business has begun and for twenty minutes ideas and suggestions ore exchanged con- cerning the question under discussion. No one dare accuse the council of consisting of rubber stampers. Each man feels the weight of his own accountability to God for fhe decision that will glorify Him. Despite honest differences there is a remarkable unanimity of attitudes. A long distance telephone call requires fhe temporary absence of Dr. Fuller, and vice-chair- man Harold H. Hess, Williamston’s valuable con- tribution to this executive council, takes over the chair. Some wag requests the secretary to read back a motion never made. Now our attention is called to fhe blackboard where the new five year course is outlined. Questions are raised and answered. Plans for a four year course leading to an A.B. in Bible are also discussed. The applications for admittance next September as recommended by the faculty screening commit- tee are passed around individually for official ap- proval. Each is voted on separately. The watches on our wrists show eleven o’clock is very neor. The highways outside are a sheet of treacherous ice. Some of the men have many miles to travel before reaching home. However, before d'smissing in prayer the men are informed by President Knol that new pafalogues must be print- ed this month to replace'the exhausted supply. If one out of three who receive catalogues apply for admission, the school will be swamped. Pray,” he pleads, that God will do the screening for us.” Good night. Not by might, nor by pow«r, bat by My Spirit, soith the Lord of Aosfj.—-Zechar ah 4:6 8