Oral Roberts University - Perihelion Yearbook (Tulsa, OK)

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, L ' ly, W The Jericho March Encircling th Cit of Faith by Carla Turner The ORU student body re- ceived an unexpected phone call from President Oral Roberts during cha el on January 19, 1983. He shared with the stu- dents his vision of a victory march around the City of Faith. The purpose of this march - to unite the hearts, spirits, and prayers of the ORU family in war against Satan and his tool of destruction, cancer. President Roberts stated that the march was to be held the following Monday at a special chapel ser- vice. This march would symbol- ize victory over Satan and would be done much like the children of Israel's march around Jericho. So, on January 24, 1983, the stu- dents, faculty and staff of both Oral Roberts Universi- ty, and the Oral Roberts Evange- listic Association gathered in Mabee Center to prepare. There were many different emo- tions in the air. Some were joy- ful, and some were even skep- tical. From the Mabee Center, the group moved to the City of Faith Where the march began. With President Roberts leading one line, and Richard Roberts leading the other, the group marched up the sides of the Riv- er of Life parting at the praying hands, and rounding the com- plex until it was fully encircled. Then the body sounded three victory shouts over this dreaded enemy. President Roberts then led the group in prayer, and they were dismissed. What did it mean? Like the march around Jericho, the 1983 version was an act of obedience to the righteous call of God. and boldness wonderful to It takes true faith and submission to respond to Cod's calling. Cod called President Roberts, along with stu- dents, faculty, and staff, responded with all the faith Within them. It is think that such a small event might turn out to be such a huge stepping stone to- ward the final conquest over cancer. 1, Jericho March 13

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'T 'apt President Roberts, leading his students around the City of Faith, looks somewhat like joshua leading the people around the walls of Jericho. With upturned eyes the president and Dr. Winslow claim approaching victory over cancer. ericho M arch

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'Take this cup. by Theresa Ohler Perhaps it is because it is not require , maybe it is because dress code is not in effect, or maybe because one may sit wherever he chooses, or more likely because . . . . . . this you do in remem- brance of me . . . U Perhaps this is the reason that a number of students esca e the daily demands of their hectic schedules, or swap Friday night pizza for the solitude of commu- nion at Kennedy Chapel. Monday through Friday, troubles are abandoned outside those double doors along with books and coats, as the soft praises of a strumming guitar cckon from Within. It is twelve noon, but lunch offers little competition as the people file in. Once inside, the burdens of rapidly approaching exams, roommate s uabbles, out- rageous phonellnills and the like seem to be lifted as Gods chil- dren engage themselves in songs of praise. Studentspartici- pate by opening with a word of prayer, scripture readings, and the sharing of the sacraments. The message, usually short and simple, is shared by Dr. Hart, Greg Webb, or Peiter Kok. Occasionally the opportu- nity arises for us to hear a guest speaker such as Rob Owens. Often the message is in response to a recent word in Chapel, a current event on campus, or a vision that might benefit the body. Generally, one does not know what to expect, but sel- dom is anyone ever dis- Communion 14 appointed. Communion service on Fri- day night is a refreshing Way to end a busy week. Many students take this time to reflect over the past few days, and replenish themselves before facing the challenges of the week ahead. The relaxed atmosphere of this casual service offers a time of praise and worship rather than preaching. Often students perform a drama or a musical presentation. Sometimes the evening becomes a time of fel- lowship to share triumphs as well as struggles within the com- munity. As the volunteers who serve communion make their way down the center aisle, the twelve strings of a guitar fill the air with their delicate melody. Whatever the message, who- ever the speaker, Cod remains faithful and His presence is evi- dent in the warm glow on the faces of those who partake of the bread, His body broken for you . . and the wine, His blood shed for your sins . . On bended knee, many are silent, some wee while others just smile, but the serenity is always the same. As the guitar slowly silences its strum, the song continues in the hearts of those who have communed with their Lord. And somehow as the numbers depart, whether it be to another class at the LRC, or a campus movie in Howard Audi- torium, they go with the inner assurance of the mighty Cod they serve. 9