by Jim Edge
I believe every individual who chooses more education will be better prepared to serve the Lord. While some may say that through education we can improve the world, I understand that believers can do even more: in today’s complex world, a conservative Christian education opens many opportunities to proclaim the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Graduates of other institutions may enhance their abilities to make a large income, and while the impact our students make may never be felt on Wall Street, these young men and women will leave their greatest impact on heaven’s streets.
This summer, students at BBC are doing what they do best — leading others to follow Christ. Today’s technology makes it possible for me to hear from our traveling teams daily and to mentor our young students, to let them see my love for them and for Christian service. I love to listen to their goals and dreams. It is not unusual during the day to receive a text message from one of our students telling me of something funny that happened or to relate an opportunity. I have been deeply moved to hear their accounts of leading others to Christ. One of our Rec Teams recently reported 19 saved in a camp in Ohio, and our band recently reported eight saved in Tennessee. At BBC, we want to give our students the highest in academic standards, but the message doesn’t stop there: the knowledge and maturity must lead to a passion in every student’s heart to live and proclaim the gospel in their place of influence.
We have seen many improvements at our college over the past three years. Our buildings and grounds are taking on a refreshing look. Because of the disciplined work of Greg Christopher and our fine faculty, we are seeing a strong improvement in our academics. And through the work of our campus pastor and deans, student enthusiasm for the things of the Lord and for the college continues to show dramatic improvement. There are many things for which we could glory on our campus, but one takes precedence: when one of our students, faculty, or staff has the opportunity to lead another to faith in Christ it brings great joy to the heart of the Savior.
Luke 15 relates the parable of the lost coin that Jesus told to emphasize the importance of reaching one lost person. At the end of the parable He said, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). As president of Baptist Bible College, I will always be an advocate for a strong academic program and facilities for which we can be proud. But my priority will always be training and modeling our Savior’s heart for the lost to our students. I hope you will join me in praying for our students this summer as they witness for Christ.