News
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Monday, February 23, 2015
On the Cover (Photo by Ryan Arnst): A solitary surfer enjoys the pristine beach along Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach. See story, page 3.
Spring 2015 The Beacon is a monthly student publication. DUANE MEEKS Dean of the School of Communication and Media MICHAEL RAY SMITH Adviser HANNAH DEADMAN Executive Editor CELESTE BROWN News Editor DAVID WILLIAMS Features Editor JEREMIAH SATER Sports Editor RYAN ARNST Photo Editor AMANDA HIGGINS Graphic Design Director JAMES HALL Web Editor Staff Peter Amirata Nancy Arteaga Taylor Branham Aaron Broghamer Cameron Codner Angel Conlon Tiffany Danin Ashley Destler April Evans Jordan Flug Katie Forsythe Jamie Givens Greg Halmos Jasmine McCranely Keisha Oakley Jenna Skinner Dana Stancavage Jackie Streng Becca Stripe Ryan Teason Victoria Vartan READMYBEACON.COM Questions? Comments? The Executive Editor may be reached at Hannah_Deadman@pba.edu
Family Church hosts tour, features IMB president David Platt and musician Matt Papa By Celeste Brown News Editor
International Mission Board president David Platt and musician Matt Papa led an event at First Baptist Church on Feb. 11 in partnership with the North American Mission Board. NAMB’s goal is to support missionaries in the United States and the goal of the IMB is to support missionaries across the globe. Matt Papa led worship through music and incorporated one of his singles called “It is Finished.” Platt’s sermon covered multiple chapters in the book of Acts with a main focus on chapter 7, involving the stoning of Stephen. “[God will use] ordinary people with extraordinary power, preaching, giving, praying and suffering [to make His name great among the nations],” said Platt. Opening his sermon, Platt read from Acts 2 about the time of the Pentecost, explaining that the situation there was similar to today-ordinary people called by God to go on mission. “The same Holy Spirit in Acts 2 is living in you right where you are,” Platt said. “Do not for a second underestimate what His Spirit can do in your life.” With a trembling voice, he repeated this phrase throughout the night, explaining what he has seen God do in his time of ministry in places like Nepal, where he is no longer welcome because of his position in the IMB. Platt emphasized the importance of prayer in the process of sharing the gospel. “It is not supplemental, but fundamental,” he said. Throughout his sermon he referenced the early church in its desire to spread the gospel. Just as these people relied on God and used His provision for His
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Photo by Ryan Arnst
David Platt, author and president of the International Mission Board, spoke at the SNA EXP Tour to PBA students and community members.
glory, we must do the same, he said. As Platt spoke, his speech quickened and a smile spread across his face. “Saul inadvertently starts the church that eventually sends him out,” he said. “Ha! It’s unbelievable.” The event encouraged people to go abroad to unreached people groups and areas where the gospel has yet to make its presence known, Platt said. By the end of his sermon, Platt
practically jumped with excitement, saying he anticipated what God would do through those who attended. Platt and Papa have traveled across the country to more than 20 locations since last September, as part of the SNA EXP Tour. The purpose is to encourage followers of Jesus in their pursuit to expand God’s kingdom. “Your life on mission matters,” is the event slogan. The SNA EXP tour will conclude in April and a national SEND North America
Conference will follow in Nashville, Tenn. in August. He challenged the audience with a question: “What is it going to take for unreached people groups to be intolerable to us?” For more information about the conference, visit sendconference.com.
Dr. Ben Carson spoke on education, the economy and conservative values before a crowd of nearly 250 at The Colony Hotel on Palm Beach last Monday. The Palm Beach Republican Club hosted the event, which featured a book signing, lecture and reception.
“My preference was a nice peaceful retirement,” Carson said. “But my whole professional life has been dedicated to the welfare of children. When I look at their future at the rate we’re going, there’s no way I can sit back and relax.” – Dr. Ben Carson Ambassador Eric Javitz, left, and his wife Margaretha Espersson share a laugh with Dr. Ben Carson, who revealed Monday that he will launch an exploratory committee for a possible 2016 run for the White House.