Liberty Journal March/April 2008

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MARCH/APRIL 2008

Letter from the Chancellor As I reflect on the extraordinary events of the last nine months here at Liberty University, two words come to my mind over and over. Those words are “Thank You!” No other words better describe my general feelings toward the Liberty University community of faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni and, of course, toward God. First, thank you to Ron Brown and the Liberty Journal staff for continuing to provide top quality reporting of the many events and people at the University both in this publication and online at www.liberty.edu. The Journal has become the face of Liberty to many across the nation.

Recently, Tom Arnold and Harold Knowles of Liberty’s Planned Giving Department joined me as we telephoned Mr. Gerald Evans in Arizona. Mr. Evans has contributed $3.8 million in gift annuities to Liberty University in recent years, most of it in the last two months. Mr. Evans also persuaded one of his friends to donate a $1 million gift annuity to Liberty University. Mr. Evans explained to me how he believes in the Christian mission of Liberty University and how hopeful he is that his three grandchildren will attend Liberty when they finish high school in a few years.

In this issue, you will read about how donors have made this a record year for planned giving to Liberty University! All I could do in the phone call was express to Mr. Evans how important gifts like his are to Liberty and its efforts to build an endowment and to clearly say, “Thank You.” On Super Bowl Sunday, Becki and I hosted more than 50 Liberty University students to watch the game and ride ATVs at our farm near Lynchburg. Some of these students were members of LU’s Women’s Hockey Team and others were members of a club called the “LUnatics,” formed to support LU athletics.

The “LUnatics” give new meaning to the words “school spirit” by attending nearly every Liberty athletic event, home or away, to LOUDLY support the Flames teams. Their support is important to our teams and their Christian witness is evident to all.

We were impressed at how much these students enjoyed themselves while behaving with maturity and respect not seen among many college students today. One student told us how he transferred to Liberty from a college in North Carolina after becoming acquainted with several Liberty students through the Internet Web site “Facebook.” He visited Liberty one weekend and was sold on the school by its Christian mission, its faculty and its students. He was previously a Christian but was unaware that Liberty was a Christian university until he attended a football game between Liberty and his former school.

Another Liberty student we met in a restaurant told us how he and his friends had visited a local bakery and had become friends with the owner, an elderly woman who was having financial difficulties. In response, this student’s dorm and its sister dorm packed out the lady’s bakery one night and bought everything in the store. The owner of the store was greatly blessed by our students as they were helping her. Liberty’s students and faculty are truly its greatest asset.

Becki and I feel like we owe a big “thank you” to Liberty University’s students and faculty for making our first year in leadership such a wonderful experience. Encounters with students and faculty are always the highlight of my day. I told a reporter recently that I was overjoyed last fall to discover the secret of my father’s ability to remain positive and optimistic in the face of incredible adversity. That secret was his relationship with the students of Liberty University. They are now a constant source of strength for me as they were for him and they are a constant reminder of why Liberty University was created in the first place.

The ultimate thanks goes to God for bringing together such a diverse group of people — faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors — to create the world’s most exciting university community! Liberty University.

4

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Liberty Unive rsity students enjoy the Super Bowl at the chancello r’s home.

LIBERTY

Journal

Liberty Journal is an official bimonthly publication of Liberty University.

Publisher

Jerry Falwell Jr.

EXECUTIVE Editor Ron Brown

Managing Editor Tara Maxwell

CONTRIBUTING Editor Becki Falwell

MANAGING DESIGNER Laura Sipple

Design Intern Brittany LaBarre

Writers

Jeff Barber Mitzi Bible Eric Brown Ron Brown Mark DeMoss Dr. Jack Graham Dr. Edward Hindson Ian Kyle Tara Maxwell Johnnie Moore Karen Swallow Prior Mathew D. Staver Jenni Thurman Todd Wetmore

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Jerome Sturm

Photographers Jordan Crossingham Les Schofer

Circulation & Quality Control Claire Diamond

Business & ADVERTISING MANAGER Steve Peterson May/June Advertising Deadline FEBRUARY 28, 2008 (434) 582-2731

If you would like to subscribe to the Liberty Journal for one year, please send a donation of any amount to Liberty Journal, Subscription Department, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, call 434-582-2432 or e-mail lj@liberty.edu.

Copyright 2007 by Liberty University. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Liberty University. All pictorial material reproduced in this book, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned.

As such, Liberty University is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, Liberty University makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

CONTENTS Liberty Journal March/April 2008

6

CONTINUING A LEGACY

15

PARKWAY BEAUTIFICATION

30

FINDING HOPE AND A HOME

42

AT HOME IN THE MANSION

57

EXPANDING VISION

59

BREAKING BARRIERS

64

BACK ON THE MAT

Planned Giving Department helps Liberty prepare for the future

Roadside garden projects to add curb appeal to Liberty campus

Liberty Godparent Home provides nurturing environment for pregnant girls

Campus landmark rich in historical significance gets interior makeover

B.R. Lakin School of Religion undergoes $2 million expansion with ‘smart’ classroom

Liberty alumna puts her education to the test during stint in central Asia

Liberty’s wrestling team returns with impressive victory after 12-year hiatus

SECTIONS 6

GENERAL NEWS

22

STUDENT LIFE

28

THE CHURCH

37

MEMORIES FROM LIBERTY MOUNTAIN

44 ACADEMIC LIFE ON THE COVER Fans decked out in red show their support, in a photograph

by Les Schofer, during a Liberty Flames’ basketball game against Coastal Carolina in January. For more details on the game, see page 62.

50

OPINION-Editorial

56

Alumni

62

Sports

www.liberty.edu

5

ATHLETICS LIBERTY UNIVERSITY The nation’s only distinctively evangelical NCAA Division I athletic program

18 Division I

Athletic Programs Men Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football (FCS) Golf Indoor Track & Field

Women Basketball Cross Country Indoor Track & Field Outdoor Track & Field

Outdoor Track & Field Soccer Tennis Wrestling

Soccer Softball Tennis Volleyball

LU students attend the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg.

LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. says his father set an example for planned giving when he left the school $29 million in proceeds paid from a life insurance policy, paying off the university’s debt and jumpstarting its endowment efforts.

“I think when people started hearing the news about the life insurance and about the efforts to build endowment and they just saw the enrollment continuing to grow, they said, ‘Hey there’s something there that’s going to be permanent.’ People want to give to something that is perceived as being permanent.”

And they wanted to join in God’s work at Liberty, Falwell Jr. said.

“One person said it this way: ‘I’m giving to Liberty because I’ve always been told that if an organization like Liberty continues to thrive after the founder dies, then that means it was of God to begin with.’ And so that’s the way our donors are looking at what’s happened here since last May.” The large gifts continued until the end of the year, when the Planned Giving Department reported its “million-dollar day.”

“It started coming in with the mail … by the end of the day [Dec. 26], I had 18 different things come in totaling over a million dollars,” Arnold says.

And by Jan. 2, they had received another $1.5 million, making that $2.5 million received in seven days.

But the team is quick not to take the credit for these gifts.

“I ultimately am a salesman but we rely on the Lord,” says Everett Foutz, a planned giving officer whose region includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. “We have devotions every morning, and He opens those doors like we’ve never seen before … and it’s His doing and all we do is sit back and say ‘Thank You, Lord. You did it’. The key for us is to be faithful,” he says.

That means staying in contact with donors by making phone calls and visits and sending cards on their birthdays and anniversaries. Because the average age of a planned giving donor is 75, many of them have physical needs and some lack companionship.

According to Arnold, 70 percent of all bequests come from women and about 95 percent of them do not have children.

When out in the field, the Planned Giving team has been known to take their donors to the grocery store, to nearby towns to see kinsfolk, to gravesites of relatives and out to eat. One team member went so far as to hang a closet door and paint it.

Sometimes they stay overnight in donors’ homes and are treated like family. “‘Money follows ministry’ is one of those things that’s been passed around in this department — the fact that you are a ministry to the people,” Foutz says. “These planned gifts elevate us to family member status — that’s why when we go by, it’s a celebration time.”

Arnold knows his team’s work is more than just bringing in money so the university can grow. It’s also about building relationships and caring for fellow Christians.

“Our field men do so many different things to build relationships with people that have nothing to do with raising money right now, but it comes,” says Arnold. “Once we get in the door they see that we’re true blue and that we’re God’s people. When we hire a man, we hire a man who’s half pastor and half salesman — you need to be both to do this job here.”

That means helping a 99-year-old woman in San Diego, Calif., who needs assistance.

“We’re trying to find someone there that will go by her home at least once a week and make sure she’s doing OK, help her with her checks, make sure bills are paid,” Arnold says.

There are many tasks the team does “that don’t produce something on paper right now,” he says. “There are many things we do that most people have no idea we do.”

But Falwell Jr. is well aware of their work and believes the department plays an essential role.

“They are the perfect team for Liberty University’s donors. They’re a lot like our donors in many ways and they understand how they think and there’s just a real compatibility there. They all have a real heart for ministry themselves and for this ministry and the donors can sense that,” he said.

“If we just hired fundraising professionals to come in that other colleges use, they would have all the skills and the education, but they wouldn’t understand our donors.”

The Planned Giving Department, which includes a director, six planned giving officers and two administrative assistants, is an essential part of Liberty University and its related ministries. Here, pictured with LU chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. and his wife, Becki, are the officers (left to right): Everett Foutz, Earl Sargeant, Rusty Smallwood, Geary Gadomski, Gerry Kimble, Tom Arnold and Harold Knowles. Not pictured are assistants Connie Schofer and Sharon Baldwin.

To learn more about Planned Giving, go to www.lugiving.com or call (800) 543-5309.

www.liberty.edu

7

GENERAL NEWS

Party

With a Purpose

m k.co istoc

Block Party Ministry brings communities together in Christ

by IAN KYLE Special to the Liberty Journal

8

I

Members of the Block Party Trailer Ministry mix with members of the downtown Lynchburg community while spreading the word of God.

magine an event that allows college and seminary students to work with local churches to bring the message of God to surrounding communities in a fun, nonthreatening way.

The Block Party Trailer Ministry serves this goal.

The mobile, instant party helps churches

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

develop a passion for sharing Christ by giving them an avenue into their community while providing ministerial students a chance to supplement their academic education with hands-on experience in a local church setting.

Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) have partnered with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of

According to Dr. Wheeler, “Our greatest joy is to experience the excitement within our students as they lead others to Christ. It literally changes their lives forever.”

A recent block party sponsored by Beulah Baptist Church in Lynchburg was a success. Dr. Butch McCarthy is excited about the effect the block party had on his local church.

“It enabled our church to touch more people in one day than we ever had before. … It was a shot in the arm for the church members, as it showed us that a small church can have a big church impact,” he said.

Dr. Virgil Grant, pastor of East Side Baptist Church in Richmond, Ky., who has attended a block party event, said the block party is “an effective way to build a relationship with the community in a non-threatening way. The block party ministry is a way for the local church to create a good reputation with the communities in which they are located. Many people, who would otherwise never attend Sunday morning worship services feel comfortable enough to come and join the fun atmosphere that block parties create, especially if it’s free.”

Mark Custalo of the SBCV said, “Block parties have proven to be an effective means for church plants to discover prospects and make their presence known in their communities.”

Block parties are also an effective outreach tool for churches in a rural environment.

Pastor Andy Ferguson, who serves in Brookneal, Va., has already scheduled the second annual block party in his community.

“The first one [block party] was a fantastic event. Twenty-seven students came down to volunteer and every door in Brookneal got an invitation.”

There was a profound effect on the community as 42 people indicated that they would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and eight new people were at church the following Sunday.

Ian Kyle is a Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary staff writer. www.liberty.edu

9

istock.com

Virginia (SBCV) and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (NAMB) in implementing a Block Party Trailer Ministry that travels to different churches in Virginia every month. The trailers are packed with everything a church (or a church plant) needs to If interested in scheduling set up a mini-carnivala block party trailer for style block party for the your church, e-mail your request community. or any questions to The LU/LBTS student lublockparty@aol.com ministry teams pull the trailers to a location and join with local churches to put on a block party that is free and open to everyone. The parties are set up in a public area, such as a park or an apartment complex playground, near the sponsoring church. Those who attend enjoy moonwalks, hot dogs and hamburgers, snow cones, carnival games, and a host of other activities — all the while being given the gospel of Jesus Christ through discussion and sometimes tracts.

Liberty students team up with church members to blitz the community, making sure that every house gets an invitation to the party.

Often, block parties are coupled with “gas buy-downs,” which involve the sponsoring church paying for a certain percentage of a customer’s gas when they fill up their tank.

All of this activity is the fruit of the focus that Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary’s Lovett Center for Ministry Training places on servanthood in evangelism. The Center for Ministry Training is led by Dr. Dave Earley and Dr. David Wheeler.

Les Schofer

GENERAL NEWS

Wayne Booth has financially supported the development and growth of Liberty University, Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty Christian Academy.

During the early 1970s he and two others helped purchase the land known today as Liberty Mountain.

One for All W

by ERIC BROWN Special to the Liberty Journal

Donor’s contributions help shape Liberty University

hen driving past Liberty University on U.S. 460, you will see a completely transformed campus from the school’s inception 36 years ago. Beautiful buildings such as the DeMoss Learning Center and the Football Operations Center did not exist then. One thing that did exist was the vision of the late Rev.

10

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Jerry Falwell Sr., who wanted students at Liberty University to grow in Christ while receiving a quality education. Along the way, Falwell had the help of numerous friends who have adamantly supported the university through its ups and downs.

Among these friends was Wayne Booth.

“I captured the vision early on of where he [Falwell] wanted to go,” says

Booth. “That’s why I always backed him in everything, whether I could afford it or not, because I believed in what he did. I knew he did have the calling from God, and it always worked out that way.”

Booth started out as a bricklayer by trade. Eventually, he and two others started Bat Masonry. Since Booth took ownership of the company in 1963, Bat Masonry has become one of the largest

al

GENERAL NEWS brick masonry contractors in the Eastern United States.

“The business world has given me an opportunity to do more,” Booth said.

Over the years Booth has been able to contribute financially to the development and growth of Thomas Road

“Dr. Falwell was really an inspiration to me. He was my spiritual father and spiritual leader. I can’t tell you the hurt and loss I felt when he died.”

Wayne Booth

Baptist Church, Liberty Christian Academy and Liberty University. In the early 1970s he and two others helped purchase the land known today as Liberty Mountain. During the mid-1990s he purchased notes that were key in reducing the university’s debt. In 2000, Booth made a major contribution to the construction of the DeMoss Learning Center, one that the DeMoss Foundation matched by 300 percent.

“Wayne Booth is the donor we call when we have a financial challenge that requires a creative solution,” says Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. In his autobiography, titled “Strength for the Journey,” Dr. Falwell made mention of Booth along with two other businessmen, Bill Burruss Jr. and “Big Joe” Leonard.

“At church we called them the ‘Three Musketeers’ for their ability to appear just in time to help God rescue us from another crisis,” Dr. Falwell wrote.

Although Burruss and Leonard have both passed on, Booth remains active in carrying on Dr. Falwell’s vision. Just before Falwell’s death, Booth pitched one of his creative ideas to his longtime friend.

With Liberty continuing to add new educational programs, the entrepreneur presented the idea of starting a vocational program that will focus on training students in construction trades. Booth saw the need for starting such a program to help with the construction of future university buildings for other educational programs on campus.

In May of 2007, Booth met with Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. and agreed to donate $100,000 to help start the program. At this point, Dr. Boyd Rist, provost, is working toward the implementation of the program.

While Booth continues to support Dr. Falwell’s vision through financial contributions, one purchase made by Falwell’s Three Musketeers several decades ago would vastly impact his friend’s ministry.

A few years after the purchase of Thomas Road’s first airplane, Booth, Burruss and Leonard purchased a Cessna 414, a larger pressurized plane capable of getting the pastor to his speaking engagements much faster. Booth, who already had a pilot license, flew Dr. Falwell to numerous preaching engagements around the country.

Through many years of traveling together, the two developed a close bond. Booth recalls the many adventures he shared with his close friend and the impact Dr. Falwell had on the lives of people he met.

“All the times that I flew him, he would light up the crowd,” said Booth.

“When he would come in, he brought an amount of electricity that went out into the audience.”

While it is evident Falwell Sr. impacted many across the country and around the world, he also influenced those who knew him personally.

Despite only being about two years apart in age, Booth viewed his friend in a unique way. “Dr. Falwell was really an inspiration to me,” said Booth.

“He was my spiritual father and spiritual leader. I can’t tell you the hurt and the loss I felt when he died.”

Since the passing of his close friend, Booth has not stopped supporting the vision Dr. Falwell had for the university.

As the last remaining member of Falwell’s Three Musketeers, Booth remains steadfast to the task at hand — being one for all and giving all for the One.

LU QUICK FACT: LU has 55 undergrad programs, 15 online undergraduate programs, 32 graduate programs and 21 online graduate programs

www.liberty.edu

11

GENERAL NEWS

Watchmen on the Wall 2008 A Washington Briefing for Pastors and a Ministry of Family Research Council

Man donates patent to LU

by RON BROWN Liberty Journal

“Only strong leadership from our nation’s pastors will enable us to

May 7-9, 2008

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Liberty University has obtained a U.S. patent on a two-sided circuit board that could lessen the manufacturing costs of electronic equipment, such as home computers, automobiles and cellular telephones.

The technology is the brainchild of Charles S. Clark, a father of two LU graduates. He worked for years designing computerized circuits for an automobile supplier in Detroit.

Clark decided to donate his idea to LU two years ago after LU agreed to help market the concept and obtain the patent.

Under Clark’s concept, both sides of a circuit board would be used for mirrored components that share copper etchings and more efficiently transmit thousands of pieces of computerized data.

The new configuration would enable manufacturers to reduce circuit boards from eight laminated layers to four laminated layers and shorten the copper etchings in the board.

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GENERAL NEWS

Parkway

Beautification Roadside garden projects to add curb appeal to LU campus

L

by RON BROWN Liberty Journal

iberty University is partnering with the city of Lynchburg and local businesses to enhance the beauty of the U.S. 460/U.S. 29 corridor near the school.

LU hired landscape architect Proctor Harvey to design more than 20 gardens that would beautify the roadway and the campus. www.liberty.edu

15

Parkway Beautification

“The state had just passed a new law that allowed private property owners to groom the right of way if it’s done in a certain manner,” said LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr.

LU representatives met with officials from both the Virginia Department of Transportation and the city of Lynchburg to get approval for the project. Wendell Walker, a local landscaper, helped LU obtain city approval.

The city has similar gardens along the Lynchburg Expressway.

While some of the gardens in the Liberty projects are right on the highway corridor, some will be back off the road on the LU campus.

Initially, LU simply wanted to open

the view of the DeMoss Learning Center to passersby, but later decided to expand the project.

The cost will be borne by sponsors, who can have their signs placed in a garden for a minimum donation of $8,500.

Several donors can go together and sponsor an entire garden. The donations will help defray the maintenance costs.

“One sponsor can step up and sponsor an entire $30,000 garden,” said Charles Spence, LU’s director of planning and construction. “I counted up a total of $600,000 worth of projects. It will change the whole face of Liberty.”

Donors will provide money for more than 20 gardens that will stretch along the LU campus on the U.S. 460/U.S. 29 corridor.

16

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Already five separate sponsors have joined together to build a garden that contains more than 2,000 new plants at the entrance/exit ramp at U.S. 460/U.S. 29’s intersection with Ericsson Drive near the entrance to LU’s campus.

“We basically cut down a big mountain of dirt with wild grass growing on it,” said S. Lee Beaumont, LU’s director of auxiliary services. “We shaved it down and landscaped it and opened up the entry view to the campus.”

The sponsors for that project are Old Dominion Landscaping,

Parkway Beautification Foster Electric Co. Inc., Counts and Dobyns, Thompson Trucking and Coleman Glass Construction.

“The beautification projects will go along the total span of the university,” Beaumont said. “We are looking for people to donate, and as we get the donations we’ll build the gardens. This was not a priority until this project came along.”

The task of soliciting sponsors has fallen to LU’s development office and its director, Roy Jones. “We will reach out to local business owners first,” Jones said.

“There has been some talk of us reaching into our donor file.”

m

Features of the Jerry Falwell Parkway Beautification Projects

“Others might want to honor a

Jones said sponsorship provides spouse or a loved one who has passed,” donors an opportunity to honor Dr. Jerry he said. “For those who love Liberty, Falwell, LU’s co-founder who died May these projects could take development to 15. Legislation has been presented to the a new level.

Virginia General Assembly to rename a

“We’re trying to beautify the campus stretch of U.S. 460/U.S. 29 near the school to help student recruiting,” he said. “It the Jerry Falwell Parkway. also will help the students that are here.

“Depending on the size and location, It will make the campus nice to look at the gardens will have varying prices,” and nice to work at.”

Jones said. “Some of the gardens are $30,000 to $40,000. We’ll be getting in touch with businesses to discuss these LU QUICK FACT: opportunities.”

LU has over 2.9 million square

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17

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

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LU alumnus wins Emmy award for work on nature series

Liberty Briefs

LU Chancellor appears on CNN & Fox News

Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. appeared on CNN on Jan. 9 and Fox News’ “Your World with Neil Cavuto” Feb. 8 to discuss the 2008 Presidential race. It marked the first time Falwell Jr. had been on network television addressing political issues. “It was pretty exciting,” he said.

The CNN report was hosted by correspondent Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer is the host of CNN’s “The Situation Room.” Falwell Jr. has personally endorsed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination.

Billboard magazine honors Liberty alumna

Meredith Andrews, a Liberty graduate and a former member of LU’s Campus Praise Band, has been named by Billboard magazine as one of the “Faces to Watch in ‘08.” Her debut album for Word Records, “The Invitation,” is scheduled for release on April 29. Andrews, a worship leader at Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel, will also open 30 concerts this spring for Dove Award nominee Aaron Shust. Andrews majored in family and child development and minored in worship and music ministry while at LU from 2001 to 2005. She originally planned to work at an orphanage after graduation. Her MySpace address is www.myspace.com/ meredithandrewsband.

CONFERENCE HOST

Jonathan Falwell, Senior Pastor

Chuck Colson, Founder

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Tom Mullins, Senior Pastor

Christ Fellowship Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Ed Stetzer, Director

Lifeway Research Nashville, TN

Jim Cymbala, Pastor

Brooklyn Tabernacle Brooklyn, NY

Charles Billingsley, Worship Pastor

Dan Henderson, Pastor for Renewal

Thomas Road Baptist Church Thomas Road Baptist Church Lynchburg, VA Lynchburg, VA

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20

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Courtesy WPBT/Channel 2

GENERAL NEWS

Former Liberty University student Jeremy Nicholson was recently awarded a National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmy award for his work on WPBT’s nature series, WILD FLORIDA. Now in production on its third season, WILD FLORIDA explores the remarkable fish and wildlife species that inhabit the Sunshine State, educating and exciting viewers about the diverse ecosystems that surround them. Nicholson, an alumnus and videographer, earned his degree in Media Graphics Production in 2001. He says he is eternally grateful for the education he received at LU. “Liberty armed me with the necessary tools to survive and thrive in the world of television production. I was challenged by outstanding professors and a relevant curriculum. All that coupled with the many friends and relationships forged, including meeting my wife, have forever changed my life.” For more info on the series and biographical information on this Liberty University alumnus, visit the WILD FLORIDA Web site at www.wildflorida.tv.

LU’s Selah yearbook nationally recognized

Liberty University’s 2007 Selah yearbook recently received a Collegiate Crown Award, placing it among the top 10 yearbooks in the country. The national award is presented annually by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Crown Award is the highest possible national recognition given to college yearbook programs and means that Liberty’s yearbook is rated among the Top 10 nationally. Carrie L. Barnhouse, LU’s Career Center director, is the yearbook’s adviser. A total of 1,882 newspapers, magazines and yearbooks published during the 2006-2007 academic year were eligible for judging in the 2008 Crown Awards Program.

Jerome Sturm

Aiming high LU’s Distance Learning Program receives recognition

by RON BROWN Liberty Journal

L

iberty University’s Distance Learning Program has been ranked among the nation’s elite.

LU ranked third in the second annual Online College Ranking by the Online Education Database released in January.

LU’s DLP, a nonprofit program, ranked ahead of well-known online programs at the University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University, Regent University, Walden University, National University, Colorado Technical University, ITT Technical Institute, Kaplan University, and Capella University.

The rankings evaluated the universities on their acceptance rates, financial aid packages, graduation rates, peer web citations, retention rates, scholarly citations, student-faculty ratios and years accredited.

LU was unranked in OEDb’s initial ranking.

Upper Iowa University received the top ranking with LeTourneau University

coming in second.

“To be ranked third kind of backs up what we’ve been doing,” said Ronald S. Kennedy, LU’s executive director of distance learning and graduate studies.

“It affirms the testimonials we get from our students as to the quality of our program. We knew we were competitive with the for-profit programs out there. We didn’t have a way to substantiate it. This ranking brings credibility to the things we have known internally.”

The Distance Learning Program has already reached a significant milestone in the 2007-2008 academic year. In early December the program’s enrollment topped 20,000 for the first time.

Currently, LU’s Distance Learning Program has about 23,000 students.

“Our growth has basically been across the board,” Kennedy said. “We are seeing double figure growth in most of our programs. God is a big part of why we rank third.”

LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. credits DLP’s success to the program’s strong leadership.

“We should all be proud of what

Liberty's Executive Vice President, Dr. Ron Godwin, and Executive Director of Distance Learning and Graduate Studies Ron Kennedy, have accomplished in their leadership of Liberty's Distance Learning Program,” he said. “I have recently become better acquainted with many of the faculty and staff in distance learning and have been impressed For more on the with their ranking, visit the professionalism and competence.

Online Education “The Database at enrollment has nearly doubled to 22,000 students in less than a year without sacrificing quality or academic excellence. Given the performance of our faculty and staff, I am not surprised to learn of how highly Liberty University was ranked nationally today among distance learning programs.

Congratulations to the entire faculty and staff of the Liberty University Distance Learning Program!”

www.oedb.org/ rankings/

www.liberty.edu

21

STUDENT LIFE

Ask Pastor Johnnie Johnnie Moore Jordan Crossingham

Students take a break in Pate Chapel.

“Johnnie, I work with the teenagers at my church but I just can’t figure out these students today (I’m more than a little older). Can you help me understand them and maybe give me some tips on connecting with them?”

— Caroline I’m certainly no expert on a generation, but I do have a few observations.

First, today’s student culture is saturated in subcultures. Everyone has their own “thing.” This digital age has birthed an enormous access to information and there is a Facebook or MySpace group or YouTube video for everything. One of the first things you need to do is find out what they’re really interested in and then curiously question them about it (before you give your opinion). Inquisitiveness about what a kid likes shows them your genuine interest.

Remember, these little subcultures make up much of their identity.

22

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Secondly, they are relationally starved yet relationally gluttonous — what I mean is that they have plenty of relationships, but they are at a deficit for healthy ones. There are more cliques than you can count in the average high school, but fewer and fewer students have close relationships with parents, teachers or mentors. When students don’t have healthy adult relationships then they’re forced to get the answers to life’s tough questions from the media or their peers.

You need to position yourself in a place where they will come to you for wise answers to their toughest questions.

Finally, they are a morally scarred generation. With skyrocketing divorce rates and the zealous marketing of media moguls, like MTV, we have many millions of students who have learned from the media what they used to glean from their church or family. Many have stumbled into shocking kinds of lust at surprising ages. This scars their perspective on spiritual and relational health and leaves the church to the task of restoring kids because their values were formed first outside of its walls. Don’t be easily shocked when a kid opens up. Culture has robbed many of them of their innocence.

We must guide them to restoration by modeling Christ and His Word.

Whether we like it or not, these students will hold the leading posts at corporations, government offices, educational institutions and churches of tomorrow. They are the future leaders and they will drag into these important positions the values they’re learning now.

So, keep it up and don’t give up! With patience and love you are shaping the future.

“Johnnie, I just graduated. I was a business major and am about to start my career. Can you give me a Bible verse that I can carry with me through this new adventure?”

— Scott Yes! Psalm 78:72 says, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart and skillful hands.” Build upon your excellent education, refine your skills, but never compromise your integrity.

Then God will be with you, and if HE is with you then who can be against you?

r o f d e en g e k l e l we o c a y

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at erty d ib L ience Weeken r e p x E r A o F 2008 e , g 3 e 1 l Col ril 10 w.com a f c Ap y t . .liber e details w w w mor Visit for

ge! packa e! llege choic al coof your cilities! a e tot ce th classesr dining f e halls! c d erien - Exp - Atten t in ou esiden ricular r a r E u r c u ies! y in o extra activit - Sta esome oy aw - Enj

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by TARA MAXWELL Liberty Journal

SQUARE

Jordan Crossingham

Interested in Cubing?

Check out Jason’s Facebook Page: The Official Liberty University Rubik’s Cube Club or Attend a Rubik’s Cube Club Meeting Monday nights at 7 p.m. in DeMoss Hall Room 1105.

◆ CUBE continued on page 48 Liberty University student Jason Baum is a champion cuber who owns more than 35 Rubik’s Cubes.

24

LIBERTY JOURNAL Jan./Feb. 2008

Robert Dawson THE END MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK…

T

oday’s signs indicate that our world may very well stand on the brink of disaster. Terrorist attacks, wars, and natural disasters are more frequent than ever. And it’s no coincidence that the Bible predicts events like these in the last days. In fact, it presents warning signs to show us when the end times are at hand. But how can we discern the real clues from the false alarms?

A CAPTIVATING PAGE-TURNER WITH AN URGENT WAKE-UP CALL AND A MESSAGE OF HOPE! !VAILABLE 7HEREVER "OOKS !RE 3OLD To learn more about Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson, or to read a sample chapter, visit www.HarvestHousePublishers.com

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Innovative Ideas

GENERAL NEWS THE CHURCH

Tune in to TBN

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

On Jan. 6, Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest Christian television network, began broadcasting services from Thomas Road Baptist Church, reaching 2.3 billion homes worldwide.

“Live at Thomas Road” is being aired at 7:30 a.m. EST on Sundays.

“The significance of securing this time is immeasurable,” said TRBC senior pastor the Rev. Jonathan Falwell. “My dad [the late Dr. Jerry Falwell] had a passion, beginning in 1956, of using the media to reach the world. Now, with TBN and our existing broadcasting stations, we are carrying the Gospel into the homes of billions around the world.”

Jonathan Falwell said he started working to get the program on TBN in June 2007.

“I sat down with Ron Godwin [Liberty University’s Executive Vice President] and said we need to find a way that we can find a network that can literally take this ministry to the next level as far as reaching this world for Christ,” he said.

Since July 1, 2006, Liberty University has sponsored the TV program, covering the costs of production and airtime.

And just one week after the broadcasts began, Jonathan Falwell started hearing from viewers all over the world. He met one viewer in the Bahamas (he was there to speak on a cruise).

Falwell said he had gone to a water park and “right when I got up to the top of the water slide, the guy working at the waterslide said, ‘Wait a minute, I know you — 7:30 TBN.’ That was only one week we’d been on,” Falwell said.

He has also heard from a man in Finland and servicemen in Iraq and Kuwait.

“There’s no doubt that the impact is continuing to climb weekly,” he said.

28

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

A

wave of innovation is sweeping America’s growing churches — a trend to find ways to reach a generation saturated with new technology in almost every aspect of life.

At Thomas Road Baptist Church, it’s being called just that: “innovatechurch.” The concept has expanded to include a conference, book and Web site — all under the same oneword title.

“It’s basically innovating the methods while never innovating the message,” said the Rev. Jonathan Falwell.

The innovatechurch conference (this year’s Super Conference) will feature Chuck Colson and Jim Cymbala, among other noted authors and speakers, and is set for Aug. 11-13. Typically held in October, Falwell said the conference was pushed back to help with the overcrowding on campus. Details on registration can be found at TRBC’s Web site, www.trbc.org.

Falwell embraced the innovatechurch concept when he began his iTruths sermon series in September, called “Life Lessons for the iPod Generation.” On stage during the service was a 9-foot iPod that displayed Scriptures and sermon outline points.

“We know there’s a culture of people and a generation of young people who are growing up who, maybe the way we reached people 30 to 40 years ago, is not quite as effective at reaching them [now]. What we want to do is to make sure the church is always relevant no matter how old or how young you are.”

In November, Falwell participated in a panel at the 2007 National Outreach Convention for a feature in Outreach Magazine. The event was moderated by Ed Stetzer, director of research for LifeWay, one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services.

Falwell was asked how he was seeking to innovate TRBC. “We have a desire to reach this next gen-

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

C. Todd Hunley

eration — the people who carry iPods 24/7 — while not leaving the last generation behind,” he said. “For me, that means focusing on the fact that creativity and innovation come from Christ. And when we go deep in our relationship with Christ, He opens our eyes to new things we can do, things we can use, to reach this culture.”

God has opened the eyes of Falwell and TRBC leaders as they have joined forces to write a book on eight key areas of a church.

“The overarching theme is what today’s church should be doing, the things every church should be involved in,” Falwell said.

The key areas are: prayer, outreach, discipleship, leadership, worship, church planting, culture and apologetics.

The book, “innovatechurch,” published by Broadman & Holman, is set to be released Aug. 11, the late Rev. Jerry Falwell’s birthday and the first day of the conference. Those who attend will receive the book for free. It will also be available in retail stores. All revenues from the sale of the book will go toward church planting efforts led by TRBC. TRBC is also strengthening its focus via the Internet by launching a new Web site, www.innovatechurch.us. It provides articles and helpful guides that incorporate the same eight areas.

And while church leaders hope the innovatechurch concept catches on around the country through the conference, book and Web site, they also hope their own church will be encouraged to grow in those same key areas.

Falwell will be leading members in a sevenweek innovatechurch sermon series from July 27 through Sept. 4.

Learn more in the online edition of the Journal, www.liberty.edu/libertyjournal

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www.liberty.edu

29

finding

Hope and a Home

Liberty Godparent Home marks 25 years of aid to young mothers-to-be

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

photos by JORDAN CROSSINGHAM Liberty Journal

L

ife is much different now than it was 25 years ago. But at the Liberty Godparent Home, life is still just as precious.

The home, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007, has a motto: “Changing Lives — Two at a Time.”

Originally called “Save a Baby,” a ministry of Thomas Road Baptist Church, the home provides an alternative to abortion for girls ages 12 to 23, by offering a nurturing environment and guidance in deciding whether to parent or to place their baby up for adoption.

Christy West, executive director, said naturally babies are being saved through the ministry, but it’s also making a huge, lasting impact on the mothers.

“When the Bible says God takes all things and works them for good, it’s true,” she said. “For some girls it [pregnancy] is a lifechanging event — on both sides [adoption or parenting]. Yes, they’ve had a child, but their life would have been so drastically different if they had not walked through those Godparent Home doors.”

About 50 percent of the girls choose adoption (offered through the adjoining Family Life Services agency) and 50 percent parent.

“It’s all about them [the girls]. They are the stars here,” West said. “They are the ones who are making this — either way — incredible very difficult choice; the world says it’s a lot easier to have an abortion, so in my mind they’re all stars.”

The home provides classes on prenatal care and counseling on

30

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

parenting and adoption in addition to the girls’ regular schoolwork (the home helps them to get their GED or finish high school, and to take DLP classes and attend Liberty University).

Caseworkers are assigned to work directly with the girls, taking them to their appointments and following up on their care.

West said the home can accommodate eight to 12 girls. The average age ranges from 14 to 17. Some are local, but some come from all over the country. They are referred to the home through crisis pregnancy centers and other agencies.

“For so long it [Liberty Godparent Home] was viewed as just a little Christian church ministry, but I think they’re really viewing

us now as a viable option for girls who are “That’s gonna be a little twist to what in need of services,” West said. we’re offering,” she said. “The thing about The home was started by the late Dr. coming to the Godparent Home, if you did Jerry Falwell when, as an outspoken prodrugs, you’re no longer doing them.” lifer, he was challenged to put some action West is also eager to meet the needs of behind his words. girls who do not have a home to return to “That’s how it all came about,” West after they have their baby. said. “He [Falwell] said, ‘I’ll just start a “Our biggest goal would be to one day home where girls can come.’ It was that have an aftercare home that would do simple. Here it is 25 years later and the what we do here, but in a separate facility, hundreds of girls he helped … I always tell that could really help them learn how to the girls, it’s so neat to get a job, those kinds of me that God knew 25 things.” years ago that you’d The Liberty Godparent walk through that door Foundation, the umbrella * Eighth Annual Walk for Life, and he provided that organization for Liberty May 3 at Liberty University outdoor option for you a long Godparent Home and track. time ago.”

Family Life Services, * Baby Bottle Campaign, West said the home keeps the home in September. (Bottles will be located misses its founder, operation through a few in churches, around the LU campus and at local businesses to collect who occasionally had major fundraising events donations). breakfast with the girls throughout the year, along and would show up at with a list of individual *Winter Market indoor bazaar, November. fundraising events. donors and special “He just had the offerings taken at TRBC. To volunteer or for more information, call biggest heart and Every other year the (434) 845-3466 loved the girls. He was home sponsors a gala, an always open-minded invitation-only, black-tie about the girls and what they needed.” event. This year’s gala was on Feb. 2 and But West said if he were still here, he raised more than $64,000. Dee Kohler, a would be pleased at the direction the Liberty University student, was a featured home is heading in and its plans for the speaker. future.

Kohler, a psychology major, first One goal is to help pregnant girls with got connected with the Godparent drug addictions. West said she is seeing Home when she volunteered there. more girls come in with drug problems Then, at age 20, while living in the dorms and is working with LU’s counseling in her sophomore year, she found out she department on creating a specialized was pregnant. program to help them.

“They were the first people I called

Fundraisers

Liberty Godparent Home recently opened a flower shop on Main Street in Thomas Road Baptist Church, called Consider the Lilies.

Residents work there, alongside a paid staff worker. “Sometimes when something doesn’t cost you anything, it’s not very important to you,” said executive director Christy West.

“This way they would feel like they are helping, contributing to being here. … They get a chance to raise their own money and it gets them to see the value of working.”

when I found out,” she said.

Kohler took a semester off, spent time with her family, then entered the home when she was about 6 months pregnant.

“I needed a place to think, meditate and pray,” she said.

She had decided to place her baby up for adoption, but said she never felt pressured either way.

“I never received anything but support and encouragement from them,” she said.

But in the hospital, after she had delivered, she had “a complete change of heart.” (Girls have a 21-day window after delivery to make the final decision).

Her son, Austin, will be 2 in May. “I honestly believe Austin wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them,” she said. “I was in such a dark, dark place.”

Kohler, who expects to graduate in December, has spoken to other groups about her experience and volunteers at the home a few times a month.

West said there are currently five students at LU who have gone through the home and chosen either adoption or parenting.

Seeing a girl succeed, no matter what choice they make, is welcome affirmation for West and her staff.

“You want them to leave and think back and remember something you’ve said and done (for them) or maybe you were the only person who truly ever cared and wanted to help them. … I think that’s truly our goal, for them to see God’s love through us.” www.liberty.edu

31

Adoption: a gift from God

THE CHURCH

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

F

or Les and Connie Schofer, the longest sermon they ever heard was on Sunday, Dec. 16, 1984. It wasn’t because the preacher was going over his time or that he was boring — it was because they were antsy, waiting out the last hours before they could call themselves parents.

The Schofers picked up their 5-weekold daughter later that day, “Homecoming Day” as they call it. It was an adoption through LibThe Schofers’ first family erty Godparportrait with baby Stacy. ent Home (then called Save a Baby).

The bond was immediate, Connie Schofer said.

“The second I saw her, I knew she was

32

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Stacy and Paul Merriam, with Connie and Les Schofer, on their wedding day, Jan. 5, 2008.

mine. It was instantaneous.”

Les Schofer said he remembers the drive home.

“I remember having the feeling that there was something in the car right then that was more important than my own life,” he said. “And I sort of had the thought, ‘Yep, if I had to trade my own life right now, I would.’”

The Schofers, who have both worked for Liberty University since the college’s early years and are members at Thomas Road Baptist Church, named their baby Stacy Beth.

Now age 23, Stacy is a Liberty gradu-

ate with degrees in Biblical Studies and Social Sciences. She is in Seminary now, with hopes of being a professor.

The Schofers have another day that will stick in their memories forever — Stacy’s wedding day on Jan. 5 this year.

She was married in Pate Chapel at TRBC. “I just thought she looked like an angel,” her mother said. “God gave me an angel. It amazes me that God entrusted her to me.”

There is no doubt Liberty Godparent Home played a major role in the family’s lives, but their involvement with that ministry didn’t stop after the adoption.

Stacy had her rehearsal dinner there and the Godparent Home’s new flower shop did the flowers for her wedding.

Les and Connie Schofer have talked at workshops, counseling couples on adoption. Stacy is a regular volunteer, doing household chores, running errands and helping with fundraisers. But what she likes most is interacting with the residents and sharing her testimony.

“Usually the best way for this to happen is to have them get to know me first just as the person who comes and helps them dry dishes … then they are very comfortable asking questions about very deep things, like ‘How do you feel towards your birth mother? I’m afraid that if I give my child up, he or she will feel unwanted.’”

She said God is using her experience in a big way.

“It’s very unique being older and saying this [the Godparent Home] is someplace I came from. Most people think of it as [just] saving a baby — well these babies grow up and they do things with their lives.”

The ministry, she said, has given her “a sense of activism.” She wants to stay involved with the home and work with at-risk teenagers in other settings.

Les and Connie Schofer said the Godparent Home holds a special place in their hearts.

“When I think of that ministry, what they do for all the girls ... it’s an awesome service,” said Connie Schofer. “But to me all I can think of is how thankful I am for Dr. [Jerry] Falwell because if he didn’t have that vision to have that Godparent Home, then we wouldn’t have been able to adopt our little girl from there. It’s very close to home for me.”

www.liberty.edu

33

events

personal

baseball vs. rider

9 am & 11 am

23 easter service trbc

16

1 pm

qualifier all day

baseball vs. army

30

1 p.m.

wrestling ncaa east regional

9

2

student center

march 17-21, demoss 2105

24 easter holiday

31

8 am

7:40 am 2 pm

3 pm

softball vs. unc greensboro

classes resume at

25

baseball vs. james madison

march 18-19, demoss 1113 9 am

centra health nursing seminar,

17-21

parish nursing conference,

spring break begins spring intensives, march

11

18

8 pm

17

10

26

19

12

baseball vs. old dominion

2:30 pm

schilling center

7 pm

27

baseball vs. columbia

20

13

8 am

3 p.m.

wind ensemble spring concert,

hallway

internship fair, demoss main

6

open mic night, lahaye

5

4

rubik’s cube club, demoss 1105 7 pm

3

lobby

8 am

grand lobby, march

28-29 invitational

1:15 pm baseball vs. coastal carolina 3 pm

track and field, asics collegiate

civil war seminar in demoss

28

baseball vs. columbia

6 pm

3 pm

center, lahaye ice center

vines center, lahaye student

21

campus lock-in schilling center,

14

7 pm movie night at schilling center 8 pm

3 pm women’s bb vs. radford

baseball vs. army

friendly friday demoss grand

7

6 pm trbc

2 pm

11 am

12 pm

invitational

9:30 am david crowder concert, trbc 7 pm

baseball vs. coastal carolina 2 pm

track and field, asics collegiate

29

baseball vs. columbia

22

15

beast feast

baseball vs. army

men’s tennis vs. winthrop

8

baseball vs. rider

tolsma track center

7 am 2 pm men’s basketball vs. radford 7 pm

va aa indoor championships in

1

events

personal

worship institute concert, trbc 6 pm

27

softball vs. radford

1 pm 2:30 pm spring choir concert, trbc 6 pm

28

21

20

baseball vs. vmi

14

13

center

8 pm

3 pm

2 pm

2 pm

softball vs . gardner - webb

29

22

softball vs. longwood

15

baseball vs. james madison

1:30 pm

baseball vs . george mason

30

23

8 am

3 pm

9 pm

5 pm

softball vs. virginia tech

jazz night, demoss courtyard

3 pm

2 pm

baseball vs. virginia tech

16

softball vs. virginia

convocation

open mic night, lahaye student

10 am

local summer job fair, demoss

9

women’s tennis vs. presbyterian

8

franklin graham

7

& mary 3 pm

2 pm baseball vs. norfolk state 3 pm

convocation

softball vs. james madison

jonathan falwell, 10 am liberty

2

men’s tennis vs. presbyterian 1:30 pm

6

baseball vs. william

1

2 pm 3 pm roanoke

6 pm

lobby

8 am

softball vs. winthrop

25

2 pm

8:30 am must r.s.v.p baseball vs. vmi 3 pm campus artists series, schilling center 8 pm

reber-thomas dining hall

senior breakfast for may graduates,

friendly friday, demoss grand

18

women’s tennis vs. campbell 1:30 pm

men’s tennis vs. campbell 1:30 pm

11

junior senior banquet at hotel

men’s tennis vs. radford

softball vs. birmingham sthrn

4

1 pm 8 pm

1 pm

2 pm

softball vs. winthrop

26

1 pm

baseball vs. vmi

asheville

19

women’s tennis vs. unc

men’s tennis vs. unc asheville 1 pm

12

movie night, vines center

women’s tennis vs. radford

softball vs. birmingham sthrn1 pm

5

schedule and more details, visit www.libertyflames.com.

thomas road baptist church, visit www.trbc.org. for a full sports

events at liberty university, visit www.liberty.edu. for events at

for more information on featured events and a complete list of

24

17

college for a weekend, april 10-13

10

3

R

MEMORIES FROM LIBERTY MOUNTAIN

Remember When ... ?

The Liberty Walk-A-Thon took place on Dec. 11, 1985, with an 11.6 mile trek around Liberty Mountain and the LU campus. The event raised $519,888 for campus construction.

A crowd of about 5,000 went on a trail through the woods across Candler’s Mountain Road and walked until they reached a road that led them over to Old Rustburg Road (where the Falwell homeplace is located). They then circled the mountain past Camp Hydaway and came back down the mountain to LU. If you look closely, you will see Dr. Jerry Falwell in the mix.

Got a high-quality print you think would make a good Remember When ... ?

Please e-mail lj@liberty.edu

www.liberty.edu

37

Gracious greeter D

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

ave Campbell has an important job at Liberty University. He’s part museum host, part recruiter, part student mentor and part athletics booster.

Well, he doesn’t hold all those titles officially, but he does step into all those roles on a regular basis.

Campbell, an 83-year-old World War II veteran who was born and raised in Lynchburg, retired from banking after 41 years and worked in the hotel business 12 years after that.

But when he learned the hotel where he was working was being sold and he would be without a job, he called one of his best friends –- the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. The two knew each other “from way back” through common business and community interests.

Shortly after their talk, Campbell said he received a call from Jerry Falwell Jr. who told him about the museum that was about to be presented to his Dad as a birthday gift. He wanted to know if Campbell could work at the museum. He agreed immediately and has remained museum host for four years. He works from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays and relies on his wife and his son for transportation every day.

38

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

“They know how important this is to me,” he said.

The Falwell Museum, located off the grand lobby of the DeMoss Learning Center, was suggested by Falwell Jr. as a gift to his dad on his 70th birthday on Aug. 11, 2003.

It includes displays of the history of the Falwell family and the ministries’ growth through the years, a media room, equipment used for “The Old Time Gospel Hour” broadcasting and other historical documents chronicling each of the ministries. Paula Johnson spent the summer of 2003 working with Falwell Jr. and his wife, Becki, creating the museum and assembling the memorabilia that Falwell Jr. had collected over the years. Johnson now serves as curator and is still acquiring items for the museum. Wendy Kerstetter assists with the cataloging and creation of displays in the museum.

One of the biggest challenges was keeping Falwell Sr. out of the museum area while it was under construction, as he toured DeMoss almost daily.

“We finally had to board it up and tell him to stay out. He knew something was up, but not exactly what,” said Falwell Jr. Although it took many hands to complete the project, Campbell, you can be sure, will be the first one to meet you at the door.

“My job here is to make sure that all the visitors that come into the museum are taken care of by making sure all

questions are answered and they see all the good things that have been done and where the vision started and where it is going,” Campbell said.

And, in the months since his best friend’s passing, he has also had to lend a shoulder to cry on.

“I had three ladies come in here and all three were crying, ’cause they were so close to Dr. Falwell. They were from out of town,” Campbell said. “So I went up there and tried to console them. They walked all through the museum and one of them, she was still crying, so I just put my arm around her and said, ‘Ma’am, you just cry all you want, and I’ll cry with you because he was my best friend.’”

Campbell said the displays are so moving that visitors often comment on how nicely Dr. Falwell has been remembered.

“He touched so many people, all these people come in and they can’t think of him being gone. They say they think they ought to bump into him here and there. I think the same way. He was a fixture and he was a friend to everybody.”

Campbell said the best part of his job is meeting visitors from all over. In one day in December last year, he can remember people visiting from New York, Vermont, Montana, Florida and North Carolina.

“That’s just one day … and there’s lots of days like that,” he said. “We have them from everywhere –- Hawaii, Japan, Canada.

Some are alumni, have been in the mission field, and are back for their first time in years. They [alumni] go in shock. They can’t understand all the things that have happened since they were here.”

On one day during the semester break, Campbell greeted a couple from New Mexico, who were there to tour Liberty for their teenage son. Instantly, Campbell took on the role of recruiter.

With all smiles and no hesitation, he told them: “Don’t send him anywhere else.

This is where he needs to be –- morally and spiritually, the whole 9 yards. You’d feel safe with him here. … Bring that son in, I’d be glad to talk to him.”

It is obvious Campbell takes this role seriously.

“I have a lot of families that come in here and bring their children who are prospects for the school and I try to take it upon myself to really be a strong encourager for them to come to this school,” he said.

Campbell is there for the current students, too. He said they will sit beside him on a pew taken from the old Thomas Road Baptist Church and talk.

“I have a lot of students who will come by, and they’ll have things on their mind ... and we’ll sit here and try to iron them out,” he said. “I have met so many good people and students.

They kid me and say ‘Dave’s got his own clan.’ They call it the ‘Campbell Clan.’”

Although Campbell spends a lot of time at LU now, it doesn’t compare with the time he spent here in the past.

“Before I had some physical problems, I never missed any of the sporting events.

I helped start the Flames Club back when the school itself got started.”

He also served on the first sports advisory board for Liberty and on the nominating committee for hiring several coaches, “one of them being Coach [Carey] Green and that has worked out very well,” Campbell added.

Liberty’s women’s basketball team has won the Big South Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament seven

“I have met so many good people and students. They kid me and say ‘Dave’s got his own clan.’ They call it the ‘Campbell Clan.’ ”

times with Green as head coach.

Campbell did not attend LU (he went to Lynchburg College to study sports management) nor is he a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church (he is a lifetime member of Euclid Christian Church). But he has many loyalties to Liberty Mountain.

“I call this my school, although I did not go here,” he said. “I was very fond of Jerry and all of his folks and I had friends that went here, too. I liked what they stood for.”

Campbell has an unwavering loyalty to his country, too. He served in World War II, stationed with the 15th Air Force in Italy where he was the head of squadron supply. He flew with the crew some and saw a little action, but the hardest job he had was “when we lost some of the fellas, we’d have to get their things together to send back home. So many had wives, girlfriends and we didn’t know what to do with what, so we just did the best we could.”

He said that era was “a trying time. ... It’s something I wouldn’t want to do [again], but I’m one of those guys who’s very patriotic and I will do what’s right for my country.”

Campbell also wants to do what’s right for his Lord.

“I guess I’m lucky to be 83 years old and been through World War II and the good Lord’s still looking out for me,” he said. “He’s got a reason for me to be here and hopefully the reason that he has is the same one I got — to be here at the museum.”

Dave Campbell, museum host at The Falwell Museum in DeMoss Learning Center, shows visitors from Delaware some photographs of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell’s ancestors.

Photos by Les Schofer www.liberty.edu

39

Coming soon to Lynchburg, VA! Enjoy luxury with the convenience of community. Come home to Cornerstone.

1. Great Location (close to route 460, Timberlake Road and Liberty University) 2. nTelos Technology Backbone -all fiber optic access into LU’s network 3. Twenty Five Acre Park -playgrounds, gazebo, bike/walking trails, creeks with bridges 4. Pedestrian Friendly Community offering restaurants, shopping, and services 5. Diverse mix of housing opportunities 7. Mountain views

“Liberty University is pleased to join hands with Cornerstone to provide convenient, high-quality housing options for students, faculty, and staff.

Liberty University will provide bus service and a direct connection to Liberty Net to create an environment that offers Cornerstone residents many of the benefits and conveniences of being on campus.”

- Jerry Falwell, Jr. Chancellor, Liberty University

8. Open areas for studying, leisure, frisbee, and related activities 9. LU security presence 10. Bus Service to Liberty University

To request more information call 1-877-285-2612 or logon to www.liberty.edu/Cornerstone

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40

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Build Your Faith

KTS-8 7.5x9.625C

12/14/07

4:15 PM

Page 1

NEW SPORTS TECHNOLOGY

New lure’s catch rate may be too high for some tournaments.

Out-fishes other bait 19 to 4 in one contest.

Uses aerospace technology to mimic a real fish.

ORLANDO, FL— A small company in Connecticut has developed a new lure that mimics the motion of a real fish so realistically eight professionals couldn’t tell the difference between it and a live shad when it “swam” toward them on retrieval. The design eliminates wobbling, angled swimming and other unnatural motions that problem other hard bait lures. It swims upright and appears to propel

by Charlie Allen itself with its tail.

Curiously, the company may have designed it too well. Tournament fishermen who have used it said it’s possible officials will not allow it in contests where live bait is prohibited. They claim it swims more realistically than anything they have ever seen. If so, that would hurt the company’s promotional efforts. Winning tournaments is an important part of marketing a new lure.

Fish would probably prefer to see it restricted. I watched eight veteran fishermen test the new lure (called The KickTail®) on a lake outside Orlando FL for about four hours. Four used the KickTail and four used a combination of their favorite lures and shiners (live bait). The four using the KickTail caught 41 fish versus 14 for the other four. In one boat the KickTail won 19 to 4. The KickTail also caught bigger fish, which suggests it triggers larger, less aggressive fish to strike.

You can see why the company needs to get it into tournaments. An almost 3 to 1 advantage can Inventor Scott Wilson mean thousands of lands a 10-pounder. dollars to a fisherman, and hundreds of thousands in sales to the company.

The KickTail’s magic comes from a patented technology that breaks the tail into five segments. As water rushes by on retrieval, a little-known principle called aeronautical flutter causes the tail to wag left and right, as if the lure were propelling

Swims with its tail.

New lure swims like a real fish--nearly triples catch in Florida contest. itself with its tail. Unlike other hard baits, the head remains stationary—only the tail wags. A company spokesman told me this.

“Fish attack live things, and they determine if something is alive by watching its movements. Marine biologists will tell you that the more a lure swims like a real fish, the more fish it will catch. Well, the only live thing the KickTail doesn’t do is breathe. It’s better than live bait! It lasts longer and it never hangs half-dead from a hook. It’s always swimming wild and free. Fish can’t stand it. We’ve seen fish that have just eaten go for the KickTail. It’s like having another potato chip.

Increases catch almost 3 to 1.

“To make the KickTail even more lifelike, we gave it a natural shad color and shaped it like the most prevalent bait fish of all, the threadfin. Game fish gobble up more threadfin shad than any other baitfish.

“We knew the KickTail would out-fish other lures. It had to. Other lures wobble their heads and swim on an angle. But 41 fish to 14? That’s huge! I tell you, in ten seconds anyone who has fished a day in his life knows this little swimmer’s a home run. Fishermen reserved thousands of KickTails before we produced it! Here, reel it in and watch it swim toward you. Can you tell the difference between it and a live fish? (I said no.) Neither can the fish.

“The flutter technology also allows the KickTail to swim at the water’s surface.

Other top water lures must be worked to have any live action, or have a bill that makes them dive on retrieval. Our diver version is the only deep crank bait that let’s you do tricks like ‘walk the dog.’ Twitch it at deep levels and it gives an irresistible, lifelike action. Other lures ‘dig.’ And there’s no need for rattles. The five tail segments click together as you pull it through the water, calling fish from a distance.”

Whether you fish for fun or profit, if you want a near 3 to 1 advantage, I would order now before the KickTail becomes known.

The company even guarantees a refund, if you don’t catch more fish and return the lures within 30 days. There are three versions: a floater for top water, a diver and a “dying shad” with a weed guard for fishing lily pads and other feeding spots. The company says it’s the only hard bait of its kind in existence.

Each lure costs $9.95 and you must order at least two. There is also a “Super 10-Pack” with additional colors for only $79.95, a savings of almost $20.00. S/h is only $7.00 no matter how many you order.

To order call 1-800-873-4415 (Ask for item # kts), or click www.ngcsports .com anytime or day or send a check or M.O. (or cc number and exp. date) to NGC Sports (Dept. KT-1233) 60 Church Street, Yalesville, CT 06492. CT add sales tax. The KickTail is four inches long and works in salt and fresh water.

KTS-8

© NGC Worldwide, Inc. 2008 Dept. KT-1233

www.liberty.edu

41

MEMORIES FROM LIBERTY MOUNTAIN

at home in‘The

T

by RON BROWN Liberty Journal

he late Rev. Jerry Falwell was enthralled with Lynchburg’s Montview, also known as the Carter Glass Mansion.

Falwell had a love for Virginia’s history.

For years, the two-story stone structure at the center of the Liberty University campus served as office space for LU’s chancellor

Mansion’

and president.

“Dad and I moved there in early 1991,” said Jerry Falwell Jr., LU’s current president and chancellor. “It had already been the president’s office from 1978 until this past year.”

Now the grand ole mansion, built in 1923 by U.S. Sen. Carter Glass, (who used the home as his retreat away from Washington), has a new purpose.

Paula Oldham Johnson, who works for Thomas Road Baptist Church, managed the recent interior restoration and conversion from office space.

In 1923, U.S. Sen. Carter Glass oversaw the construction of Montview, which served as his retreat home during much of his senatorial career.

Glass served briefly as treasury secretary in the administration of President Woodrow Wilson. During the years of the Great Depression, Glass later broke with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s domestic policies and joined a bipartisan conservative coalition that opposed many of Roosevelt’s New Deal reforms. That prompted Roosevelt to

dub him as his “unreconstructed rebel.”

After Pearl Harbor, Glass became one of Roosevelt’s strongest allies as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

He was re-elected to the Senate for the last time in fall 1942, but had to take the oath of office on a glass-enclosed porch at Montview because of failing health.

Glass died of heart failure on May 28, 1946, at the age of 88.

MEMORIES FROM LIBERTY MOUNTAIN

Lighting The Flame

Photos by Les Schofer

“Because their father’s office was located in this historic home, the Falwell family is happy to see that the Carter Glass Mansion is being preserved,” she said.

Glass’ original office space will be reconstructed to fit the time period when he served as U.S. senator, she said.

Falwell Sr.’s office has been preserved as it was when he used it. The offices, located on the first level, will be open for tours by appointment.

Johnson said the other downstairs rooms will be public rooms for visitors who come to see the memorial garden, which is located in front of the mansion and contains Falwell Sr.’s grave. There will also be a small gift shop.

The four upstairs bedrooms will be restored to fit the 1920s period. They will serve as overnight accommodations for special guests to the University.

Johnson said the goal was to have most of the work done by the first of March.

Dr. Cline Hall, LU professor of history, had Montview listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and as a state historic landmark in the mid80s.

Members of the Falwell family held a Christmas Eve memorial service at the late Dr. Jerry Falwell’s burial garden. The burial garden, located on the lawn of the former Carter Glass Mansion, contains an eternal flame, fountain and sidewalks leading to Falwell’s grave. A webcam has been installed on the site and can be accessed at www.liberty.edu/memorial.

It was purchased by Liberty University in 1977.

Falwell Sr.’s grandfather had run a dairy farm that competed with the late Sen. Glass, the architect of legislation

that authorized the formation of the country’s Federal Reserve.

“Dad liked being up there,” Falwell Jr. said. “It was kind of a quiet escape for both of us.”

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43

FACULTY FOCUS

ACADEMIC LIFE

Living History Seminar celebrates Civil War era

by JENNI THURMAN Special to the Liberty Journal

Photos by Kevin Giedd

HHHHHHH WHEN:

On March 28 and 29 Liberty University will present its 12th annual Civil War Seminar.

This year’s program is titled Reaping the Whirlwind: The Battle of Gettysburg.

WHAT:

The seminar marks the 145th anniversary of the battle. The seminar will be free to Liberty students.

WHO:

In addition to a four-star speaker lineup and numerous exhibits of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia, vendors of Civil War items and a special exhibit of Civil War art featuring The Battle of Gettysburg, the seminar will feature a period ball in the Grand Lobby of DeMoss Hall on March 29. Participants in period costumes will enjoy authentic 19th century music from the 2nd South Carolina String Band.

WHERE & COST:

The event will be held in DeMoss Hall. Everyone is encouraged to secure reservations for this seminar by Wednesday, March 26. Admission to the seminar is $55 (which includes all of the seminar sessions, the Friday night banquet, and Saturday’s luncheon). After March 26, the price for both days is $65. Admission for Friday only is $25; admission for Saturday only is $30. Admission to the period ball is $25 per couple. Period dress only will be allowed.

Special Note: Heal plates on period footwear will not be allowed. This will be strictly enforced.

MORE INFO:

Special lodging rates at the Days Inn of Lynchburg are available for those who will be attending the seminar. For pricing and location of lodging, call 434 (847) 8655. For special group pricing for the seminar or more information, call 434 (592) 4031 or e-mail cehall@liberty.edu or kgrowlet@liberty.edu. Also, go to the website at www.liberty.edu/civilwar.

HHHHHHHHHH

People dressed in period costume mingle during the 2005 Civil War Seminar held in DeMoss Learning Center.

F

or Civil War re-enactor Dr. Kenny Rowlette, associate professor of English at Liberty University, studying the history of the War Between the States is more than a hobby. For the founder and current director of the National Civil War Chaplains Museum at LU, the war is also his career.

Born and raised in Berea, Ky., Rowlette developed a passion for the Civil War during the 1960s when a variety of centennial events celebrated the 100th anniversary of the war. He attended the re-enactment of different battles and skirmishes with his grandfather at the age of 11.

“Some people hunt, fish, play golf or play tennis,” Rowlette said. “I tried my hand at golf and I’m not that good at it. I’m a little slow for tennis.

Civil War re-enactments were

◆ HISTORY continued on page 46 www.liberty.edu

45

GENERAL NEWS ◆

HISTORY from page 45

something I could get into.”

After graduating from Berea College, Rowlette moved to Lynchburg. Since 1989, he has regularly participated in local re-enactments as a Union and Confederate soldier, and says he enjoys the events because they are a family activity.

“Both of my daughters have participated in re-enactments with me,” Rowlette said. “It was something we could bring the family into, whereas if you hunt and fish or play golf, you do that without the family.”

Since joining the LU faculty in 1980, Rowlette has incorporated his love for the Civil War into his classes.

He developed a course called the Literature of the Civil War in 1992 and regularly addresses the Civil War in his American Literature classes.

When the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, former chancellor of LU and an avid history buff, gave Rowlette the chance to take his love for the Civil War one step

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

further by creating a museum, he jumped at the chance.

Founded two years ago, the museum, located in a room on the second floor of DeMoss Learning Center, recognizes the dedication of the rabbis, priests and pastors who boosted religion and morale amongst the troops during the Civil War. The museum houses Civil-War era relics including bibles, books, uniforms and more.

Rowlette said he hopes the museum will expand into a 10,000-square-foot area on the third floor of For more information on the DeMoss and will model the National Civil War National Museum of the Chaplains Museum, please visit Civil War in Petersburg, www.cwm.westlys3d.com. which features interactive displays and movies that recreate battles by simulating the sounds of bullets whizzing by.

“We want to take a visitor to a camp meeting,” Rowlette said. “While standing in a room you would be next to holograms of soldiers. You would be able to hear their thoughts by using little iPods while listening to the chaplain speak.”

According to Rowlette, the museum is only “the tip of the tip of the iceberg.” He hopes a strong fundraising effort aided by prominent board members such as Col. J. W. Brinsfield, a chaplain corps historian at the Army Chaplain School in Ft. Jackson, S.C., who officially joined the museum board in January, will bring the expanded museum to fruition.

“Liberty has supported local Civil War events in the last 10 years, so it has the reputation of being a Civil War-friendly institution,” Rowlette said. “It helps us be a historical and cultural mentor to the area, and I’m very proud to be a part of that.”

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Liberty University Online Academy student Dustin Thomas [left] logs on to his laptop at his aunt’s store in Forest, Va., where he does his schooling. Right, Harvey Klamm, superintendent for LUOA, checks one of Dustin’s assignments from his office at Liberty University.

Photos by Jerome Sturm

virtual learning Online Academy connects with students grades 3-12

by MITZI BIBLE Liberty Journal

C

hildren these days are more tech-savvy than ever — using a computer is second nature for them.

That’s just one reason why Liberty University and Liberty Christian Academy have taken a queue from the Distance Learning Program and created an Online Academy for grades 3-12, with plans to offer kindergarten through second grade curriculum in the next two years.

The program, which features interactive courses with a Christ-centered curriculum, opened in fall 2007 with 50 students, mostly fifth grade and up. Currently, students are from several states and even Australia, Israel and Romania (where American children of missionaries use the program).

Every student enrolled has a guaranteed scholarship to Liberty University (every dollar spent goes toward tuition when they come to LU).

Harvey Klamm, former superintendent at LCA, is the superintendent and teacher for the Liberty University Online Academy.

“My desire was to see LCA spread out,” he said. “The university is worldwide, the church is worldwide, the Academy has always been a local school. I wanted to see it have an impact beyond what we were offering right in town. That’s what led to this concept.”

Jay Spencer, executive associate for online projects

at LU, said the program is off to a great start.

“We’re running over 1,000 inquiries right now with a lot of them interested for next fall. We just recently added several more students for our January term.”

He said the program received the “go ahead” and was finalized with the late Dr. Jerry Falwell’s approval and signature the Friday before he died.

“He was very excited about it,” Spencer said.

He said the program is meeting the needs of parents who want to homeschool but are intimidated at the prospects of becoming their child’s teacher.

In the Online Academy, students’ assignments are kept in a record system that is easy for parents to check on. The courses make use of cutting-edge technology, such as 3D animation, movies, instructional games and audio clips. For chemistry, for example, students can go to a virtual laboratory to do a science experiment.

Unlike in most schools where the class moves on to the next lesson even if all the students haven’t grasped what is being taught, in the Online Academy, “they have to master the content before they move to the next level,” Spencer said.

He is working on expanding the program for churches to be “satellite schools.” He has talked with pastors of small churches that want to provide a Christian school environment but can’t afford the cost of setting one up. With the Online Academy, students would bring their laptops to church and have adult supervision all day. A chapel service and recreation time could be added to the schedule.

To learn more about enrolling a student or how a church can partner with Liberty University Online Academy, call (866) 418-8741 or go to www.libertyonlineacademy.com. www.liberty.edu

47

Lee Roberson Scholarship Fund to aid Liberty students

Liberty ACADEMIC Briefs

The Lee Roberson Foundation has established a scholarship fund at Liberty University’s Liberty University seminary restates old name to aid Christian men and women

Liberty Theological Seminary is now Liberty Baptist in college, graduate Theological Seminary. The name change was announced school or seminary.

by Dr. Ergun Caner, president of the seminary, during The foundation the Seminary Christmas Banquet on Dec. 14. honors Dr. Lee

The word Baptist was taken out when Caner Roberson, founder became president in 2004. In his banquet address, Caner of Tennessee Temple told faculty that the earlier change “served notice to University and the larger Christian community that we were willing to do anything for the sake of the longtime pastor mission. … Changing the name was just one small component in our overall strategy. of Highland Park It obviously worked. We have had three straight years of growth and have doubled our Baptist Church in residential enrollment to over 400 in the seminary.”

Chattanooga, Tenn.

But now, he said, it is time “to build bridges to a lost world without burning the Roberson died April bridges of our doctrinal heritage. We are putting Baptist back in our name, and taking 29, 2007, at the age back a term that has been misused. of 97.

“It just made sense,” he said, “following the vision of our founder and the new The late Dr. chancellor, to proudly state that we are Baptist with a capital ‘B.’” Jerry Falwell,

The seminary was founded in 1973 as an outgrowth of Liberty University. Now, who received his close to 4,000 students from all 50 states and other countries are enrolled in both the honorary Doctor of Divinity from Tennessee Temple residential and distance learning programs. The seminary is accredited by the Southern Theological Seminary, was a close friend with Roberson.

Association of Colleges and Schools and the

John Roberson, Roberson’s son Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and a member of the Board of Trustees and Schools. at TTU, said the tie between his father Liberty Seminary and Falwell “was very strong, and that’s Celebrates Milestone in one reason we started the scholarship ◆ CUBE from page 24 fund at Liberty.”

Children’s Ministries Degree

Dr. Lee Roberson led Highland

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Park Baptist Church in the organization has announced its first students scheduled of Tennessee Temple Schools in 1946. to receive the Master of Arts in Children’s It was to be a two-year college and Ministries degree in May. The MACM program, Bible school, but soon expanded directed by Dr. Mike Mitchell, will graduate Nancy to incorporate a four-year college,

Mitchell and Mark Watkins, who completed their Bible school and seminary. It became work at the conclusion of Dr. Mitchell’s intensive, a university in 1979 and received Jan. 7-11. full accreditation by the American

The MACM is one of eight MA programs Association of Bible Colleges in 1984. available through the seminary. It is a 36-hour

The Lee Roberson Foundation, program designed for students formed less than a year before his whose passion is reaching death, has also established funds at TTU the next generation with and Cedarville University in Cedarville, the love of Jesus.

Ohio. Each was started with a $5,000

For more gift. information on

Money from the LU fund will be the program, made available to qualifying Liberty contact students once the fund reaches graduate $50,000. admis For more about scholarship sions at guidelines and disbursement of funds gradadthrough Liberty University call Harold missions@ Knowles with Estate Planning at (434) liberty.edu 592-6019. or Dr. Mike

For more about the Lee Roberson Mitchell, director, Foundation and contributing to the at (434) 592-4140. fund to help LU students, go to http://leeroberson.org.

48

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Let Truth and Falsehood Grapple Karen Swallow Prior AP Wide World Photo

poised within this clash of competing interests. Our university was founded for no less a cause than to raise up “Champions for Christ” who will confront and transform the culture. Thus we can understand this church’s concern about a sinful culture — if not their message or method. On the other hand, this same group protested at the late Dr. Jerry Falwell’s funeral, deeming our founder a “false prophet” for preaching “false doctrines like ‘God loves everyone.’”

So if anyone can understand the heightened grief caused by such hateful falsehoods, we can. And if anyone can empathize with the impulse to restrict such demonstrations, it is we.

Nevertheless, no one group more than Christians should be the diligent guardians of free speech.

For one thing, infringements on free speech in modern times target, more often than not, biblical Christians. The limits imposed in recent years

by American courts on abortion protests and by legislators around the world on anti-homosexual speech provide just a few examples.

But an even more important consideration stems from an understanding of the nature of truth.

The right to free speech, even when that speech is hateful or false, ultimately always serves the interests of truth. This principle has never been more eloquently argued than by the Puritan poet and pamphleteer John Milton in his 1644 treatise Areopagitica: “Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth,” Milton wrote, “so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously by licensing and prohibiting to misdoubt A passerby strolls past a display of the Bible outside the Harris County Civil her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple … .”

Courts building in Houston, Texas. A federal judge ruled that the Bible be removed Similarly, Ecclesiastes 2:13 says, “Wisdom excels because it is located on county property. folly as light excels darkness.” Darkness isn’t a

positive entity, but rather, the absence of light. The ecently, a jury imposed a judgment of only way to dispel darkness is through the presence of nearly $11 million against a church that light. Likewise, since truth is a fruit of the light (Eph. travels the country spreading the message 5:9), the way to eliminate folly, or falsehood, is not to that “God Hates America.” This church has suppress it, but to shine the light of truth upon it. gained notoriety in recent years for “celebrating” Attempts by the government or by Christians at the funerals of fallen American soldiers what it to suppress speech only further darkness since even proclaims to be God’s judgment on America for narrowly targeted restrictions on speech risk the having “sold her soul to the sodomites.” Because of inadvertent suppression of truth. these demonstrations, numerous states have enacted “Truth is compared in Scripture to a streaming laws limiting protests at funerals and cemeteries. This fountain,” argued Milton, “If her waters flow not in a judgment resulted from a lawsuit filed by the father perpetual progression, they sicken into a muddy pool of a soldier killed in Iraq whose funeral the group of conformity and tradition.” protested.

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior is Associate Professor of The Liberty University community stands uniquely English at Liberty University.

R

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

AP Wide World Photo

Iraqi soldiers stand guard in Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq, as the the Shiite holy city marks the beginning of the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha on Dec. 20, 2007.

by DR. ED HINDSON Liberty Journal

T

Is Time Running Out?

he world is changing rapidly. Never before in human history has the world seemed so vulnerable and so at a loss for the workable solution to its problems.

Despite today’s amazing technological advances, increasing prosperity, and growing number of opportunities for a better life, many people admit to a growing unease about the future.

Many things predicted in Bible prophecy are already beginning to happen. Israel is back in her ancient homeland.

There is constant tension in the Middle East. The threat of weapons of destruction remains a constant reality. The European Union is rapidly becoming the major economic force in the burgeoning global economy. Calls for world peace are being heard everywhere around the world. They are like flashing lights of an ominous global warning.

The timing of the last days is in God’s hands. From a human standpoint it appears that we are standing on the threshold of the final frontier. The pieces of the prophetic puzzle are all in place. As the sands of time slip through the hourglass of eternity, we are all moving closer to an appointment with destiny. The only question is: How much time is left?

How should we then live?

We are living in a time of great crisis, but it is also a time of great opportunity. We must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of us. New technologies will make our lives more dependent on those conveniences. Medical advancements will continue to pose enormous challenges

in the area of biomedical ethics. The shifting sands of sociopolitical change will also challenge our national and international policies in the days ahead. We will find ourselves living in a very different world.

At Liberty University we are expanding our programs to meet the challenge of providing a distinctively Christian education with a global delivery system that will enable us to train students in whatever time remains on God’s prophetic calendar. At the same time, preparing for Christ’s return is something each one of us must do on our own. Each person is responsible for his or her eternal destiny.

Jesus never abandoned his plan for the world. He told us to “Keep watching” and “Be ready” for His coming (Matthew 24:42, 44). We are to live with the next world in view. At the same time Jesus told us to “Keep serving” until He comes (Matthew 24:46). Human leaders will come and go. Some will be better, some worse. But behind the scenes of the human struggle, God still reigns over the destiny of mankind. During this present age, God is still working through His church to evangelize the lost, make disciples and minister to the needs of a hurting world.

We have a great prediction to fulfill and a great commission to accomplish. Jesus predicted “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18) and He commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In either case, he promised, “And I will be with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Dr. Ed Hindson is distinguished Professor of Religion and Dean of the Institute of Biblical Studies at Liberty University. www.liberty.edu

51

OPINION/EDITORIAL Jordan Crossingham

Group’s intimidation efforts rebuffed

by MATHEW D. STAVER Liberty Journal

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee speaks to Liberty students at the Vines Center in late November.

The liberal organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State has elevated its recent anti-Christian attacks against Liberty University to an absurd and unprecedented level.

B

efore he went home to be with the Lord, Dr. Jerry Falwell frequently debated Barry Lynn, the former ACLU lawyer and founder of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Now, this radical organization has turned its sites on Liberty University’s chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr. In two recent fundraising letters, Americans United is asking its atheist and agnostic supporters to sign a petition requesting the IRS investigate the tax exempt status of Liberty University after Chancellor Falwell’s personal endorsement of former Gov. Mike Huckabee for President. Barry Lynn has taken his intimidation tactics to new heights in an effort to silence Christians.

In November 2007, Mike Huckabee spoke to the students and staff at LU’s mid-week convocation. Huckabee has been a longtime friend of the Falwells and previously spoke at the university convocation before he began his run for president.

In any academic year, the students and staff will hear scores of speakers through three weekly convocations and chapels, weekly and mid-week church services, graduation and numerous special events. So, when Huckabee spoke last year, he followed Liberty’s rich tradition of bringing the nation’s religious and political leaders to speak to the students and staff.

Last year, after the students and staff were dismissed from convocation, members of the local media gathered off stage to interview Huckabee. While conversing with the reporters, Chancellor Falwell told them that he personally felt that Huckabee would make a good president, and he would personally endorse him.

The Lynchburg News & Advance, along with the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the CBS Evening News and Associated Press all ran stories the following day covering the interview with Huckabee and reported that Chancellor Falwell gave his personal endorsement to him.

52

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

The Liberty Journal online edition, which covers the news and events at Liberty University, ran a story about Huckabee’s appearance at convocation and reported that Chancellor Falwell gave his personal endorsement to Huckabee.

For this article, Americans United for Separation of Church and State is up in arms. But contrary to their complaints, the chancellor of a university, like a pastor of a church, may personally endorse or oppose political candidates. While the IRS rules prohibit nonprofit organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates, individuals are free to do so. As a nonprofit organization, Liberty University does not corporately endorse or oppose political candidates, but each staff member and certainly the chancellor may do so as individuals.

The IRS rules expressly allow personal political endorsements and the First Amendment grants each individual that right.

Barry Lynn has a double standard. He has not filed complaints against the many churches and universities where Hilliary Clinton and Barack Obama have spoken. Lynn wants to intimidate conservative Christians into silence by his threatening and bogus claims. But he really can’t be serious about his complaint succeeding against Liberty University.

If Huckabee cannot speak on campus, and if the university chancellor cannot personally endorse a candidate, then every university, professor and administrator in the country must likewise be silenced. Barry Lynn would not want to silence the secular universities. But he would like to silence the largest evangelical university in the world.

Neither Liberty University nor Chancellor Falwell will be intimidated by the baseless scaremongering of an atheist organization.

Mathew D. Staver is Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dean of the Liberty University School of Law.

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Victory in Jesus Jack Graham

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

A

spiritual battle is raging and believers are right in the middle of this invisible war. Satan is an insidious enemy and his power is dangerous and destructive. Jesus said “he comes to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and in the last days this fight will intensify.

The Scriptures say “he has come down in great wrath knowing his time is short.” This is the reason we are facing increasing opposition as we follow Christ in our generation. Yet we are promised victory over all the works of the Enemy and are given spiritual weapons to win the war with sin, death, and Hell.

Revelation 12:11-12 speaks of our victory and the resources we are given to overcome Satan. Notice what God’s Word says: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

There is a threefold provision for victory. We should all claim God’s power for spiritual warfare and overcome to the glory of God. Notice how we win!

1. The Believer’s Redemption We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus defeated the Devil at the cross. The powerful blood of Jesus breaks the power of sin and makes it possible for us to be forgiven forever.

1 John 1:7 says “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

We have victory over sin and Satan when we confess our sins and claim God’s forgiveness in Christ. The Devil defeats us if we live in sin and practice disobedience. We must search our

hearts, repent and receive His grace.

Don’t allow Satan a foothold (Ephesians 4:27) or a place to operate in your life.

Be clean and live in the purity of His holiness.

2. The Believer’s Confession We overcame by the “word of our testimony.” When you speak of Jesus’ grace and power in your life, you are defending yourself against all the assaults of Satan and extinguishing the fiery darts that assail us. Jesus is Lord.

Do you know Him? Then confess Him and speak often of His love in your life.

You are His beloved, called and chosen to be His child. You are not a victim, but a victor, overcoming and never overcome. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2). Boldly proclaim His name and watch Satan flee.

3. The Believer’s Protection You may be facing extreme opposition, even persecution because you are a follower of the Lamb. Suffering is a very real possibility for every Christian.

But we win in life and death because of

Global Ministry $10,000,000 in medical supplies distributed to children through Kids Care 1,000,000 decisions made for Christ Over 1,000,000 students addressed in public schools and church assemblies Over 1,500,000 Scriptures distributed in the Soviet Union, China, Brazil, Chile and Argentina 100,000 Cuban Testaments distributed For more information, visit: www.rickamato.com

the confidence we have in Christ. “They loved not their lives unto death.” We can face an uncertain future because death is defeated and we will live in the presence of our Blessed Savior forever. No matter what you face, you can live without fear because of the hope we have in Him. Tell the story confidently and courageously until He comes for you and you will celebrate your victory throughout eternity. The great reformer Martin Luther wrote these stirring words: And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, and is a member of Liberty University’s Board of Trustees. He has served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention and is a noted author of numerous books.

I

n the wake of tough times in the United States, Rick Amato is bringing an invitation of unity, love, and a special message about the choices young people are facing today in regards to racism, hatred, violence and addiction.

For more than 25 years, Amato has communicated to young people with genuine transparency, speaking to over 630,000 junior high and high school students across America.

Amato attended Liberty University where he and Jerry Falwell Jr. were students at the same time. Today, Chancellor Falwell serves on the Board of Directors of Rick Amato Ministries.

Amato now feels called to return to the local church, preaching the Gospel of Christ.

Pastors are encouraged to schedule Amato for their next event.

To book Rick Amato,

CALL 800-543-WORD www.liberty.edu

53

OPINION/EDITORIAL

The Wisdom of Age Mark DeMoss

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

L

to our home after my father’s death, and he returned a week later to participate in his memorial service. (He would subsequently speak at my brother’s memorial service and co-officiate at my wedding ceremony.)

A year later I enrolled at Liberty University, the school Jerry founded in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Falwell home was as good as mine. After graduation, for eight years, I worked closely for and with Jerry; only his wife spent more time with him. Yes, he’s controversial, but from thousands of hours observing him in the rear of a plane, in a quiet office or hotel room, in his home, I came to see what he knows: namely, that people matter most.

The Virginia preacher is notorious for being the last person to leave the

eading up to the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, American team captain Tom Lehman reached outside his peer group — his sport, even — to consult with a 95-year-old basketball coach named John Wooden. Why would a 47-year-old golfer call on a basketball coach twice his age, a man who coached his last game 30 years ago?

The answer is that because a wise man knows his limitations. Lehman built his career in an individual sport. Wooden was first and last about the sum of his players.

Speaking now from my early 40s, I understand — indeed, I envy — Tom Lehman’s visit with John Wooden.

When my father died at age 53, Jerry Falwell was 46 and already a public figure. He was among the first visitors

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building after every service, staying to shake hands and speak with anyone and everyone who wants his ear. He does this even when he is preaching in another state, knowing the practice will delay his return home by an hour or two.

Throughout nearly five decades of public ministry, Jerry Falwell has conducted virtually every wedding and funeral he’s been asked to do, often officiating several ceremonies in a single day.

Nurses and doctors at Lynchburg’s two hospitals know him well from the rounds he has made several times a week for the past 50 years. Those he has served never forget it.

Jerry also showed me that while people are important, family is more important. From my near-total control of Jerry’s calendar and schedule, I learned that nothing took priority over his wife, daughter, and two sons ... or his wife’s brother and his children, or her sisters or parents. Birthdays, even grown-up family birthdays, trumped an invitation for Jerry to go to the White House, appear on “Nightline” or “Larry King Live,” or be anywhere else. I learned about priorities from someone who had them in order, and those eight years in the company of a man some three decades older than me have made me a better husband and father.

I’ve learned much from age, other people’s age. From the time little feet can dangle from adult chairs at the dinner table, one of the best things we can do for our children is what my parents did for me: get them in the habit of looking to the people whose very lives lift the general line of vision.

Our culture’s broken compass is fixed on youth; when it’s good direction you need, look up someone well down the right road.

Excerpted from “The Little Red Book of Wisdom” (Thomas Nelson, 2007), by Mark DeMoss. DeMoss, a 1980 Liberty University graduate, is a member of Liberty University’s Board of Trustees. He is president of The DeMoss Group, an Atlanta-based public relations firm.

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ALUMNI

Alumni Snapshot Why did you choose to attend Liberty University?

Immediately after getting saved during my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to attend a Christian university. My first year of college I spent at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. At the time, LU was called Lynchburg Baptist College. What I had heard of it sounded exciting, and I knew they were going to put together a baseball team and so off to Lynchburg I went. I also had other high school friends who chose to attend Liberty. We really did not have our own campus then, but we made do and it was a very exciting time. We used the site of Thomas Road Baptist Church, some facilities downtown, Treasure Island and other places I cannot even remember anymore. Liberty was one of the best choices I have ever made in life.

Alumni Ad

What is your fondest memory of Liberty?

Greg Clendenin and his wife of 9 years, Dottie.

Name: Greg Clendenin Graduating class date: Attended LU from 1972-74, finished via LUSLL program Where he lives: Orlando, Fla. Family: Married to Dottie Clendenin with 4 children: Jason, Aaron, George and Charlie Occupation: Retired CEO Previous positions: CEO of both a private and a public company Hobbies: Bass fishing, golf, traveling, volunteer work with Vision 360, a global church planting organization Education: Bachelor’s from LU, Master’s of Business Administration from Crummer Business School at Rollins College

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Being a part of the first baseball team, being a part of Thomas Road Baptist Church and having the opportunity to get to know Jerry Falwell. I also thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the energy on campus. But my fondest memory of Liberty is learning from and knowing, as a friend, leader and mentor, Jerry Falwell.

He used to play basketball with us in the early 70s, too. Those were great times.

I also remember all the great speakers that would come to campus. Those were rich learning experiences.

How did attending Liberty prepare you for your life after graduation?

At Liberty I learned more about doing things right the first time, thinking big and thinking quality. I also learned that to build anything here, you have to build people. The quality of the education itself that I received at Liberty was important in my career. I realized that you have to have a vision. To achieve anything of significance, you have to first see it in your mind’s eye. I also learned that a Christian does not belong under the circumstances. If you need to, then be willing to stand alone, but I also gleaned that God has a lot of people willing to stand with you. I also understand that everything rises and falls on leadership. These things I have always kept in mind throughout my business career and my personal life.

My wife and I are big supporters of LU and we will always be supporters of both the academic and the athletic programs. I am so glad my wife got to know Jerry before he went to heaven. Now she knows why I love Liberty and Thomas Road so much and why Jerry meant so much to so many of us. It is great to see God continue to do great things at the university and in the church. Jonathan and Jerry Jr. are doing a great job. They are well prepared to do it and it is obvious that God has His hand on them like He did their father. Go Flames!

What would people be surprised to know about you?

For some people, it might be that I am still considering running for political office.

I may not ever do it, but I am keeping an open mind about it … maybe for mayor of our city one day … something like that. I believe, and as I learned at Liberty, that Christians need to be active in politics and they need to vote in every election possible. If good people stay out of politics, then only what is left over will be running the country and our communities.

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Les Schofer

ALUMNI

Liberty University co-founder and Dean of the School of Religion Dr. Elmer Towns stands in front of the construction site of the new interactive lecture hall and classroom adjacent to the B.R. Lakin School of Religion. The school is also getting a makeover to match the exterior of DeMoss Learning Center.

An ever-expanding vision

by TARA MAXWELL Liberty Journal

Renovation project expands, upgrades School of Religion

L

iberty University co-founder Dr. Elmer Towns sees himself teaching 900 students in a classroom, while simultaneously teaching 9,000 students from all over the world using the Internet. His vision will be nearer to reality this fall when construction is completed on the Towns/Alumni Ministry Training Center.

The center, an expansion of the existing B.R. Lakin School of Religion on Liberty’s main campus, will include a 900-seat “smart” lecture hall and interactive classroom with cutting-edge computer technology. A renovation of

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? To make a donation for the construction of the Towns/ Alumni Ministry Training Center call 1 (800) 628-7973, e-mail alumni@liberty.edu or visit www.liberty.edu/develop ment/alumni/ and click on Support LU.

the school’s exterior includes an addition of columns and steps to create a Jeffersonian-style façade similar to the Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center.

Liberty University officials, including the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, broke ground on the site behind the School of Religion, next to U.S. 460, on April 25.

The Liberty University Office of Alumni Affairs is spearheading a three-

year, $2 million campaign, started in September 2006, to cover the cost of the project. At the end of 2007, $713,367 in cash and pledges had been given by 433 donors. Project donors include alumni, churches and various organizations.

“We’ve had some substantial gifts from churches because the whole basis of building this smart classroom is to accelerate the vision of Dr. Falwell and Dr. Towns to train 10,000 new pastors and missionaries in the next 10 to 15 years.

You can train more in a larger classroom setting and through the Internet they don’t actually have to be here,” Andy Barrick, director of alumni affairs, said.

Liberty’s spring 2007 fall resident enrollment stood at more than 10,500 students and the Distance Learning Program has an increased enrollment ◆ VISION continued on page 58 www.liberty.edu

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ALUMNI â—†

VISION from page 57

this year of 19,013 compared with 11,501 last spring.

Religion training, pastors and missionaries keep religion the most popular major at Liberty. “With enrollment skyrocketing, this is a much-needed facility for classroom space. It allows us to have bigger classes, and that’s why we’ve got to complete it by the fall,� Barrick said.

The project also includes an additional classroom called the Hall of Ministry. It will feature murals of founder Dr. Falwell and Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Towns, dean of the School of Religion, said the center must be completed by fall because the school has already planned classes for the new facility. “Ever since we started teaching large classes in [Rooms] 1113 and 1114, each side will hold right at 400 students, and I’ve always had right up the edge of 400 students,� he said.

Dr. Towns, who says he “has been here from the beginning and taught a little bit of everything,� began teaching in

(Left to right), Liberty cofounder Dr. Elmer Towns, the late Dr. Jerry Falwell and Liberty University Executive Vice President Ron Godwin break ground on the site of the Towns/Alumni Ministry Training Center in April 2007.

Les Schofer

1971, when the first group for the school consisted of 14 students. Over the years he has taught more than 5,500 students in classes ranging from Philosophy to Western Civilization. He continues to teach hundreds of students each year as a professor of religion.

He says what makes LU different from other higher learning institutions is its founding principle to establish a Christian college that acts as an extension

of the church. “We’ve called the School of Religion the rudder of the university so that the word of God will keep everyone straight, but [the Rev.] Jonathan Falwell has recently changed it from ‘the rudder.’ He calls it ‘the lifeblood’ of the university,� Towns said. “The word of God, theology, Christian life, evangelism — that’s the lifeblood; that’s why Liberty was started.�

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

Breaking Barriers

Liberty alumna hones language

S

skills during internship abroad

by TARA MAXWELL Liberty Journal

ome college graduates spend years of service in fields unrelated to their area of study: English majors serve lattes, Art History majors wait tables, Psychology majors ring registers and the list goes on and on.

Chelsea Pouncey is not one of those graduates.

Pouncey, a 22-year-old May 2007 Liberty University graduate, has always been fascinated by linguistics and was able to put her Teaching English as a Second Language â—† BREAKING continued on page 60

A group of women (top), including Liberty University alumna Chelsea Pouncey, go for a walk dressed in traditional garb in central Asia.

Pouncey (above) dresses in traditional indoor clothing. www.liberty.edu

59

Jordan Crossingham

Chelsea Pouncey visited Liberty University in November and shared her story of her work in central Asia

◆

BREAKING from page 59

degree to work in central Asia during a nine-week trip as a language program intern in late 2007.

Pouncey, an avid trekker who hails from Illinois, has traveled to more than 15 countries, and her parents work with orphans in Romania.

Although Pouncey has traveled extensively and has taught overseas, her stint in central Asia was her first opportunity to directly use her linguistic skills acquired at Liberty.

“If I had not taken the linguistic and language learning classes I would never have been able to do the work that I was doing. The people I was working with were very impressed by my knowledge and understanding of the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) system and linguistics,” Pouncey said.

While at Liberty, Pouncey attended a banquet for a class and was seated next to a couple who had traveled to the Philippines for six weeks and knew of a family looking for a student to assist in central Asia.

Security and cultural divides were of primary concern to Pouncey and to her parents, who eventually gave their blessing to her desire to work in central Asia.

Pouncey loves to smile and laugh, but she said she is willing to sacrifice those personality traits in service to the global community.

“The family I was going to stay with e-mailed 60

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

me a lot of security advice and they told me to never look a man in the eye and never smile,” Pouncey said.

“With my personality it was really hard. I was really, really nervous, looking down at my feet.”

The family hosting Pouncey had lived in the region for many years. Although the area where Pouncey spent the majority of her stay was relatively safe, she was overwhelmed at times by security concerns.

Pouncey was required to have a male chaperone accompany her at all times while she stayed with her host family.

As a language program intern, Pouncey performed language learning (translation and pronunciation) with three different teachers, with one coming to the house five days a week. She also worked on language survey to perfect the IPA. She worked with the official language of central Asia and some site-specific languages in rural villages.

Pouncey traveled with her male translator/chaperone and female chaperone to conduct language survey in a secluded village where many of the inhabitants had never seen a foreigner. Pouncey brought identical word lists to different villages and compared the languages to see if the words had similar meanings and connotations.

“They brought all the men to me and took all the women and children away,” Pouncey said. “With the work I was doing, they didn’t want the women there.

They had to know the language I was working with

ssingham

ALUMNI and none of the women know it.” hand a coin to somebody, you have to do it in a way As a side job, Pouncey taught an advanced Engthat you are not touching. It’s really bad, really embarlish class to a group of females ages 10 through 24. rassing, when you touch. Our guard who took us out She said most of the people she met knew as many as was very used to Americans and never got upset if we five languages. fumbled.”

“The relationships I got to build were my favorite In addition to cultural differences, Pouncey had part. I got so close to my students. They really honto adjust to different standards of living that included ored me,” Pouncey said. “One girl wrote in her paper unsanitary water, virtually no indoor plumbing and she wanted to be my best friend.” meals mostly consisting of bread potatoes and rice.

Most of the time it was between 90 and 100 She said technology is limited and very few people degrees during the day. Despite the heat, she had to have computers in their homes. wear multiple layers of clothing.

“They all have cell phones,” Pouncey said. “They “You wear long pants under long skirts and long don’t have computers or air conditioning or central sleeves, and then when you go out you put on more heating, but they all have cell phones.” clothing,” she said. “Foreign educated women put on Despite the challenges of life in central Asia, long-ankle-length coats that comPouncey hopes to return to perform pletely hide your figure, and you 18 months of language work. have a headscarf on. I got used to She then plans to get a higher de“The relationships I got it. It was hard to come back to the gree and return to central Asia where states and not want to put on the to build were my favor- she hopes to teach or work in applied scarf and cover up.” linguistics.

In addition to being mostly Although Pouncey is looking ite part. I got so close covered up, women wear full forward to making a difference on a makeup and high heels. global scale, she admits she will miss to my students. They “When you go out, you are in her family, friends and country. high heels. You see women in mud, really honored me.”

“I will really miss my family. wearing traditional clothing in When I was over there my sister stilettos and full makeup,” Pouncey had her second daughter and it was said. really hard knowing she was havIn central Asia women don’t -Chelsea Pouncey ing her child and I wasn’t there and do the family shopping, don’t sit my younger sister is my best friend,” in the front seat of cars and walk a Pouncey said. “I normally call my parpace behind men. Even while outside in a walled yard, ents every day, but I could only call them once a week women have to talk quietly because it is not appropri- because it was so expensive and there were times ate for a non-related man to hear a woman’s voice. when I missed certain luxuries or certain foods like “They are very hospitable people. It’s almost like fruit. Most days I fell in love with it and other days I it was 100 years ago in America. You don’t leave your wanted to be in America.” house without dressing up to go out. When you go to Editor’s note: For security purposes details were ommitted from the story. someone’s house it’s not just a casual visit,” Pouncey said. “The women especially, right away A view of one are rushed into a private room. The of the cities windows are closed, the door is closed.

Pouncey It’s so that the men won’t see her. It’s visited during very honoring to her, because she is her stay in not being gawked at by a man, and it’s central Asia. honoring to the men, because they are not having a temptation put in front of them.”

Pouncey said she became accustomed to the cultural differences, but made some minor mistakes along the way.

“There were a few different times when they had to correct me and remind me to stop smiling,” Pouncey said. “I just felt so rude, when someone greets you, you can’t smile. Males and females have to be straight-faced to each other, never touch. When you www.liberty.edu

61

SPORTS GENERAL NEWS

Flames Burn Coastal

by TODD WETMORE Liberty Journal Photos by Les Schofer

T

he Flames men’s basketball game against Coastal Carolina not only served as one of the first games to welcome Liberty’s student body back from Christmas break, but it also provided those familiar with the program a blast from the past.

Under the Athletics Department’s “Beat Coastal” initiative, over 4,000 high-energy fans helped create a daunting atmosphere inside the Vines Center on Jan. 21. The students were encouraged to wear red, and the first 500 student attendees were issued “Beat Coastal” T-shirts.

The largest home crowd to date under first-year head coach Ritchie McKay was reminiscent of prior times during the program’s heyday. During its pinnacle in the mid-90s, Liberty regularly packed the building, averaging more than 5,000 fans per home event.

The raucous crowd provided Liberty with a home court advantage, which opposing teams feared. Flames’ foes quickly tabbed the on-campus facility as “The Furnace,” where deafening LU fanatics spurred Liberty onto victory.

However, a high-flying slam dunk or a run of three point shots weren’t the only things which raised the noise level to its highest. But rather, it was something that took place off the court which brought the crowd to its feet.

Following the customary chants of “Jerr-E, Jerr-E” from the student body, Liberty University Founder and Chancellor Dr. Jerry Falwell would regularly leave his seat and cross the arena. From there, the larger-than-life Falwell was hoisted up by the students, where he was “crowd surfed” from the first row up to the last seat in the top row.

During the game, the torch passed from one generation to the next when Jerry Falwell Jr. took up his father’s mantle by taking his first “surfing” session (top right photo). The jubilant students raised the new Chancellor above their heads for the ride of a lifetime.

The Flames went on to defeat the Chanticleers that night 78-59 in the Vines Center, allowing the squad to remain undefeated at home this season. But those in attendance will long remember

the contest more for the entertaining atmosphere. The men’s basketball program seems to be well on its way to regaining its stranglehold on the Big South Conference, as it returns to its former glory, both on and off the court.

Todd Wetmore is Liberty’s Assistant AD for Athletic Media Relations.

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

SPORTS

Les Schofer

Eye on Athletics

How can Liberty University athletics succeed in a sea of competitive college programs?

W

ith two individual National Champions in track, multiple victories over Top-20 Division I programs and numerous conference championships, I believe we have already achieved great success in many ways.

The question becomes, can Liberty become a top-20 Division I program itself?

My answer is a resounding Jeff Barber yes. With the commitment this university has to our athletics program, our foundation is strong and we will see much greater achievement in the near future. However, there is something much more important to us being successful than wins and losses.

As we become the type of program we all desire, we will all see the vision Dr. Falwell had for our athletics program come to fruition. We do not want to win just to win. We want to win because as a Christian university, our successes will allow us to accomplish the most important reasons for us to win.

I believe very strongly that there are two main reasons for Liberty to have a top athletics program.

First of all, winning will allow us to

use our accomplishments as a platform to share Christ and be a witness for Him. There is no question that in today’s society, our world listens to winners.

Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith and Zach Johnson are just a few of the Christian coaches/ athletes who have used their popularity to share the Gospel.

Because people listen to winners, we have a unique opportunity to gain valuable credibility with those who follow athletics and thereby will listen to the message we have to share.

Secondly, we want to win at Liberty so that we can help build this wonderful university. One can look all over the country and see schools that have used athletics as a tool to help build and develop their school. We want our athletics department to be successful so that we can do our part in building this great university.

What better calling can we have than to be a part of building a university that is changing the hearts and lives of people around the world? We are a university that is putting Christian teachers, aviators, nurses and more all over the world.

Yes, Liberty athletics can be very

successful and become a major player amongst NCAA competition. Reaching that point will be wonderful and fun for all Flames fans, but once we get there, we will all see that winning means much more than just wins and losses. More importantly, it will mean that God is using our athletics program to further His Kingdom in a unique and special way.

Jeff Barber is Director of Athletics for Liberty University.

www.liberty.edu

63

Back On The Mat

by ERIC BROWN Special to the Liberty Journal

Wrestling returns to Liberty

The book of Genesis tells of an instance when Jacob wrestled with God until daybreak. The end of this physical battle left Jacob with an injured hip and a blessing from the Lord. For the Liberty University wrestling team, each match is physical, and like Jacob, the program is reaping the benefits.

In just its first year back after a 12-year hiatus, the wrestling team won the NCAA East Regional Qualifier, sending four competitors on to the national championship. Just one year later Coach Jesse Castro and his team have the privilege of hosting the qualifier for the first time in school history. However, with that honor comes a certain degree of pressure.

“We were the new team last year and we stepped in and won it,” said sophomore Chad Porter. “I’m sure we’re going to

64

LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

have a target on our back more so than last year.”

Coming out of high school nationally ranked, Porter brought much experience to a newly resurrected program. At a lean 165 pounds, the West Virginia native captured the East Regional title in his weight division, advancing to the NCAA Championships in his freshman season.

Three of Porter’s teammates, senior Christian Smith, junior Tim Harner and sophomore Patrick Walker also made the trip to Auburn Hills, Mich., for the national championships last season.

Even before his appearance at nationals last year, Smith was no stranger to being an NCAA qualifier. Before transferring to Liberty from Virginia Tech, the senior spent the first two seasons of his college career at Duke University. In his freshman season,

SPORTS his hand heavily wrapped.

Then there is Walker, a heavyweight who is Photos by Les Schofer undoubtedly the vocal and spiritual leader of the team. Although he may be listed as a sophomore, he is not an ordinary second year student. Prior to attending Liberty, Walker spent four years of active duty as an Army Ranger. During that time, he was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan twice. His experiences in the military have more than prepared him for his role as a team captain.

“Heavyweights tend to have an aura about them as a leader. In terms of leadership he is irreplaceable,” said Castro.

When Liberty hired Castro as head coach in 2005, he immediately began setting goals for himself and the team. He saw the East Regional Qualifier as a feasible way to get his team to nationals. Although the road that lay ahead of him was a difficult one, Castro had plenty of experience in building a program.

Castro first came to Liberty in the late 70s, a time when the program was only a few years old. After becoming the first four-time champion in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA), Castro returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1983. As an assistant, he helped the program achieve national recognition on the Division II level.

In 1988, Castro became a head coach at Norwich University in Northfield,Vt. “We went from nowhere to 11th in the country in Division III in nine years with nine AllAmericans,” said Castro.

From there Castro traveled to Woolwich, N.J., where he led Kingsway Regional High School to a state title in 1998.

Now back at Liberty, Castro and his latest team have made just as much impact off the mat as they have on it. Since resurrecting the program, The Flames won four out of their first five bouts and got a 4-1 decision by Shaun Smith at five of Castro’s wrestlers have accepted Christ 157 pounds to wrestle defending ACC champion N.C. State to an 18-18 draw, on Feb. 12, in Liberty’s first home wrestling match of the 2007-08 home schedule. as their Savior. In addition to the spiritual growth “This is a significant milestone for us,” said Liberty University Wrestling Coach Jesse within the program, the team held a Bible study Castro. In the 21 years our program has competed, we have never beaten or tied an ACC with competitors from Oklahoma and Indiana school, no less the returning ACC champions.”

University at the NCAA Championship last year.

“We sent out the invitation to the coaches if they wanted to come,” said Smith. “Most of Smith captured the ACC title at 125 pounds. Upon qualifying for them that came were Christians or had some affiliation.” nationals a second time, Smith earned the honor of Co-Most As Liberty’s post-season approaches, this year’s squad hopes Outstanding Wrestler at the East Regional Qualifier in 2007. to vastly improve on last season’s performances. More impor“He’s our senior leader in terms of experience,” said Castantly, the team desires to show its opponents the real reason tro. “We are trying to petition for another red shirt year for for its success. him.”

“The flesh part of you always wants to win,” said Walker. “I Along with Smith, Harner also experienced success on the say that we can win with humility and pass that glory on to the mat before transferring from Rider University. In his freshman Lord.” year, Harner qualified for nationals and climbed as high as 17th LU QUICK FACT: in the national rankings. Now in his second season at Liberty, the junior notes a difference in this year’s competition.

LU has 18 NCAA Division I Athletic Programs, 17 “Last year I didn’t take nearly as many beatings as I did this intramural sports and 4 student organized club sports year,” says Harner jokingly with a bruise under his left eye and www.liberty.edu

65

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