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01 Nov

November 1, 2012 |

Dalton Jenkins, pastor, Bethel Temple of Praise (Yonkers, New York)

We want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts throughout this hurricane.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we give God thanks for his protection. For the most part, there was no significant loss of property or any personal injury. Our family was not directly affected. Schools were canceled for the rest of the week, and most jobs were closed the day after the hurricane. On Wednesday, we began to see some signs of normality.

Traveling to New York City under normal conditions was always an adventure. Hurricane Sandy made it extremely difficult. It was less difficult for those traveling north of New York City than for those traveling south. Mass-transit service is partially restored. The city is working hard to clear the downed trees, which are the greatest hindrance to travel, and to restore power.

In the city of Yonkers, 21,000 customers are still experiencing power outage. You can read more about the impact on Yonkers and the recovery efforts at Yonkers Daily Voice.

For the most part, the people in our church did not experience any significant damages. Some are still experiencing power outage and difficulty traveling to their jobs.

UPDATE THURSDAY NIGHT: I just came home and I saw only two gas stations that were opened. The lines were long and police guarded the entrances and exits. Now we are limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. How did this happen so quickly?

01 Nov

November 1, 2012 |

Click to enlarge

The photo above shows some scenes from the 2012 “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event at Findlay First UB church (Findlay, Ohio) on Thursday, October 25. Over 300 kids came. The church gave out 300 Bibles and Bible tracks.

Charity LaRue, a member, reports that more candy was donated than in any previous year, but they still ran out. “But just like how Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 little fish and 5 loaves of bread, we didn’t run out until 8:00 when it was officially over!

“This event has just exploded in the amount of people we’re reaching. Only about five kids came from our church. All the rest of them were neighborhood people! God has definitely blessed this ministry. Plus, it was so warm that kids didn’t have to wear coats over their costumes. Tons of kids stayed to play on the playground, and tons were eating the donuts and hot chocolate. It was amazing!”

01 Nov

November 1, 2012 |

Lined up in the Anchor fellowship hall.

Serving up food to zombies and other visitors.

Hanging out with the kids.

Anchor Community Church (Fort Wayne, Ind.) held its annual Halloween event on October 31. After kids finished trick-or-treating in the church’s downtown neighborhood, they (and plenty of parents) came to Anchor. There, they found:

  • A dark and scary maze in the downstairs children’s sanctuary.
  • Lots of food in the fellowship hall–hotdogs, soups, nachos, and more.
  • Games to play in the fellowship hall.

Several hundred people came through the church, many of them sitting down at tables in the fellowship hall to eat and watch the creative costumes.

30 Oct

October 30, 2012 |
Scott and Tanya Hardaway

Scott and Tanya Hardaway

Tanya Hardaway, 38, passed away on Monday, October 29. As reported on October 15, she had been diagnosed with uterine sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Tanya is the wife of Scott Hardaway, senior pastor since 2001 of Pathway Community Church in Jackson, Mich.

Cards can be sent to:

Scott Hardaway
5225 Clinton Road
Jackson, MI 49201

Numerous sympathies have been posted on Scott’s Facebook page.

Funeral details:

Visitation: Sunday, November 4, 2-5 pm.
Visitation location: Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home, 1806 East Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49202
Funeral: 11am Monday, November 5.
Funeral location: Pathway Community Church, 5225 Clinton Rd., Jackson, MI 49201.

30 Oct

October 30, 2012 |

After six months, 92 percent of Huntington University’s graduated education majors are employed in an education-related field. The university has consistently seen this success over the last five years.

Of that 92 percent, 82 percent are employed fulltime — the highest year thus far – and 5 percent are teaching part time. A majority of those graduates are employed in Indiana.

The survey was based on responses from 22 out of 25 graduates from the Class of 2012.

26 Oct

October 26, 2012 |

Recent scenes from Hermmy’s life. (Click to enlarge)

Joan Sider (right), New Hope Church, Toronto, Ontario

Joan Sider sent this update on Hermmy on Thursday, October 25. Hermmy, a Haitian girl, was brought to Canada by the UB churches of Canada so that she could undergo an operation to repair a hole in her heart. That operation occurred October 10, and she came “home” to Joan’s place on Monday, October 15.

Can you believe it was only two weeks yesterday that Hermmy had her operation? I find that nearly impossible to grasp. The progress she is making is phenomenal.

We went shopping Tuesday afternoon, and after coming out with a few bags of groceries, Hermmy grabbed one of the bags and carried it to the car. There was no prompting on my part to do so. She smiled broadly as she did it. She knows that she is getting strength that she’s not had before. I kidded her that the next shopping day, she’d have to carry two bags.

Her greatest joy comes from watching movies on either my laptop or the iPad as the pics will show.

Wednesday was another library day. Hermmy is getting used to this trip–returning and picking up more DVDs.

Today (Thursday), I was able to teach for the morning. It was good to get back in the classroom. When I came home, I broke the news to Hermmy that this was going to be a shower and hair washing day. As expected, this was not welcome news. However, I am happy to say that all is well, and believe it or not, I put her hair into a pony tail–looks a little off, but she wasn’t unhappy. She didn’t seem to have the energy yet to do anything with her own hair.

Food continues to be an area where we aren’t having the greatest success. Swiss Chalet rice is the only rice she has enjoyed, scrambled eggs with ketchup, chicken noodle soup, popcorn and FudgeeO chocolate cookies are her favourites. Pineapple and orange juices and water are her favourite beverages.

As I write this, we are watching the last of the third season’s Emily of New Moon. This is the activity we do just before Hermmy’s bedtime.

Thanks again for the words of encouragement that many of you are sending our way. We know you are praying for us, and it is greatly appreciated. We’re continuing to ask God for Hermmy’s healing outside and particularly inside.

26 Oct

October 26, 2012 |

The City of Peoria, Ariz., and Huntington University are exploring the development of a branch campus in the Phoenix suburb. The 180-day exclusive negotiating agreement, approved by the city council, will give both Huntington University and the city an opportunity to explore logistics, conduct market research, and assess the community’s needs.

Huntington was recruited by the City of Peoria’s Economic Development Services Office because of its reputation for high-quality academic programs in both the sciences and the arts. Here is the City of Peoria’s press release.

“Their programs in health care particularly resonate with the city’s strong employment base in the industry and offer a perfect complement to other recent developments in Peoria,” commented Scott Whyte, Peoria’s director of Economic Development Services.

Since 2010, the City of Peoria has actively pursued attracting institutions of higher education, wanting to establish university campuses throughout the city. They see college campuses stimulating various business interests, including dining, entertainment, shopping, and services.

Huntington officials say the invitation fits the Christian college’s entrepreneurial spirit and academic strengths. Says Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University:

“It is with great anticipation that Huntington University explores this strategic partnership with the Peoria community. The academic programs that Peoria seeks to bring to the city parallel some of Huntington’s strongest and fastest growing programs including digital media arts, exercise science and kinesiology, and nursing. These majors demonstrate our continuing desire to respond to market demands in a high-quality manner.”

Huntington administrators traveled to Arizona in August to meet with Peoria’s economic development officials. They also sought input from HU alumni living in the region. Another site visit was planned for October.

While it may seem unusual for a Southwestern city to seek an educational partner in the Midwest, it is the result of the historical development of colleges and universities across the United States, explained Jeff Berggren, senior vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

“The Midwest is fortunate to have many strong, independent colleges and universities. Indiana has 31 private colleges, but Arizona, with its similar population, has only 11,” Berggren said. “When the City of Peoria wanted new partners in higher education, it was only natural that they would look to our region.”

Berggren added that Trine University in Angola, Ind., and St. Scholastica College of Duluth, Minn., are also exploring the potential of offering programs in Peoria. Huntington administrators were introduced to the opportunity in Peoria by peers at Trine while collaborating on Fort Wayne initiatives.

23 Oct

October 23, 2012 |
Blue Rock's winning softball team.

Blue Rock’s winning softball team.

Greg Helman (right), senior pastor, Blue Rock UB church (Waynesboro, Pa.)

The softball team at Blue Rock UB church (Waynesboro, Pa.) has only lost 1 regular season game in the last 2 years. This year we won our division and then the tournament championship.

This is a co-ed league that requires people to attend church in order to play. Blue Rock has used it to reach out to a number of young people, and in fact has seen salvation and baptisms amongst the team members. Also, 2 couples got married during the season.

The team is coached by Jim Bakner and Brian Bitner. At age 52, I’m still playing the outfield regularly.

23 Oct

October 23, 2012 |
Dan Paternoster, serving as a greeter at the 2011 US National Conference.

Dan Paternoster, serving as a greeter at the 2011 US National Conference.

We’ve not updated you on Dan Paternoster in a while. Dan, a veterinarian from Fowlerville, Mich., was hit by a car on August 28 while he was riding his bike. He has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team since 2001. Dan’s wife, Nancy, posts regular updates about Dan. Here are some from the past week.

Monday, October 15. These are Dan’s words tonight. His eyes still do not allow him to see well enough to use the computer yet, so I’m typing for him. “I thank people for their interest. I thank the Lord for all the people who’ve helped me. And I look forward to being a help and blessing to people again. Right now I’m looking to the Lord for healing from the accident and the cancer.”

Wednesday, October 17. Dan’s progress has been very quick lately, although he still feels it is slow. Problem is, he doesn’t know where he started at less than 2 months ago. Yesterday he walked on a low balance beam as well as having some therapy in the pool. His left eye is improving slowly, but he still sees double much of the time.

Today we’re venturing out to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in the afternoon WITHOUT THE WHEELCHAIR! We may have many rest breaks during our time there. This is a test for both of us to see how we do in the real world again.

Thursday, October 18. We’re both tired after yesterday’s outing, but we survived quite well. Today we were given a release date of October 30th. Yay! Dan is happy that the feeding tube will be removed next week and the bladder stent the week after. All this just before we return home. Then on to some outpatient rehabilitation therapy.

Sunday, October 21. Dan is continuing to get better and knows that it is true now when someone tells him so. We ask for continued prayer for his left eye to move properly and his vision to be restored to normal. Dan needs patience, as he has another 5 weeks before x-rays will be done on his neck and back to determine if his braces can be removed.

Tuesday, October 23. On Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, I’ll be touring 2 rehab facilities for outpatient care for Dan. Please pray that the best choice for his further care would be obvious to all involved.

19 Oct

October 19, 2012 |
Dr. G. Blair Dowden

Dr. G. Blair Dowden

After 22 years as president of Huntington University, Dr. G. Blair Dowden today (October 19, 2012) announced that he plans to retire. Dowden, 60, informed the Board of Trustees, during their October 18-19 meeting at the college, that he will retire at the conclusion of the current academic year.

“President Dowden has been quietly considering retirement from Huntington University for some time. He initiated this transition now to give the Board plenty of notice, assure an effective transition of leadership, and to maintain institutional momentum,” said Kelly Savage, chair of the Board of Trustees. The firm Carter-Baldwin Executive Search has been retained by the Board to begin a national search for Dowden’s successor.

“Huntington University has experienced remarkable growth and success under President Dowden’s leadership, and we are very grateful for his 22 years at the helm,” said Savage (left).

Dowden became the 12th president of Huntington University in 1991.

“Blair’s interest has been, and continues to be, others,” said former bishop C. Ray Miller (right), Board of Trustees chairman emeritus. Miller was bishop when Dowden was selected in 1991 to succeed Dr. Eugene Habecker. “When we first interviewed Blair Dowden, I saw him as a people-person. After 20 years, he continues to send cards and best wishes. Blair has been God’s man for HU at this time, and we have been extremely fortunate to have him stay with us for 20 years.”

Dowden came to Huntington at a key moment in its history. Most campus facilities were new, and a well-credentialed faculty was in place. But with only 614 students enrolled, Huntington struggled for name recognition and financial sustainability.

In his first report to the Board of Trustees, Dowden laid out a vision for making Huntington one of the top Christian colleges in the country. The plan called for “increased integration of Christianity in…all areas of institutional life.” Aggressive enrollment goals were based on the development of distinctive academic programs. The plan included increased financial support and greater public awareness of what Huntington had to offer. This vision was not about building an institution, but rather about equipping students to change the world.

Under Dr. Dowden’s leadership at Huntington University:

  • Enrollment has doubled.
  • The endowment has tripled.
  • Eight buildings have been constructed or remodeled.
  • The school has attracted a well-credentialed faculty.
  • The student body has become more ethnically diverse.
  • Academic programs were significantly expanded at all levels.
  • The EXCEL adult degree program started.
  • Some of the university’s largest and fastest-growing degree programs were launched during Dowden’s presidency, including nursing and digital media arts.
  • The institution transitioned from “college” to “university” in 2005.

“Huntington University has a very bright future,” Dowden said. “The university has a compelling mission in Christ-centered higher education and a strategic vision for the future. Current initiatives — from the development of an occupational therapy doctoral program in Fort Wayne to the exploration of a branch campus in Arizona — demonstrate that Huntington University is nimble, entrepreneurial, and poised for further growth.”

Under Dowden’s leadership, Huntington University achieved a reputation for academic excellence, moving from the second tier to the Top 15 among Midwestern baccalaureate colleges ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Huntington was recognized five times on the magazine’s list of best values in the region. Huntington University has also earned recognition from The Princeton Review as a “Best Midwestern College.” Forbes includes Huntington on its elite list of “America’s Top Colleges.”