Richmont_Fall 2012:PSI newsletterFall06.qxd - Richmont Graduate ...

Page 4School RecognitionsSCHOOL OF COUNSELINGKENY FELIX, PH.D.As we begin the 2012-2013 academic year, I’mdelighted to welcome not only new students inthe School of Counseling, but also those makinghistory as the first cohort in the School ofMinistry under the direction of my colleague,Dr. Leland Eliason, founding Dean of theSchool of Ministry.Students in both schools are joining aninstitution whose mission is clear and relevant intoday’s ever-changing society: “to provide Christcenterededucation and research that advancesGod’s work of healing, restoration andtransformation in the lives of individuals, churchesand communities.”When I think of the countless challenges thatindividuals and families around us facethroughout the life course, the need forcompassionate, well-equipped servants to makea difference is great. I’m confident that our newstudents, like those who have gone before them,will respond to the brokenness in our worldwith the love and hope that we find in JesusChrist . . . I’m already looking forward tograduation in 2014.A Grand CelebrationThis past spring we witnessed one of Richmont’slargest graduations ever as 73 students receivedthe Master of Arts in Professional Counseling orMarriage and Family Therapy or the Master ofScience in Christian Psychological Studies. Itwas a grand celebration and the culmination ofdiligent work, prayers, and the overwhelmingsupport of family and friends.It was indeed a historic moment for members ofthe Class of 2012—one they will look backupon with fond memories. While graduationmay represent an end, the beautiful story is thatfor graduates, it is the beginning of a newseason in their journey with God as they seek tolive and serve in the world around them.Bonjou! - Ministry in HaitiFor four of our May graduates, serving literallyinvolved boarding a plane bound for Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, a week after graduation. Joined bytwo other Richmont students, one alumnus, andtwo faculty members, they participated inRichmont’s first mission trip to Haiti.Team members included 2012 graduatesBarbara Jarratt, Shana Campbell, KarenSimmons and Ashley Harris; current studentsBethany Christine Blanco and Laura SearcyPatterson; 2009 graduate Craig Torell; andDean of Students Dr. DeAnne Terrell and me.The team, which partnered with Torch of HopeFoundation, Inc., presented seminars andlectures on healthy relationships, marriage andfamily issues, personal development, basics ofChristian counseling, and coping with trauma,loss and grief. The various sites includedAmerican University of the Caribbean, a privateChrist-centeredUniversity in LesCayes located insouthwest Haiti,as well as churchesin Les Cayes andPort-Au-Prince,the capital. Wealso held VBS-likesessions at threeChristian schools,sharing the gospelmessage through stories and engaging thestudents through music, recreation, and arts andcrafts activities. Through the various sessions overthe eight-day trip, including Sunday morningand evening services, we ministered to andlearned from over 600 of our Haitian brothersand sisters, including children and adults.We are currently in the planning stages of areturn visit to Haiti in spring 2013. Manystudents and alumni have already expressed adesire to serve and learn from our brothers andsisters there. While details may be forthcoming,what is certain is whether here or abroad, ourmission remains the same: advancing God’swork of healing, restoration and transformation inthe lives of individuals, churches andcommunities.Welcome to Richmont. I love this place.SCHOOL OF MINISTRYLELAND ELIASON, TH.D.The new School of Ministry launched its first ever classwith 38 students enrolled!Many highlights come to mind as I reflect upon thebeginnings of the program. Friday, Saturday and Sunday,Dr. Gary Moon, former Provost of RGU, led a spiritualformation retreat held on campus. As would be expected,he did an outstanding job interspersing his ownpresentations with solid content, great humor, and videoclips from Dallas Willard, John Ortberg Jr., and LarryCrabb. Following the orientation and light dinner Mondayafternoon, we spent the rest of the evening introducing thedegree and its goal of integration.Dr.’s Jeannine Brown, who will teach Hermeneutics, andMarty Goehring, who will teach two of the four spiritualformation segments, partnered with me in raising thepossibility, the benefits, and the challenges of integratingwhat is learned in Bible, History and Theology withSpiritual Formation and Leadership/Ministry Skills.You would have to have been there to grasp the level ofenergy, enthusiasm, anticipation and commitment thatflowed through the discussions. Had you been, you wouldhave noted:• The high quality of students who make up the class.• The rich diversity that arises out of students comingfrom 14 different churches and ministry agencies.Churches that have five or more students are NorthStarChurch, Word of Faith Family Cathedral, TrinityAnglican Mission and Mt. Paran Church of God.• Ages that range from some who are recent collegegraduates to seasoned professionals with 30 or moreyears of experience.We know that you will join us in a celebration of thisremarkable beginning for this expansion Richmont’smission to develop and equip those who lead and serve thebig movement of God in our world today.