Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

YOUR COLLEGE IS ALIVE AND LIVINGIN BEAVER FALLS!by Kevin Robinson *It doesn't seem like a long time ago that my dad had totake me out on the front porch of Coldenham's rustic,handhewn church to instill in me anew a more appropriateattitude toward worship. Since then, I've been doing somedrying behind the ears. In fact, it's quite comforting to growup and realize just what that white building with all thegrown-ups in it meant. Now I can see how God used myfamily and church to bring me to a personal and savingrelationship with Jesus Christ and eventually to Geneva,"our college."That's what I want to talk about: our college. Genevais the educational institution of the Reformed PresbyterianChurch of North America. That's you and your's truly. Butwait a minute — back to the fellow in the back row atColdenham. Just how much did I know about Geneva as Igrew up in the church? Not much. Sure, my dad had gonethrough "some years back" (How's that, dad?) but inchurch circles I never saw much interest or enthusiasm in"our college." Once in a while one of our young peoplewould head for Geneva and be faithfully supported with ourprayers, but I never heard anyone talking about or askingabout the critically important questions: Geneva'sphilosophy, its goals as a Christian college, or its "Foundationsof Christian Education." (Have you read them? Askaround for a copy!) I am in no way pointing at Coldenham.Look at your own congregation. How much do your youngpeople know about Geneva? How much do YOU knowabout Geneva?My request to my church, every congregation, andevery member, is this: Geneva needs your prayers as muchas our missions, our synod, or our local ministries. Thereare some strong and dedicated Christians on the staff,faculty, and administration who are working diligently tomake totally Christian education a reality at Geneva. But thecollege does have its problems — some big ones; and sheneeds your interest and encouragement. Being faithful toGod's standards almost always means standing opposed tothe world around you. First, we must fully realize that withGod we don't need to depend on the world.It seemed rather odd, in fact rather annoying, when Igot to "our college" for the first time two years ago, thatsome old Carleton acquaintances warned me right off thebat: " Don t let anybody know you' re a ' Covie'." I thoughtit was a joke, but after a few encounters with the natives Ibecame fully and totally aware of the historical plights ofsuch minority groups as the Irish, the Italians, and the* Mr. Kevin Robinson is an elementary education major inhis sophomore year in Geneva College. He is a member ofthe Coldenham, New York R. P. Church.American Blacks. I was a ' 'Covie'' at Geneva! We may be asmall denomination by great American religious standards,but if a stranger tried to determine our size by the number ofour young people at Geneva, he'd think we were reallysmall!Interestingly enough, a committed Christian of anydenomination, if he makes any effort to let it be-known, isautomatically a "Covie." It's a good thing the "war" atGeneva is not a physical one; we're so outnumbered bystudents who openly express their contempt for us and ' 'ourcollege," that we'd be in some distress. Strange but true,the vast majority of students at Geneva are always ready todegrade it, yet they keep coming back, in fact more and moreeach year. I suppose I am particularly sensitive in this respectas a close Christian friend who applied for admission shortlyafter I, was turned down and is now attending Wheaton onfull scholarship. It seems like we go out of our way for thelocal area kids, most of whom bitterly resent us (the college)while they are here and never look back once they are out.Not to make this sound like a "Dear Abbey" letter,my point is this: If our young people were encouraged earlyto support "our college," the environment might becomesuch that belligerent non-Christians might think twicebefore coming to harass. With some numerical support, themore timid Christians might carry a more effective witnessto those in whom the Spirit would choose to work. I'd liketo see the atmosphere such that it's theChristians that feel at home.Don't let me fail to impress upon you several things.In my book Geneva is tops! God is blessing her more andmore as she looks to Him. Like His people in the time oftheir captivity, we often tend to look to Egypt rather than toGod to supply our needs. In our frailty it's hard to reallybelieve that "the cattle on a thousand hills are His." As thenext semester gets underway, I hope, with the help of some"cronies," young and old, that we can keep in touch withour church throughout the country, letting you know ourneeds and how God is blessing those who seek His guidance.For the moment: "Your mission, should you decideto accept it "Adults — Include Geneva in your study and in yourprayers. Make a real effort to find out just what it's trying todo. Realize what's happening at secular colleges anduniversities all around you. Godlessness breeds Godlessness,but, God has promised to bless men who are faithful to Him.He doesn't depend on local community and industry at all!Let your kids know that Geneva is their college, and try notto become deterred by the scenic beauty and ecology of thegreat Beaver Valley!Young People — Seriously consider Geneva, not onlyas an excellent educational opportunity after high school,but, as your opportunity to serve God and to strengthen theChristian community He is building at Geneva College.Well I know what kind of an article it takes to keep mereading this long, and this isn't it, but if you think of it, takethis article along to mid-week prayer meeting and tell 'em K.Robby sent you!6 COVENANTER WITNESS