Communique - Fall 2016-3

PAGE 2 THE SOUTHWESTERN CO MMUNIQUÉ’ OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016
“One hundred pianos tuned
to the same fork are automatically
tuned to one another.”
Southwestern Christian
College (SwCC), the only
historically Black Christian
institution founded and
sponsored by members of Churches of Christ, is accredited
as a four-year (level II) educational college
(limited to bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religious
Education), with a two-year associate program in liberal
arts. It has existed as a school that has united and
fortified our brotherhood in faith and doctrine for
many generations. Through the years, it has called to
us and we have answered.
For so many, November conjures fond memories.
From my early childhood, Thanksgiving Day was
always spent on the campus of SwCC during its annual
Lectureship. Thanksgiving was a time of unity
because it was a special day of brotherhood fellowship.
It was the day that alumni returned to nourish
and renew lifelong friendships. Congregations from
Fort Worth, Dallas, East Texas, and saints from all
over the country made the pilgrimage to Terrell,
Texas. During these early years the community of
Terrell welcomed saints to stay in their homes as motels
were not plentiful or available.
Southwestern Christian College became our
School. Our brotherhood was unified working together
to keep the dream of G. P. Bowser alive. The
Lord blessed our efforts, and our school began to
grow. Consequently, the city of Terrell was blessed
and also began to grow. I would like to believe it was
because our great school was part of its community.
Psalm 133:1-3 (GW) - See how good and pleasant
it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!
It is like fine, scented oil on the head, running
down the beard—down Aaron’s beard—running over
the collar of his robes. It is like dew on {Mount}
Hermon, dew which comes down on Zion’s mountains.
That is where the LORD promised the blessing
of eternal life.
The above biblical verses illustrate the great need
for brotherhood unity.
Unique Education: Christian Education
When Ralph Waldo Emerson said that Harvard College
taught all the branches of learning, Henry Thoreau
said, “Yes all the branches but none of the
roots.” We know that Christian Education serves as
the roots of all learning.
Mission Statement
♦
Why We Must Secure Southwestern Christian College
By Dr. Shelton Gibbs, III
♦
♦
Offer a holistic educational program that will
motivate the student to value and achieve excellence
within the context of commitment to moral
and spiritual values;
To assist students in making their transitions
from high school to higher education on various
levels;
To assist students in preparation for varied vocations
in life; and
♦ To prepare future leaders for their distinct communities
and the world at large.
Southwestern Christian College is a place devoted
to Christian education. When young Christians from
all across America enroll into the college, it becomes
their new home. This Christian setting is a good
place for these young people, with new found freedom,
to embark upon their educational careers. Incorporating
Bible classes, Christian instructions, daily
chapel, the world renowned chorus, midnight devotions,
and more keeps spiritual growth and maturity as
the central goal of their educational experience. At
Southwestern each student’s faith is challenged, but it
is also nourished and encouraged. Being a Christian
is no longer strange or uncommon. It is the norm.
This extraordinary institution is the place where
young people with a shared experience are shaped and
molded into the unique and distinctive Southwestern
family; the place where we become one.
Proverbs 1:7 (GW) - The fear of the LORD is
the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise
wisdom and discipline.
Psalm 119:9-11 (GW) - How can a young person
keep his life pure? {He can do it} by holding on to
your word. I wholeheartedly searched for you. Do
not let me wander away from your commandments. I
have treasured your promise in my heart so that I may
not sin against you.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (GW) - Trust in the LORD with
all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he
will make your paths smooth. Do not consider yourself
wise. Fear the LORD, and turn way from evil.
The above biblical verses reflect SwCC’s mission
and vision.
Lifetime Christian Relationships Formed
“To be rich in friends is to be poor in nothing”
(Lilian Whiting).
Forming lifelong relationships is a huge part of
what makes Southwestern so special. As alumni, we
leave SwCC with much more than a degree. Many
leave with enduring friendships, marriage partners,
business partners, and a network of Christian fellowship.
What I have gained from my Southwestern relationships
is both immeasurable and invaluable.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (GW) - Two people are better
than one because {together} they have a good
reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can
help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one
who is {all} alone when he falls. There is no one to
help him get up. Again, if two people lie down together,
they can keep warm, but how can one person
keep warm? Though one person may be overpowered
by another, two people can resist one opponent. A
triple-braded rope is not easily broken.
The above biblical verses reflect SwCC alumni
relationships.
Church Benefited
“The purpose of the church is found in the exaltation
of Jesus Christ, evangelism of the lost, edification
of the believers, and expression of service.”
Numerous preachers, elders, deacons, Bible
school teachers, and ministry leaders serve many local
congregations across America and foreign countries.
There are probably more graduates of SwCC filling
these ministry positions than any other institution. I
often wonder what the Greenville Avenue Church of
Christ would be had there not been contributions of
the many alumni toward its leadership, growth, and
development. I am sure many of you can say the
same of your congregations. Our commitment to our
school should be renewed each time we encounter
capable, sound, God-fearing graduates who are faithfully
carrying out the work of the church.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (GW) - And he gave some,
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ:
The above biblical verses illustrate how the
church benefits from Christian education.
Community
“A Christian worker is good; a worker for Christ is
better; but Christ in a worker, working out His will
through him or her is best of all.”
Doctors, lawyers, school teachers, entrepreneurs,
politicians, and numerous other professionals who are
SwCC graduates are actively serving their communities.
I am proud that my first grandson was brought
into the world by a Southwestern alumnus, Dr. Reba
Williams White. This same grandson is now my first
grandchild to attend our school. I have committed all
of my children to this institution and each of them has
gone on to secure additional degrees and serve their
communities as Christian professionals. My hope is
that my grandson and other grandchildren will do the
same.
(Continued on page 8—Securing SwCC)