Apartments Dedicated to the Glory of God

By Abbey Shoemaker
CIU Student Writer

In a celebration of God's guidance and provision, members of the Columbia International University family gathered to dedicate the school's new Pine View Apartments to the glory of God.

Expressing the heart of those involved in the planning and building process, Marvin Schuster, chairman of the CIU Board of Trustees, thanked God for His provision and promised, on behalf of the university, "to be diligent with [God's] property."

Chairman of the Development Foundation, Jeff Wheeler, communicated a similar desire - to be faithful stewards of God's land that He has chosen to entrust to CIU.

Recognizing the potential for ministry, CIU President Bill Jones said it's "like a dream come true" to see married students and younger students living in close proximity that will hopefully enable mentoring relationships to develop.

Director of Residence Life, Mike Thompson, echoed Jones' desire for on-campus ministry opportunities. He said the apartments provide "another vehicle for ministry at CIU in which iron sharpens iron so that individuals can be equipped within a caring community to make a greater impact for God's glory."

The dedication service closed with Jones quoting Psalm 115:1, a verse that he said captures the multi-faceted purpose behind the construction of the apartments - "Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness."