For the Class of 2012, "He is Enough"

For the Class of 2012, "He is Enough"

A final adjustment prior to the graduate and seminary commencement.

One member of the Columbia International University class of 2012 summarizes her four years at CIU in three words: He is enough. 

In the CIU student blog “Life As We Know It” Abbey LeRoy, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Bible Teaching, wrote:

"The past four years have been full of excitement, adventures, and learning. But there have also been disappointments, challenges, and frustration.  Having said that, I can summarize my college years – the good and the bad – in three little words

He is enough."

That was also the message of CIU’s May 2012 commencement speaker Crawford Loritts.  Loritts is an evangelist and author, who also serves as senior pastor of the 2,000-member Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Ga.  Loritts addressed first the commencement for CIU seminary and graduate students on May 12, and a couple hours later spoke at a separate commencement for CIU undergraduate students.

At both commencements, his message centered on Colossians 1:9

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding

Loritts warned the graduates not to have a “Pollyanna” view of the Christian life that says if you are in God’s will you will never have problems.   

“The will of God will lead you to some very dark and lonely places,” Loritts told the graduates.  “The will of God will have you face tragedy in your life.  The will of God will have you face disappointment in your life.  So that God will prove himself to be all that you need.”

Loritts also testified from personal experience that God is sufficient.

“God will give you every single thing you need, if you’re submitted to His plan,” Loritts said.  “In over 40 years of ministry, God has never ever failed me.”

CIU President Dr. Bill Jones conferred degrees on 245 undergraduate, graduate and seminary students.  

At the Undergraduate ceremony, CIU honored Mrs. Eleanor “Jo” Cook, co-founder of one of the largest pest control companies in the United States, with the Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.  In 1950, Mrs. Cook partnered with her late husband John R. Cook to found Cook’s Pest Control in Decatur, Ala.  The company has been the recipient of various national awards, including the Better Business Bureau award for Business Ethics and the National Pest Management Association’s Pinnacle Award.  The Pinnacle award is given to a highly select group of companies that meet the highest standard for exemplary practices.                            

The Cooks have also organized and funded ministries and events in their community, including Campus Crusade for Christ training sessions and youth-oriented programs.   

Speaking about the sufficiency of God in her life, Mrs. Cook told the graduates to enjoy the “exhilarating adventure of living out God’s plan for you as you help people know, love and obey Jesus Christ.”

To hear the charge to the graduates from Crawford Loritts go to: http://podcast.ciu.edu/download/audiomessage-120512.mp3 

For photos from the undergraduate commencement go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciuimpact/sets/72157629728549448/  

For photos from the commencement for graduate and seminary students go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ciuimpact/sets/72157629728459068/