CIU Today Spring 2017

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As a six year old, Edith Parks (’91) knew
that she wanted to be a teacher. In high
school, she determined to remain single
for life. After graduating from Clemson
University, she thought that she would
stay in Greenville, South Carolina and
teach school until she retired.
When Parks thought those things she
was not familiar with Proverbs 16:9
which says “The mind of man plans his
way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
“How very well acquainted I am with
that verse now,” Parks said. “God
took my plans and said, ‘Watch this!
This is far better than you could ever
imagine.’”
After nearly a decade as a school
teacher and a job at a bank, God began
to work in her heart, giving her a desire
to earn a graduate degree
in Christian Education,
preparing her to work in
the church. So, at age 34,
she followed God’s call
to attend what was then
called Columbia Seminary
and Graduate School of
Missions, now CIU Seminary
& School of Ministry.
While a student, she became
reacquainted with a man she knew in
high school, Rip Parks. He fell in love
with her on their first date. However
it took her two years and a move to
serve at a church in Jacksonville, Florida
before she figured out that she was
supposed to marry him.
Edith and Rip Parks began married
life in Charlotte, North Carolina, but
after five years, God presented the
opportunity for them to move to Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Knowing
that life with God is always an adventure
and being confident that God was
leading them to the UAE, they stepped
out in faith. Although Edith was prone
to homesickness and never liked flying,
she settled quickly into life in Abu Dhabi
– volunteering, serving on their church’s
Women’s Council, teaching Bible studies
and the junior high Friday school class.
Their church included people from over
30 countries. “It was a small picture of
what heaven is going to be
like,” she said.
Rip’s work brought them
back to the United States
where they planned to settle
in Charlotte again. However,
God’s directions took them
to Richmond, Virginia for five
years. Once again He was
preparing them for what was to come.
Edith became involved in two ministries
to women as well as an inner city ministry
and also served on the church staff.
Rip and Edith Parks
Six years ago, God called them back to
Greenville, South Carolina. She says it
was a hard move since she wanted to
go back to Charlotte where her friends
were. “Once again, I made my plans but
God directed my steps.”
Being in Greenville has allowed Edith
and Rip to spend time with their families
and to minister to them. In addition,
Edith led the Women’s Ministry at
church for three years and is involved
in an inner city school, teaches Sunday
school and serves as the chair of the
board of two Christian ministries. One
of them is the Alumni Association
Leadership Council at CIU.
“What a joy to be involved with CIU
again,” Edith said. “Some of the faces of
faculty and staff have changed. Current
students are now young enough to be
my children. However, the motto of
knowing God and making Him known is
still the focus. It is what we all seek to
do whether we serve in the church, or in
missions, or work in our neighborhoods.
As we make our plans at CIU to impact
the world for the kingdom, we do so
with prayer, wise counsel, and faith,
knowing that God will show us His
direction for us as we plan our steps.”
Meet Edith Parks (‘91)
The New Alumni Leadership Council President
The Lord Directed Her Steps
Is God calling
you to graduate
school?
Learn more at:
29 CIU Today
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