CIU Today Summer 2016

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Vote Twice
God has blessed the United States of America unlike few other nations in history. We
the people have the privilege of choosing who will represent and serve us at all levels of
government, from local boards to the occupant of The White House. But as followers of Christ,
we not only have the privilege, but a vital responsibility to vote in November.
This is no time for apathy, frustration or discouragement over campaign rhetoric that may cause
you to want to stay home on Election Day. Too many important issues hang in the balance:
the protection of the unborn, racial reconciliation, families struggling because of a prolonged,
slow economy, and several college campuses offering neutral bathrooms and gender-neutral
housing, where students claiming various genders room together. I am reminded of what the
Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus:
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for
it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
(Eph. 5:11-12)
We have a responsibility to vote because while we proclaim the gospel with words, we also
proclaim it with actions, safeguarding right and standing against wrong. As salt and light, we
become the godly influence against moral compromise. Stay home on Election Day, and you let
slip away a precious God-given opportunity to make a difference in our culture.
You also make a significant difference when you support Columbia International University
students, educated from a biblical worldview to impact the nations — including the USA —
with the message of Christ. This generation of students desires to rise up and take their place
boldly within our culture. Together we can urge them on.
You likely received a recent message from CIU asking you to help our CIU Fund meet its annual
goal by June 30. That need remains. By way of reminder, the CIU Fund provides scholarships
for our students. Your gift enables CIU to send more students to be a godly influence in our
country. By graduating without the burden of school debt, students have more options as
to where they might serve our Lord, whether that place of service is the marketplace or the
mission field.
Make your gift, large or small, online at or use the envelope enclosed
with this magazine. For more information on giving, contact CIU’s Development Office at
or (803) 807-5500.
So, be sure to vote twice. Go to the polls and support the candidates whose policies best
reflect what is right and good. And vote “YES!” to the CIU Fund before the end of this month.
Yours for His glory,
William H. Jones
President
THE FINAL WORD
As followers
of Christ, we
not only have
the privilege,
but a vital
responsibility
to vote in
November.
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THE FINAL WORD
CIU Today