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A Life Well Lived
On a recent weekend I was privileged to see the impact of two lives totally
surrendered to Christ. First I met with one of my heroes, 97-year-old Dr. Melvin
Maxwell, the father of influential leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell.
The elder Maxwell recently had a stroke and
struggles to get a complete sentence together,
but he has the presence of the Holy Spirit
exuding from his life. I sensed it as I entered
his room. Dr. Melvin pastored, was a church
denominational leader, served as a Bible
college president for 17 years and has had a
powerful impact on the Kingdom.
At age 80, he moved to a trailer park in Florida
and began Park Ministries, resulting in the
planting of 43 trailer park ministries to lead
people to Christ. At age 95, he moved to
assisted living and shared with me that he named himself Chaplain of the facility “because
these people are old and need Jesus and I am their last chance.” Wow what a life!
After that visit, I attended the celebration of life memorial service for Dr. Don Richardson, father of CIU alumnus Steve
Richardson (‘84/’85), the president of the missions agency Pioneers, married to CIU alumna Arlene Richardson (’84).
Don Richardson is a famous missionary and the author of the popular mission book “Peace Child,” – the story of how
he and his wife Carol lived among, and shared the gospel with, the Sawi people of Indonesia – a tribe of headhunting
cannibals. They translated the New Testament into the Sawi’s native tongue, and in time, many of the Sawi came to
Christ, bringing about a cultural shift as the Sawi became people of peace and good will. Wow what a life!
After that weekend, I was deeply enriched, yet challenged
to share these examples with today’s CIU students. I
believe God is still raising up ministers and missionaries
who are surrendered to the lordship of Christ. I believe
this generation will be used as never before to share the
gospel in ways we never dreamed.
One of the most powerful tools being used today is
sports ministry. CIU coaches are using it for God’s glory.
For example, new Baseball Coach Jonathon Johnson is
reaching thousands in Latin America through his Honoring
the Father baseball ministry
(Page 18)
. Basketball Coach
Tony Stockman is coordinating athletes to read to students
in our community, and there’s more
(Page 23)
.
As I left the celebration service, I further committed myself
to do all within my strength through the Holy Spirit’s
anointing to raise up this generation. Will you join me in
prayer and giving to pour fuel on this passion and fire? This
is our day. We must succeed.
Dr. Mark A. Smith
President
President Smith visits with
Melvin Maxwell
Don
Richardson
with a
member of
the Sawi
people in
1973
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THE FINAL WORD