Archive for June, 2009

Oregon Independent Colleges Keeping Costs Down

Comments Off Written on June 27th, 2009 by
Categories: General, Media, Press Releases, Programs, Students
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In this day and age, every penny saved counts. One story that I've wanted to talk about for some while is that of how there is increased public scrutiny over college costs - and what colleges are doing to keep them down. Let's face it, it's expensive to run an institution of higher education - even one like Multnomah which operates with minimal staffing and even less physical overhead.

One Big Difference Between Publics & Privates

Recently, almost all public institutions (including community colleges) have announced sizeable increases in their tuition and operating expenses - and have lobbied for more taxpayer support (And why not? It's even more expensive to run a major public research institution).

As you may know, private independent institutions are not subsidized by public money. The good part about this is that it forces us to tighten our belts when the times get tough and endowments take dives with the stock market. This can be a very healthy thing, forcing us to focus more on achieving our mission efficiently.

The Charge of Stewardship

Instead of passing all the costs on to students and their families or asking donors to throw more money at the operation (although, we'll gladly talk to any donor willing to contribute!) we have to trim expenses and make wise moves to demonstrate good stewardship with an eye toward future health. At Multnomah, this stewardship principle takes on a whole new meaning, because we know it is not "our" operation to begin with - we are only taking care of what God has charged to us.

But Not Just Multnomah

Multnomah belongs to an organization called the Oregon Independent Colleges Association (OICA). As a collective, it has become a mantra to show a commitment to keeping cost increases to an absolute minimum. Recently, OICA sent out a news release that gave a brief overview of what these institutions are doing.

OICA College Cost Containment Press Release

Also, don't forget about our new Tuition Relief Scholarship we announced after this press release went out.

Tuition Relief Scholarship Available To Undergrads!

6 comments Written on June 24th, 2009 by
Categories: Dr. Lockwood, General, Media, Press Releases, Students
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Breaking News for MBC Undergrads

tightwalletA Tough Economy

Multnomah's leadership, under the direction of President Dan Lockwood, got together to discuss what they'd been hearing from students and parents: "Help! This economy makes going to college more difficult!"

Doing Something About It 

As of today, Multnomah is offering a "Tuition Relief Scholarship" this year for our Bible College students.

It's Simple
To earn the Tuition Relief Scholarship, students must be enrolled for a minimum of 14 credits in a Bible College undergraduate program offered on the Portland, Oregon campus. If a student enrolls in 14 credits, they will then get every additional credit up to 17 free - for a total savings of up to $1500 per semester or a total of up to $3,000 for the year.

Simpler Still
This means that if you enrolled in 15 credits, you only pay for 14. If you enroll in 16 credits, you only pay for 14. If you enroll in 17 credits, you only pay for 14! That's the equivalent of a whole class. Or $1500. Per Semester.

I don't know about you, but getting done with college faster and doing it with an extra $3000 sounds like a pretty good deal to me. (As if being the lowest priced around wasn't already a great value...but I digress).

The Official Details

There are some conditions, so be sure to Read the Offical Press Release.

Spread the Word

We need to get the word out to current and new students - so please Tweet it or Spread it on Facebook...text your buddies. Find our accounts to repost/tweet here:

www.multnomah.edu/goto/social

Dr. Roger Congdon, You Will Be Missed

10 comments Written on June 23rd, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, Faculty, General, Media
Tags: , , , ,

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pianist, theologian, Multnomah Bible College Prof & Dean Dr. Roger D. Congdon went to be with the Lord on June 18th, 2009. He was 91-years old.

The Congdon family name is one familiar to generations of Multnomah friends. Many of Dr. Congdon's own children and grandchildren are alumni. He taught and led at Multnomah for 37 years.

Memorial Service

  • Monday, June 29, 2009
  • 6:30 PM
  • Emmanuel Baptist Church
    • 14810 N.E. 28th St.
    • Vancouver WA 98682
    • 503-254-9586.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church or Gideons International.

Comments, Memories & Condolences

  • We've included a scan of the obituary published by The Oregonian below.
  • Please leave your thoughts and prayers in the comments section below.

Roger Congdon Obit Scan 

Alumni Missionary Support – Uganda Update 3

Comments Off Written on June 22nd, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, General, Missions
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Dear Partners of Prayer and Faith,

Musiibye mutyano (How are you?)

I pray this greeting finds you well and enjoying His best. Our time here in Jinja is quickly coming to a close. With such amazing experiences accompanying these past few weeks it's hard to believe it's been such a short time. The days have been so full that they have felt like weeks...So much to reflect upon, process through, apply and implement. Our lives have certainly been touched and marked in powerful ways.

Forgotten, Imprisoned Women

This past Tuesday we returned to Kirinya (the women's prison) where we were given another opportunity to share personal testimonies and teach on servant-hood, as well as to demonstrate Christ's servant heart through a special foot washing and bless each woman with her very own pair of sandals. Words cannot communicate appropriately the experience in full and how rewarding it was to serve these women in this way. Forgotten and dismissed among the Ugandan society, many of these women are imprisoned on account of false accusation. Some will serve a 1-2 year term before even being offered a trial. What a blessing it was to bring a little joy and hope to such a dejected and despondent community. A memory that remains precious to us was the gift we were given as we departed. With tears streaming down faces (theirs as well as ours) and with their beautiful Ugandan voices they sang: Tembeyana Yesu Tembeyana...(Go with Jesus) "...Go with Jesus and we'll see you one day again in heaven." What a gift it was to be able to affirm these women in their worth and value as we shared with them Christ's love knowing that one day we would see them again in glory.

Calvary Chapel Jinja and Orphanages

On Wednesday we had the privilege of sharing with the women serving on staff at Calvary Jinja. In anticipation of our trip this year, this event was again another one that we were excited about and looking forward to with hopes of continuing relationships with our African sisters that we had began in 2007. It was a real treat for us to be able to pour back into the ministry God is doing through their lives as we enjoyed a Ugandan meal together, encouraged them on the importance of abiding, and the challenge of ongoing dependence (a key principle being: God is more interested in what He is doing in our hearts, than what He can do through us)-a wonderful reminder, even for our team.

Today we will have an opportunity to be back at Amani baby cottage and New Hope orphanage and then Sunday we will worship one last time with the community at Calvary Jinja before the team heads home.

amani-baby-cottage-36 amani-baby-cottage-37

Prayers

As we shared together (as a team) yesterday afternoon, the things the Lord had been speaking to our hearts, I was encouraged to hear all that God had been at work doing. Our prayer has been that this trip would be more than just a 2 week missions experience but that God would use it to bring about real change...not only in the hearts of those we minister to, but in our hearts as well; and that He has done. We've gained new perspective and a greater desire to live intentionally-lives that care deeply for others-a reality that has been modeled for us through our interactions with the African people.

Other Highlights

Apart from ministry, some of the other highlights that were shared around the breakfast table this morning include: Enduring the 82° F humidity sleeping conditions, becoming well acquainted with our bathroom friend (a cockroach we've named Ralph), cold showers that can seem as effective as hot, when seeing red African dirt fill the tub (a good investment of soap and water). Ironing line dried underclothes (to avoid the eggs of mango flies embedding under our skin), enjoying African chai and chapatis (an African tortilla), and the amazing home cooked meals from our team hostess, Danielle (many from which the produce has been harvested right out of their backyard). It has been an exciting and enriching adventure!

Thanks again to the many of you who have supported us and covered us in prayer as we've continued in this journey. We are looking forward to being home with you soon and sharing personally all that God has done.

With deepest appreciation for your ongoing love and partnership,

Michelle (for the team)

Books from Dr. Joe Aldrich go to Kigali Kollection

Comments Off Written on June 19th, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, Books, General, Joe Aldrich, Missions, Students
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joealdrichDonations from the shelves of Dr. Joe Aldrich (donated by Ruthe Aldrich) and alumnus, Dick Sleeper, helped boost the Kigali Kollection to 8,732 books and 1,030 journals.

This leaves 1,268 more books that need to be collected before reaching the goal of 10,000 books by December 18. So spread the word, and be a book donor. Keep those books coming; just give, give, give!

Clearly, God is good!

Past Posts

Read the rest of the posts that are tagged with Kigali.

MBC Student Stephen Harris On The Radio

13 comments Written on June 16th, 2009 by
Categories: General, Media, Students
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Voice (MBC student newspaper) reporter Stephen Harris was featured in a half-hour interview on the Bob Enyart Live radio program a couple of weeks ago.

Abortion, Voting, and Stirring the Pot

enyart1Mr. Enyart was interviewing Stephen about the story he wrote for The Voice regarding Down Syndrome abortions - unfortunately much of the interview changed focus to items such as moral relativism and the fact that so many Christians voted for President Obama and, by extension, a "pro-abortion" agenda. The interview then went further to imply that most Multnomah Bible College students voted for Obama and therefore are engaged in the same "moral relativism" as other Christians (although, how they can know whether students voted and for whom, is beyond me).

(Note: MUblog is not making a judgement on voting habits of anyone, we are simply reporting the facts of the radio interview.)

Worthy Of Comment

(Full disclosure: since I run MU's public relations functions, I'm a little protective over MU's image in the community.)

I have to admit, I still don't know exactly how I feel about the interview. I am more than a little uncomfortable with the insinuations made regarding the spiritual health of MU and the students who come to learn their Bibles and love their Savior - but it is a fair and logical line of questioning for the interviewer to pursue. I'm just afraid that Bob Enyart ended up erroneously scaring some students and parents away from a college that strongly espouses absolutes of Biblical truth in an otherwise morally relativistic society!

I look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Recording

Download:
http://kgov.com/bel/20090528

Stream:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

What I do know is that Stephen Harris is a fantastic example of the types of students I'm proud of to have on campus!

The interview was broadcast over AM670 KLTT in Denver, the most powerful Christian radio station in the country (50,000 watts). The station has between 3.5 and 4.5 million listeners daily (plus it streams on the Internet and is on HD radio). The Bob Enyart Live show airs at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Alumni Missionary Support – Uganda Update 2

Comments Off Written on June 14th, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, General, Missions
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Praise God for the gift of His amazing grace and the beauty of answered prayer!

These past few days have been filled with incredible opportunities for seeing God's grace at work. Yesterday we had the privilege of spending our morning with a group of AIDS orphans. Through our teaching time, singing songs, playing games and providing material gifts we were able to share God's great and eternal love. What a testimony it was for us to be able to experience such thankful hearts through these orphans. As we distributed clothes, underwear, shoes, toothbrushes and toothpaste (many thanks again to those of you who helped contribute to the support of this outreach), we were able to share with these children that our reason for coming was because of a desire to be an extension of God's love and grace. Words cannot express the beautiful sight it was to see them coming out of the orphanage dressed in their new slacks, dresses and shoes as they displayed radiant smiles of deepest appreciation. When asked how many of them had given thanks to God for the things He had provided (a place to live, food to eat each day, mama's in the orphanage who love and take care of them, etc) it was such a testimony to us to see all of their little hands go up-- the practical things of life we so often take for granted were recognized as daily gifts from their Heavenly Father.

amani_baby_cottage_22amani_baby_cottage_23amani_baby_cottage_31

Orphans

Yesterday afternoon we were able to visit Amani. Amani is a baby cottage that has been providing care for orphaned and abandoned children since its founding in 2003. Many of the children there are without parents due to AIDS, birth complications or other factors. Some are abandoned in the hospital after birth. Others are found abandoned at taxi stops, in latrines, or on the street. Amani's goal is that each of these orphans would find a place within a loving Christian family. After spending time holding and loving on these little ones it was hard to believe that anyone could give up these beautiful children and it was hard for us to have to give them back.

Women, Prison, Christ

Following our Sunday worship service this morning we were able to visit the women in Kirinya prison. This had been a highlight from our 2007 visit so it was with great anticipation that we were looking forward to this day, but what God had in mind for us was far beyond what we could have ever imagined. We had come hoping to plant a few seeds of God's love but today we were able to enjoy in the reaping of a great harvest. As we shared testimonies highlighting our need for personal relationship with Christ and the ability to find eternal joy in the midst of suffering, three women responded to the gospel invitation and accepted Christ as their personal Savior. "Mukama yabaziwe" Praise His name! What an incredible delight it was to be able to participate in harvesting such fruit from the investment that had been sown through the Pierce's ministry.

Dancing

As we found a common bridge through dancing, ululating and worshipping; barriers were brought down and a unity of Christ's love was established. As the women worshipped and shared with us their traditional dances and songs we were blessed. In return we shared with them our traditional American dance ..."the hokey pokey." I can't say that it was as impressive but a commonality of sisterhood was certainly established.

Tomorrow we will enjoy a day of rest and Tuesday we will be returning to the prison to share on servanthood and have an opportunity to bless these women as we demonstrate Christ's servant-hood through a foot washing service.

Pray

Please continue to pray for us and for the ministry God has ahead. Pray also for these three who have made a decision to follow Christ as they follow Him to fuller maturity.

Rejoicing in His faithfulness and the beauty of answered prayer,

Michelle (for the team)

Alumni Missionary Support – Uganda Update 1

Comments Off Written on June 13th, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, General, Missions
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Greetings to you from Jinja, Uganda

Musiibyemutiano (How are you?)

I trust this greeting finds you well and enjoying the richest of our Savior's blessings. The past two days of ministry here in Jinja have been absolutely amazing. Our time together at Iguluwibi and Loco village was incredible! Some of the highlights include: sharing in an authentic village cooked meal, having the privilege of praying for an African mama and a child suffering from malaria and intestinal illness, hearing the sounds of joyful hearts expressed through children's laughter, connecting with our mentors and finding similarities among our differences, and getting to hold babies and have them fall asleep in our arms.

Sharing In God's Greatness

As different team members shared about the greatness of God's love, the importance of maturing in our faith and the beauty of God's faithfulness and the power of His forgiveness and grace at Iguluwibi, the presence of the Lord was powerful. In debriefing at the end of the day many shared how they felt as if they had already experienced a full week of culture and ministry in that one day experience.

michelles-pics-uganda-155During our time together at Loco village this afternoon we were able to share again with the children the greatness of God's love there and the importance of finding security and happiness in God alone by setting our hearts on eternal things with the women. God showed up and it was a beautiful thing. Several of the children in this village attend the primary school at the Pierce's home so it was a real treat for us to be able to share this time of fellowship and worship with them in their home village.

Challenges

Some of the challenges we've faced have been: heat rashes, blisters, spider bites, sleep deprivation, adjusting to different levels of sanitary conditions in the villages and cold showers (though I must admit they have felt pretty refreshing at the end of a hot day in the African sun).

Supporting Children

We are excited and looking forward to spending time at Amani baby cottage tomorrow as well as meeting the children at New Hope orphanage and blessing them with the clothes, shoes, toothbrushes, tooth paste and underclothes that we were able to provide for them through the help from many of you. Thanks again for your love, prayer and support in walking with us through this journey.

Your prayers are making a difference throughout the moments of our days and so evident in the ministry God is doing here. Thank you! We couldn't be here without you.

Praying His richest blessings upon you today,

Michelle for the team

Alumni Missionary Support – Uganda

Comments Off Written on June 12th, 2009 by
Categories: Alumni, General, Missions
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Warmest of greetings to you from Jinja, Uganda!

dscf1613We wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that we've arrived! We are just getting started and already we've seen God's favor at work in absolutely amazing ways! From catching flights and trains on time, to experiencing limited delays, having favor with hotel staff, luggage arriving in tact, smooth flights and ease heading through customs, etc. etc.

God is good!

michelles-pics-uganda-182Based on our 2007 adventure  here, we had prepared ourselves, as well as the team, for a real third-world airport experience. Much to our surprise upon arrival, we discovered that the Queen of England (Queen Elizabeth) had preceded us for the Common Wealth Heads of Nation summit. Instead of being greeted by the incredible force of Uganda's heat, and entering a primitive cinder block building, we stepped out onto a cool jet-way that led to marbled tiles. The airport had been transformed, as well as the roads from Entebbe all the way to Jinja making for a pleasant journey to the Pierce's home where we will be staying these next few weeks. Praise God for no flat tires or sore tailbones.

Roses, Thorns, and Buds

michelles-pics-uganda-14As we sat around the dinner table this evening sharing in a Pierce family tradition talking about our roses (highlights of our day), our thorns (challenges that we faced) and buds (what we hope to take away from tomorrow) I was encouraged to see the Lord at work...some of the highlights included: Reunions with the Pierces, experiencing culture in the market place and the worship service at church this evening. Some of the challenges were heat exhaustion resulting in headaches and sunburns, and loss of electricity.

Tomorrow morning we'll have the opportunity to assist with the K-5 school in Don and Danielle's home and in the afternoon we will head to Iguluwibi village to share with the women and children there. Please pray for our outreach with these women and our program with the kids. Pray also for our adjustments to culture and the heat and that the Lord would work not only through us but IN us in powerful ways.

Michelle for the team

Master of Arts in Counseling – Now Enrolling!

1 Comment » Written on June 10th, 2009 by
Categories: Faculty, General, Press Releases, Programs
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000130322In case you missed our press release about the new Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program, or the one about Dr. Elizabeth List, the Psychology department chair and faculty member directing the MAC program - we have the whole scoop here.

The long awaited Master of Arts in Counseling program is accepting applicants into the upcoming Fall Semester - and the response has been very positive!

4 Facts You Should Know:

  1. Fully Accredited:  Multnomah's MAC program is accredited by ABHE and NWCCU.
  2. Licensure:  Multnomah's MAC program meets the educational requirements for licensure and is approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists based on the fact that Multnomah is a regionally accredited institution.
  3. Stronger Bible:  There are many MAC programs out there, but what makes the MU program unique is that Bible and theology is the foundation on which it is built. We are committed to Biblically-grounded counseling as a ministry - not just a profession.
  4. Accessible:  With classes taking place one night per week and small cohort-style groups forming throughout the year, it is an ideal program for busy professionals looking to get qualified for a career in counseling - especially Christian counseling.

Any Questions?

We are looking to build an FAQ page to answer questions, so let us know what we should put on it! Also, I will be interviewing Dr. List in the coming weeks, so I will be sure to ask her your questions for you!

In the meantime, I hear that there are many applicants already - so if you want in, you probably should contact Admissions right away to find out how!

Contact

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