News Story
Amanda Hewitt
Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index
Previous News Stories | Send mail to The Voice
Dr. Lockwood Battles Cancer, Writes Book
Dr. Daniel Lockwood was planning on writing a book about faith during his sabbatical this semester. He didn't realize, however, that he would first be tested on the subject.
In February of 2004, the board decided that Dr. Lockwood, president of Multnomah, would take a break from Aug. 1 to the end of December. But in June of 2004, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"It wasn't exactly planned," he said.
The surgery to remove the cancer took place Aug. 10, and Dr. Lockwood has been recovering since then in his home. He said that most of the cancer was removed during the surgery, but traces of it still remain in his body. Because the doctors chose to be aggressive in the surgery, hormone therapy should cure him.
Since Dr. Lockwood has been gone, Dr. Wayne Strickland has been covering his position. He officially represents the school, oversees fundraising, and is in charge of family chapel, among other things.
Dr. Strickland is excited about directing chapel this semester. "I wanted to incorporate feedback that I had been receiving from students. First, students felt the need for more emphasis on personal holiness, and second, they enjoy having faculty at the pulpit," he said.
The students seem to be adjusting well to the change this year. "I totally miss Dr. Lockwood and his magic tricks, but I know I'll enjoy hearing from various professors about different aspects of holiness," Stephanie Rogers, a junior at Multnomah, said.
Usually, a faculty member gets a break after five to seven years, but Dr. Lockwood has not had one sabbatical in his 24 years at Multnomah (seven years as president).
The Lockwoods decided early on to be open in sharing information about the cancer and surgery. He said the Multnomah family, as well as the larger family of God, has been very supportive. He's received cards and notes from all over the world expressing sympathy and stories about similar struggles.
Although this support was a great help, Dr. Lockwood said that he just learned to claim that "God is in control. You don't know what your path will be; you don't know what path he has."
The faith the Lockwoods have relied on is the same faith that he is writing his book about. After conducting several seminars on faith in which he drew on stories from the Old Testament as well as on Hebrews chapter 11, Dr. Lockwood decided that he should write a book. Five weeks after surgery, Dr. Lockwood had completed two chapters as well as the introduction. He is hoping to have about 12 chapters in the book.
Previous News Stories | Top Of Page
Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website
© 2004 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.