Prayer Points - Bethel University

April 2008

PRAISE—Comprehensive Resource Campaign
Visit http://www.bethel.edu/development/campaign/ for updates.

For the $1 Million Matching Challenge from the Bush Foundation in support of Bethel’s “Taking the Next Step” campaign. (See enclosed announcement).
That construction of the University Commons is within budget and on time ~ there have been no injuries and only one construction day lost due to weather.
That Bethel’s donors have pushed total “Taking the Next Step” gifts and commitments past $95 million as of April 8.

PRAISE—Presidential Search
Visit http://www.bethel.edu/presidential-search/ for updates.

To God for His faithfulness to Bethel during the past 137 years. For its presidents who have depended upon Him for vision and wisdom to implement that vision. As a result, hundreds of lives have been transformed and a multitude of students have become Christ-followers.
To God for members of the Presidential Search Committee who are committed to selecting a leader for Bethel who will continue our tradition of presidents with a God-given passion for Christian higher education. Thank God for the committee’s willingness to serve Him and Bethel in this way.

PRAYER—Comprehensive Resource Campaign

For the remaining 7 weeks of the Comprehensive Resource Campaign, scheduled to end on May 31, 2008.
For continued willingness, commitment, and generous support of donors to help raise the remaining $10 million of the $105 million campaign goal.
For an outpouring of strong donor support in Annual Fund contributions to finish the fiscal year ending May 31 with all obligations paid.

PRAYER—Presidential Search

A Note from Kathleen Nelson, Trustee and Search Committee Member: “First of all, the Presidential Search Committee thanks you for your prayers. We have completed initial interviews with a number of candidates and are now entering the final phase of the process. Soon we will be hosting final interviews with a select few candidates and their spouses. We ask that you continue to pray for the discernment of the Committee as well as for the individuals we are meeting with as we seek God’s will for Bethel. We are hopeful that the Committee will have a unanimous recommendation for the Board of Trustees’ consideration later this spring.”
For President Brushaber as he completes his time in office. His request is that we pray he will “finish strong.”

PRAYER—Bethel University/BGC Biennial Meeting, Salt & Light Leaders, June 25-27, 2008

For those involved in the preparations at the BGC Headquarters, at Bethel University and for COLA (the Committee on Local Arrangements).
For Ralph Gustafson, vice president for constituent relations, and MBC executive Dan Carlson, who are deeply involved in the planning.

Continued PRAYER

For the campus ministries and student life teams as they care for the spiritual growth and needs of College of Arts & Sciences students until the positions of vice president for student life and the dean of campus ministries/campus pastor are filled.

For the search that is underway for the position of University Registrar, responsible for the consistent administration of institutional academic policies across the university.

March 2008

Biological Sciences

Bethel’s biology department was able to hire two new professors. Pray for these highly skilled and godly people and their families as they meet the challenges of relocating and beginning new jobs.
Pray that God will be with professors Jim Reynhout in his retirement and Ken Petersen as he undergoes surgery for skin cancer and future reconstructive surgery.
Pray for the professors as they model Christ and wisdom when addressing ethical issues.

Chemistry

Bethel was awarded certification by the American Chemical Society for its highly regarded program. This award gives Bethel an edge in attracting high-potential students who are looking for established, rigorous programs; providing advantages to those applying to graduate-level chemistry programs; and expanding opportunities for employment and professional development upon graduation.
Bethel’s high acceptance rates in the pre-medical program options are significantly above the national average (medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and other health care professional schools).
Bethel’s teaching and research facilities are modern and well-equipped.

Physics

Bethel’s physics program is well-established and has a strong reputation in Minnesota and across the nation.
Bethel was selected as one of 21 thriving physics departments (out of 780) by the National Task Force on Undergraduate Physics.
Bethel has been given 31 national awards and recognitions in the last five years for faculty and students.

Pray for these departments and their mission to help students
achieve academically and serve Christ effectively.

CONTINUE TO PRAY

For the Presidential Search Committee as it enters the interview phase, specifically for wise choices, discernment, and that God would be honored through the process. Visit http://www.bethel.edu/presidential-search/ for updates.
For the campus ministries and student life teams, and for Matt Runion, interim campus pastor, as they care for the spiritual growth and needs of the students until the positions of vice president for student life and the dean of campus ministries/campus pastor for the College of Arts & Sciences are filled.
For the remaining months of the Comprehensive Resource Campaign, scheduled to end on May 31, 2008. Visit http://www.bethel.edu/development/campaign/ for updates.
For preparations for the BGC/Bethel University Biennial Meetings, Salt & Light Leaders, June 25-27, 2008, to be held at Bethel University.