“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
It’s Monday, COVID-19 is getting worse, and I’m ready to throw a party! Before you write me off as a sadist, step into my shoes for a few minutes.
Three weeks ago, COVID-19 was “their problem” (China, Italy, Korea and others). Today, cities across America are on lockdown. This situation defines disruptive change; a volcanic blast of upheaval spreading a dark cloud of uncertainty.
As the threat of COVID-19 reached our shores, our team at Lancaster Bible College|Capital Seminary & Graduate School took action. A lot of action! We had to turn on the proverbial dime. We had to be fully “remote ready” — adult education, undergraduate, graduate education and our student services — across four locations (Lancaster, Philadelphia, D.C., and Boca Raton) serving almost 2400 students, all in about 10 days. Oh, and this while all the members of our LBC|Capital family were grappling with their own safety and that of their loved ones.
We often teach A-to-Z; but that is not life. Life is A to Q to G to 1-2-3, then to R and back to C, all the while clinging to the unsteady hope of getting to Z.
As you can imagine (and have experienced) there was a kaleidoscopic clash of concerns and enough contingencies to haunt the Pentagon. This was synchronized swimming in 10-foot seas; playing Operation in a tornado; farming 10,000 acres with a horse and plow. It was a major blow to our students, especially our Seniors, whose worlds were upended.
Next came the “What ifs?”.
What would we do about student trips planned for Ireland, Africa, Israel, and in the U.S.?
What were the implications for student teachers if their schools closed?
What would we do in the face of increased social distancing?
What was our contingency if we had to close residence halls?
What if the government shut down colleges and universities?
What would this mean for members of our faculty who were unaccustomed to online education?
What would we have to do to be fully remote ready across all locations?
This was only the tip of the iceberg, but our team did not flinch. They looked up and out, because that is what Christian people do.
The Christian orientation is always up and out
Christians look up. The psalmist cried, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? It comes from the maker of heaven and earth“ (Psalm 121:1). Christians pray, “Our Father in Heaven” with good reason. We “look up” to our God who is both transcendent (in heaven, above all) and imminent (our Father, intimately acquainted with all our needs).
Christians look out. Like Paul, they look “to the interests of others.” This is not to say self-care is unimportant. It is very important! That’s why Jesus got alone to pray. That is why Jesus urged his disciples, “come away and rest for a while.“ God cares for our souls. He calls us to do the same. That’s why Paul says, “If any man cares not for his own house he has denied the faith.” But, the believer’s general orientation is always up and out.
Educational First Responders
So with COVID-19 invading our shores with the ferocity of a blitzkrieg and the quietness of a Stealth Bomber, this was no time for navel gazing. Our LBC|Capital community sprang into action. We said,
“We will be Educational First Responders, overcoming every obstacle to meet the needs of our students.”
Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” I am so proud of our team. They determined to do just that. They were going to leverage this crisis for kingdom advancement and God’s glory. They were on it before the dew fell. And wow, they succeeded beyond expectations.
The First Day Back
So here it is Monday the “first day back” from an extended Spring Break. Students will be heading to their virtual classrooms; missing a picturesque campus, missing the face-to-face comradery of friendship, missing athletic competition, missing hanging out with a professor or coach, YET NOT COMPLAINING.
Catch a few seconds of the video below. Better, watch it all the way through (at least to the 2-minute mark). It is the response of 46 students who only a day earlier were heading to Ireland to serve and perform. Just minutes distanced from the harsh reality that their trip was officially “off,” the group took the moment to record their rendition of “Baba Yetu,” to deliver via the web to a group in Ireland they would now never see. “Baba Yetu” is the Lord’s prayer in Swahili. Composed by American Christopher Tin, it expresses a most joyous setting of that prayer!
I was there at that moment. Watching those students, their enthusiasm, and their leader — in the face of a knock-out punch — you can see why I am so encouraged. They represent just a small picture of the vibrant reality of what happens when believers look out to the interests of others, and they are not alone.
It is a quiet campus today. Our locations in Lancaster, Philadelphia, D.C. and Boca Raton are not pulsing with activity, nor cheering athletics in full swing, nor gathering around a cup of good coffee. It’s a different day! It is a different day for students, faculty, parents, friends, Board of Trustees, donors, and members of our Corporation Board, but that’s okay. Our Educational First Responders are up to the challenge.
Sure, it might get a little rocky, but it is going to be okay — better than okay.
This is what happens when people don’t trip over their own interests, but look to the interests of others. So pardon my kudos but I am one proud President, grateful to God and the people of this institution:
Students: Your godly confidence, resilience, and determination to quote and live Romans 8:28 in the face of 15 rounds of disappointment encourages all of us. You are why we do what we do.
Faculty: You ran a marathon at a breakneck pace; 100% Remote Ready in 10 days. You are amazing! Thanks and “Double Kudos” to our Adjunct Faculty!!
Student Affairs: Check Webster’s! Your picture is next to “Student-Centered.” Thanks.
Coaches: You have helped our athletes navigate a different kind of win-loss. Thanks.
Board of Trustees, Donors, Corporation Board. You have been constant sources of prayer. encouragement, and support. Thanks.
Information Systems: You are electronic Ninja warriors. Thanks.
Public Safety/Physical Plant: You monitored our safety and kept us disinfected!! Thanks.
Metz Culinary Management: You are serving us with sacrificial excellence. Thanks.
Interim Provost Tricia Wilson: You are the LBC “Mirga,” conducting our academic efforts with orchestral collaboration and grace. Thanks.
COVID-19 Task Force: You are wise. You are tireless. You are a joy! You belong in the Situation Room. Thanks.
Shannan Kiedis and our family: You have been more than patient with husband and pops who has been mostly a blur. Thank you!
Okay, time to run. I can see class is just about to begin. No matter where you are, keep looking up and out!