The Tide’s Currents Pacific Islands University August 2018 “I think people want to know

what PIU did for me. I am

In this issue . . . personally most impressed with what PIU continues to do in me  President Merrell’s message  Update on Dave Owen through the foundation that was laid by the faculty. I haven’t  Successes and gifts  What can you do?? stopped building on that foundation, and I believe PIU  PIU featured in Liebenzell  Student in the Spotlight (insert) helped me have the judgment needed to build well.” Mission USA’s Live Ready  (insert) Praise and Prayer Alumni Quote of the Week

President’s Message I just had a conversation with a pastor who The Tide’s serves in one of the Micronesian communities. Pastor "Adam" is a new friend. He told me Currents another version of a story I have heard many is a regular publication of times. "Most of our pastors have no formal Pacific Islands University training." I am confident that many of the with the purpose of keeping pastors Adam referred to are Godly men, who have ministry gifts from the Holy Spirit, and friends of PIU abreast of that they are hard workers. In my career as a current events and ways pastor I knew some men who were they can be involved with extraordinary pastors, though they had no the University. college or seminary training. As I think back, however, I am very impressed with the difference that having college-level preparation for the task made in my ministry. Those who succeed without such teaching/discipleship are the Mission exception rather than the rule. As I finish this article, I am in between two Statement funerals for Island church leaders. Rev. Mokut William was former President PIU exists to provide of the Evangelical Church of Chuuk. Rev. Hiob Ngirachemoi was a leader in accessible, excellent, the Palauan Evangelical Church transformational Christian

The churches in need a new generation of leaders who can higher education and accurately handle the scripture and who have the skills to minister effectively. ministry training to the people of Micronesia, the My passion is church ministry, but I also agree with the great Theologian/ Pacific Islands, and to the Statesman, Abraham Kuyper, who said, “There is not a square inch in the ends of the earth. As such, whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign our mission is to prepare over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” I am convinced that the Lord of Glory did not men and women with a leave His Church impotent to establish His dominion in all areas of life. biblical worldview for I humbly submit that PIU is a tool in the Master's hands, uniquely positioned to help provide leaders who see the world Biblically. In this edition of The leadership and service in Tides Currents, you can read about the role of PIU in helping to provide life, work, and ministry in Leaders where the need is great. From our student spotlight article about a the global community and young man working with children to a summary from a recent Liebenzell the church.

Mission USA publication "Theological Education as Missions," with several Editors: stops along the way, you'll read about the work PIU is doing to fill the need for J. Combs Biblical leaders. You'll also find out how you can partner with us in this S. Refilong venture.

Currents of change swirl around us, here, in the far reaches of the Pacific. We are seeking to plot our course by the unchanging truth of God's word. There is room in the canoe. Join us!

Donations from the TakeCare Foundation and supporting churches help eliminate road- blocks on the Information Superhighway The TakeCare Foundation, part of TakeCare Insurance Co. (a respected member of the business community), shares an interest with PIU in helping second language English learners gain a mastery of English—a skill that opens many doors of opportunity. TakeCare recently awarded PIU a $5,000 grant to purchase to computers to upgrade our Study Center; this facili- ty enhances our ability to carry out English language programs.

A number of months ago President Howard Merrell put out a request for good used computers. Gateway Bible Church rose to that challenge. We now have more than 15 “new to us” comput- ers that will be used in our library, and elsewhere. They will greatly improve our fleet.

Bayview Church, gave us a gift to replace the floor in part of the Study Center. Some PIU staff and students are providing the elbow-grease to tear out the old and install the new. Hopefully, the next Tide’s Currents will include pictures of the updated and improved Study Center.

Update on Dave and Joyce Owen:

Dave has been experiencing the best health he has had for perhaps two years. He and Joyce were able to travel to Cincinnati to visit son, Mike, and his family. Dave’s medical team just did another PET scan. We praise the Lord that it was clear. One more scan is scheduled in six months. If it is clear (and we expect it will be), the doctors say they will declare Dave cancer free. The Owens are back in Eldorado CA where they moved into an apartment in Dave’s parents’ house. Dave is planning on teaching a class in PIU’s D. E. divi- sion this fall. PTL.

A Tribute to a Dear Friend

Rev. Hiob Ngirachemoi, Pastor of Koror Evangelical Church in Palau, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PIU, and all- around good guy, left this life for heav- en, July 3, 2018. Hiob was a graduate of MIBS and former staff member at PIBC. Our prayers are with his wife, Leah, and chilldren, Micah and Jireh. We will miss Hiob’s room-filling, heart-warming smiles. His passing reminds us of the importance of PIU’s mission to raise up 1958- 2018

In Loving Memory a new generation of Godly leaders. No one will replace Hiob Ngirachemoi, but someone must take not only his place, but the place of other leaders who have finished their race.

—

PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES A LONG AND FRUITFUL

LIEBENZELL MISSIONS & PIU Perhaps you didn't know that a A NOTE TO LIEBENZELL USA’S GLOBAL MINISTRIES significant portion of our PIU DIRECTOR BILL SCHUIT AND WIFE BARBARA, WITH A staff serve as , or NOTE ABOUT THE PIU’S LIBRARY’S WISH LIST: are partially supported as mis-

Greetings Bill and Barb, sionaries. The fact is everyone who serves at PIU serves with Thank you for hosting my visit to Liebenzell a ethos. Liebenzell USA on May 21. I appreciated your hospitali- Mission was instrumental in ty and the opportunity to visit mission founding PIU, forty-two years headquarters and learn more about Lieben- ago. Several PIU staffers are zell. Also the challenges of a transition in leadership - I keep that in my prayers. If Liebenzellers. LMUSA fea- there is anything Micronesian-related that tured PIU in their most recent you seek for Liezenbell USA's resources edition of their quarterly mini- please let me know and I'll keep an eye out. magazine, Live Ready (http:// piu.edu/system/news). The Bill - sorry that Barb and I did a lot of mini-mag. makes the case that "shop talk" about libraries during dinner. institutions like PIU are a vital part of missions in the 21st You mentioned that a mention about the PIU Century. Dr. Francis Manana, LMUSA missionary educator Library Amazon wish list could be included in Zambia, says, "Theological Colleges . . . are needed at in a newsletter of opportunities. It is present. . . . [O]ur hope is that . . . Leaders will be trained in "Pacific Islands University Library" in Ama- higher institutions over time so that they can take our place. . zon Wish List. Also a link from the Li- brary's webpage: www.piu.edu/library. This . . [T]he primary role of the Missionary in the African Church is a major source for new materials for the is to provide Theological Education and to serve in a sup- Library. portive role with the Nationals as they reach their own people with the Gospel of Christ." Mostly books but a few DVDs - our students really enjoy being able to watch Christian What Dr. Manana sees on the continent of Africa is equally films and documentaries. We don't have the setup to use electronic copy. Titles are re- true in Micronesia. PIU President, Rev. Howard Merrell, ech- quested by instructors or updates to current oes Dr. Manana. "[M]issionary education is the bridge from a titles. Subject coverage is from Biblical people group being evangelized [to] them [being] trained to and theological areas to Micronesia re- become evangelists and trainers for that specific community. sources that are relevant to the cultures of In the same way, that pioneer missions is about people car- our students. rying the gospel where there aren’t enough Christians to do

Someone can provide from non-Amazon the job [of evangelism] the task of missionary education is sources - I just ask to be notified so about providing a next-generation of leaders in places where I will remove from the wish list and there are few leaders." You can read more at the link above. not obtain two copies. One of our Board members, Cita Tomada, recently put it well. "PIU offers holistic education. We provide the spiritual, If more or better description needed, please let me know. as well as the intellectual." Both PIU's Bible and Theology department and our Liberal Studies department are about Blessings, training leaders with a Biblical worldview. We are about part- Paul nering with the church to effectively carry out the Great Com- mission.

To God be the Glory!

Send the enclosed card or donate at: http://piu.edu/welcome-to-the-piu- donation-page

Our greatest Assets!

We are blessed with some remarkable people who serve at PIU.

 Nino Pate’, VP for Finance and Business, recently completed his MBA from University of Southeastern Philippines. His thesis used PIU as a model.

 Dot Houde, Instructor and Chairman of the Liberal Studies Depart- ment has been appointed VP of Academics.

 Alex Tavarez, Dean of Student Development will now serve as VP for Student Development.

NOT EVERYONE CAN TRAVEL TO What can you do?? MICRONESIA TO SERVE AT PIU! YOU CAN HELP THOSE WHO SERVE HERE We are thankful to a supporting church that WORK MORE EFFECTIVLY. collected some used comput- ers to upgrade our fleet. President Merrell was able bring a number of them back with him as he returned from the states. The others were mailed. The expense of getting them from the mainland to the desktop in Guam is about $50/unit. These new- to-us computers will join the brand new units (see page 2) to enhance student learning. Still others will be used by staff. A great way for you to add to the blessing would be to underwrite the cost of There are an abundance of small projects getting one or more of these computers to our campus that need to be done on our campus. and getting them ready to go. Also in the digital neighborhood: Our IT team has a Two big ones, reroofing our main building, plan to upgrade our cobbled together network. The and putting new trim on the eaves are big price tag for taking this major cyber-leap forward, is about $1500. enough, and require a level of skill to ac- A couple of other partners provided funds to replace complish, that I am convinced the best thing some worn out aircons. to do is to ask you to pray with me about Our shop needs a table saw. Perhaps someone on- these projects. island has one to donate, or someone from anywhere could help us purchase one. If the Lord leads you to inquire further about You will notice other possible projects all through this projects big or little. I’d be glad to talk with edition of The Tide’s Currents. you. It would be a good time for Coffee with Part of what makes PIU work is the fact that our tuition the President. and fees are so low. Consider becoming a regular supporter of PIU. All donors receive a PIU "Coffee with the President" mug as our way of saying thank you, and as an ongoing reminder to pray for us. Contact us Pacific Islands University

172 Kinney’s Drive

Mangilao, Guam 96913

671-734-1812 www.PIU.edu www.facebook.com/ pacificislandsuniversity Student Spotlight Materson “Matty” Maras

aterson Maras, also known as Matty, is a second year student here at Pa- cific Islands University. Scott Refi- long, PIU Alumnus and Administra- M tive Assistant recently sat down and chatted with him. Matty was born and raised on Guam. Though if you ask him where he is from, he will reply, “Chuuk.” He is a graduate of Tiyan High School. Two of Matty’s siblings are PIU grads, sister, Restme, is a current student, and Matty’s youngest brother is coming this fall.

“ I also have gained a PIU family” Why did you come to PIU ?

It was my parent’s choice. PIU was like my last option out of all the colleges here on Guam.

What are the most important things you gained at PIU?

The most important thing I gained here at PIU are leadership skills, and learning to have a personal devotion time.

Matty points to another benefit of his time at PIU, one that many of our students mention:

I also have gained a PIU family.

Matty is putting his knowledge and skills gained at PIU into good use at Calvary Baptist Church. Giving to the community is something we emphasize at PIU.

I’m with the children from the beginning, then in the middle of the internship, they put me with the youth. Being with the youth is really challenging, especially when it’s one of those days when they are really interested and they want the “meat” of the message. You have to be on your toes and ready. Sundays, I do children’s ministry, I work with the children ages 5-10 and I like how they are really into the lessons and they all jump either to open or close our time in prayer. The reward is seeing them grow. Sunday morning, one of them came and asked me to read about when Jesus was walking on the water. He’s been wondering how Jesus was walking on water and stuff. The difficulties are answering their questions, not only the children, but also the youth. Sometimes they come with hard questions. I tell them I will come back with answers that I hopefully can get from my professors. Prayers Requests

 As we continue into the semester, pray for our new incoming students as well as the returning students. That they work hard on getting what needs to be done, done.

 Pray for our Liebenzell Mission family headquarters as they begin their transition of new leadership with Dennis Wadley.

 Continue to pray for our Palauan families especially, Leah Ngirachemoi and her two children, Micah and Jireh.

 Since our last communication Dr. Jim Sawyer’s father passed, Jim and Kay (wife) have moved across the country from California to Maine.

 Pray for Dave Owen as he continues to deal with edema which is a permanent condition caused by the damage from the can- cer.

 Christel Wood was recently in California being treated for a heart condition. The news so far is encourag- ing.

 Gary Houde recently suffered a heart attack. Expectations are that he will have a good recovery. He is recovering from a catheterization as we prepare this list.

 Hartmut and Urte Scherer, citizens of , continue to await word from US immigration, concern- ing their visa.

 We are looking for servants to join us in the important work that we are doing. Though we are open to talking to prospective workers who would come on as employees of PIU, at this time we are limited to bringing on workers who are supported through missionary support or through other means. We welcome talking to all.

 We were blessed this summer to have Josh- ua and his grandfather, David, help us with a few non-working light fixtures around the campus. Mr. David Beale is here for the summer and is Robin Knapp’s father.

 We recently received special gifts that ena- bled us to purchase “aircons” which are up and running, and one more that we are yet to purchase and install. All these are for facul- ty and staff offices.

 Donation from several supporters are enabling us to provide a better digital experience for our students, in the study center and beyond. (See page 2)

 Students have been coming in and out of the offices all summer, those off island have been sending us envelopes containing documents that they need to finish applications. Praise Reports Praise Reports