Billions
and Trillions
Have you heard the above numbers in
recent days? Not millions, but Billions and Trillions!
How much is that? What kind of number is this? There have been
attempts to grasp this number. The following two I have found
interesting:
“If you
change 700 billion dollars into U.S. quarters and put them back
to back, you will have circumnavigated the earth roughly 122
times. If you stack them they will reach roughly 3 million miles
into space.”
“If you
put a ten-dollar bill on the table every second of every hour of
every day of every year starting from the day Jesus died until
now, it still would not equal 700 billion dollars.”
It is hard to grasp
the largeness of these numbers. Imagine, the stock market lost
1.2 trillion dollars in one day. Since September 2008,
stockholders have lost between six and seven trillion dollars.
The rescue plan for the present financial crisis of the United
States is 850 billion dollars. (150 billion dollars of
“add-ons,” “sweeteners.”) Over ten trillion dollar debt for the
U.S. … and the numbers go on and on. So much money … so many
issues to deal with!
In the midst of all
this, it is refreshing, comforting, and very encouraging to know
that our God is a God not only of the
bigness but of the
smallness, the details. The
“little” is not lost with Him. You might be asking yourself,
“Who am I in the midst of all this, not to mention the other six
billion people on the earth? Who cares about me? Who knows about
me? Who is aware of my hurts, tears, problems, longings, and
needs as an individual? Do I really matter in the great scheme
of things?” The answer is: Absolutely, you matter! (Be
sure to read Psalm 139.) Reflect on the following scriptures:
“Are
not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one
of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But
the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Do not fear therefore ...”
Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV
“He counts the number of
the stars; He calls them all by name.”
Psalm 147:4 NKJV
“Lift up your eyes on
high, and see who has created these things, Who brings
out their host by number; He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might and the strength of His
power; Not one is missing.” Isaiah
40:26 NKJV
“… And in Your book
they all were written, the days fashioned for
me, when as yet there were none of them.”
Psalm 139:16 NKJV
Even Hagar, who was dealt with harshly by Sarai, was seen by the
Lord next to a spring of water in the wilderness and promises
were given to her! Promises of multiplication like Sarai
received. In fact, Hagar names God, “You Are the God Who
Sees.” (Genesis 16) This is breathtaking … God is the God
who knows! God is the God who sees! God is the God who counts
the stars and counts the tears! Space does not permit, but the
Bible is exploding with illustrations of God knowing the
“little” and intervening in the “little” for the good of His
people. Remember the negative word that was given to Jairus
about his daughter. Jesus immediately heard it and said to him,
“Do not be afraid; only believe.”
(Mark
5:36)
God is overhearing what is said to you and He is overruling …
and that is the Bottom Line! Rest assured in the midst of
all the vastness of bigness and complexity, God is in
touch with your specific issues and longings! Nothing
escapes his awareness! Your prayers have been heard. Your
desires have been registered! Your needs are noted … and He is
on the way to deliver, bless, and enrich! Get ready, be alert
and watch for the “working of the Lord” … and keep good notes!
Others need to hear from you!
Answers to Your Prayer Support and
Participation
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At least
135 prospective students are registered for Campus Preview
Weekend (Journey08)
November 6-8, 2008. |
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The building/working plans of our new student residence hall
have been submitted to the county for approval and a
building permit. The site plan has already been submitted
with work being accomplished on the Master Planned Unit
Development (MPUD). |
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The ladies volleyball team finished in fourth place. We have
two girls up for possible All-American awards and Mark
Sawyer has been nominated for Coach of the Year. . |
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The President’s
Council met October 10, 2008. New members included business
professionals and new friends of the College. |
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The Trustees met October 31,
2008. They have reviewed the progress of the institution,
making recommendations and suggestions. |
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Dr. James Lanpher, Vice President for Academic Affairs,
reported the following to the Trustees:
“Another very good sign in enrollment is the total credit
hours taken increased 17% to 2,047 compared to last year.
As far as I am aware, this is the most credit hours ever
taken by traditional students at Trinity College in a single
semester.” |
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Our Vice
President for Development, Dr. Charlie Martin, will be the
guest speaker at WTBN’s Pastor Appreciation Luncheon
November 20, 2008. (Greater Tampa/ St. Petersburg area) It
is anticipated that over 400 will be in attendance. |
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Rev. Les Harris, Alumni
President, reported increased interest by our Alumni in the
progress and activities of the College. The Trinity
Connection is connecting with past classes and their
student body. |
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Over 60 new donors have been
secured since January ’08 with over 40 re-engaged donors now
participating. |
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Our Annual Banquet (May ’09)
will feature Ruth Graham as keynote speaker along with
special guests and governmental leaders. |
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$4,102
has been given to our matching gift of $5,000 for the two
remaining buildings to be painted.
Cleaning of these buildings will begin shortly.
The matching gift challenge originated from one of
our President’s Circle members. Your gift toward the
remaining amount will be matched to complete the goal! |
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Please Remember the Following in Prayer ...
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Monies needed for the repair of one air conditioning unit
(administration building) and the replacement of one unit
for our library. These units are 20 years old. Repairs
have been done over the years and now this deferred
maintenance situation has become a reality. The trustees
are aware and working. The need is $7,000 and $75,000
respectively. Bids are being secured. |
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Extra office and classroom
space are needed. Food Service has doubled as well as
the number of resident students. It is estimated that
approximately 300 will be on campus Friday of campus preview
weekend. A tent will be provided for food service at noon.
There is a need for additional space at every level. |
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Operational funds.
Having presented a balanced budget, administration is
working hard at living within our means. Growth provides
additional challenges for staff and facilities. Gift income
stands at $23,400 monthly. With the challenge of the economy
and financial losses of many people, we need your support
more than ever. As one of our trustees, Robert Blount,
said: “There is no recession in heaven.” May we find
ourselves trusting the Lord for needs being met that are
vital for our mission and ministry as a Higher Biblical
Institution |
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Student Financial Needs.
Each student is challenged with ever increasing demands on
their pocketbooks. These are our future leaders for the
church. Two new scholarships are being developed to assist
future students. If the Lord places this interest on your
heart and you need additional information, please contact me
at 727-569-1401. Investing in the spiritual educational
needs of young people is very rewarding. |
May you and yours have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! May
a spirit of thanksgiving permeate your life and work! We
can never thank the Lord enough for all that He has done, is
doing, and will do. Pray for our world! Pray for our new
President elect! Pray for our nation! Pray for our churches and
pray for Trinity College of Florida! |
