Dear Friends,

My faith was strengthened by some instruction from Dr. John Hartog III at a conference this summer. He reminded us how the disciples murmured about having brought so little food on a trip across the Sea of Galilee shortly after Jesus had miraculously fed thousands of people. It was a rebuke to my faith as I thought of how inclined I am to worry about the financial picture in our country and how it will impact Faith. My worry really seems foolish in the light of the mighty things God has done, even recently, for Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary! Maybe that thought will encourage you as it did me.

We are grateful that the impact of our faculty and administration extends far beyond the campus. Dr. Jeff Newman, Dr. Ernie Schmidt, and Mr. Dan Dark taught modules at Bible colleges in Peru this summer. Other professors and administrators have preached at various churches and camps across the country.

You may have heard by now that Dr. George Houghton, Vice President for Academic Services, has retired after 36 years of ministry at Faith. Another key long-term staff member who will not continue full-time is Mr. Timothy Crown, who served for many years as our Vice President for Student Services. Both men have had major positive impacts upon this institution. The staff honored these two men at a luncheon in Benson Hall on June 30, and we will hold a public farewell for them after the students return.

I am pleased to tell you that Dr. John Hartog III will replace Dr. Houghton. I have named Dr. Hartog Acting Vice President for Academic Services until the September board meeting when I will recommend a permanent role for him. Dr. Hartog has distinguished himself as an outstanding pastor and professor. He served as Acting President of FBBC&TS before I arrived.

God has greatly used our summer ministry teams. The Impact Team is ministering at eight Christian camps this summer. Recently Matt Fincham had the opportunity to lead a boy to Christ at Camp Clearwaters in Wisconsin. The boys in Kenny Froment’s cabin at Bethany Camp in New York expressed their desire that God would use Kenny to change the lives of those at the next camp as He had used him to change their lives. Praise the Lord for Faith students who make an eternal difference in people’s lives!

Thank you for your gift that makes all of these ministries possible.

In Christ,

James D. Maxwell, III