Since childhood I have been impacted and influenced by the ministry of Johnson Bible College. Truthfully, there was never time when I did not plan on attending JBC. I suppose the credit for that goes to my father. He never pushed me to attend but his earthly walk with Christ and the example he set for me and others caused me to want to walk with Jesus in the same way he did...and for me that meant attending JBC. So I began to pay attention to what he taught me about JBC. Without question the characteristic that stood out was prayer. I knew my Dad was a man of prayer and he continually talked about the prayer room at JBC and the foundation of prayer throughout the rich history of JBC. I wanted to take part in that rich tradition.
As a member of the Council of 70 I want to encourage you to take a step of renewing that rich tradition of prayer. I know we all believe in prayer and we all agree with the admonitions of Ashley Johnson and other JBC presidents to "Work as if everything depended on work, have faith as if everything depended on faith, and to pray as if everything depended on prayer." I have watched over the years as the students, faculty and staff and alumni have worked diligently and displayed the faith that is modeled by the saints listed in Hebrews 11. I believe that now is the time to pray as if everything depended on prayer.
Last year, after great conviction, our Council of 70 President, Marsha Cunningham pleaded with us to become a House of Prayer as we ministered to the Faculty and Staff of JBC. I was touched and moved by her request and it is my intention to build upon that foundation as this year's Council President.
My challenge to each Council member is to do two things leading up to our meeting in February;
- Begin to pray for the ministry of JBC like never, before recognizing the unique position it has in history. JBC has new president and a student body with a burning desire to become a House of Prayer.
- Come prepared not just to "discuss" the ministry and work of JBC, but to spend the bulk of our meetings in prayer for what God is doing and will do through this wonderful institution and the tremendous people He has positioned to lead it.
Fellow Council members, we are not a part of this council by accident. The most we can do for this ministry is "pray as if everything depended on prayer," then move out in faith and work according to the Lord's agenda for JBC. I look forward to seeing you in February and going before the throne of God to corporately intercede on behalf of Johnson Bible College!
Through the One who is ABLE!
Jeff Noel
2008 Council of 70 President
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