Sept. 9, 2011, Oracle Print Edition

THE ORACLE • Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 • 1

Oral Roberts University • Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

See Josh Shepherd’s column on 9/11 inside.PAGE 20

An ORU-Iranian connection? Check inside for the full story.PAGE 7

9.11Students and faculty reflect onthe Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Special chapel honors Tulsa-area first responders.

10 Years Later

2 • Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 • THE ORACLE

The Oracle is the premier student news media organization of Oral Roberts University. Our mission is to serve the ORU community with accurate and relevant media content, integrity, creativity, and a focus on continual improvement.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEFRoy-Gene MacIninch

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SECTION EDITORSLife: Lindsey Buie Faith: Nathan Porter Sports: Billy Burke Scene: Halle Byrams Muse: Kelsie Wardell

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Contents

Oruoracle.com

Roy-Gene MacIninch, Editor-in-chief

Ten years ago, I was a sixth-grade student in a class of 14. I had never been to New York, never seen the Twin Towers, never heard of Osama bin Laden, never known so much horror. I watched the news

with my family all day, but it really wasn’t until several years later that the weight of the event fell on me and when it did, I wept. Since then, I’ve seen the attacks become the defining fixture of American foreign policy. Two wars have been fought and hundreds of thousands of human lives lost because a small group of men decided they wanted to pay America back for injustice done against them. 9/11 was neither the biggest nor most horrific mass murder in human history; the difference is that on that day, Satan wrought his handiwork live on national television. 9/11 has become a lot of things. It’s become a political rallying cry, both for Republicans and Democrats. It’s become a call for retribution, uttered by presidents and pastry store owners alike. Probably more than anything else, it became a call for justice—something about which human beings on the whole understand very little. But

one thing it was then, is now and always will be is something much harder to define. As a day on which innocent blood was spilled in murder, it is sacred and hallowed. After Cain took his brother Abel’s life, God said to him, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” In that moment, God made it clear he sees the shedding of innocent blood as dreadfully serious, worthy of the full force of his divine justice. When people look at 9/11 in the most basic way possible, it suddenly appears not so dissimilar from the murder that started them all. It was neither a day on which Arabs killed Americans nor on which Muslims killed Christians. When all nationalities and human labels, politics and international intrigues are laid aside, it was—first and foremost—a day when human beings murdered other human beings. So, let’s all just stop for a moment. Sometimes it helps us grasp heartbreak if we stop what we’re doing, quiet our minds and just breathe. If only for the day itself—fittingly falling on a Sunday—let’s make a commitment to shut out the pundits and turn off the talk shows and political propaganda. They are crassly inadequate means of honoring something so sacrosanct. Paris’ Le Monde newspaper declared the day after the attacks, “We’re all Americans today,” but 9/11 is anything but exclusively American; it is something distinctly human. It’s a day that cries out for justice certainly, but justice that can’t be achieved through war or human vengeance. No, for that sort of justice, we can only stand in silent confidence that it will one day come.

Sports: NFL remembers impact of 9/11

16

Scene: Campus musician’s albums released

18

Muse: Date Doctor’s wisdom ageless

21

Life: ASL classes now available4

Faith: Joplin survivors speak out8

Got a lead for a story? Call in or text an alert: 918.732.9190

Shutter: Any Other Universe14

Photo by John Burgher

The World Trade Center in New York was reduced to rubble in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Editor’s Note


Keepin.It.Brief

American Sign Language offered for elective credits

Life The Oracle Life Editor is Lindsey BuieContact her with comments or questions at [email protected]

By Katie DaCosta Terry York understands the challenge of learning a foreign language. After being told by her high school teacher that she could never learn French, York figured she would never speak another language. She was right. Instead, she learned how to communicate with her hands. York is now an American Sign Language course instructor and deaf interpreter at ORU. When York and her husband signed up to take a sign language course at Tulsa Junior College (now Tulsa Community College) 22 years ago, she never envisioned herself with a National Interpreter Certification or teaching sign language at a university. “I was going to stop at a Level 3,” said York. But when her husband unexpectedly passed away seven years ago, she saw it as an opportunity to prove to herself that she could make it on her own and took the National Interpreter Certification test, passing it on her

first attempt. Ten years ago, she joined ORU as a deaf interpreter, but this fall semester she is teaching ORU’s first

American Sign Language course. The course follows the Master ASL curriculum, which teaches beginning signs, such as common phrases and the alphabet, and also introduces students to the deaf culture. Students will have the opportunity to go to Happy Hands, a school for children with disabilities in Broken Arrow, and sign books to the children. York even demonstrated by signing “The Going to Bed Book.” “You want to make it come alive,” York explained. “Just like you change voice inflection, you do that with sign.” Like any other foreign language, learning sign language takes time, practice and immersion. “The biggest difficulty for hearing people is letting go of insecurities and things you learned as a child,” said York. “Don’t make faces, don’t point. We’re taught not to do these things.” Sign language is animated and speaking it involves using half of the body. York said that those, like herself, who struggle with learning a verbal

language should consider taking sign language. “Sign language makes visual sense and is easier to learn for visual learners,” said York. The course credit is currently counted toward General Studies, but York hopes that one day it will find its place in the language department for language credit. Not only will this benefit the students who want to learn the language, but also it will cultivate an environment that is both conducive to learning and socially comfortable. “Most people don’t want to take the time to learn your language to be your friend,” she said. She hopes that if students had the accessibility of learning sign language here at ORU, they would be willing to try. “There’s a huge need to have everyday people that can communicate,” York said. And that is exactly what she hopes to accomplish through her class. American Sign Language is a 3-credit class that meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Two members have been added to the Board of Trustees. Kelli Hansbauer, a marketing and innovation expert and 1994 ORU graduate, is a speaker on professional and personal development, digital marketing, leadership and faith. Alfred Hollingsworth is the co-owner of Alhatti Private Christian Resort in California. He also creates faith-based training programs for youth.

Several local events are planned this month to raise awareness about sex trafficking. Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH) will hold a motorcycle rally at 9 a.m. Sept. 10 at T-Town Leather. All Things New, a rescue shelter in Oklahoma City, will sponsor a prayer meeting at 7 a.m. Sept. 13 at Citiplex Towers, and Stop Child Trafficking Now (SCTNow) will hold its annual awareness walk at 8 a.m. Sept. 24 at Riverwalk in Jenks.

ORU’s Spring Break has been changed to March 19-23, 2012, in order to fall during the same time as the other educational institutions in Oklahoma and especially in the major school districts in the Tulsa area. Oklahoma State University also changed its dates to conform to other schools’ schedules.

ORU has signed an agreement with the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa that will provide ORU students with the opportunity to be admitted into OSU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. The partnership will help meet the health care needs of the state while allowing ORU students to take advantage of programs that ORU doesn’t offer on campus.

Dates changed for Spring break

ORU partneringwith OSU center

Stop sex trafficking is goal of 3 events

Board of Trustees adds 2 members

Photo by Michele Karjadi

Terry York teaches the sign lan-guage class Tuesday and Thursday. She is also an interpreter.


Campus programs aim to assist commutersBy Lindsey Buie

As the school day comes to a close, while about half of ORU’s students trek back to their dorms, the other half get into their cars and drive away from campus to wherever they call home.

Being a commuter comes down to more than just living within a 50-mile radius.

“I chose to be a commuter because I live so close that I’m able to live at home and save on housing,” said commuter Tyler Spradlin. “And I have a pet.”

According to ORU’s website, “we (ORU) recognize that you are a unique part of our community, and we strive to help connect you to the campus and make your ORU experience everything it ought to be.”

Despite this effort, commuter Stephen Aery feels that there is often an unintentional stigma.

“When you say ‘Oh, I’m a commuter,’ sometimes people look at you funny,” Aery said. “We also sit in the cheap seats.”

While free meals at home and no curfews or hall meetings may be considered a perk to off-campus living, some commuters experience difficulty in finding a hang-out spot between classes.

“I enjoy having my own room and getting free dinner still, but I don’t feel like I have a place to go when I don’t have classes,” said commuter Kailynn Latta.

The future Armand

By Lindsey BuieOn Monday, Sept. 5,

the ORU student body elected 20 representatives to the General Assembly to represent them on campus and to serve as a voice to ORU’s administration.

The 20 elected members will collect opinions and suggestions from their fellow students and create proposals for evaluation by ORU’s faculty and staff.

GA Representative Amanda Condon was elected for a second year,

but has been formulating ideas for future proposals before this year’s campaign began.

She shared that there are already plans in motion that began last year, but they need to become more focused in the coming year to ensure they are completed.

This year, she anticipates bigger accomplishments than the year before.

“I feel like I didn’t get everything I wanted to get done last year,” Condon said. “Last year was our first year

General Assembly launches second year

2011-2012

Not Pictured: Kai Good, Matthew McAfee, Paige Mauldin, Roman Harvey, Celestino Velasquez, Kristine Towne, Rachel Ferris

Hammer Alumni-Student Center will host recreational rooms and gathering places for all students, and will be especially beneficial for commuting students with time between classes.

“I can’t wait to have the new student union building so I can have a place to go during my breaks,” Latta said. “It will beat sitting in the car.”

In the meantime, ORU does offer several programs to help them get involved in campus life.

According to the commuter life page, “our Community Builder program oversees the various demographics that make up our commuter population...and plans special events that meets the needs of each demographic.”

The Adopt-A-Commuter program also encourages commuters to become more engaged.

This program pairs a commuting student with a residential wing on campus where he or she can participate in floor banquets and intramurals.

In addition, the ORU online community helps commuters create a personal profile where they can meet people, join groups and stay informed of campus events and weekly “hall meeting” notes.

Intramural sports, community outreach and missions, and other leadership opportunities are also ways commuters can become more involved.

getting our feet down.”Student body President

Jentre Olsen describes the General Assembly as a bicameral legislative branch, comparable to the U.S. government and the Senate.

He shared that the GA plays a crucial role assisting the Student Association.

“Always remember that we are in the business of making other people successful,” said Olsen.

“We succeed when they succeed. Our job is to make other people successful.”

GA Representatives

James Bond II

Aaron Olsson

Caleb Perkins

Joshua Wagoner

Sarah Sanford

Luke Paulson

Exzayvins Williams

Amanda Condon


By Francesca LucidoWhile you were home working to add an extra

zero to your bank account, sharing the Gospel on a foreign mission trip or simply soaking up the sun this past summer, ORU was undergoing several summer renovation projects.

These renovations ranged from the practical level of new air-conditioning units in the Aerobics Center, to a beautiful new soccer complex.

If you live in Claudius or EMR, you may have shared the elevator with large pieces of equipment being carried to the alcove construction zone.

Currently, energy recovering units are in the process of being installed. These units will help the air conditioning work more efficiently.

In addition, if you haven’t had the opportunity to take notice of Wesley or Susie’s floor-to-ceiling restroom makeover, the result is HGTV worthy.

In Gabby, the girls received new carpets in their bedrooms, as well as in the hallways.

All of the dormitories were given several new furniture pieces, such as beds and chairs, in addition to a new paint job.

For the ORU athletes, the summer was filled with new construction, resurfacing and upgrades.

The men’s and women’s soccer teams now play in the new 1,000-seat Case Soccer Complex.

The ORU Golden Eagles basketball teams will be playing on a new floor in the Mabee Center this fall. That project was completed Sept. 1.

For the baseball team, the locker rooms in J.L. Johnson Stadium are being upgraded. That work should be ready when the team’s season opens this spring.

The academic side of campus received renovations as well.

The business department is excited for the upcoming construction of their new “Shark Tank,” a new Fortune 500-style board room where senior business students will make final presentations and pitch business ideas to investors.

The ONEOK College of Business Board Room will create an environment for students to experience and grow accustomed to corporate America before graduation.

“It’s amazing to see how much ORU is investing in giving students the best possible

Renovation Innovation

resources and opportunities while we’re here,” said SIFE member Puja Ghelani. “The Shark Tank is genius!”

In addition to the Shark Tank, the biology and engineering departments are updating their labs.

This renovation will keep their labs up to date and give biology and engineering students the ability to familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art, modern equipment before emergence into the work force or further education.

Overall, the renovations and construction on campus this past summer and school year are a tribute to the vision of “The New ORU.”

The construction workers labored throughout the intense weather conditions to make the campus ready for the start of school in early August.

In addition to the renovations listed, countless more projects were completed to enable students to have the best possible experience this school

By Lindsey BuiePlanning an international trip takes time and

thorough preparation, but even after more than two years of work by Professor Sonny Branham, a Liberia election studies trip scheduled next month has not yet been sanctioned by the African nation.

Branham said the trip has not received the official approval needed from the Liberian governor for Branham’s students to participate as short-term election observers.

“I’m waiting to hear from the Liberian election commission,” Branham said. “Until we know for sure, I’m not pushing it.”

Branham has been preparing for this trip by writing letters to the election commission, contacting leaders and communicating with Liberian students he has taught in the past. A former student’s father-in-law serves as Liberia’s minister of agriculture.

“ORU students from these countries are a way of contact for us to get in,” Branham said.

Branham said he should know the trip’s verdict soon. He continues to teach the class. In addition to studying the candidates and the current political issues, Branham has been preparing his students on how to be effective election observers. As election observers, the students will work with the Liberian government to guarantee reliability and ethical conduct.

The goal is to ensure a free and fair election, where the right to vote is enforced for all eligible voters. The Liberian election is set for Oct. 11.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is running for re-election for a second term. Sirleaf is running against Winston Tubman and Charles Brumskine. Seats in the House of Representatives and half of the Senate are also up for election.

In past election trips, the students were able to eat with political leaders and candidates.

In addition to participating in and observing the election, Branham hopes to make a spiritual impact in Liberia as well. Students will have the opportunity to participate in street evangelism by doing skits, drama, music, etc.

“The election is one day and we have done the preparation,” Branham said of the possible outreach opportunities. “We have time.” As for future trips, Branham already has plans in the making.

“We hope our plans are to go to Brazil in 2012 and go back to El Salvador in 2014,” Branham

Oct. trip to Liberiaremains uncertain

Building upgrades continue across campus this autumn

Photo by Sami Prichard

All of the dormitories received facelifts this summer, including new furniture and paint.


Student’s dad converts from Islam, becomes evangelist

By Josh Copeland Arvin Sepehr, a freshman engineering major, has an interesting story to tell. His father, currently the pastor of Victory Iranian Church in Tulsa, was once an imam-in-training in the Middle East-ern nation of Iran. Before Arvin was born, his father was a Muslim ex-tremist. His grandfather was an imam in Iran, the Muslim equivalent of a Christian church pastor who preaches in a mosque, and was raised by and trained to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. At age 17, his father heard another young person say something about Jesus being more than a prophet. Upon hearing this, he became so angry that he as-saulted the other person. Following the assault, the person gave Sepehr’s father the address of the missionary that told him about Jesus. He wrote a letter telling the mis-sionary that if he didn’t leave Iran, he was going to kill him. In response, the mis-sionary wrote back inviting him to visit him in Tehran. According to Sepehr, the response of love confused and overwhelmed his father. It made him question why he had to hate someone that openly showed him love. He asked his father (Sepehr’s grandfather) about why he had to hate this man, but he had no response and told him not to ask that question.

Because of this, his father became deeply troubled. He began asking Allah about why he had to hate, but there was no response. This troubled him even more. He was so distressed at the fact that he had to hate someone who loved him that he tried to kill himself three times. The night before the third suicide attempt he prayed that if God or Allah didn’t answer him that he was go-ing to jump in front of a train. That night he had a dream. In the dream, he was in a small, enclosed room that had rock walls and a rock ceiling. The room began to fill with water, and finally, when there were just inches left before there was no more air, he screamed out, “God! Help me!” As he spoke those words, a man (who he did not know to be Jesus at that time) broke through the rock walls and released him from his prison and said, “The guy you’re looking for is me.” He woke up in the middle of the night and knew it was God. He later found out that this man was Jesus as he read the Bible. Following his conver-sion to Christianity, Sepehr’s father married. Arvin was born in Iran, and his parents became pastors under a man in Masha, Iran. When his parents’ pastor was murdered, they became the

senior pastors of the church. Later, they moved to Tehran and worked in the underground church in the city. That pastor was later kidnapped and murdered, making his father the leader of the underground church in Tehran. He was later arrested and sentenced to death for being a pastor. The United Nations was informed of the situation and announced an inspection of Iran’s prisons with the threat of possible sanctions against Iran if pastors were being wrongfully imprisoned. Be-cause of this, he was set free. Sepehr’s father learned

from his predecessor in Tehran’s underground church about ORU. The idea of a place like ORU was like hearing of a “fantasy world,” as Arvin described it. “To a young guy who can’t hold a Bible in the street, being in a place where that’s encouraged is incredible,” said Arvin. After spending a year in Turkey, they moved to New York through the help of a church. At this point, Sepehr’s father began traveling and ministering in the United States and eventually came to Tulsa. Sepehr’s parents

went on a tour of the city and saw the Praying Hands sculpture at the entrance to ORU. At that point, they learned they were at the entrance to the university they’d heard of in Iran. Arvin has lived in Tulsa since he was about 3 years old. He graduated from Evangelistic Temple High School and is now a student at ORU. His sister com-pleted her undergraduate studies at ORU. His parents are still in full-time ministry with Vic-tory Iranian Church. He also has a church in Oklahoma City, as well as in St. Louis.

Faith The Faith Editor is Nathan PorterYou may contact him with comments or questions at [email protected]

Former imam-in-training now head of Victory Iranian Church

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

Arvin Sepehr is a freshman. His father is pastor of Victory Iranian Church.


ORU’s Joplin survivors look back on tragedymere half-mile away from Turner’s house. Before dissipating, the EF5 tornado killed 159. Back in Joplin, Turner remembers hearing The Weather Channel reporting that crumpled bodies littered the streets. Initially, he didn’t know if any of his family members were among the dead. With his dad and several of his siblings unaccounted for, his mother began to panic. Due to the power outages, landlines and cell phones were virtually useless. Even without power, Turner and his mother eventually managed to account for their family members. Turner’s sister was in a house that collapsed when the tornado hit. After discovering she wasn’t seriously injured, they loaded into the car to drive the usual 15 minutes to get her. An hour and a half later, they finally reached the house and found themselves surrounded by devastation from another world. It felt like the stuff of myth and movies. Turner had to stop looking out the car windows. “I couldn’t take it in. It was like a nightmare,” he said.

By Hannah Covington We Are Joplin: Students remember tornado, unity of their hometown. Since May 22, Kyle Turner avoids driving through certain parts of his hometown. He doesn’t want to look, not because the areas are run-down or dangerous, but because they aren’t there anymore. At least not as he has always known them. In this part of town, Wal-Mart and Home Depot are rebuilding. Chick-fil-A reopened last week. It’s one of many signs that life in Joplin, Mo., is slowly coming back to order. That’s all Turner said the people of Joplin want now — a return to normal. And to think it all started with normalcy. A spring storm and a barrage of tornado sirens that no one paid much attention to. Sirens always go off in Joplin in the springtime. If only May 22 could have been normal. Say “May 22,” and Turner will look up quickly and add, “5:41 p.m.” To him, they are inexorably intertwined. At 5:41 p.m., normalcy turned into nightmare for Joplin, Mo. Turner, a freshman at ORU, was at home, standing by a window and

Turner looked at the flat wasteland and could see all the way down to 32nd Street. In 18 years, he’d never been able to do that. “I’ve lived in Joplin my entire life. I know that city. I can close my eyes and find where something is,” Turner said. “But on that day, I had no idea where I was. You look around, and everything you know is gone,” he said. Turner soon found out that his grandparents were in a church that also collapsed during the storm. His grandmother lay trapped underneath a brick wall. Several men spotted her limp foot sticking out from under the wall and managed to dig her out from the debris. Two people beside her would never make it out of that rubble alive. “It was a miracle she survived,” Turner said. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado destroyed more than 7,000 homes and 2,000 buildings. Later on the night of May 22, Junge discovered that her dad’s business, Pronto Pharmacy, was among the thousands of homes

talking on the phone with a friend when he heard the familiar shrieks of the sirens. His friend even asked, “Shouldn’t you be taking cover?” “No,” Turner responded casually, “this happens all the time.” Across town, freshman Josiah Liston stood in the parking lot of the Joplin mall, squinting at the sky. He wasn’t worried. Then the sky seemed to cast a shadowed glare back at him, shifting into a black, rain-dimmed tide brooding formidably over the city. It was then that he and his co-workers decided they should go inside. Junior Carlye Junge was already inside when the sirens sounded in Joplin, but she never heard them. On her way home from a graduation in Kansas City, Junge got a call from her mom telling her to wait until the storm passed before driving into Joplin. She had stopped at a McDonald’s alongside the highway to finish up some online class work. What Junge didn’t know was that a mile-wide EF5 tornado would beat her back home. The rain-wrapped monster crawled over 22 miles before retreating back into the clouds a

BEFORE AFTER

Continued on Page 9

Courtesy PhotoORU junior Carlye Junge and her father survey what’s left of the pharmacy.

Courtesy PhotoThis is what the Pronto Pharmacy looked like in Joplin before May 22.


Joplin devastation brings community union...Continued from page 8.and 2,000 buildings. Later on the night of May 22, Junge discovered that her dad’s business, Pronto Pharmacy, was among the thousands of homes and businesses destroyed. At 2602 McClelland Blvd., it sat entrenched in the entrails of the destruction. Junior Elizabeth Khaleghi, also from Joplin, remembers getting a phone call from Junge about the pharmacy. Khaleghi said her friend was crying. Khaleghi had moved back to Tulsa from Joplin two days before the tornado hit. She could hardly believe what Junge was telling her about her dad’s business. When Junge finally made it back to Joplin, she drove immediately to the pharmacy — or at least as close as she could get. Picking their way over downed power lines, Junge couldn’t help but notice the darkness enshrouding the city. She had never seen Joplin that dark before. And then there was the smell draped in the darkness. Crumbled sheet rock, leaking gas, spilled pop, spilled beer and rotting food all had mixed into a penetrating odor. Like the darkness, you couldn’t escape it. Part of the smell came from the massive gas leaks at St. John’s hospital. Located near Pronto Pharmacy, the hospital took almost a direct hit. Ken Turner, Turner’s father, spent the hours immediately following the tornado helping displaced patients and victims of the tornado around St. John’s. Car doors were used as stretchers. People emerged from everywhere, their skin colored black from soot, soil and debris. Some would force their way out of the rubble only to collapse after the first labored steps forward. “I can’t even imagine what it was like to see the things he saw,”

Turner said slowly, pausing as if considering the possibilities. “My dad was a hero.” During the memorial service one week after the storm, President Barack Obama spoke of the many heroes of the Joplin tornado. A pastor of a local church also addressed the crowds, and Junge said she enjoyed his speech the best. “‘God is here,’ he had said, ‘and He is going to help us,’” Junge recalled. At times, Turner said he almost gave up on finding God amid the hellish destruction that infested a quarter of his city. In the days after the storm, he tried to go out and volunteer. On the first day, he was only out for an hour before the smells, sounds and sights of loss became too much. “I had almost lost all hope, but then I saw it,” Turner said. By “it” he means a cross. This particular cross was the only thing left standing of St. Mary’s church.Looming up into the sky amid a sea of wreckage, Turner said the sight gave him hope. “No matter how much the wind rages, you can’t destroy the cross,” he said, smiling. Nor can you destroy the spirit of their hometown, Turner said. “I don’t want Joplin to be recognized for the tornado,” he said. “I want it to be recognized for our response, our hope and our unity.” For the four students at ORU who call Joplin home, the months following May 22, 5:41 p.m. have been anything but normal. Days after the storm have been spent picking up the pieces of a town and a life they once knew. In times of such loss, Turner said it is faith that infuses people with the strength to press on. “Faith can do great things. It saved my grandma. It saved my sister,” he said. “It gave me courage to keep going.”

Photo by Ken TurnerThis EF5 tornado, which swept through Joplin, Mo., on May 22, was cap-tured in this photo by Ken Turner, the father of ORU freshman Kyle Turner.

Joplin by the Numbers

Fatalities: 159Intensity: EF5Wind speed: more than 200 mphWidth: ¾ mileTrack: 6 miles

7th deadliest tornado in U.S. history


By Nathan Porter Tammy Schneider, director of ORU’s Missions and Outreach department, resigned after more than a decade of service in the department and will be re-placed by Assistant Director Bobby Parks. After being promoted to director in 2006, Schneider focused on improving the reach of the international development program. For the past three years, the department has received a $100,000 grant. This funding has helped increase water, business, agricultural and medical development in the various countries where ORU mis-sions’ teams have traveled. Even beyond the statis-tics, Schneider has made a tremendous impact on those she has come in contact with abroad and here at ORU. “Tammy has a really unique ability to not only teach or train but to be an example to so many people, especially the females here at ORU,” said Parks. Senior Janey Ebener has worked as an administra-tive assistant in the depart-ment for the past year and has experienced Schneider’s positive influence firsthand. “She leads by example and really lives by what she speaks,” said Ebener. During her time as direc-tor, Schneider made delib-erate efforts to mentor the students she led, empower-ing them to grow as leaders and carriers of the Gospel. “You never look at Tam-my and say ‘I wish I could be like her, but I know I’ll never get there,’” said Ebener. “She

really believes in people and encourages them to do better.” Although Schneider is leaving, many in the depart-ment believe her vision will continue for years to come. “When people five, 10 years from now are doing missions or in ministry, or running a business, or lead-ing a family, I know that Tammy will have left huge imprints on their lives, giving them a better understanding of the Kingdom,” said Parks. The ORU Missions and Outreach program has had a number of notable leaders contribute to its vision over the years. Dr. Myles Munroe helped start the program when he was a student in the mid-1970s. Leaders such as Larry Stockstill, Dennis Russell and Jeff Rigler have also played an integral role in the pro-gram’s development. As the transition in lead-ership takes place, some small changes within the department will occur. For

instance, there will be no as-sistant director serving under Parks. For the most part, how-ever, the department’s vision will stay the same. “Yeah, there are going to be some changes we’re excited about, but really, we see ourselves building on the strong foundation that has al-ready been laid,” said Parks. Ebener echoes this belief. “The process may change, but the one thing that will stay the same is the vision,” said Ebener. Furthermore, student leadership will continue to be a huge part of the mis-sions and outreach program. The department currently employs 30 talented students who have a heart to serve the community and the nations. With such a prepared and passionate team, the leader-ship is confidently moving forward. “Our greatest strength has always been student leader-ship,” said Parks. “So that will stay the same.”

Missions director resignsBy Nathan Porter At times, the various re-ligious services at ORU can seem like a spiritual all-you-can-eat buffet for students to ingest on a daily basis. However, amid this pre-sumed smorgasbord, many students still remain hungry. In response to this need, Dean of Men Matthew Olsen, Dean of Women Lori Sylvester, Men’s Chaplain Eric Peterson, and Women’s Chaplain Carol Holderness came together to create an on-campus service in an attempt to guide students in the healing process. “During the spring se-mester we came together and said, ‘you know what, something is missing,’” said Olsen. The service will allow for students to receive the individual prayer that they often cannot receive fol-lowing chapel due to time constraints. “We want to see students a part of the healing process that happens here at ORU,” said Olsen. “Students need more prayer than they are re-ceiving, and they need more ministry and healing than they’ve got.” In addition to this, Pe-terson and the rest of the leaders want to see students experience the miraculous. “The Word clearly states that signs and wonders will follow those who believe,” said Peterson. “We want to see the demonstration of the Spirit of the power of God in the services, and hopefully when students leave they can carry that to their floors.”

The services for this event occur seven Sundays throughout the semester in the Holy Spirit Room from 7-8:30 p.m. The structure of the service will consist of about 15 minutes of worship, 15 minutes of preaching, and the rest of the time simply adhering to where the Holy Spirit takes the service. Olsen, Sylvester, Peterson and Holderness will each rotate preaching throughout the seven services. Also, International Wor-ship Center will lead worship for these events. Much of the structure for this gathering is similar to the Sunday night services, known as Vespers, which took place on campus from the late ‘70s to the early ‘90s. In these services, most of the student body gathered together in the cafeteria to worship and spend time with the Lord. However, the goal for the upcoming Sunday night ser-vices is not to mimic exactly what went on at Vespers. “We want to create a similar experience but we don’t want it to be Vespers,” said Olsen. While the service may be seen as an alternative or replacement to other similar organizations such as cam-pus worship or Prayer Move-ment, Olsen and Peterson are completely against this notion. “Our goal is not more people,” said Peterson. “Our goal is to see God move, and when He moves people will come.”

Intimate prayer services offered on Sunday nights

Photo by ORU Missions

Tammy Schneider and her husband, Kevin Schneider, traveled on a mission trip to China in June 2009.


What did 9/11 look like on campus?

From top left: Students pray at 9/11 memorial service in Christ’s Chapel; Theology Dean Thomson Mathew speaks to congregation at service; Student Development Dean Clar-ence Boyd prays for fallen Americans; Student body responds immediately to tragedy with prayer. Late Chancellor Oral Roberts and his wife, Evelyn, flew to Tulsa from California for the memorial service Sept. 14, 2011, held three days after the terrorist attacks.

ORU Archives Photos


Remembering...Sept. 11, 2001

A lot has happened since that fate-ful day, Sept. 11, 2001. It is hard to believe that all that occurred 10 years ago. Of course, for our fresh-men, they were only 9 or 10 when things went down, so they have a different perspective. I had been predicting a major, coordinated, terrorist attack on the United States since March of 1999. This prediction was based on what the radicals were saying. I believed that they were serious and meant what they said. By the way, they are still saying the same thing, and I be-lieve they mean it so I am predict-ing other major, coordinated, terror-ist attacks on the United States. As I said before 9/11, I will be glad to

be wrong. We have seen a tremendous effort by media and academic circles to forget, to downplay, to lose sight of the attacks, where the attacks came from, and what that may portend for the future here in the U.S. The present administration has issued guidelines for observing the 10th anniversary of the attacks. These guidelines seemed aimed at keeping the observations all politically correct. For me, the great question is why haven’t we been attacked again on the same level? There are a number of ready answers, but for me, the chief one is that people are praying.Dr. John Swails,History, Hum. and Government

More attacks will take place“I was in my fifth-grade classroom. The teacher’s aide whispered to the teacher, terrified. She called us out five by five to go home. The doors opened, and there were hundreds of mothers out-side crying. It was so hard to see friends

absent from school the next day because they had to go to their parents’ funerals. I could smell it and see the smoke from my house. It lingered for days.” Deanna Smeragliuolo, Staten Island, N.Y.

“I was in fifth grade at a bilingual school. I remember I saw one of the teachers screaming. We watched the second plane hit the tower on TV. We have ter-rorism in our country, so we knew what it was that was causing the fear. 200-300

Honduran people died in the attack, and our country was devastated.” Celestino Velasquez, Honduras

What were you doing on 9/11?

“I was living in Nashville at the time and going to a community college there and working full time at a gas station. There were two things that stand out in my mind about that day. One is the quiet in the sky. I lived near the airport, and with-

out any planes overhead, it was eerily quiet. The other is the panic in the eyes of people at work. We sold more gas in eight hours then we usually sold in two days!” Amy Huston-Moore, Escabana, Mich.

Alternative Sept. 11 Commemoration Events and Activities

10th Anniversary Observance

The Tulsa observance will feature multimedia presentations and speak-ers including former Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage. Starts at 2-3:30 p.m. followed by a First Responder Street Expo and Concert from 3:30-6 p.m.

BOK Center, 3rd and Denver, Downtown Tulsa

10th Anniversary Tribute

A bell will chime at 7:46 a.m., 8:03 a.m., 8:37 a.m. and 9:06 a.m. to mark each of the four plane crashes. Flags to commemorate Oklahoma residents killed as well as the other victims will be raised.

Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow.


Shutter

Photo by Charlesha Anderson

Have a great photo you want featured in the Oracle?Email it to our Muse editor Kelsie Wardell at [email protected]

“Any Other Universe” by Reid Peterson, Darren Sorrels, and Chelsea Boen


Flag football kicks off ORU intramuralsSports The Oracle Sports Editor is Billy Burke.

You may contact him with comments or questions at [email protected]

Rising Talent Kingsmen (EMR 5N) carries the reputation of being a freshmen floor and because of that, doesn’t have any outstanding themes or traditions. However, this isn’t stopping them from playing like a seasoned floor. “I believe that we will still be able to compete,” said Tyler Green, sports chair for Kingsmen. “We have a a lot of guys who are great athletes and played sports in high school, so I think that will help us out.” He believes Kingsmen and other young floors can match the chemistry that other floors have built over the years. “If you practice and talk about it a lot, it helps build chemistry,” Green said. “At the end of the day, you have each other’s backs, go out there and just play.”

Free Agent or Pick Up Rule Before this season, teams in any sport could pick up two alumni. This bred controversy, since some floors had a base of alums who would come out and support a floor, whereas other floors without these connections were forced to play with only the players on their wing. Cole Profitt, athletic chair for Republic, was one of the intramural chairs who brought up this issue to have it changed. “There would be some games where there would be only a couple guys playing who actually lived on a floor,” Profitt said. “It just wasn’t fair to younger teams who didn’t have a strong alumni base... We wanted to make intramurals more about the students, and we felt this was a way to do that.”

Girls Intramurals Yes guys, girls like to play football, too! Surprisingly, girls intramural flag football is virtually the same as their male counterparts except for a few minor rules (aka the Polamalu rule: no hair pulling). According to Michaela Curtis, ORU intramural staff member, flag football is the most popular sport for girls. Curtis said that even though it’s girls football, the games can still get physical. “Flag football can get very competitive between the girls,” Curtis said. “It honestly just depends on what the teams are because some girls take it very seriously.” So guys just remember, if you throw like a girl, there’s always a a team for you.

By Billy Burke That time of year is upon us when the grass has been cut, the lines have been drawn and rivalries have been reborn. Across the country, grills are getting warmed up, drinks are getting cold and men everywhere are living out their fantasy of owning a football team. That’s right, football is in the air. While the NCAA kicked off Sept. 1 and the NFL doesn’t start until Sept. 8, intramural flag football got underway Aug. 30 at ORU. Students come out from virtually every wing to throw, catch and hope for a chance to execute that touchdown celebration they’ve been rehearsing in their rooms.

Photo by Mithun AbrahamBobby Baehr makes a completion for Youngblood (EMR 5E).

Photo by Jeannette DeRubeisWomen play in a game of flag football on campus. According to intramu-rals officials, flag football is among the most popular intramurals sports for women.


NFL, CBS, Fox honor Sept. 11 anniversary

By Billy Burke This Sunday will mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that took the lives of thousands of Americans and forever changed the nation. Coinci-dentally, it is also the Sunday that kicks off the NFL season. Nearly 10 years ago, American sports were virtu-ally shut down across the nation in honor of the attacks that took place earlier that week. This moment of silence took place during week two of the NFL season. ‘’This is such an unprec-edented tragedy perpetrated by wicked cowards,’’ said David Hill, chairman of the Fox Sports Television Group. ‘’The people who died should not be forgotten.’’ This weekend, the NFL plans to once again honor the tragic events that trans-pired 10 years ago. Games that will be aired nationwide carry significant implications both in the world of football and in rela-tion to the 9/11 attacks. Kicking off the season on Sunday are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, often called the NFL’s biggest rivalry and known for their smack talk, hard hits and dramatic endings. Despite the opposition, both teams share a common, yet widely unknown link to the 9/11 attacks. Both teams are based about 80 miles from Shanksville, Pa., the crash site of Flight 93.

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When the handful of afternoon games hit the field, among them will feature a clash of NFC East rivals. The New York Giants will take on the Washington Redskins in a game where both teams look to get an early win in a tough division. The New York Giants are based in New York City, the site of the attack on the World Trade Centers. But the Redskins also have a similar connection to the attacks. Baltimore’s stadium is lo-cated in Landover, Md., less then 10 miles from where one of the hijacked planes crashed into the Pentagon. Finally, during the prim-time slot on Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys visit New York to take on the Jets. Although no official ri-valry exists between the two teams, there is a family rival-ry on the sidelines between Rex and Rob Ryan. Jets head coach Rex Ryan has often voiced his love of compet-ing against Rob Ryan, newly

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hired defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. However, this week, instead of wearing a wig or calling out his brother in some other creative way, Ryan carried a more somber tone. “I feel more pressure on this game for whatever reason than any game I’ve ever coached it seems like. I know it’s football. We’re not talking about life or death or anything else, but that’s how I’m taking it. I can’t explain why I feel this way but I just do.” Pre-game 9/11 tributes will be televised on CBS and Fox game broadcasts. Those attending the games will also see the tributes shown on the Jumbotrons at the hosting stadiums. Coaches, players and local first responders will hold field-length Ameri-can flags during the national anthem. The ceremonies will include a video introduction and a performance of “Taps,” which will be played from areas near the attack sites, all of which will be followed by a moment of silence. For the early afternoon

tion’s recovery.” Players, coaches and sideline personnel will wear an NFL 9/11 ribbon as a patch or pin on their uni-forms and sideline apparel. All stadiums hosting games on Sept. 11 will fea-ture the ribbon logo on the field. After a decade of time and events has passed, the impact on the attacks from that fateful day are stillfelt, even in the world of sports. The NFL’s approach to honoring the lives and families who were lost in the 9/11 attacks truly shows the essence of the American spirit.

Ten years after the World Trade Cen-ter attacks, a national league honors the fallen men and women of 9/11

games, “Taps” will be per-formed in Shanksville, Pa., while the late-afternoon games will feature a rendi-tion from Arlington National Cemetery outside of Wash-ington, D.C. The Sunday night game will include a performance from Hoboken, N.J., look-ing across the Hudson River toward ground zero. In a release Thursday, the league said it hopes to “unite fans to recognize those who lost their lives, honor the families who lost loved ones and salute the American spirit, the early responders on 9/11, and other heroes that contributed to the na-


Miss America’s Outstanding Teen enrolls at ORUBy Francesca Lucido Lacey Russ of Cordell, Okla., was crowned Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2011, and she’s now a student at ORU. Throughout high school she was active in a variety of activities such as Cordell High School’s student council and the cheerleading squad. She also played first chair flute for the honor band and ranked No. 1 in her class for academics. Russ is now attending ORU as a freshman majoring in communication. She decided to enroll at ORU because the mission of the school paralleled that of her own personal life mission. Miss America’s Outstanding Teen was founded in 2005 as a non-profit organization.

The Scene Editor is Halle ByramsYou may contact her with comments or questions at [email protected]

Fleet Fo8 p.m.

TV on the RadioSunday, Sept. 187 p.m.

HansonTuesday, Sept. 208 p.m.

The ScriptWednesday, Sept. 288 p.m.

The Flaming LipsTuesday & WednesdaySept. 13-147 p.m.

Alan JacksonFriday, Sept. 167 p.m.

Katy PerrySaturday, Sept. 177:30 p.m.

Def LeppardTuesday, Sept. 207:30 p.m.

Taylor SwiftWednesday, Sept. 217 p.m.

Sept. 9“Contagion”“Warrior”“Project Nim”“Beats, Rhymes and Life”“Bucky Larson”

Sept. 16“Drive”“I Don’t Know How She Does It”“The Whistleblower”“Straw Dogs”“The Lion King 3-D”

Tulsa Symphony:“Fate and Folklore”Performing Arts CenterSaturday, Sept. 107:30 p.m.

Choregus Productions:“Scheherazade”Performing Arts CenterSaturday & Sunday, Sept. 16-17 at 7:30 p.m.

Signature Symphony:“Cirque de la Symphonie”Performing Arts CenterFriday & Saturday, Sept. 23-24

By Amy LeczaWho’s Playing T-Town?

The group’s mission was established to “encourage positive achievement by helping to nurture and build the scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community

involvement of our nation’s youth.” With its partnership and state organizations, more than $2 million in scholarship opportunities have been made available. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization hosts a national competition annually where girls from every state come and compete. Awards are given for the community service, talent, communication skills and scholastic achievements of the girls ages 13 to 17. Scholarships are given to the winners of this completion to make their dreams possible.

Russ began her long journey to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant when she was 10 years old. While most kids her age were learning multiplication, she was walking down runways and performing in front of hundreds of people. Although Russ was involved in Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, she was not a stereotypical “Toddler’s in Tiaras” pageant girl. She is known for her genuine and down-to-earth personality. Russ is an advocate for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, whose mission is to improve the health of children in Oklahoma. During her reign as Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Russ traveled more than 100 days and nights. She attended speaking engagements and public appearances where she was introduced to more than 133 million people. Her message was P.U.R.E Excellence. Russ feels it is important to “encourage people to live a lifestyle of purity and strive for pure excellence in every endeavor of life.” Now that the 2012 winner was recently crowned, Russ is looking forward to what God has in store for the next chapter of her life.

Cain’s Ballroom: Brady Theater: BOK Center: Movies debuting: Performing Arts:

Mabee Center:

Make A Wish Foundation charity screening of “The Lamp”Thursday, Sept. 157 p.m.

Internet PhotoLacey Russ, from Cordell, Okla., is majoring in communication at ORU.


Retherford, Swanson release albumsBy Halle Byrams ORU has many aspiring and talented musicians, two of whom have recently taken the next step in becoming recording artists. Will Retherford, junior marketing major, first picked up the guitar in sixth grade and has been writing songs and playing music ever since. He has always dreamed of compiling enough songs to record an album. In December 2010, his dream finally became a reality. Connections can definitely help in the music industry. Lucky for Retherford, he had a connection with the successful band Gungor. “When I decided to record, I went to my good friend David Gungor and discussed with him what I was wanting to do,” said Retherford. “He then offered me his connections in Colorado Springs to

record with the producer Michael Rossback and some great musicians who have played on Michael Gungor’s albums.” “We had the demos ready to go and just brain-stormed more creative arrangements and sounds to add to the songs,” Retherford said. “It was an amazing process.” Retherford’s album, “Awake,” has an indie, acoustic sound and features worship songs similar to what you might hear from Gungor. “God, missions, traveling and people inspire my music,” Retherford said. “Every time I go on the road I get my best ideas, especially when I spend time with the Lord. That is the core of these songs, to worship God.” Retherford is just as passionate about missions as he is about his music. A trip to India inspired him to pen his song “Beautiful Feet,” and start his personal project

for missions. “I want to connect missions and helping people with my music,” Retherford said. “That is why I have started this new project called Hope for Hyderabad.” “I am taking a percentage of my funds through CD sales to raise money for a HIV and AIDS children’s home,” Retherford said. “Specifically, needs for the children such as school supplies, pillows and clothes.” Retherford said keeping balance between school, work and his social life gets hard at times. “I work two jobs, a marketing intern position at a corporate business office and the missions department here at ORU,” Retherford said. “I realized that music is going to be my career so I need to get started before I graduate so I will have something to walk into right out after graduation.” Retherford hopes to use his marketing degree and skills in the music industry to market himself and other artists. He will be working on his next album this December. If someone mentions Jason Swanson, you probably know him as the guitarist who wows students and faculty in chapel services from time to time with his guitar skills. Swanson, a senior music technology major, just released his first album, “Escape” on Aug. 24. It features unique guitar covers and original songs. Swanson first began playing guitar in fifth grade and has been successfully

creating music since. While some recording artists have teams of people to help them sound good, Swanson recorded his music with basically no help. “I started planning on [recording] it last summer, but I didn’t start working on it until March,” Swanson said. “I recorded it at three different studios,” he said, “One in Tulsa, one in Oklahoma City at my church and one in Idaho.” Swanson describes his type of music as “finger style, instrumental pop, and songwriter.” “I just meant it to be pretty music,” Swanson said. “I like the idea of taking

well-known songs and interpreting them in a new way. I get a kick out of that; it’s really fun.” Swanson graduates this December and would like to stay in Tulsa, pursuing music full-time. “I want to make a living being an artist,” Swanson said, “I want to create my own music. I’d like to have the freedom to make the music I’d like to make and be creative.” Swanson’s album, “Escape,” can be found on iTunes; his website is jasonswansonmusic.com. Retherford’s album “Awake” can be found on iTunes; his website is willretherfordmusic.com.

Sales of Will Retherford’s album, “Awake,” will contribute to missions projects.

Courtesy Photo

Jason Swanson’s album, “Escape,” was released on iTunes Aug. 24, 2011.

Courtesy Photo


Tulsa festivals boast cultural culinary tasteBy Francesca Lucido The weather is starting to cool down, which means you can finally walk outside without looking like you’ve just finished a marathon. Celebrate by attending one of these fantastic cultural festivals - good food, danc-ing and wares for sale!

Greek FestivalWhen: Sept. 15 (11 a.m.-9 p.m.), Sept. 16-17, (11 a.m.-10 p.m.)Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1206 S. Guthrie.How much: $3/person You can experience Medi-terranean sights and smells at Tulsa’s oldest ethnic Greek Festival. It’s a great opportu-nity to experience delicious cuisine and fellowship with Tulsa’s Greek community. If you arrive before 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, admission will be free. Apart from expecting a Greek home-cooked meal and pas-tries, you can also take part in traditional Greek dancing. Greek jewelry, imported foods and cookbooks filled with recipes from the differ-ent regions of Greece will be available for purchase.

Oklahoma Scottish FestivalWhen: Sept. 16 (5-11 p.m.),Sept. 17 (9 a.m.-11 p.m.), Sept. 18 (9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.)Where: River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.How much: $6/person The Oklahoma Scot-tish Festival can give you a unique glimpse into the life and customs of 30 ancient Scottish clans. The celebra-tion will feature the history and heritage of the Scottish

people. Hispanic FestivalWhen: Sept. 16 (5-10 p.m.),Sept. 17 (noon-11 p.m.),Sept. 18 (noon-9 p.m.) Where: Chapman Centen-nial Green Walk Park at 6th & BostonHow much: Free This event is organized by the Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Okla. Hispanic Chamber Founda-tion. The entertainment, art and food will represent the different cultures within the Hispanic community. The festival will feature businesses and give business owners the opportunity to showcase their products.

Internet Photo

The Tulsa Greek Fes-tival (begin-ning Sept. 15 and ending Sept. 17) will feature a raffle for a week-long trip to Italy and Greece. The $3 admis-sion fee does not cover the cost of food, drinks, wares or raffle tick-ets.


A popular belief in Chris-tianity today is that the earth will be scrapped as soon as Jesus returns. 2 Peter 3:10-13 is often used to back up the idea that the earth will be wiped away.

However, the idea does not line up with the Lord’s plan for the glorious day when all creation is united with God once again. N. T. Wright discusses where these ideas originated in “Surprised by Hope” and counters them with the views of the disciples and what the whole story of the Bible says. The idea that the earth is going to be obliterated comes from Platonic and Gnostic thought. Plato’s ar-gument was that we are only able to understand a limited amount of information be-cause we are spiritual beings trapped in physical bodies and the physical matter of the universe. For true under-standing and enlightenment, one has to rise above the physical and experience/un-derstand the spiritual aspect

of the world. His view bled into Christianity subtly, yet with no less severity than a full-blown heresy—with Gnosticism. A gross over-simplification of Gnosticism (Theology majors, please forgive my very crude expla-nation) can be described as “matter/physi-cal: bad; spiri-tual: good.” N. T. Wright explains how this thinking leads people to believe that “we are made for…a world not made of space, time and matter, a world of pure spiritual experience where we shall happily have got rid of the shackles of morality once and for all.” (89) With this idea, Christians began to believe that creation itself

is evil because it is made of matter. This manifests as the ultimate goal being a heaven where we are no longer bound by the physicality of our beings, but can finally be free to be our “true, enlight-ened and spiritual selves.”

But what did the early Christians believe? That the miracle of Jesus’ resurrec-tion on Easter is going to be performed again by God for the entire cosmos. The re-demption that humanity and creation experienced on that very first Easter began the tension of the “already, not

yet” of God’s kingdom. Jesus died and was resurrected, and through his death all of creation (not just humanity) is able to take part in his sac-rifice, and yet still anxiously awaits the final resurrection. Upon Jesus’ return, the

whole of creation will once again be recon-ciled to God. “What has happened in the death and resurrec-tion of Jesus Christ, in other words, is by no means limited to its effects on those

human beings who believe the gospel and thereby find new life here and hereafter. It resonates out, in ways that we can’t fully see or under-stand, into the vast recesses of the universe.” (97) Beauti-fully hopeful, is it not? There is a new birth

And It Was Good Our Permanent Home

Hayley Weinhold is a 2011 graduate of ORU and writes about why Christians should be on the front lines of caring for the Earth.

MuseThe Civil Roar How 9/11 Changed Our World Forever

ORU alum and University of Colorado graduate, Josh M. Shepherd works at a think tank in Washington, D.C. He blogs at TheCivilRoar.com.

I was late. In only my third week as a freshman at ORU, there I was in a mad rush from my dorm room on Michael 12 to make it to Ameri-can History. A strange sight in the Fishbowl slowed my speed walking: A dozen students gathered around the TV watching images of a burning New York skyscraper. My frame of reference led me to one thought: “Why is everyone watching Armageddon so early in the morning?” Arriving to class, I learned the images on TV were real. Classes were called off, Chapel hosted an intense prayer and worship service a few hours later… and by day’s end,

that American history textbook we discussed on Sept. 11, 2001, was outdated.Be Alert, not Afraid In the wake of 9/11, the clips on repeat were indeed scary. These ter-rorists could legitimately be feared. Their methods flipped Washington’s accepted security doctrines on their head: a group not acting officially under a state government launched a suicide mission that killed 3000 Americans. Even with overwhelming military might, that’s a difficult threat to overcome. Discretion and Debate “The President shall be Com-

mander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States,” states Ar-ticle II, Section 2 of the U.S. Consti-tution. While it provides Congress an important role in approving all funds spent in military action, our nation’s guiding charter gives the president discretion in waging war to ensure our nation’s safety. How President George W. Bush and his administration exercised this discretion on 9/11 remains a topic of intense debate. Launching an ag-gressive attack against Afghanistan, where the terrorists were trained and organized, as well as later Iraq, continues to involve trillions in U.S.

Continued on Page 22

Continued on Page 21

“Upon Jesus’ return, the whole of creation will once again be reconciled to God.”

The Muse Editor is Kelsie WardellYou may contact her with comments or questions at [email protected]


The Date Doctor

Let me just first state how much I adore this university and the people within it. I am daily astounded at the beauty, talent and compassion of those here. I would slap you, but President Rutland has dibs. You have 15 minutes before your next class and you know what that means: it’s time to flirt with the girl you always see in Hava Java. You have shared glances back and forth and have had some meaningless chitchat. “You like coffee? Ha, me, too! Sometimes, I order it iced.”

Riveting. Feeling a bit anxious from the double shot of espresso and the desire to move things forward, you decide to hit her with a flattering compliment. It worked! She is smil-ing and giving you focused eye con-tact. Oh no, now what? You didn’t plan past this. Since complimenting worked so well at first, you decide to go for it. You man-age to compliment every item of her clothing. But once you look back at her face, you notice she is confused. So you start to explain the compli-ment. At this point you’re doomed. “What I mean is if I were a girl, I would wear those shoes. Not that I wear women’s shoes…. I mean look, I am wearing loafers and they match my belt. I know fashion, but not too much because that would be vain...not to say that you’re vain.” Your zealousness turned on you, and you lost this round. So you dust yourself off and hope that Thursday at this time you can be redeemed. A simple and genuine compli-ment can work wonders. It has an almost magical way of initiating a conversation and stirring up emo-tions. However, if complimenting is your only way of obtaining a girl’s

attention, then make sure to use it wisely. Do not overwhelm the girl with a monologue of half-hearted flattery. No doubt about it, you are creeping her out. Remember: quality over quantity, fellows. Perhaps you really want to give a compliment but have worked hard

on maintaining your mysterious air and you don’t want to ruin it. So essentially you might make a com-pliment/joke and then immediately seem disinterested once said, hoping it will leave her begging for more. If she is a clever girl, this will not work. She will stand there and won-der where your attention went. Then after finishing your disinterested

gaze over the room, you will wonder where she went. Also, just because you heard a girl say a compliment to another girl and it went over well, does not mean it will have the same result for you. A girl can say, “ Your makeup is really pretty.” This can be disastrous

for men. It is little better than saying, “That girdle is really doing its job!” As a man, women expect you to think that the little things they do to improve their natural beauty is just that…natural. When it comes down to it, the people of ORU are

incredible. It’s very easy to over com-pliment because of the high caliber of those who attend. Ultimately when in doubt think, “Gentleman.” Being kind and courte-ous has an alluring charm that ORU girls adore.

Jaci Brown is a senior history major. She’s in her final se-mester at ORU and joins us to offer witty, insightful ad-vice into the dating scene.

The CompliMENt Conundrum

Got a question for the Date Doc-tor? Email it to Jaci at [email protected].

“Do not overwhelm the girl with a monologue of half-hearted flattery. No doubt about it, you are creeping her out.”

waiting to happen for both heaven and earth. This new birth comes with the marriage of heaven and earth, making it our eternal home. Wright explains how this is the “ultimate rejection of all types of Gnosticism, of every worldview that sees the final goal as the separation of the world from God, of the physical from the spiritual, of earth from heaven. It is the final answer to the Lord’s Prayer, that God’s kingdom will come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (104) He also notes how “Isaiah foresaw a new

heaven and a new earth replacing the old heaven and the old earth, which were bound to decay…God will not wipe the slate clean and start again. If that were so, there would be no celebration, no conquest of death, no long preparation now at last complete.” (105) Humanity is not the only creation that will be saved upon the final res-urrection. The earth joins in the final joyous celebration of becoming new through Christ. If we are to partake of this cup, we must take care of the vine.

Our Permanent Home (Continued from Page 20)

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I’m a late bloomer and now I don’t mind admitting that. It took me a few years to really figure out what I was meant to do in life. Frankly, I envy those people who know when they’re children that they want to become a lawyer or an ac-tress, etc. For me, that path has been mysterious, elusive

and mostly frustrating. My jobs have included a legal background, corporate experience and now medi-cine. Trust me, I have asked God innumerable times over the years what it was He wanted for my life, and it didn’t help when my family and peers pressured me. “What are you going to do when you graduate?” or “What do you want to be when you grow up?” With each question, I felt increasing pressure to walk my own path and carve out something that would look good to others and me. My prayer time was frequented with those questions and almost always was answered with a dull, heavenly si-lence. Now that I’m older, I can see I was exactly where God wanted me to be at each phase in my life. It wasn’t al-

Brenda Richards offers the view from the per-spective of a slightly older, non-traditional student.

Lessons Not in the Syllabusways exciting and challeng-ing, but I was growing. Despite unfulfilling, dead-end jobs, God was still doing a work in my life. I was learning patience, endurance and how to trust Him despite

my circumstances. How-ever, I continued to pray the Word over my life, including Jeremiah 29:11, and I be-lieved that He was preparing a good path for me that one day I would surely discover. When God did reveal His career assignment to me, it couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. Actu-ally, His timing was abso-lutely impeccable. He has used numerous experiences

from over the years to help me be a better student and nurse. For example, working for lawyers and judges at a very young age taught me extraordinary organizational skills and significant respon-

sibilities. I still use those skills in my own business and with my academic pursuits. Jesus spent only three years

of his life in ministry. Before age 12, we know very little about His life or what He did. From ages 12-30, the Bible is still silent about Him. But I believe He was growing up in God, learning about His heavenly Father, and being prepared for the last three years of his incred-ible life and ministry. Therefore, you never know what God may be

doing in your life to prepare you for the next season. So if I could do that over again, I wish I was less frustrated, more relaxed and enjoyed the journey a lot more. I would take every day as a gift and simply trust that God was moving in my life, even if I couldn’t see it. Feeling pressure all those years did not speed up the process either. Now I would answer those pressing questions about what I’m going to do with my life with, “I’ll know when God shows me. In the meantime, I’m going to con-tinue to enjoy my life.” Then I would follow Je-sus’ example and grow in the Lord. Bear much fruit for His kingdom, and learn how to walk in love. Enjoy the journey and rest assured, God has a great plan for your life.

How 9/11 Changed Our World Forever (Continued from Page 20)taxpayer dollars, overwhelming amounts of data gathered by intel-ligence agents, millions of foreign nationals affected overseas, and the personal sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of military families. Then there are the results. Rea-sonable evidence exists on both sides; some friends of mine point to how average wages in Iraq have actually decreased since before the conflict, while others emphasize Iraq and Afghanistan’s unprecedented free elections and human rights improvements. “Unmitigated disas-ter” or “The liberation of oppressed peoples”: the truth likely lies some-where between these two extremes. What’s indisputable is the Bush administration’s good sense to reor-ganize our intelligence programs to stop another large-scale strike from

happening. This effort has been a great success. Over 40 attempted terrorist attacks have been thwarted since 9/11. Opening secure channels between CIA, FBI, NSA, OSD and other acro-nym agencies surely involved a lot of boring internal politics. Yet it’s exactly what was needed to save lives. United We Stand... Divided We Fall American’s learned from their courage. According to The Econo-mist reporting on a string of recent in-air incidents, “After 9/11, the vast majority of airline passengers are now inclined to resist any attempts to hijack a plane.” Their example carries through

to the larger struggle. Those serv-ing in the US Armed Forces have learned and sacrificed most in this fight. Early on in the war, Defense

and State Depart-ments alike faced a steep learning curve. Where do we engage this unknown en-emy? How do we

ensure safety and sanity of people on both sides? When the fighting stops, how do we spark a national culture shift? Maybe answers are not so far from our grasp. Imagine a future business graduate in dialogue with social workers, crafting a plan for all to benefit from oil discoveries. Engineering and psych experts have safety and sanity questions to tackle.

Teaching children drama and music opens up new directions in their cul-ture. Yes, we even need philosophy majors: Just War Theory may again be at the forefront of discussion. This strategy of synergy—pardon the marketing buzzwords—isn’t fantasy. A friend of mine here in DC, who happens to have a theology degree, embeds Old Testament history in his briefing reports to top-ranking offi-cers at the Pentagon. (Like all theolo-gians, he says his greatest struggle is keeping his insights to the standard one page.) Thank God he didn’t dis-miss it as a useless degree. Everyone was late in grasping the enormity of 9/11. How we think and interact must continue to change. Rather than fear and lethargy getting the better of us, let’s roll.

“Everyone was late in grasping the enormity of 9/11.”

“Now that I am older, I can see I was exactly where God wanted me to be at each phase in my life.”

When I Grow Up


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Online Review: Rutland speaks at forum “Our ear is to the chest of the student body to hear its heartbeat,” said ORU Presi-dent Dr. Mark Rutland at a presidential forum Aug. 30, 2011. The event was held in the Learning Resources Cen-ter and drew a smaller crowd than in years prior. The most significant development of the night came when Rutland revealed the architect’s drawing of the new Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center, one that does not resemble the sketch of the original design for the student center that was announced in 2001. Ground will break on the new building in either Janu-ary or February, according to Rutland, and it is projected to be completed by January

of 2013. The new building will fea-ture multiple dining options, exterior patio seating facing Lake Evelyn and new offices for Student Association. Rut-land indicated that following the wishes of students, no student services or executive offices will be housed in the new building. Fundraising for the stu-dent center will continue until Nov. 1 of this year. $8 million has already been provided and Rutland be-lieves that further donations could make the final amount of funds available exceed $10 million. The president also stated that no debt will be incurred as a result of the building’s construction. At the forum Rutland also

revealed that ORU ended the most recent fiscal year with a $2.8 million surplus in funds, a drastic change from when he became president two years ago. He also revealed the stu-dent population had grown slightly over last year, saying that enrollment currently stands at 3197 students. That figure does not take into account online and all graduate students. Rutland said officials believe the total headcount should be an increase of about 40-45 over last year. The freshman retention rate rose as well, climbing from 75 percent in 2010 to 82 percent this year. “Nobody goes up seven percent in one year,” Rutland

said, emphasizing the signifi-cance of the increase. The goal is to maintain a fresh-man retention rate above 80 percent. Rutland also encouraged students seeking to have their opinions heard to take advantage of student repre-sentation through organiza-tions like Student Association and its sister organization, the General Assembly. “When you elect student officers, be sure to elect people who will represent you well, articulately, profes-sionally, and are able to par-ticipate in the highest levels of university leadership.” Speaking on the subject of increasing faculty salaries, the president indicated that a plan is being drawn up for the board of trustees on how to increase faculty salaries and draw new faculty to the university. Presently, the student to faculty ratio is roughly 14:1. “We’ve laid off the last employee we’ve had to lay off and now we’re building back. We’re growing the university,” he said. “We’re now trying to find ways to increase faculty salaries.” When asked how his time at ORU has affected him, he indicated it has been a chal-

lenge for him, but a good challenge, particularly in addressing leadership issues and preaching in Chapel. He noted he is very impressed with the faculty at ORU. “The vast majority of stu-dents at this university don’t have a standard of com-parison. This is a very bright, dedicated, well-read faculty.” Speaking on his contin-ued involvement with the university, Rutland said he sees his purpose and call-ing to set the university on a path toward sustainability and then allow for someone else to carry it forward. “I know what my assign-ment is,” he said. “You’ve got a ship that’s backed onto a reef and you’ve got to nudge it off without ripping the hull out, sell tickets at the other end… get it going, patch the hull, fix the staff, fix the engines, and turn it over to another captain and get off.” “You don’t hire a presi-dent at 61 to be a legacy president,” he said. “I’m here to get it right, fix it right the best I can, then get out of the way so they can hire a legacy president. That’s not a sad thing, that’s a good thing: to know what your assignment is.”

Courtesy Photo

The architect’s rendering of the new student center, which has a projected completion date of Jan. 2013.

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