Andrews University Unity Bridge

Sandra Patterson: Thank you for your leadership. May God bless you and your family.

Thank you, President Luxton, for your strong and forthright leadership in the Way of Christ. This is a great time to follow Christ, because His way of love for all stands in such sharp relief and contrast to the wave of unabashed hatred we have seen. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --MLK. It really means something to follow Christ, and it isn't for the faint of heart. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven."

Susan Singer. "See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down on the edge of his robes; like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the hills of Zion: for there Yahweh gives the blessing, even life forevermore." Psalm 133. Christ is like the great spoke of a wheel and as we approach Him, we shall come closer to each other - paraphrase from EG White.

Skip Bell - I have felt a great deal of grief over the past several months. It seems that a vision of mutual care and support has diminished in favor of self interests. President Luxton's note, the cheer, perspective, and faith of many colleagues, of students, and the postings on this bridge help. We must work for the good of our community, others, and society. We can witness for Jesus through our positive vision and actions. One in Jesus. Thanks!

Prudence O. Campbell. While I truly embrace the gentle words penned by our noble President of the Andrews University, I must hasten to add that it is my hope that this bridge building will act as unity, reducing the obvious isolation that has become a landmark in our various personal worlds. Too often we build subtle, bridges with our not so kind thoughts and actions, creating hindrances, fears, hates and prejudices as we target those who we seem to think are different. Accept it or not, God has created us all equal, each deserving of equal rights to his kingdom. There is no Jews nor Gentles, rich or poor, colored or pale, when it comes to salvation. I like the way the Weymouth New Testament, puts Romans 10:12, “Jew and Gentile are on precisely the same footing; for the same Lord is Lord over all, and is infinitely kind to all who call upon Him for deliverance”. It is time we build healthy bridges that will be connections as we scaffold others into finding the true peace that God promises in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your [our] hearts and your [our] minds in Christ Jesus” …. And now, may I say Friends and family? Yes, Friends and family, … “Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts, since as members of the body you were called to peace. And be Thankful”. I pray that our bridges be demonstrations of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”. Gal. 5:22-23. Let us be deliberate in individually removing all hindrances, all barriers, that will prevent even one precious soul from inheriting the blessings that await. May God be our Savior and not our judge. Amen

Mildred McGrath: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ... Romans 15: 1-11

Rozenia Marinho: "Whatever we experience in our lives, we have built an inner bridge for it. Unhealthy and negative thoughts build weak and tattered bridges. Healthy, divine, and spiritual thoughts build strong and sturdy bridges. Bridges built from divinity can last for decades or even centuries." Anonymous My hope is that our bridges are healthy, divine, and spiritual for our connection with each others in this campus and to the world. Have a great holidays.

Ron Coffen: I am hopeful that the bridges we have the opportunity to build here will connect us and not separate us. Romans 8:35,38-39 (NET): Who [can] separate us from the love of Christ? [Can] trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers [and if not heavenly, than surely not earthly!], nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.