GOODBYE

from Dr. Cook

As I leave Biola after 48 years, the last 25 as president, I think of two goodbyes in Scripture. The first is Paul’s to the Ephesian elders:

And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself (Acts: 20:32).

And then, Jesus’ final words to his disciples:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Our mission has been to teach that word of grace and then take it to the ends of the earth. It has been such a blessing to be part of this ministry that has touched, and is touching, the lives of millions of people around the world every day.

This has only been accomplished by God’s grace and the support of so many: my dear wife, Anna Belle, my family, the crucial support of the Board of Trustees, my staff and faculty colleagues at Biola and particularly, those who reported to me, several executive secretaries, assistants and the Vice Presidents and all of the wonderful friends, who support Biola through their prayers and gifts.

Without the commitment, competency and love of these wonderful people, I never would have lasted and I am so grateful for all of them. What a privilege this has been, for which I thank our God.

Now as we look toward our second century I am delighted that the search for the new president of Biola University has come to a successful conclusion.

I know that the Board of Trustees’ search team and the Advisory team, made up of a wide representation of the Biola Community, worked long and hard this past year in recognizing God’s choice for my successor. I am thankful for their diligence, commitment and prayers and pledge my full support to Dr. Corey’s leadership.

Anna Belle and I have been impressed with Dr. Corey’s and his wife, Paula’s, love for the Lord and their desire to serve Biola. I congratulate them on making it through a very rigorous selection process and he comes to the responsibility with far more qualifications than I did 25 years ago.

As a former president, Dr. Samuel Sutherland said to me when I assumed the office, “Clyde, I believe Biola’s best days are ahead.” Today, I can say the same to Dr. Corey and Paula and my prayer for them is that of Paul’s to the Colossians, “May God strengthen Barry and Paula in His glorious might, with ample power so that they might meet whatever comes with fortitude, patience, and joy (1:11).”