Small School with a Big Impact

I walked out of the cafe on campus this afternoon.  It was time to head home.  I had taught my class, and then finished up the message for the weekend while at the cafe.  

I am privileged to teach ministry students one day a week at a small school in Johnson City, New York.  When you drive on campus, the size of the school does not overwhelm you.  When you walk into the main building, you are greeted by a rug that says, 'Pursue God'.  If you ever attend a chapel service, you will find that's more than a statement that greets you.  It's the heart of the campus and it flows from the leader.  The school is Davis College, and the President is Dr. Dino Pedrone.  

I first learned of Davis College while on a mission trip to Nicaraugua in the year 2000.  It amazes me how the Lord works.  I was joining another pastor from the United States to teach in a leadership academy housed in a home where young people came daily for classes to be trained to be indigenous Christian leaders.  The other pastor told me about this school near Binghamton that his family had been a part of previously known as Practical Bible College.  I had never heard of it before that trip to the best of my knowledge.  

This semester is my first to teach there.  I've spoken in chapel and at a couple of other events over recent years.  As I left today I was struck by the sight of Binghamton University that I could see in the distance.  More than 12000 students attend SUNY Binghamton.  I'm confident they have some very good programs that have helped a lot of people.  

As I was leaving the tri-cities area and heading north, I saw the exit to Broome Community College.  More than 6800 students are enrolled there.  Once again, I'm sure there are many opportunities that have helped many people at that school and from that school.  

Davis College has an enrollment of just over 300.  It's sort of a David and Goliath scenario.  What difference can a school of 300 in Johnson City, New York make?  It can have an eternal impact for many.  One of my professors in my Doctor of Ministry studies at Liberty University is the Provost of Liberty (the largest Christian University in the world).  He's a graduate of this little school in Johnson City.  In recent years my son-in-law is a graduate and is now in seminary preparing for a life of ministry.  

This semester I'm teaching nine men who are preparing for ministry.  Four area pastors are sitting in on the class as well.  We are discussing 'Strategies for Kingdom Expansion'.  With all due respect to the other institutions of the area, I didn't leave today discouraged.  I left with a great hope that something is happening in a small place that has made, is making and will make a big impact for the glory of God.  I pray it may be a place that sparks revival and that many souls come to know Jesus through those who are trained there, and serve there.  I'm blessed to be a part of it.