January February Good Reading for students and friends of Patriot University

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1 January February 2003 Good Reading for students and friends of Patriot University

How to Contact Patriot University 2035 Church Avenue Alamosa, CO 81101 Toll-free no. 888-578-9332 Fax No. (719) 589-4916 Email Address: mail@patriotuniversity.

2 How to Contact Patriot University 2035 Church Avenue Alamosa, CO Toll-free no Fax No. (719) Address: Web site: Office Hours Your University Offices are open Monday-Friday, except for holiday breaks. Offices close two hours earlier on Friday. Please note time zone differences: Eastern time office hours 11 to 7 Central time office hours 10 to 6 Mountain time office hours 9 to 5 Pacific time office hours 8 to 4 A student may request an evening phone appointment. Reverend Fun Copyright 2003 GCI, Inc. I looked ahead and we win!

This is Exciting! All-New, different from anything we ve ever been able to offer before! It could be the biggest step of faith we have ever taken here at Patriot! Would you like to be involved?

3 This is Exciting! All-New, different from anything we ve ever been able to offer before! It could be the biggest step of faith we have ever taken here at Patriot! Would you like to be involved? Will you be accepted as a 2003 Ambassador? God blessed us with 135 new students in 2002 (our best year ever)! We are grateful! Now we believe He wants us to make an aggressive effort to recruit many more Patriot students this year and we are trusting the Lord for this increase! If you share our goal to better equip others to serve Christ, the new 2003 Ambassador program may be for you! And in a time of a sagging American economy we believe God wants us to share the increase with our new Ambassadors. If you are accepted as an Ambassador and work just a few hours each week, you can now earn a GREAT part-time income (by simply telling others about where you go to school). Richard Skinner has recently joined our staff. His only responsibility with Patriot is to direct the new Ambassador program. Richard has the calling, experience and skills to give Ambassadors any training and help needed to be successful in reaching new students. He will work with our Ambassadors by phone and from his home office in Houston, Texas. There has never been a greater need for people to get back to the Bible and to better train for the ministries God has for them! And it is becoming more difficult and less practical than ever for Christian workers to leave their homes to attend Bible college or seminary. So the opportunity is ripe to involve others in Patriot University! If you would like to get more details and information about how you can apply for this NEW PROGRAM, please make your request by phone (toll-free leave your name and number and the best time for Richard to call you) or you may this information to richard@patriotuniversity.com We have never offered anything even half this generous before! If you are interested, you may want to contact us today!

4 Tax News You Can Use Can I deduct my monthy tuition offering as a charitable contribution to a non-profit organization on my income tax? NO. Although Patriot University is a church-sponsored, nonprofit organization, the full amont of your monthly tuition offering is used for your benefit as a service. Therefore, it cannot be considered a gift. However, you may be able to deduct your tuition and fees from your taxes. The information in the box below is taken directly from the instructions to IRS Form 1040 under What s New for 2002? Tuition and Fees Deduction New You may be able to deduct up to $3,000 of the qualified tuition and fees you paid in 2002 for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents. However, you cannot take this deduction if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone s tax return or if you claim an education credit on line 48 for the same student. Sometimes churches will pay for continuing education for ministers and/or staff. Some churches also set continuing education expenses up as a reimbursible expense for their minister(s); therefore, this money would not be reported as income. Of course we are not qualified to give tax advice, so you will need to check these things out with your accountant or tax advisor.

5 Uh, oh! My Doctor said the C-Word! By Lonnie Skinner I have cancer! I ve caught myself choking on those words a few times since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer several weeks ago. Now I m a pretty compassionate fellow. I can recall tears entering my eyes a few times when I heard he has cancer or she has cancer. But now it s my turn. This is different. My cancer was detected early. It is not expected to give me a quick trip to Heaven. That s supposed to be the good news although I find it a bit disappointing. Our Heavenly Father knows best. But these unplanned detours through personally uncharted territory can still be frightening. Don t tell anybody, but I ve been known to have allergic reactions to physical pain. My upcoming trip to the hospital may lead to pains I have never known before. Still, the setbacks of our lives are wonderful teachers. In fact, I ve found that cancer the dreaded C-word has spawned a lot of other C-words in my life. For example Choices. In my case, one of my first surprises has been the discovery that the radical surgery my doctor first suggested with its 6-8 weeks of painful recovery is not my only viable option. This is good. But it is also bad, and has led to Confusion. The various treatment options available to us have kept my wife and me on an emotional roller coaster trying to determine lifechanging decisions that we did not know existed a few weeks ago. Which is best for us? We are not doctors well, yes we are but not the kind that helps anybody uh, I mean medically. But we do know the Great Physician, and He will guide us in the venture of faith through our new

6 Challenges. We all face them. So a bit of cancer has been added to my other challenges. Today s rumors of new and bigger wars, a sour economy, a devil who is getting worse because he knows he s running out of time, family and friends with bigger problems than mine, carelessness and apathy of many Christians around us do I need to go on? But we have a God who is up to any challenge we ever face. And I believe the Lord has given me assurance that 2003 will be my best year yet! Complaining. Why me? I ve been trying to do the right thing. I love the Lord and I m seeking to follow Jesus Christ. Why me? That s not an unusual question at a time like this. Why not me? Following Christ does not make us immune from pain and suffering. After all, Jesus was ridiculed, misunderstood, tortured and finally nailed to a cruel Roman Cross. So tagging along after Him may not lead to Disneyland. In fact, if we truly follow Him we are told that we will eventually get to experience something called the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). I am aware of several of God s choice servants missionaries devoting their lives to Christ who have recently been murdered by some of the very people they had left their faraway homes to help. Yet, like the Apostle Paul they decided before they started their adventure of faith that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). And the spouses of these martyrs have spoken of the marvelous peace God has given them, and of their determination to continue God s work despite the unspeakable pain. Many people suffer greater hardship every day than most of us will experience in a lifetime. Just living in America means we have more freedom, food and fun available to us than 85% of the other people in the world. We are truly blessed! God is so good! So why complain when it is our turn to go through one of the valleys of life? After all, that s the quickest way to get to the next mountaintop experience. Contagious. When some folks hear you have cancer they run to the other side of the street. They seem to consider it as a deadly strain of flu or measles that is so contagious they are afraid they will catch it by

7 talking to me on the phone. My cancer is not contagious, but I am asking God to give me faith and love and wisdom that will spread like wildfire. That brings me to the next C. Christian. What kind am I? A good thing about the news of my cancer is the fact that it motivates me to do some soul-searching I would not otherwise be doing. Truths I have preached through the years have been brought home to me more vividly. Time is short and precious! Our opportunities to serve and glorify God on this earth will not last forever. God is good, even when times are not. Our times are in His hands. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. This life is a vapor, a misty mirage that will one day be lifted to reveal the sunlight of the Son. Now is the time to act! I could discuss other great C words like courage, cooperation, compassion, convictions, commitment and the benefits of crying and conquering in the midst of every crisis as we continue on the journey with our Lord. As co-laborers for Christ, we are invited to consider, even concentrate, on our Lord and His calling for our lives. And whatever doors we must pass through to get there, I am convinced that God wants 2003 to be our best year yet! Here are some steps to help us on the journey: 1. Decide to go forward by faith. All progress begins with a decision. Things get better after we decide, under God, to make them better. There will be risks and failures. But risk does not always lead to ruin, and failure is not final or fatal. 2. Remember, God is on your side. He wants His best for you! He loves you, and has made you to grow, to learn, to develop. 3. Don t give up! You may say, I ve tried many times before, but nothing seems to happen! That s what the mountain climber could have said after three failed attempts to climb Mount Everest. But instead, he looked up at the summit and said: Mountain, you defeated me once. You defeated me twice. You defeated me three times. But, Mountain, one day I m going to conquer you. And I ll tell you why. Because you can t get any bigger, and I can. Above all, trust in the Lord with all your heart (see Proverbs 3:5-7). Note: Dr. & Mrs. Skinner do appreciate your prayers as he faces treatment for prostate cancer. It was caught in the early stages thanks to twice-yearly PSA blood testing, which is highly recommended for all men over 50. Dr. Skinner is expected to be away from his desk at Patriot for only a week or so, probably in mid-march.

8 Come And Get It! A bird-feeder stands outside the window of my study where I sit and write. Every day, wonderful wordless sermons are preached to me from that feeder. The preachers are my feathered friends, and the message they illustrate so effectively is this: dependence on God is right and reasonable for all of God s creatures, including you and me! Here is the three-point sermon on God-dependence that the birds live out faithfully: Seek God s provision daily. Seek His provision expectantly, for He has satisfied you before. Seek His provision actively, taking responsibility to gather it in. The birds illustrate Psalm 104:27-28, where the Bible teaches that these creatures all wait on the Lord, that He may give them their food in due season. And what the Lord gives them they gather in. The Bible is like a table, laden with nourishing food we need every day: promises, instruction, wisdom, comfort, and encouragement. Like any good host, God tells us, Come and get it! But we often fail to do this. We depend on everything but Him and wonder why our faith is feeble. But if like our feathered friends we ll come and feast daily, expectantly, and actively, our divine Host will provide for all our needs. Depend on it! Joanie E. Yoder It has been well noted that God feeds the birds, but He doesn t throw the food into their nests. How much are you getting out of your studies with Patriot University? Are you completing at least one course a month? Biblical truth is available, ready to feed you with knowledge and help for your ministry. Come and get it!

9 A Teach Me Attitude As the son of a schoolteacher, the father of a schoolteacher, and a former schoolteacher myself, I ve never had trouble with the idea that learning is a rewarding experience. I'm a fact fiend who is always eager to learn some new statistic or dig up another exciting bit of information. But I know lots of people who don t think that way. They don t like to read any more than they absolutely have to, and they don t care to challenge themselves mentally. They don t seem to have a desire to learn more about life. If we are to grow spiritually, we must want to learn. We must hunger for a greater knowledge of God and a deeper understanding of what He wants from us. That s the attitude of the writer of Psalm 119. Throughout that long psalm, the author makes statements like these: I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments (v.7). Teach me Your statutes (v.12). Teach me good judgment and knowledge (v.66). Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments (v.73). To know God better, we need a teach me attitude. We re going to spend eternity worshiping Him. Shouldn t we learn all we can about Him now? J. David Branon Attention Patriot University Students Click the News button on our Website Home page at New announcements and special offers are posted on this page frequently, so check it often. This service on our website has replaced the e-newsletters.

10 Church Signs It's hard to stumble when you're down on your knees. Life has many choices. Eternity has two. What's yours? Soul food served here. The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday. Satan subtracts and divides. God multiplies and multiplies. Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due. Preach the gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.

11 Wit and Wisdom from Mr. Author Unknown Proper Perspective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they were lying down that night, Holmes said: Watson, look up into the sky and tell me what you see. I see millions and millions of stars. And what does that tell you, Watson? Astronomically, it tells me that there are perhaps millions of galaxies and planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant in comparison. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, Holmes? It tells me that somebody stole our tent. A devout Christian was met by an angry bear while walking in the woods one day. In desperation and faith he knelt and prayed, Lord, I know this may seem a little strange, but could you please make this a Christian bear! In amazment he opened his eyes to see the bear kneeling with his paws formed into praying hands. And then he heard the bear pray: Lord, please bless this food I m about to eat! You don't have to lie awake nights to succeed. Just stay awake days. Triumph is just umph added to try.

12 Two More New Courses For Undergraduates JOSHUA CS 405 This course is based on the classic work, Joshua Victorious by Faith, by Theodore H. Epp. Joshua is an outstanding Old Testament character with fresh lessons for today s Christian. $10 off if ordered with at least one other course before March 12, Plan A = $13 Plan B= $93 (Reg. Price-$23) (Reg. Price-$103) Handling Adversity CC 405 This new course is based on How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley. When troubles come, we usually ask why. But the more significant question is How should I respond? This course can help you personally, and can provide a Biblical resource for you in counseling with others. $9 off if ordered with at least one other course before March 12, Plan A = $14 Plan B= $94 (Reg. Price-$23) (Reg. Price-$103) God can use both of these courses to help us in our own lives and in our influence to others for Christ! Order Today

Church GROUP Studies Available through Patriot University Two Church Institute Programs Available Choose which will work best for your church!

13 Church GROUP Studies Available through Patriot University Two Church Institute Programs Available Choose which will work best for your church! If most of your students are NOT interested in earning a degree with Patriot University: (1)Regular Bible Institute The manual you will receive with your launch kit gives complete instructions, recommending you set up each of the 32 courses (in your diploma program) in one-hour weekly, 6-week terms. A student workbook and text material for homework assignments are provided by Patriot University. Teacher Guides, promotional materials and answer keys are available to provide you with a complete turn-key program. Quantity discounts are available for student course materials. If all (or most) of your students would like to earn a degree with Patriot University: (2)Group Extension Institute Designed for a group of at least five students enrolled in Patriot, in this program students agree to meet briefly at least once a week for encouragement and accountability. Most actual work will be completed independently by the student. Lectures are optional. Financial incentives are available through the new Ambassador program, from which the church or a leader can benefit. Quantity discounts are also available for student course materials. Contact Patriot University today for more information.

14 Annual Report from Sponsoring Church Pastor Wayne Knight gave a state of the Hilltop Baptist Church address in Colorado Springs on January 13, The congregation is praising God for many blessings during the past year, including: 48 professions of faith; 40 baptisms 50 other membership additions 434 average attendance (new record high) 24 straight years of continued increase $736, tithes and offerings (new record high) 25% of this amount given to Missions Supported 93 missionary partners Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! We Want to Know Your Story! What is God doing in your life and ministry? We would like to share more stories in our magazet of how God is working in the lives and ministries of our students at Patriot University. Write, call or us with your story!

15 Important Change in Plan A Tuition Policy For the past 23 years Patriot University has offered one of the most unique opportunities in higher education through our Plan A set your own tuition option. It costs your university $35-$50 every month to maintain you in our files as a student. Most of our students send an amount in that range each month. If you have given less than that amount, we have depended on others to give more in order to cover your expenses. To be fair to other students and to be good stewards in this ministry it is necessary that we set a minimum amount of $25 ($35 for graduate-level students) for your Plan A monthly tuition. This policy has already taken effect for new students. But for all students who enrolled before January 1, 2003, the requirement will not be enforced until 2004, unless you become inactive before that time. This gives you time to: A. complete your program and graduate OR B. pray and watch God provide a way for you to meet or exceed the minimum. We are committed to offering quality, Biblical higher education that does not require you to go into debt with student loans. We will be praying with you that God will provide you with the funds that will enable you to continue and appreciate your education with Patriot. We are not happy about it either, but Application fees for new students have increased to $65 for undergraduates and $75 for graduate students.

16 Patriot University Students who Graduated in November & December Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies Russell Scharf Cotopaxi CO Bachelor of Arts in Evangelism and Missions Debra McKoy Four Oaks NC Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Michael Heim White Oak TX Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Brian Currier East Peoria IL Allen Hall Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies Chocowinity NC Latest News for Our Students who have internet access Click the News button on our Website Home page New announcements and special offers are posted on this page frequently, so check it often. This service on our website has replaced the e-newsletters.

HELP! SOMEONE I LOVE HAS CANCER. Deborah Howard, RN, CHPN. Consulting Editor: Dr. Paul Tautges

HELP! SOMEONE I LOVE HAS CANCER Deborah Howard, RN, CHPN Consulting Editor: Dr. Paul Tautges Contents Acknowledgments 6 Introduction 7 1 Let Me Walk with You 11 2 Knowledge Is Power 20 3 What Are the Options?