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Cedarville President Dr. White addresses students in chapel

Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas from the White family

Dear Family and Friends,

On behalf of Cedarville University, Joy, Rachel, Samuel, and I pray you have a blessed Christmas and start to the New Year. God has bestowed His grace on us in many ways. Please allow me to share just a few.

Rachel and SamuelSamuel turned five this year, “officially” began homeschooling, and lost his first tooth. He loves to read, play with Legos, go to AWANA, and make new friends. His laugh is contagious and God has gifted him with a vibrant, outgoing personality and a bright mind. He has already memorized all his Bible verses for the entire first year of AWANA. 

Rachel, our eleven-year-old, accomplished the feat of Memory Master, again memorizing more than 500 facts in Classical Conversations and has now begun Challenge A. She has also developed a love for roller coasters, riding all of them at Kings Island and many elsewhere. She is excelling in Latin and gifted in hospitality and decorating. God has given her a tender, loving heart and a desire to serve others. 

Joy loves homeschooling both Rachel and Samuel, and I enjoy watching her flourish at Cedarville. Rarely a day goes by that she isn’t meeting with students. God has gifted her in mentoring and ministering to the Cedarville family. She continues to help lead the Women’s Soccer Bible study, mentor students, work with the women’s mentoring program on campus and our CU Women organization, as well as helping with a Bible study at our church. 

God has worked in my life uniquely this past year. I am more comfortable with myself, and more confident in God and my place of service than ever before. I had the opportunity to take a once-in-a-lifetime rafting trip through the Grand Canyon down the Colorado River, learning to defend my young earth creationist position better through the experience. I also co-edited and contributed two chapters to the second edition of First Freedom: The Beginning and End of Religious Liberty. Additionally, God has blessed us with several noteworthy accomplishments at Cedarville. Please join me in thanking God for the following:

Thomas and Joy White
  • We completed and fully paid for a $3 million renovation to the Jeremiah Chapel.
  • Fall enrollment increased from 3,711 to 3,760.
  • Our graduate programs are experiencing unprecedented growth and success.
  • Our Cross Country team won its fifth-straight G-MAC championship and went to the NCAA national competition for the first time.
  • Our Women’s Volleyball team won its fourth G-MAC championship in five years and went to the NCAA tournament for the first time.
  • One of our athletes competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials and another won gold and bronze medals in the Paralympics.
  • Thanks to generous donations, for the first time Cedarville University will be building a new $3.3 million residence hall completely debt-free. 

Finally, there are two opportunities that I want to bring to your attention — the renovation of The Hive and our newly revamped “President’s Society.” 

During the summer of 2017, we plan to do a $250,000 expansion and renovation of The Hive, a spot dedicated for students to build community. Our industrial design students are working on plans to create a vibrant, student-friendly location. Would you pray for the success of this project and consider helping us fund this expansion and renovation? 

The White FamilyThe Cedarville Society has also transitioned to the President’s Society. This change allows me the opportunity to spend more time with our friends and supporters as well as refocus the effort toward student scholarships. Each year, we have students who despite their best attempt, just can’t seem to make ends meet. I covet your prayers for the success of the President’s Society and for our efforts to raise scholarship dollars. If you are looking for a year-end gift, please consider investing in the lives of our students and have a part in their future as we equip them to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. 

We pray Numbers 6:24–26 for you all, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Please let us know if we may ever be of service, and take time to celebrate King Jesus during the upcoming holiday season.

In Christ Alone,

Thomas, Joy, Rachel, and Samuel White