by Amy Roberts | Aug 31, 2011 | News Slider
We all know what a torch is. We hear people talk about “the passing of the torch” or “carrying the torch,” but to many, TORCH is an acronym that stands for Training of Redeemed Christians Heavenbound. The TORCH program began in 1988 when Steve Davidson, formerly the director of spiritual outreach at Lipscomb, and Miguel Agular, of the Baxter Institute of Biblical Studies in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, realized a need to train young men and women to become full- and part-time missionaries. In early TORCH trips, 15-20 members would travel to Honduras every year. In 1995, TORCH added a second team. This past summer, there were 12 teams who worked in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Over 600 individuals shared the love of God and served those in need. Short-term mission trips have become an effective method of evangelism. Trips focus on specific areas, goals or needs. Lipscomb, as well as other Christian colleges and universities, offer short-term mission trips for students and others who can travel at specific times. Many youth ministers, campus ministers and churches also provide short-term mission opportunities. TORCH Missions place an emphasis on serving the impoverished and providing benevolent relief for those who suffer from the effects of poverty, disaster and insufficient medical care. In the past, TORCH teams have built over 2,000 houses in Honduras since 1995, 12 church buildings, school classrooms and feeding centers. They distribute food, clothing, hygiene supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.), Bibles, Bible tracts, school supplies, toys and shoes. Teams also have built playgrounds at schools, orphanages, and day care centers. They visit those in hospitals, retirement homes, special...
by Emily Snell | Aug 31, 2011 | News Slider
Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast last weekend, leaving a long trail of destruction including at least 43 deaths and nearly $7 billion in damage. Days after the storm, it was estimated that almost 3 million people were still without power. Flooding remained a problem in many areas, while others have begun to clean up downed trees and other debris. Families of several Lipscomb students felt the force of Hurricane Irene. Ryan Whitley, a junior in business management from Rockland County, N.Y., said his family had some flood damage and was without power on and off for a few days. He said his relatives in New Jersey had a flood in their basement. “The whole thing was basically under water.” Whitley, whose family lives near the Hudson River, said he was relieved that the storm wasn’t worse. “I’m glad my family is safe,” he said. Other families in Whitley’s home area were not so blessed. One young boy was playing in some floodwater when a power line fell in the water, Whitley said. An adult attempted to save the boy but was killed by the high voltage. The child is still in critical condition. Whitley said he thought the storm “caught people off guard,” explaining that normally when hurricanes hit the Eastern Seaboard, his area only gets a little rain. Winter storms are usually what people in Whitley’s town prepare for, he said. “The worst we get is usually a blizzard, and we’re prepared for that,” he said. “It’s snow; it just get plowed. Something like water, you can’t do too much with.” Hannah Lavoie, a sophomore social work major...
by Cory Woodroof | Aug 30, 2011 | News Slider
I’m really not a huge fan of golf. I tried hitting golf balls at a course close to my house as a kid, but reality (and coordination, or a lack of) caught up to me and I decided to hand in the driver. So in honesty, I wasn’t sure Seven Days in Utopia was going to be my cup of tea. Surprisingly, the film is an inspiring sports drama with two great leads. How, might you ask? Let’s delve into the plot. Lucas Black (Friday Night Lights-the movie) plays Luke Chisholm, an up-and-coming professional golfer with a shot to enter the tournament of his dreams. Unfortunately, Chisholm’s career suddenly hits a screeching halt. After a sour encounter with his father (who serves as his caddy), he botches a crucial hole and sends himself into the golf world’s headlines through a public meltdown. Soon after, Chisholm stumbles upon the small town of Utopia, Texas (by means of an automobile accident). There, he meets a man (cinema great Robert Duvall) who gives Luke a new perspective on life. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. The plot does sound a little familiar. Hot-shot rookie messes up severely, winds up in a no-name town, meets and bonds with the locals and winds up a better person. If Seven Days in Utopia had not brought its own qualities to the table, I would be quick to write the film off. I’m happy to say that the film successfully provides viewers with a refreshing experience full of heart and wisdom. Black and Duvall (already on-screen partners in the little-seen-but-very-good Get Low) have demanding presences. Black...
by Danielle Boyd | Aug 28, 2011 | News Slider
After the 90-day renovation, many returning students were stunned to open the doors of Fanning to see a complete transformation. Every suite was gutted out and finished with hard wood floors, new appliances, fresh paint, better internet service and completely new furniture. “Fanning hall is a beautiful dorm that has always housed beautiful ladies, and I am happy to be here opening my 7th dorm,” said Laurie Sain, head resident of Fanning. “When you walk into fanning now, you feel like you are at home,” said Latoya Clark, a senior resident of fanning majoring in biochemistry from Jackson, Tenn. Before the renovation, minor repairs and patching were made to the women’s dormitory. After this summer, those issues have finally been completely addressed. Now, residents can be sure that they will be cool in the warm months and warm in the cool months. It’s these types of changes that mean the most to the returning students. Jarathzy Lendos, a sophomore nursing major from Honduras, says that her showers have improved immensely in contrast to last year. “Now I do not have to worry about the water scalding my head when I take a shower,” she said. As one can only imagine, the living conditions of the 61-year-old building were dangerous and outdated for anyone living there today. “Fanning was old, run down, and old lady-like because everything was sagging and falling off the walls,” Lendos said. However, now, it is just the opposite. “I was always convinced that with a little bit of help you could make Fanning a concentration camp or prison just by the way it looked,” said...
by Emily Snell | Aug 26, 2011 | News Slider
Wind and rain generated by Hurricane Irene are already hitting the Carolinas while citizens along the east coast wait for the storm to arrive full force. The hurricane is expected to hit Saturday morning as a category 3, threatening people in at least a dozen states and forcing airlines to cancel flights. Reports warn that the storm may increase in strength before it’s expected to impact the U.S. this weekend. Officials predict that North Carolina will be hit the hardest, but states along the coast as far north as Maine may experience rain and wind from the storm. Mike Coscia, a freshman in journalism from Havertown, Penn., said some of his friends back home have been “freaking out” about the hurricane. He said one of his friends who lives near the shore in New Jersey has been evacuated from her town. Several airlines cancelled weekend flights to destinations from Boston to the Carolinas, preparing for Hurricane Irene. City officials in Washington, D.C. and New York City encouraged citizens in low-lying areas to review evacuation routes. Coscia said overall he isn’t too worried, though. He said his family’s basement floods easily, but he isn’t expecting extreme damage. “We get (a hurricane) every couple years, and there’s never been any serious damage,” he said. Caitlin Selle, a sophomore in Public Relations from Tega Cay, S.C., said she isn’t concerned about the storm hitting her home. “I’m not really nervous for my hometown because, upon research, it looks like it’s going to hit farther north,” she said. Selle called the evacuations in towns only a few hours from her home “a pretty...
by Cooper Torrez | Aug 26, 2011 | News Slider, Sports
By: Cooper Torrez The Lipscomb men’s and women’s soccer teams are ready and eager to get back on the pitch. After the long off-season and training, the coaches and players are excited about this year for many different reasons. Lady Bisons senior forward Kristen Heikkinen said, “We had a pretty tough offseason like always. During the spring, we focused a lot on our 3-4-3 formation as well as fitness. This system was new to us last year so we struggled with it some, but I think it could make us really dangerous this year if we play it right.” With the Lady Bisons returning 12 players, it gives players like senior Meghan McGuire, a good feeling about the upcoming season. “Our team chemistry has been amazing from the beginning of preseason,” said McGuire. “Mixing 9 newcomers and 12 returners could’ve been a problem but doing different team activities has helped with our team chemistry both on and off the field.” Heikkinen said returning players could be a huge factor in the Lady Bisons successful season. “Returning players who have started off well include, Kameron Stillwell, Jenna Price, Meghan McGuire, Martika Powe, Katie Wood and Danielle Bethke. All of these girls have been crucial parts of our offense and will continue to be for the season.” Freshman newcomer Brittany Rupple has come in and done a great job at the center back position and could be a player to watch out for to add depth and speed in the midfield. When asked what the team goal is for the season, the answer was the same. “Our main goal and focus...
