FALL 2021
FINDING HIS
FOOTING
Jacob Marquart ’21 has learned to thrive despite a challenging diagnosis p. 14
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED More than 18 months in, what has the pandemic taught us? p. 10
HOPE IN THE MIDST OF PAIN
What the Gospel has to say to us in times of suffering p. 18
Your gift can help a student cross the finish line. The Finish Line Scholarship supports Point seniors who exhibit campus leadership, academic excellence and Christ-like service throughout their communities. The scholarship ensures financial support for the student’s final year as a Skyhawk. During this critical time in their lives, students are making difficult decisions regarding their futures and their next steps. This scholarship helps decrease the student’s financial burden while making those important choices. As Finish Line Scholarship recipient Tori Roberts Smith ’21 said, “The Finish Line scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.” Your donation will empower a hard-working senior like Tori to persevere and finish his or her final year at Point University.
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POINT.EDU/FINISHLINE
CONTENTS 4 From the President 5 University News 20 Ten Questions With One Alum ON THE COV ER Jacob Marquart ’21, photographed by D’Ann Conroy Seawright (’14-’15) ON THIS PAG E Point students were welcomed back to campus during fall convocation.
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WHAT WE’VE LEARNED Faculty, staff, students and alumni share lessons learned in a global pandemic.
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FINDING HIS FOOTING Music major Jacob Marquart ’21 received a challenging diagnosis of Asperger’s, but he hasn’t let that slow him down.
18
THE PAIN OF A THORN
devin forbus
Dr. Greg Moffatt ’88 on finding hope in the midst of suffering.
FALL 2021 | 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
POIN T M AG AZI NE Volume 60, Number 1 Fall 2021 EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford CONTRIBUTORS Kassi Butcher Josh Newman ’21 Amber Rasmussen Editor’s Note: This issue is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Vicki Kindt Huxford ’73, who volunteered to proofread every issue from 2005-2021 — because she loved her alma mater, but mostly because she loved her daughter. —SGH
None of us particularly like “not just yet” messages. They remind us that all of those Scriptures that speak of the virtue of patience require the practice of patience in the reality of daily living. In these pages, you will read of things that faculty, staff, and students have learned during the pandemic and while facing life’s challenges. They are good things, even helpful things — but there is more to learn. While some adjustments are required, and some challenges remain, I continue to be amazed at the grace of God and the resilience of the people of God. Our faith can and must grow through times of struggle. Point University is a community, and we are a part of a greater community of faith in which we know that what is seen now is not all that will be seen as the kingdom of God goes forward. Each story in this issue, I hope, will give you fresh perspective on whatever you are facing. God is moving here, and He will continue to guide us through this day and into a new day. This is our moment to live out lives of hope and grace so that others can see and experience the love of Christ. I pray you will find hope for today as you read. By His grace,
Dean C. Collins ’79 President
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CONTACT US: Point University Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 | editor@point.edu © 2021 Point University Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 300334097, at http://www.sacscoc.org, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point University.
devin forbus
W
hen we started this issue, it was our hope — and it appeared there was some evidence — that maybe we had experienced the worst of the pandemic and were beginning the final lap of this tough journey. But now, as we complete this issue and begin the fall semester, our hopes remain hopes, while our experiences declare: “not just yet.”
Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue. The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein. Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.
SNAPSHOT
UNIVERSITY NEWS
joshua newman ’21
Thanks to generous donations from the former Atlanta Christian College Alumni Association and others, the Lanier Academic Center now features a display showcasing important moments in the history of the University. Join us in October for the dedication of this new addition to our campus! Email alumni@point.edu for more details.
FALL 2021 | 5
HEADLINES Wilson to Retire This Fall Alan Wilson, Point’s athletic director, announced he will be retiring this fall. Wilson has been a longtime coach at Point, leading both the baseball and women’s basketball teams during his tenure. For more details, visit pointskyhawks.com. University News To read the latest Point news, visit our website at point.edu/news.
Turner Helps Students Prepare for their Careers Two-time best-selling author and acclaimed keynote speaker Dee Ann Turner traveled to Point University’s West Point campus on March 25 as part of the tour for her new book, Crush Your Career. The first large event held on campus since the pandemic began, the event included a limited in-person audience and a virtual audience via Zoom. Turner was interviewed by President Dean Collins ’79. They discussed career-related topics, such as navigating relationships, performance, and things Turner wishes she had known. After the interview, Turner signed copies of her book and answered questions from attendees. “The one quality that really has to grow within you to be a leader is trust,” Turner said during the event. “When I learned to trust and allowed peo-
ple to do things the way they wanted to do them, I learned that they sometimes do those things a lot better than me.” Turner advised the students, many of whom are graduating seniors, on how to “hit the ground running” with their careers. “Servant leaders have five traits: they see and shape the future by casting vision, they engage others, they reinvent continuously, they value results and relationships, and lastly, they embody the values of their organizations,” Turner said. Turner is a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Prior to her retirement in 2018, she served as vice president of talent and vice president of sustainability. Selected as the company’s first female officer in 2001, she was instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A’s well-known culture and talent systems. Today, she leads her own organization, Dee Ann Turner & Associates, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year and advising and coaching leaders globally. Learn more about Crush Your Career on Turner’s website, www.crushyourcareerbook.com.
KatieByron_Cartwright: We still get to live close by and be a part of the Point community . . . retired! #togetherwefly
#
pointskyhawks: #ICYMI...
your Point Skyhawks earned the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award! #togetherwefly
😍🏆
Share your tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram photos with the Point community! Tag your posts with #pointuniversity or #togetherwefly.
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pointadmissions: Every
year, we send out three teams to represent Point at different camps and conferences in the Southeast. Huge shout-out to the individuals representing Point this summer! #pointuniversity #togetherwefly
pointmbb: This morning
we had the opportunity to encourage local children as they entered into school at West Point Elementary. We are continually grateful for the opportunity to pour into youth. #togetherwefly
amber rasmussen; social media posts courtesy of users
WHAT'S TRENDING
HEADLINES
POINT HOLDS FIRST IN-PERSON GRADUATION SINCE 2019
stacy bartlett ’05; infographic by amber rasmussen
P
oint University graduated 152 students with associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees during a limited, in-person graduation ceremony held in May at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. The first physical graduation ceremony since December 2019, the event was also live streamed on social media. “This is a monumental achievement,” said Dr. Stephen Waers ’07, chief academic officer, as he addressed the graduates. “And it’s multiplied by the fact that you have finished in a pandemic.” Dr. Lamar Hardwick, an Atlanta-based pastor, author and speaker, served as commencement speaker. In a message based on the Sermon on the Mount, he encouraged the new graduates to go above and beyond in serving Christ. “Graduation is not the end; it’s just the beginning,” said Hardwick. “In order for you to be salt and light, in order for you to stand out, Jesus is pushing all of us to do more than just what’s required. Go the extra mile.” Reflecting on the uncertainty of the past year, as well as his own recent cancer diagnosis and treatment, Hardwick said, “Don’t you dare waste one opportunity or one single breath to passionately pursue all that God has called you to do and be. Tomorrow is not promised.” Finally, Hardwick urged the Class of 2021 to use the gifts God has given them to stand out from the crowd. “If you just want to be good, then just do good
enough,” he said. “But if you want to be great for God – if you want your years here not to be wasted – then do something great with what God has given you.” Each year, the University recognizes an outstanding graduate from both the residential and online programs with the Hathcock Award, the highest honor given to a graduating Point student. Named for the University’s founder, the award is given based on academic achievement, character, and servant leadership. This spring’s Hathcock Award recipients were Mary Rimmer, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Kelli Buchanan, of Kathleen, Georgia. To view this spring’s commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/pointuniversityvids.
FALL 2021 | 7
HEADLINES
This past season marked one of the most successful for the Point University men’s golf program, and to top off a remarkable year, Ruan Pretorius ’21 received national player of the year recognition, as he earned the 2021 Jack Nicklaus Award presented by True Spec Golf. This award recognizes top players at the Division I, II, III, NAIA and NJCAA levels. “This award means so much, not only to Ruan, but to Point University,” former Head Coach Shannon Lipham said. “Ruan is the first Skyhawk golfer to win the Nicklaus Award. It is the biggest honor given in college golf, and it couldn’t go to a more deserving person. It has been my honor to be a part of his journey over the last three years. I’m so proud of the man he has become.” Jack Nicklaus, a Big Ten and NCAA Champion at Ohio State University, is considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. He helped inspire and create the Jack Nicklaus Award in 1988. This year, Pretorius was joined by John Pak (Florida State, DI), Andrew Beckler (Washburn University, DII), James Mishoe (Guilford College, DIII) and Ben Partridge (Hutchinson Community College, NJCAA) in receiving the award. “If you look at the records of these recipients, each one put together dominating seasons and are very deserving of this honor,” Nicklaus said. “I’m very fortunate to be able to get this opportunity,” said Pretorius, who is from Bloemfontein, South Africa. “Mr. Nicklaus is one of the greatest players of all time, and after 8 | POINT MAGAZINE
meeting him in person, a great guy, too. This opportunity is very humbling.” Along with garnering the Jack Nicklaus award, Pretorius was named the NAIA Men’s Golfer of the Year, according to the NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches Association. The association also named him a first team All-American, along with team members Ryan van der Klis ’24 and Cole Stevens ’24. The Skyhawks had the most first-team All-Americans in the NAIA. “This is a testament to the quality of players that we have at Point University,” Lipham said. “These guys are not only fantastic golfers, but great people. They deserve every award they receive.” Pretorius’ postseason accolades continued to accumulate, as he finished the season as the No. 1 NAIA golfer in Golfstat, earned a spot on the GCAA All-Region South team, and was named to the NAIA PING All-American First Team. Pretorius carried a 71.53 scoring average this season and was a combined 81-2 against Golfstat’s top 100 NAIA golfers. Pretorius led the No. 1 Skyhawks to a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship in Silvis, Illinois, this past May, in which he finished individually in fifth place with a tournament score of 288, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team. Having graduated from Point in May with a degree in psychology, Pretorius has now signed to play for Division I Mississippi State, where he will pursue graduate studies.
kassi butcher; madison plemons ’18
SKYHAWK GOLFER WINS PRESTIGIOUS NICKLAUS AWARD
FALL 2021 | 9
madison plemons ’18
WH AT W E ’ V E
learned
FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SHARE THEIR REFLECTIONS ON WHAT THEY’VE LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC THUS FAR
10 | POINT M AGAZINE
Check out our Point University social media accounts for a series of posts with more detailed thoughts on the pandemic from these members of our Point community.
lightstock
Want to read more?
Connie Moore ’21 ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP MAJOR
Because I started my educational journey during the onset of COVID-19, I experienced so many different emotions, and the strongest of those was fear. Fear challenged me in many ways, but it also pushed me to do things I normally would not have done otherwise. The COVID-19 pandemic helped me to realize just how much of our time is taken for granted. The most difficult adjustment for me during this pandemic was not being able to connect with family and church members in a personal way. Meeting virtually is a great way to stay in touch, however, it can never take the place of the faceto-face interaction that we need from each other. I have come to realize that whenever we are forced to do without something, we learn to adapt.
Samantha Groover ’25 EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR
I had the awesome opportunity to be on the PR team for Point this summer at Lee University. I was actually supposed to do this last year and was really looking forward it, so this year was very redeeming to me. If this experience as a whole has taught me anything, it’s that God moves even in the midst of chaos. We had our fair share of COVID scares during the five weeks, including having to move a session outside with only three hours’ notice. However, it was that night the most students gave their lives to Christ and walked into their new life. I am honored to have been there to see it all play out and be a small part that helped put it on. All in all, I’ve learned that instead of stressing about things out of my control, I just need to roll with the punches of this pandemic, because I know God is in control.
Jessie Davis ’09 HISTORY TEACHER, SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Being in the midst of a pandemic, as a middle school teacher, I found that students are often more resilient than I give them credit for. However, as an adult, it is important to be there, either in person or a video classroom session, to help them navigate difficult times in a healthy way. This includes striving to remember that God created and desired His people to be in community. Sometimes that community looks vastly different than I envision. So, finding creative ways to remain connected with those I care about, whether it is family, friends or my students, is one of the most important things I can do when facing a challenging time.
Julius Dixon photos courtesy of interviewees
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, POINT UNIVERSITY
I have come to appreciate what it means to not take life for granted. Live everyday to the fullest. As far as work, I learned to use extreme patience with everyone. We were able to add a team chaplain, Randall Hamer. He was instrumental in helping our team grow spiritually during that time. The most difficult adjustment had to be going from a very routine schedule to one full of flexibility. The one thing that I will continue to improve on as we move forward is growing stronger in my faith. This situation opened my eyes to understanding how to trust God unconditionally.
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Elijah Walker ’21 MASTER OF TRANSFORMATIVE MINISTRY STUDENT
Working in ministry always comes with challenges, and as a college student minister at Auburn Christian Fellowship, these challenges seemed to double or triple in intensity when participating in ministry affected by COVID-19. However, we found that coming out of months of quarantining, the students we made connections with had a deep desire for community and corporate worship. I learned during that season that God is always in control: of our lives, of our ministry, of our world. No matter the changes we may face, God draws near to those who seek Him. We must have enough faith to trust in His promises that we might make it through any season.
Valarie Williams DEAN OF POINT ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES, POINT UNIVERSITY
During quarantine, I was reminded of how precious the human connection is and how God designed us to be in constant fellowship with one another as a body of believers. I truly missed hugging one another for comfort, seeing human smiles instead of masks, going to church for corporate worship, and coming into the office to talk with students, faculty and staff in person. This picture was taken at my “home office” during the lockdown. It was during the time that we had the staff photo contest of our pets (pictured is my senior cat companion, Phoebe). I love my cat and my family fiercely, but we also need others to carry out our calling and purpose.
Diego Espino Olivares ’22 MANAGEMENT MAJOR
The year 2020 not only taught me, but the whole world. In March 2020, I had to return home [to Panama] because of all this uncertainty. Seeing how people around the world were dying taught me to value my loved ones even more. Quarantine taught me to have a lot of patience, since I am always in activities and sports away from home, but this time, it was the opposite. My relationship with God grew more. I consider that the most difficult thing – not only for me, but I believe for many people around the world – has been to adapt to this new reality in which we live. A habit that I hope I can keep is to go one day at a time and not worry about the future.
INSTRUCTOR OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK, POINT UNIVERSITY
What I’ve learned since March 2020 is that the life we refer to as “normal” and routine can be disrupted at any time, and that we shouldn’t take even the simplest things for granted (like toilet paper!). The most difficult adjustment for me was the social isolation: being away from family, friends, colleagues and church. One thing I hope to continue is being intentional with staying connected to the people I’m blessed to have in my life.
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Jim Donovan ’73, ’74 PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, POINT UNIVERSITY
The pandemic experience was clarifying. I enjoy being with my students and missed the opportunity to rub elbows with them. Crisis causes many of the important issues of our lives to fade in significance and facilitates a reordering of priorities and values. I remembered and held onto the thought that we go nowhere where God is not already, and nothing we experience is a surprise to Him! I was reminded that courage is not the absence of fear, but action in the face of it.
photos courtesy of interviewees
Trish Stuart
A’Zahnay Cottle ’22 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR
I have personally learned that I cannot control the uncontrollable, no matter how hard I may try. In March 2020, my junior season of lacrosse was cut short, I had to quickly move off campus, and my classes were completely online. I believe the most difficult adjustment was the not knowing. I didn’t know what to expect next. I didn’t know how long people were going to go crazy over cleaning products and tissue. From this experience, I hope to keep the level of patience I have grown and acknowledge all the people and things to be grateful for.
Jonathan DeJesus ’16 COLLEGE PASTOR, NORTHRIDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Like most, this past year has been incredibly hard for all areas of life. Learning how to adapt to every changing aspect of the pandemic, like being locked in our home with a young one and one on the way, was very interesting, to say the least. I learned the importance of being present in every moment. It was a season that I needed to be saturated in God’s grace, kindness and mercy, and ultimately, every day had to be filled with His presence. It was a season, and still is, of pruning and removing things that just didn’t have to be there, both in life and ministry.
Kenyata Arnold ’12, ’14 REGIONAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER, RESCARE
I was so blessed to have a job where I already worked from home pre-COVID. A new meaning to servant leadership and work-life-balance was born in my spirit. Missing worshiping with my family and friends was difficult, but I came to learn that I can actually get the Word and get a better understanding of the message while watching online. Who knew a quiet space and place helps you gain a better understanding/perspective of what you hear? My only child went off to the Air Force in January of 2020, and it was awfully hard not being able to go see him graduate from military school in person. Watching online was just not the same. God is good; he is safely working in Nebraska now. We can’t complain at all!
Tim Stephens ’94 CONSULTANT, CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL RESOURCES
I learned the best way to not become in-grown is to keep serving outwardly. I served in more ways and in new ways in 2020 that I would not have done if not for the pandemic. It helped me stay in touch with humans, especially those who think differently than me, have different political leanings than me, and look different than me. I have learned in an amazing way how resilient the church and parachurch ministries are. Ministries literally met, worked and prayed, to take services, school and counseling online in a matter of days. The church is far from perfect, as it is made up of flawed folks like me and you, but it has been encouraging to see the church react quickly and strategically to challenges it never saw coming.
photos courtesy of interviewees
Chase Dial ’16 DIRECTOR OF RESIDENT LIFE, POINT UNIVERSITY
COVID-19 and everything that it shook up in our world today was a true test, but in that test, I also learned another level of His grace! Accepting God’s sovereignty was the most difficult. We wake up every morning having the choice to brush our teeth, take a shower, go to work, share a smile with others. Small aspects of our day like those can quickly form into a habit of believing we are in control of everything that happens in our life. COVID-19 was a solid antithesis to that belief I held, and deconstructing that lie was the most difficult truth I had to submit to. I hope that I remain humble and willing to submit to God and trust His plan over my own. FALL 2021 | 13
finding his footing Life’s journey hasn’t always been easy for Jacob Marquart ’21. His inspirational story of perseverance offers lessons for us all. BY AMBER RASMUSSEN
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ollege students around the world constantly face increasing pressures. First, there is the pressure to choose the “right school,” one that will offer an assortment of classes and experiences which will leave the student perfectly well-rounded on graduation day — while also offering the opportunities to try new things and make new friends. Next, students must choose the “right major,” one that will provide them with enough training to allow them to get an acceptable job after college, while still guaranteeing that they will love whatever it is they decide to do. Once they make these seemingly monumental decisions, they must then maintain an intense course load, network with professors, make friends, join extracurricular activities, get a part-time job, plan for the future and begin to establish themselves in economies that frequently do not have much capacity for new college graduates every spring. These pressures are enough to overwhelm nearly every college student, but add on to these an ongoing global pandemic and the ever-changing difficulties and uncertainties it creates, and it is clear to see that the college experience now is drastically different than ever before.
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d’ann conroy seawright (’14-’15)
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d’ann conroy seawright (’14-’15)
Marquart, a music major at Point, hopes to pursue a career in music production after graduation.
social cues. Such was the case with Marquart, who laughs easily about it now. “I had to learn how to understand sarcasm,” he says, chuckling. “I just didn’t get it back then. It’s still a struggle, but I’ve gotten better.” Throughout his childhood, Marquart’s most difficult social interactions were with his peers. “I always found it easier talking to adults,” he says. “It was that sense of security with them, but it was hard to talk to and relate to people my own age and for them to relate to me.” Marquart did not learn to overcome these obstacles overnight, however. “I didn’t fully understand why I was so different until I talked to my parents about it when I was a little bit older. I knew I was in different classes than other kids and I knew other people thought I was different, but I didn’t know why,” he explains. As a child during the early 2000s, an underSome students might be paralyzed by the fear of standing of autism spectrum disorder was not the unpredictable world that lies before them, but present in the United States in the same way it is that is not the case for Jacob Marquart, a senior now; even today, the journey to full understanding music technology student at Point. A West Point and acceptance is still long. Additionally, Marnative, Marquart decided to stay close to his home quart was in fourth grade when he was diagnosed. and the family he loves when he chose to attend Explaining such abstract concepts to a young child the University nearly four years ago. Throughout is difficult. Thankfully, the love and acceptance of his four years at Point, Jacob has conquered his Marquart’s family is what propelled him forward. fair share of obstacles, from succeeding in difWhen his doctors told his parents that it was ficult classes, to making lifelong friendships, to unlikely he would ever graduate high school or navigating the intense changes brought on by the be able to live independently from them, they did COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he is preparing to enter not give up on him. They continued encouraging his final semester before facing a whole new set of and challenging Marquart to be better and to step challenges as a graduate. outside his comfort zone. Through it all, Marquart greets everyone he “My diagnosis put a lot of pressure on my parmeets with a wide smile and his signature positive ents, but the acceptance and love I received from attitude. All of this is rendered even more remarkmy family and friends is what helped show me able, though, by the fact that when Marquart was that I have value and the potential to do anything,” in third grade, his doctors told his parents that it Marquart says. was highly unlikely that he would ever graduate It was not until his junior year of high school high school. The following year, when Marquart that Marquart started to branch out and step into was in fourth grade, he was officially diagnosed his personality. He felt compelled by a desire for with Asperger’s syndrome. individuals who are not on the autism spectrum While no longer an official diagnosis, Aspergto understand the qualities that make him differer’s syndrome falls within the autism spectrum. ent. That year, he gave a presentation at Auburn Many individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s synUniversity about his experiences. Despite the drome are described as having “high-functioning nerve-wracking experience, Marquart discovered autism.” According to the Autism Society, individa talent for public speaking that he would continue uals with Asperger’s syndrome often have neuroto embrace as he began studying at Point. Today, typical language and cognitive skills, but tend to be more quickly overwhelmed by high sensory events Auburn has adapted some of Marquart’s ideas to help improve their accessibility office, and he and more socially awkward, frequently missing
hopes to one day give a TED Talk about autism spectrum disorder and his personal experiences with it. While in high school, Marquart began to develop strong relationships with some of his teachers, and he started to learn how to advocate for himself. “It was hard for me to advocate for myself for a long time. I didn’t always know what to ask for, or I was scared to death to ask. I’ve gotten a lot better at knowing what I need help with and asking for it,” he says.
person’s experience instead of having a parent explaining about their child,” he says. Marquart passionately encourages individuals who are not on the autism spectrum to work to better understand the experiences of those who are on the spectrum. “I think a lot of people need to learn what the symptoms are and how to address them,” he says. “Lashing out and yelling do not help, especially for a person with sensory overload. It just makes it worse.” Instead, Marquart believes people should learn to recognize what the problem is and solve it with words. his skill of advocating for himself has been One such situation that often negatively affects beneficial during Marquart’s college expeindividuals on the autism spectrum is an interacrience. During his freshman year at Point, tion with law enforcement. Traffic stops are highly he had to begin the process over again by meeting sensory events. The flashing lights and loud comhis professors and determining the academic strat- mands are quickly overwhelming, and for many egies that would work best for him. people on the autism spectrum, this sensory over“I learned pretty quickly how to be a self-advoload makes it difficult to communicate with police cate, because my parents wanted to prepare me for officers and can lead the individual to respond in college. Reaching out in college was actually a big ways the officer may perceive as threatening. Marthing, and it really goes a long way,” he says. quart, and many national advocacy organizations, Marquart also praises the Disability Services favor states providing the option for an indicator Office at Point for helping ease the transition. on driver’s licenses that communicates to officers “They advocate for students who need more that the driver is on the autism spectrum. Currentaccommodations, and it’s not just kids on the ly, only a handful of states offer such an indicator, spectrum, either,” he points out. “It can be stualthough an increasing number of bills have been dents with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, proposed in the last year. or just students who need more time to read. It Marquart wants to remind people of the inhercan be anything.” ent dignity and worth of people on the spectrum. Last spring, the disability services team at “A lot of people will tend to push people on the Point invited Marquart to give a presentation on spectrum off to the side because they don’t want campus about his experiences. Students, faculty to have to deal with it sometimes,” he explains. and staff were able to learn how to better under“What people don’t realize is how that can affect stand individuals on the autism spectrum. people, but if you show them love, support and Now, at the beginning of his final semester at encouragement, that can go a long way. It can help Point, Marquart sees endless opportunities before someone realize that they do have value and the him. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career potential to do something in the world.” in music technology, specifically music producFor those who are on the autism spectrum, tion. “I think I’d like to produce music and work in Marquart wants them to remember that the world a studio, or even travel and tour with a band,” he is going to be a challenging place, but that sursays. “I haven’t gotten it copyrighted yet, but I just rounding themselves with people who love and fully produced my first song for a class internship accept them will make all the difference. “I have to project, as well.” remind myself that things might be harder for me In addition to music, Marquart also feels a at times, but it’s about learning to love and accept calling to continue speaking, writing and educatmyself for who I am, no matter who or what I ening audiences about Asperger’s syndrome and the counter in life,” he says. “Just because I have a disexperiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. ability doesn’t mean I can’t do great in the world; it “I’d like to keep speaking in front of people, because just means that it might take a little longer.” I think it’s easier to hear and understand the actual
T
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The Pain of a Thorn BY DR. GREGORY K. MOFFATT ’88
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17
I stood in a small, dark room made of cinder block that measured less than
12 feet square. No electricity, water or furniture, except a small platform on which lay a worn and filthy mattress. A second mattress, just as filthy, lay on the floor at my feet. This little hovel housed an elderly woman and three children. One of those children spent most of her day sitting on the edge of the platform, her small face visible in the window about any time of the day. Lying on the bed was an old woman, probably no more than 50, but she looked 70. Her hard life showed in the lines of her face and the leather of her skin, all from the years of exposure, bad diet and poor health care. I was making rounds with a physician who attends to the needs of the indigenous people of the mountainous regions of Panama. He came to see this woman because he had heard she was in pain. Indeed, she was. She could scarcely move without great effort, and her voice quivered as she complained that every joint and muscle hurt. My friend gave her several pills to at least temporarily ease her pain and hopefully fight whatever infection had afflicted her. As I watched this scene play out in front of me, I realized I had never felt more helpless in my life. The Gospel — the truth — is what I brought with me, but what good can words do in a situation like this? For that matter, what good did my doctor friend do for her that day? While her pain might ease temporarily, her life was lost. She was destined to live every day just as she had the day before — in pain, in hunger and in extreme poverty. There I stood, in my cheap blue jeans and hiking boots, realizing that my clothes, my watch and my camera were easily worth more money than she would see in several years. I brought the Gospel, but what did I really have for her? FALL 2021 | 19
Real life is painful. I saw it in the Philippines. A two-year-old boy toddled out to my vehicle beside a busy Manila road. His “house” was just three feet off the road — literally so close to the road that if he stepped outside carelessly, he could easily be run over by a passing car. This child had worms, impetigo, scabies and who knows what other illnesses. Maybe that is why his mother came to me at a church service and asked me to pray that God would grant her prosperity. Prosperity, in her mind, most likely meant clean running water, a change of clothes for her children and a dependable source of food. And all I had was the Gospel. How did that help? Real life is the family who welcomed me into their home in India. The house consisted of a dirt floor and corrugated aluminum sides that blew over several times a year during the rainy season. The clothes they wore the only ones that despite our wealth and were they owned. I know, affluence, we are just as hopeless because I watched as these people I’ve described . . . them go to the river, strip down, wash their we just have better anesthetics. clothes in the muddy river water, and put them on wet. Indian tradition required them to offer me something to eat as a visitor in their home. They plucked a banana from a tree just beyond their barren yard. I felt guilty eating it in front of them as I watched their children watch me. And again, all I brought for them was the Gospel. What good did that do them? It certainly didn’t make them less hungry. Every Friday afternoon for more than eight years, I spent several hours working with Atlanta homicide profiling violent crime. I’ve seen hundreds of dead bodies, and I’ve noticed that I don’t recognize landmarks in the city by buildings anymore. I recognize them by who was murdered where. These victims had families who grieved over them — their loved ones’ lives snatched from them without notice. Most of us can never even begin to understand this kind of pain. Yet in the context of the suffering I’ve described, most of our concerns about masks, COVID-19, vaccines and our current disruptions may look rather trite. It is easy for me to praise
I ’m beginning to realize
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God — even to believe in God. After all, He has given me a nice comfortable home, I’ve never truly been hungry a day in my life, and, even more important to me, my children have had every advantage. It is easy to praise Him when everything is going relatively well for us. But what do we bring to those who are suffering? Jesus himself seemed to be almost indifferent to suffering on occasion. Remember, in Matthew 26:11 he told us we would always have the poor with us. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, and I know he was right so far. I walked through a train station in Agra, India, where lepers lined the station portico as far as you could see. This could be as close as it gets to how it was in Jesus’ day. This is real life like it was for Him, but Jesus only chose to heal a few. Why? I’ve painted a very dark picture, and the question remains, “How can we endure our pain?” The only solution is to recognize that our hope lies beyond this world. In Romans we read, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:24-28) Permanent solutions to pain in this world are impossible. Power, position and money provide only temporary relief for an eternal problem. The gospel is the truth that provides eternal healing, hope and peace. I’m beginning to realize that despite our wealth and affluence, we are just as hopeless as these people I’ve described above. We just have better anesthetics. Come to think of it, maybe it is these destitute people who should pity me. Because of my life of relative luxury, I am less able to see where my hope really lies. It is ironic that the very thing that makes us stronger is the very thing we avoid. James (1:23) admonishes us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith he thought the pain of a thorn would last forever. The writer of Romans gives us this perspective develops perseverance.” when he says, “our present sufferings are not Philip Yancey presents an interesting arguworth comparing with the glory that will be ment in his work Where is God When It Hurts. revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) He makes the point that even though we can’t Benjamin also liked to lead. Sometimes he see it, pain is actually our asset. We have learned, was too stubborn to admit he had lost his way as for example, that lepers don’t physically degenwe walked through the forest. “Are we lost?” I erate because of leprosy, as once thought. Inteased him. “Will we have to spend the night in stead, leprosy kills their nerve endings, making it the woods?” He didn’t understand that I knew impossible for them to feel pain. Since they feel exactly where we were and exactly where we no pain, they injure themselves, those injuries were going. Even though I was following him, get infected, and the skin then dies from serious my arms were never too far away to catch him if infections, not leprosy. Because they feel no pain, he stumbled. they have no protection. Likewise, God is with us even when we might Sometimes it isn’t the pain we see in others think otherwise. The Psalmist asks: “Where can that troubles us. Sometimes the pain we see is I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your our own. It is daunting when our world seems to presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; crumble around our feet and we cry out to God if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I for relief, but He seems chillingly silent. Yet when rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far I catch myself whining about my own pain and side of the sea, even there your hand will guide my search for the answer to “why me,” I feel a me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm little like Job must have felt when he asked God 139:7-10) As a father walking with his son, I know the same question. God’s response was, “It’s none God will be there for me. of your business.” Who knows pain like we’ve known? That’s a But I suppose God has already answered our silly question, isn’t it? Jesus knows. This is the question — even before we asked it. “Do you not same Jesus who, just before his crucifixion, said, know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the ev“I have come into this world that I should bear erlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) He will not grow tired or weary, and his underAs for that woman in that filthy hovel in Panstanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to ama, even there, I know God the Father is never the weary and increases the power of the weak. too far away to comfort His children. Our God, Even youths grow tired and weary, and young who specializes in the impossible, knows that our men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the pain is fleeting, and even though all I have is the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar Gospel, maybe that is enough. on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31) Maybe this applies even to that decrepit Gregory K. Moffatt, Ph.D., LPC, CPCS, is dean of old woman in Panama. the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at I believe the Psalmist, who tells us that “The Point. Learn more about his work on his website at Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call gregmoffatt.com. on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145:18-19) I took many walks through the woods surrounding our home with my son, Benjamin, when he was small. He often scratched or cut himself on briars and thorns. I sometimes thought I would like to protect him from ever feeling pain, but I knew his pain would help him. I knew his pain was fleeting, even though FALL 2021 | 21
10 QUESTIONS WITH ONE ALUM Carol Erica Pitts Parker ’11 1. What made you decide to attend Point? It was honestly a last-minute decision. I knew some people from youth group going, so I decided to go, too. 2. What’s one item on your bucket list? A month-long excursion at Disney World or in Fiji. About the same, right?! 3. Name one person from Point who made a lasting impact on your life. Definitely Mr. Huxford. He always encouraged me and my ideas and craziness. He just let me be me, and that was always enough. 4. Cats, dogs or house plants? I would say dogs, but my kids are allergic. We just bought our first two house plants and now there’s only one. It’s an aloe plant, so I think I can handle it. 5. What’s a quality or skill of yours that distinguishes you or that you’re most proud of? I just like to create and excite people. I was told that I wasn’t creative as a child, but creating has been the recurring theme of my life. [Note: Parker has a business, ParkerHouse Littles, where she creates and sells hair bows, hats and other children’s apparel. Check it out at parkerhouselittles.com.] 6. What’s a favorite Bible verse or passage? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 7. “Looking at me, no one would guess...” . . . that running actually makes me happy.
9. What is your favorite Point memory? As an RA, I loved getting dressed up in my crazy camp clothes and taking our dorm girls to the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House in the middle of the night.
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10. What does Point’s mission of service and leadership for Christ mean to you? My time in college is marked as a time of learning to lead by learning to serve people, and that has shaped my life. Point’s mission of service and leadership is foundational for me. Parker lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Stanley ’13, and their children, Evan, Hazel and Bennett.
photo courtesy of carol erica pitts parker ’11
8. What are your biggest pet peeves? My biggest pet peeve is when someone uses the word impossible. It’s lazy, lacks imagination and innovation, and keeps us “safe.”
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