Dawn of a New Decade – Development of a New Dilemma”
At the beginning of a new decade, the world rejoiced over the many possibilities and opportunities it would bring. The world also experienced a new dilemma, the onset of COVID-19, marking unprecedented deaths and economic downturn in the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global effect upon the world. Believers and non-believers, the churched and the un-churched, have felt its impact.
The author of Ecclesiastes (Solomon) points out the various tensions and uncertainties of life. He observed that “to everything there is a season (3:1); a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted (3:2); a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (3:4). Season refers to “a time that is characterized by a circumstance or phenomenon” (Morris Cerullo, Financial Freedom Bible, KJV). In the natural world, seasons are spring, summer, fall and winter. There is a season to plant, which is followed by a period of nurture and cultivation. Following the nurture period, one generally reaps a harvest. Everything happens in God’s own time (3:2-8).
As Solomon conducted his survey of life, he concluded that “all is vanity” (1:2). Though wisdom has its limits, however, it is better than foolishness (12:13). God has given to mankind all that is good. To enjoy God’s goodness is his gift to humanity.
In the wake of COVID-19, leaders of both sacred and secular institutions have had to make many choices. Some decisions, such as reopening of states and relaxing restrictions that have been placed, could result in increased loss of lives. In the face of vanity and death, we should embrace the good in life as gifts from God. Exercise wisdom in critical decisions; yet, maintain faith in the Almighty. “Fearing God and keeping His commandment is the whole duty of us all” (12:13).
Out of the abundance of caution, W. L. Bonner College has made several decisions, in response to COVID-19. First, we will deliver all courses for Summer and Fall 2020, via a virtual format. Second, we have postponed and rescheduled institutional events, including Commencement 2020. Graduation activities will be cancelled for 2020. May 2020 graduates will be recognized, however, and will march with 2021 graduates. Third, Homecoming & Founder’s Day 2020 will be postponed and held in the Commencement setting (May 2021). Fourth, Quadrans-Centennial (1995-2020) celebratory events will continue. The Quadrans-Centennial Hall of Fame nominees will be celebrated March – November 2021. Each stakeholder is asked to purchase a brick for the W. L. Bonner Memorial Walk Way. Dedication of this final historical Walk Way is scheduled for May 21, 2021. Our Annual Presidential Golf Tournament has been postponed and rescheduled for Spring 2021 (specific date, time and location will be announced within the next few weeks). Finally, The First Annual Bible Conference and Alumni Invitational, originally scheduled for December 8-11, 2020, will be held in June 2021.
Elaine McQueen, M. Div., Ed. S.
College President