ICS has always been an exciting place for me, since I first heard of it way back in 1972. It is no exaggeration to say that the course of my working life has been shaped by its influence. I have referred to it as my “spiritual home”, as it opened the Bible to me as the good news of Christ’s comprehensive and radical sacrifice and rule. And exciting things continue to happen. The MWS in Urban Ministry is now underway in Central America and other expansions of this program (one with an Italian connection) are in the planning phase. The Justice and Faith project with the CRC and the Economic Justice conference with King’s are indicative of the vibrancy surrounding our research centre and the partnerships it has enabled. We will celebrate two significant publishing projects in May – Truth Matters and the six-volume collection of Calvin Seerveld’s papers and presentations. And of course we will soon begin processing applicants for our MA and PhD programs, with the latter attracting more interest than perhaps ever before. They will join the enthusiastic and committed junior members already on campus, who are a real joy to work with.
So, after 40 years, my excitement has not waned. I studied at ICS in 1975-76. The reformational Christian vision of ICS gave me inspiration and direction as founding principal of the Institute for Christian Education in Australia in 1978. The Lord brought me to ICS full-time eleven years ago. It is a great honour and responsibility to step temporarily into the presidential role, though with regret that this is occasioned by the departure of Tom and Dawn Wolthuis. I value your prayers in this time of transition, also for my colleagues on the Leadership Team, Ed Hayley and Ron Kuipers, and the whole ICS community. Thank you for your continued support.
Peace,
Doug Blomberg
