Greetings again to everyone from the campus in Big Sandy. It has been several weeks since the last update on the activities here. During that time a new semester has begun and there has been a variety of activities.
January fifth, after our afternoon Sabbath services, 149 students boarded three buses and some of the college vans to leave for what has become the annual ski trip to Vail, Colorado. We were joined there by 83 students from the Pasadena campus. Everyone had a most enjoyable time. It is an excellent opportunity for the students to get to know one another, as well as a number of the faculty, in one of the most delightful settings possible.
We stayed at the Antlers Hotel, which was the condominium unit used by the ministry when the Feast was held in Vail in 1980. The conditions were ideal. Once again, we had a number of students along who had never seen snow, so the opportunity to roll in it, throw it and ski on it was well received.
The Big Sandy students stayed in the homes of Church members on Friday night and seemed to make a good impression. I talked with one family who had asked to host some students, hoping they would be girls. As might be expected, they somehow got fellows. But the wife said she would ask for men next time because they were such a good example of helping with dishes, etc. The Denver church then made us welcome on the Sabbath with a potluck meal after services before everyone set out for home.
Shortly after returning to Big Sandy, the weather turned cold and we ended up with ten inches of snow. This is the second consecutive year in which we have had heavy snow and, for us, very cold weather. For the first time I am aware of, we had to cancel services for the Big Sandy church on the Sabbath. We did have services for the students, but it was too dangerous for the outlying members to drive to the campus. The snow is gone now and we are back to normal East Texas winter days of about fifty-five degrees (13 degrees Celsius) and clear skies.
Mr. Raymond McNair is here this week on the faculty exchange program. Some of the faculty from both campuses spend a week in classes on the other campus. The program gives us the opportunity to coordinate various activities more closely. This exchange program began many years ago when Mr. McNair and I exchanged between Bricket Wood and Big Sandy. Those involved in the program find it very profitable. My wife Marion and I will be going out to Pasadena shortly for our week out there.
Mr. Russell Duke has been working with the newly formed Big Sandy "YAs" (Young Ambassadors). They have performed for the Big Sandy Silver Ambassadors, the older folks over fifty. (Don't laugh. Many of you now qualify even if you don't realize you are "older folks.") We have also, in cooperation with Ministerial Services, been able to perform for a couple of the local congregations for special music and/or an evening of entertainment. The response has been very enthusiastic. The Big Sandy and Pasadena YAs will join to do some filming for the Feast film. I think you will really enjoy the production.
I would like to remind you local Church pastors to encourage Ambassador College applicants to send their completed applications in immediately. Although the deadline for receiving applications is March 1st, both colleges will be accepting some late applications. Mr. McNair and I appreciate your help and the evaluations you make. We have seen some excellent applications. Thank you for your efforts and the instruction you are giving in your congregations.
AMBASSADOR COLLEGE UPDATE (Big Sandy Campus) 2/12/85
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