JanuaryFebruary

2003

Good Reading for students and friends of Patriot University

How to Contact

Patriot University2035 Church Avenue • Alamosa, CO 81101Toll-free no. 888-578-9332 Fax No. (719) 589-4916

Email Address: mail@patriotuniversity.comWeb site: www.patriotuniversity.com

Office HoursYour University Offices are open Monday-Friday, exceptfor holiday breaks. Offices close two hours earlier on Friday.

Please note time zone differences:Eastern time office hours—11 to 7Central time office hours—10 to 6Mountain time office hours—9 to 5Pacific time office hours—8 to 4

A student may request an evening phone appointment.

“I looked ahead and we win!”

Reverend Fun Copyright 2003 GCI, Inc.

This is Exciting! All-New, different fromanything we’ve ever been able to offerbefore! It could be the biggest step of faithwe have ever taken here at Patriot! Wouldyou like to be involved?

Will you be accepted as a

2003 Ambassador?God blessed us with 135 new students in 2002 (our best year ever)! We

are grateful! Now we believe He wants us to make an aggressive effort torecruit many more Patriot students this year and we are trusting the Lordfor this increase!

If you share our goal to better equip others to serve Christ, the new2003 Ambassador program may be for you! And in a time of a saggingAmerican economy we believe God wants us to share the increase with ournew Ambassadors. If you are accepted as an Ambassador and work just afew hours each week, you can now earn a GREAT part-time income (bysimply telling others about where you go to school).

Richard Skinner has recently joined our staff. His only responsibilitywith Patriot is to direct the new Ambassador program. Richard has thecalling, experience and skills to give Ambassadors any training and helpneeded to be successful in reaching new students. He will work with ourAmbassadors by phone and email from his home office in Houston, Texas.

There has never been a greater need for people to get back to the Bibleand to better train for the ministries God has for them! And it is becomingmore difficult and less practical than ever for Christian workers to leavetheir homes to attend Bible college or seminary. So the opportunity is ripeto involve others in Patriot University!

If you would like to get more details and information about how youcan apply for this NEW PROGRAM, please make your request by phone(toll-free 1-888-578-9332—leave your name and number and the best timefor Richard to call you) or you may e-mail this information torichard@patriotuniversity.com

We have never offered anything even half this generous before!If you are interested, you may want to contact us today!

Can I deduct my monthy tuition offering as acharitable contribution to a non-profit organizationon my income tax?NO.Although Patriot University is a church-sponsored, nonprofit organization,the full amont of your monthly tuition offering is used for your benefit as aservice. Therefore, it cannot be considered a gift.

However, you may be able to deduct your tuition and fees from your taxes.The information in the box below is taken directly from the instructions toIRS Form 1040 under “What’s New for 2002?”

Sometimes churches will pay for continuing education for ministers and/orstaff. Some churches also set continuing education expenses up as areimbursible expense for their minister(s); therefore, this money would notbe reported as income.

Of course we are not qualified to give tax advice, so you will need to checkthese things out with your accountant or tax advisor.

Tuition and Fees Deduction—NewYou may be able to deduct up to $3,000 of the qualifiedtuition and fees you paid in 2002 for yourself, your spouse,or your dependents. However, you cannot take this deduc-tion if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone’stax return or if you claim an education credit on line 48 forthe same student.

T a x N e w sT a x N e w sY o u C a n U s eY o u C a n U s e

Uh, oh! My Doctorsaid the “C-Word”!By Lonnie Skinner

I have cancer!I’ve caught myself choking on those words a few times since I was

diagnosed with prostate cancer several weeks ago.Now I’m a pretty compassionate fellow. I can recall tears entering my

eyes a few times when I heard “he has cancer” or “she has cancer.” Butnow it’s my turn. This is different.

My cancer was detected early. It is not expected to give me a quick tripto Heaven. That’s supposed to be the “good news” although I find it a bitdisappointing.

Our Heavenly Father knows best. But these unplanned detours throughpersonally uncharted territory can still be frightening. Don’t tell anybody,but I’ve been known to have allergic reactions to physical pain. Myupcoming trip to the hospital may lead to pains I have never known before.

Still, the setbacks of our lives are wonderful teachers. In fact, I’ve foundthat cancer—the dreaded “C-word”—has spawned a lot of other “C-words”in my life. For example…

∑∑∑∑∑ Choices. In my case, one of my first surprises has been the discoverythat the radical surgery my doctor first suggested—with its 6-8 weeksof painful recovery—is not my only viable option. This is good. But itis also bad, and has led to…

∑∑∑∑∑ Confusion. The various treatment options available to us have keptmy wife and me on an emotional roller coaster trying to determine life-changing decisions that we did not know existed a few weeks ago.Which is best for us? We are not doctors—well, yes we are—but notthe kind that helps anybody—uh, I mean medically. But we do knowthe Great Physician, and He will guide us in the venture of faith throughour new…

∑∑∑∑∑ Challenges. We all face them. So a bit of cancer has been added to myother challenges. Today’s rumors of new and bigger wars, a soureconomy, a devil who is getting worse because he knows he’s runningout of time, family and friends with bigger problems than mine,carelessness and apathy of many Christians around us—do I need togo on? But we have a God who is up to any challenge we ever face.And I believe the Lord has given me assurance that 2003 will be mybest year yet!

∑∑∑∑∑ Complaining. Why me? I’ve been trying to do the right thing. I lovethe Lord and I’m seeking to follow Jesus Christ. Why me? That’s notan unusual question at a time like this. Why not me?

Following Christ does not make us immune from pain and suffering.After all, Jesus was ridiculed, misunderstood, tortured and finally nailedto a cruel Roman Cross. So tagging along after Him may not lead toDisneyland. In fact, if we truly follow Him we are told that we willeventually get to experience something called “the fellowship of Hissufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

I am aware of several of God’s choice servants—missionaries devotingtheir lives to Christ—who have recently been murdered by some of thevery people they had left their faraway homes to help. Yet, like theApostle Paul they decided before they started their adventure of faiththat “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be comparedwith the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). And thespouses of these martyrs have spoken of the marvelous peace God hasgiven them, and of their determination to continue God’s work despitethe unspeakable pain.

Many people suffer greater hardship every day than most of us willexperience in a lifetime. Just living in America means we have morefreedom, food and fun available to us than 85% of the other people inthe world. We are truly blessed! God is so good!

So why complain when it is our turn to go through one of the valleys oflife? After all, that’s the quickest way to get to the next mountaintopexperience.

∑∑∑∑∑ Contagious. When some folks hear you have cancer they run to theother side of the street. They seem to consider it as a deadly strain offlu or measles that is so contagious they are afraid they will catch it by

talking to me on the phone. My cancer is not contagious, but I am askingGod to give me faith and love and wisdom that will spread like wildfire.That brings me to the next “C”.

∑∑∑∑∑ Christian. What kind am I? A good thing about the news of my canceris the fact that it motivates me to do some soul-searching I would nototherwise be doing. Truths I have preached through the years havebeen brought home to me more vividly. Time is short and precious!Our opportunities to serve and glorify God on this earth will not lastforever. God is good, even when times are not. Our “times are in Hishands.” We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This life is a vapor,a misty mirage that will one day be lifted to reveal the sunlight of theSon. Now is the time to act!

I could discuss other great “C” words like courage, cooperation,compassion, convictions, commitment and the benefits of crying andconquering in the midst of every crisis as we continue on the journey withour Lord. As co-laborers for Christ, we are invited to consider, evenconcentrate, on our Lord and His calling for our lives.

And whatever doors we must pass through to get there, I am convincedthat God wants 2003 to be our best year yet!

Here are some steps to help us on the journey:1. Decide to go forward by faith. All progress begins with a decision.

Things get better after we decide, under God, to make them better.There will be risks and failures. But risk does not always lead toruin, and failure is not final or fatal.

2. Remember, God is on your side. He wants His best for you! Heloves you, and has made you to grow, to learn, to develop.

3. Don’t give up! You may say, “I’ve tried many times before, butnothing seems to happen!”

That’s what the mountain climber could have said after three failedattempts to climb Mount Everest. But instead, he looked up at the summitand said: “Mountain, you defeated me once. You defeated me twice. Youdefeated me three times. But, Mountain, one day I’m going to conqueryou. And I’ll tell you why. Because you can’t get any bigger, and I can.”

Above all, trust in the Lord with all your heart (see Proverbs 3:5-7).

Note: Dr. & Mrs. Skinner do appreciate your prayers as he faces treatment forprostate cancer. It was caught in the early stages thanks to twice-yearly PSA bloodtesting, which is highly recommended for all men over 50. Dr. Skinner is expectedto be away from his desk at Patriot for only a week or so, probably in mid-March.

A bird-feeder stands outside the window of my study where I sit andwrite. Every day, wonderful wordless sermons are preached to me fromthat feeder. The preachers are my feathered friends, and the message theyillustrate so effectively is this: dependence on God is right and reasonablefor all of God’s creatures, including you and me!

Here is the three-point sermon on God-dependence that the birds liveout faithfully:

• Seek God’s provision daily.• Seek His provision expectantly, for He has satisfied you before.• Seek His provision actively, taking responsibility to gather it in.The birds illustrate Psalm 104:27-28, where the Bible teaches that these

creatures all wait on the Lord, that He may give them their food in dueseason. And what the Lord gives them they gather in.

The Bible is like a table, laden with nourishing food we need everyday: promises, instruction, wisdom, comfort, and encouragement. Like anygood host, God tells us, “Come and get it!” But we often fail to do this. Wedepend on everything but Him and wonder why our faith is feeble. But iflike our feathered friends we’ll come and feast daily, expectantly, and ac-tively, our divine Host will provide for all our needs. Depend on it!

—Joanie E. Yoder

It has been well noted that God feeds the birds, but He doesn’t throwthe food into their nests. How much are you getting out of your studieswith Patriot University? Are you completing at least one course a month?Biblical truth is available, ready to feed you with knowledge and help foryour ministry. Come and get it!

Come

And

Get It!

Attention Patriot University Students

Click the “News” button on ourWebsite Home page at

www.patriotuniversity.comNew announcements and special offers

are posted on this page frequently, so check it often.

This service on our website has replaced the e-newsletters.

A “Teach Me” Attitude

As the son of a schoolteacher, the father of a schoolteacher, and aformer schoolteacher myself, I’ve never had trouble with the ideathat learning is a rewarding experience. I'm a “fact fiend” who isalways eager to learn some new statistic or dig up another excitingbit of information.

But I know lots of people who don’t think that way. They don’tlike to read any more than they absolutely have to, and they don’tcare to challenge themselves mentally. They don’t seem to have adesire to learn more about life.

If we are to grow spiritually, we must want to learn. We musthunger for a greater knowledge of God and a deeper understandingof what He wants from us. That’s the attitude of the writer of Psalm119. Throughout that long psalm, the author makes statements likethese: “I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Yourrighteous judgments” (v.7). “Teach me Your statutes” (v.12). “Teachme good judgment and knowledge” (v.66). “Give me understanding,that I may learn Your commandments” (v.73).

To know God better, we need a “teach me” attitude. We’re goingto spend eternity worshiping Him. Shouldn’t we learn all we canabout Him now? –J. David Branon

Church Signs

The wages of sinis death. Repentbefore payday.

Worry is interestpaid on troublebefore it is due.

It's hard to stumblewhen you're down

on your knees.

Soul foodserved here.

Preach the gospel at

all times. Use words

when necessary.

Satan subtracts anddivides. God multi-

plies and multiplies.

Life has many

choices. Eternity has

two. What's yours?

Wit and Wisdomfrom Mr. Author

Unknown

Proper PerspectiveSherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they were

lying down that night, Holmes said: “Watson, look up into the sky and tell mewhat you see.”

“I see millions and millions of stars.”“And what does that tell you, Watson?” “Astronomically, it tells me that there are perhaps millions of galaxies and

planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small andinsignificant in comparison. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have abeautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, Holmes?”

“It tells me that somebody stole our tent.”

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

A devout Christian was met by an angry bear while walking in the woodsone day. In desperation and faith he knelt and prayed, “Lord, I know this mayseem a little strange, but could you please make this a Christian bear !”

In amazment he opened his eyes to see the bear kneeling with his pawsformed into praying hands. And then he heard the bear pray: “Lord, please blessthis food I’m about to eat!”

You don't have to lie awake nights to succeed. Just stay awake days.

Triumph is just “umph” added to try.

JOSHUACS 405

This course is based on the classic work, Joshua—Victorious by Faith,by Theodore H. Epp. Joshua is an outstanding Old Testament characterwith fresh lessons for today’s Christian.

$10 off if ordered with at least one other coursebefore March 12, 2003.

Plan A = $13 Plan B= $93(Reg. Price-$23) (Reg. Price-$103)

Handling AdversityCC 405

This new course is based on How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley.When troubles come, we usually ask why. But the more significant ques-tion is “How should I respond?” This course can help you personally,and can provide a Biblical resource for you in counseling with others.

$9 off if ordered with at least one other coursebefore March 12, 2003.

Plan A = $14 Plan B= $94(Reg. Price-$23) (Reg. Price-$103)

God can use both of these courses to help us in our own livesand in our influence to others for Christ!

Order Today

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Two More New CoursesFor Undergraduates

Two Church Institute Programs AvailableChoose which will work best for your church!

If most of your students are NOT interested in earning a degreewith Patriot University:

(1)Regular Bible InstituteThe manual you will receive with your launch kit gives complete in-structions, recommending you set up each of the 32 courses (in yourdiploma program) in one-hour weekly, 6-week terms. A student work-book and text material for homework assignments are provided byPatriot University. Teacher Guides, promotional materials and answerkeys are available to provide you with a complete turn-key program.Quantity discounts are available for student course materials.

If all (or most) of your students would like to earn a degree withPatriot University:

(2)Group Extension InstituteDesigned for a group of at least five students enrolled in Patriot, in thisprogram students agree to meet briefly at least once a week for encour-agement and accountability. Most actual work will be completed inde-pendently by the student. Lectures are optional. Financial incentivesare available through the new Ambassador program, from which thechurch or a leader can benefit. Quantity discounts are also available forstudent course materials.

Contact Patriot University today for more information.

Church GROUP StudiesAvailable throughPatriot University

Pastor Wayne Knight gave a state of the Hilltop BaptistChurch address in Colorado Springs on January 13, 2003.

The congregation is praising God for many blessingsduring the past year, including:

48 professions of faith; 40 baptisms

50 other membership additions

434 average attendance (new record high)

24 straight years of continued increase

$736,379.53 tithes and offerings (new record high)

25% of this amount given to Missions

Supported 93 missionary partners

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

We Want to Know Your Story!What is God doing in your life and ministry?

We would like to share more stories in our magazet of howGod is working in the lives and ministries of our students atPatriot University.

Write, call or email us with your story!

Annual Reportfrom

Sponsoring Church

For the past 23 years Patriot University has offered one of the most uniqueopportunities in higher education through our Plan A “set your own tu-ition” option.

It costs your university $35-$50 every month to maintain you in our files asa student. Most of our students send an amount in that range each month. Ifyou have given less than that amount, we have depended on others to givemore in order to cover your expenses.

To be fair to other students and to be good stewards in this ministry it isnecessary that we set a minimum amount of $25 ($35 for graduate-levelstudents) for your Plan A monthly tuition.

This policy has already taken effect for new students. But for all studentswho enrolled before January 1, 2003, the requirement will not be enforceduntil 2004, unless you become inactive before that time.

This gives you time to:A. complete your program and graduate ORB. pray and watch God provide a way for you to meet or exceed

the minimum.

We are committed to offering quality, Biblical higher education that doesnot require you to go into debt with student loans. We will be praying withyou that God will provide you with the funds that will enable you to con-tinue and appreciate your education with Patriot.

We are not happy about it either, but…Application fees for new students have increasedto $65 for undergraduates and $75 for graduatestudents.

Important Changein “Plan A” Tuition Policy

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical StudiesRussell Scharf Cotopaxi CO

Bachelor of Arts in Evangelism and MissionsDebra McKoy Four Oaks NC

Master of Arts in Biblical StudiesMichael Heim White Oak TX

Master of Arts in Christian CounselingBrian Currier East Peoria IL

Doctor of Ministry in Biblical StudiesAllen Hall Chocowinity NC

Patriot UniversityStudents

who Graduated inNovember & December

Latest News for Our Studentswho have internet access

Click the “News” button on our Website Home page

www.patriotuniversity.comNew announcements and special offers

are posted on this page frequently, so check it often.

This service on our website has replaced the e-newsletters.