New Title and New Office

Posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm

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As a result of the changes and some resignations at Knox this has been a very painful semester.  One of the problems was that the board needed a new dean of faculty.  For reasons known only to themselves, they asked me to take on that role.  I reminded them that I did not feel qualified, but was willing to do my best for the good of the school.  Being named the dean under these conditions is a bittersweet experience.  I am honored that the board thought enough of me to give me this important job, but I am saddened by the factions, the problems, the issues, and the charges and counter-charges that caused the need for a new dean.  When some have come by to offer congratulations I have told them that condolences might be more important.

As sad as this chapter has been, I believe in God’s providence and am convinced that there will be good brought out of bad.  I don’t know what that good will be, but I am a Calvinist not just in name, but in practice.  As Joseph said to his brothers “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” That is our hope, that no matter how bad things look, God is working things out for good.  We can already see some of that happening at Knox and the board expects to have some really exciting announcements over the next few weeks that will remind us all of what a great God we serve and what a great school Knox is.

On a lighter note as a result of being named Dean of Faculty I needed to change offices.  Anyone who had been in my office in the past five years could tell you that it looked like a thrift store ran into a used book store and caused a terrible explosion.  I had books double shelved, stacked on the floor, and in almost every conceivable place.  Here are a couple of pictures of the old office just before I moved.

Now that I am in the dean’s office I have been informed (by Cindy) that I need to keep the office neat and clean.  Here are some shots of how it looks now.  It is not perfect, but it is better than my old one.

All in all, I know that I have no ability on my own to do this job, but I must lean on the ability of Christ.  In him I will be more than adequate, not on my own but because of my Saviour’s great ability.  Please pray for the school, the professors (both those who are still here and those who are no longer with us) and the students.  May we all strive to rest in the arms of our Lord.

Onward . . .

DrSamLam