The President’s Circle August 2021

It is Time to Be Overwhelmed…

Dr. Mark O’Farrell, August 17, 2021

I can hear you saying now: “Overwhelmed? I have been Overwhelmed … beyond my wildest dreams! With the pandemic, cultural chaos, storms, threats of the unknown, as well as ‘normal life frustrations and irritations,’ how can I not be overwhelmed? Where have you been, Mr. President?”

Let me assure you that I am approaching this thought from another angle. Just being alive today, you are overwhelmed! Most of us know this, however, I am suggesting something else that has happened to me in the last few weeks. What occurred was this:

“I have been overwhelmed and overjoyed by the ‘Riches’ that have been given to me by the Lord Jesus. I am speechless and simply overwhelmed.”

The Riches of His Goodness, the Riches of His Grace, and the Riches of His Glory have literally ‘blown me away.’ New and afresh, I have felt this wealth … and I am overwhelmed! And now it is time for YOU to experience the same thing!

These riches are clearly laid out in Scripture:

Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4 KJV

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He richly poured out on us … Ephesians 1:7-8 CSB

And what if He did this to make known the riches of His glory on objects of mercy that He prepared beforehand for glory on us … Romans 9:23-24 CSB

His goodness or kindness to you and for you … His grace to you and for you … and His glory to you and for you … and to be seen IN YOU throughout all eternity! How can we comprehend all of this? I am overwhelmed! I need time and space to convey all that I have seen and felt in these three truths!

I think of the supernatural ‘transmission,’ ‘transference,’ and ‘transformation’ that occur in the human essence and experience through these statements witnessed by collaborative Biblical declarations, statements, blessings, and really, I am breathless! I harbor words like unmatched and indescribable! So much is GIVEN and it will take eternity to understand, appreciate, and express the unending gratitude! Yes, I am Overwhelmed and I want you to join me!

John Bunyan has stated that there is BIG Pardon for BIG Sinners! We have been released, freed, and given wealth beyond measure! I had a professor state: ‘We are millionaires in Christ!’ I want to add: ‘We are MORE than millionaires in Christ!’

Sidlow Baxter captured some of my feeling in this poem:

“Oh, the ‘riches of His goodness’ Oh, the ‘riches of His grace’

Oh, the ‘riches of His glory’ Inexhaustible as space!”

“Oh, the love beyond all measure Which for me would suffer so,

That a heav’n of glory-treasure through the ages I might know!”

It is time to be OVERWHELMED by what He has done for us! May this reality send you out to represent Him as never before!

The Latest Happenings …

Preparations for the new semester:

The refurbishing and refreshment of our Dining area for resident and non-resident students is underway. New flooring, lighting, booths, and computer access are on the schedule and should be completed by the middle of September.

Three historical settings of Ruth Munce have been assembled, mounted, and framed. Handcrafted cabinets have been installed in the Raymond H. Center M.D. Library for both Ruth Munce and Billy Graham memorabilia.

A new gate is being installed at the front of the campus. Each student, along with staff, faculty, and others, will be issued electronic stickers to be scanned for entrance into the campus.

Deep cleaning of both residence halls has been achieved. COVID-19 rooms will be available for those who may require quarantine.

A new 50-ton air conditioning unit for the library has been ordered. This will regulate moisture control as well as heating and cooling.

Several meetings have been held by Staff and Student Development to prepare for the entrance of new and returning students. New software is being utilized.

Corry Moore, Financial Aid Specialist, came on board in July 2021. Corry possesses understanding and keen insight into the students’ needs. He has over ten years of varied education experience.

Monies from the CARES Act have been distributed to students individually as directed by the U. S. Department of Education for limiting school debt and to provide funds for personal needs/expenses.

A Professional Baseball Game: The Tampa Bay Rays played in a home game this summer which was enjoyed by staff, faculty, and students who were on campus during the summer. It was an enriching and bonding time for all.

The President and his wife attended the National Council of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Nashville, Tennessee in June 2021. Other higher education institutions were present. Christian Higher Education is deeply needed.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Department continues to monitor the campus of Trinity. Their schedules included being present for our enrollment process that is currently underway. They also serve along with our Safety Patrol during nights and weekends. The county EMT teams will continue to be on campus while their new facilities are being constructed.

“Anticipation With Joy” was the theme of our 2021 Faculty/Staff Retreat on August 11, 2021 at the East Lake campus of Calvary Church of Clearwater, Florida. Pastor Danny Bennett and congregation extended a warm and hearty ’Welcome Back’ to Trinity. We are blessed to have the use of their new facilities, sanctuary, and education amenities.

Reaccreditation Follow-up: Dr. Eric Bargerhuff, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reports that the filing of recommendations afforded us by the ABHE team are on target to be returned in September 2021. We then will have completed all the visits and reporting activity requested. Our reaccreditation for another ten years will be officially announced in February 2022. ABHE will also be celebrating 75 years of service that month.

Our 2021 Convocation will deal with the theme: Staying by the Stuff, Stretching Out for the Best and Serving Others Well. This is scheduled for Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 10:45 a.m. in the Sid Williams Chapel on campus. The public is invited.

Things to Pray About:

Enrollment. Please Pray for those students who are making last minute decisions to attend. Pray for the enrollment of Quest and their particular needs as degree completion students.

Project Completion. Please Pray for the timely completion of refreshing apartment rooms, installation of the gate leading to all buildings and activities on campus, and the refurbishing and refreshing of the dining area (college cafeteria).

Church Engagements. Please Pray for those representing the College who are speaking on Sundays. Please Pray that they will connect with congregations regarding the magnificence of Christ.

New 50-ton Air Conditioning Unit. Please Pray that the installation of this huge unit can be properly completed as quickly as possible.

Gift Income. Please Pray for our partners as they sacrificially contribute to the college. Every ten- or 20-dollar gift will be used and blessed by our Heavenly Father. Little is MUCH when God is in it!

Something to Think About:

The Bible outlives, outloves, outlifts, outlasts, outreaches, outruns, and outranks all books – A.Z. Conrad

Serving the Lord with you,

Dr. Mark O’Farrell, College President

2021 Trinity College Faculty and Staff Retreat

Meet the President

In May 2005, Dr. Mark T. O’Farrell was elected the eighth President of Trinity College of Florida. Dr. O’Farrell has served in several pastorates in Georgia and Florida, before becoming the Assistant to the District Superintendent/Church Planting Director for the Southeastern District of the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA). He was later elected, and subsequently re-elected as District Superintendent of the Southeastern District, serving for 12 years and is a recipient of the Antioch Award (2005) for his efforts in starting churches. Dr. O’Farrell has served as a trustee on several higher education boards, denominational boards, adult retirement communities, and auxiliary ministries.

Dr. O’Farrell earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia International University, Columbia, South Carolina and received a Doctor of Divinity from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa Falls, Georgia. Dr. O’Farrell and his wife, Billie, have four children and six grandchildren.