To our TFC Community,

We are deeply saddened as a result of the disturbing events that are happening in our nation. Our Asian brothers and sisters have been experiencing hatred and discrimination out of fear related to COVID-19.  Our Black brothers and sisters have experienced a disregard for human life.  We acknowledge that these recent events are not the first experiences of racism and violence that people of color have experienced.  As your campus leaders, we cannot let these events go without a response.

As Christians, we place our hope in the only One who can bring about the deep, heartfelt, true change that is needed in our society.  We want to remind you that the God we believe in is a God of justice (Amos 5).  We believe that God has created humanity in his image (Genesis 1).  We believe that it is our work as believers to bring a message of reconciliation to others (2 Corinthians).  We believe in and pray for the peace of God that transcends all understanding to be made evident in the world (Philippians 4).

Yet we cannot just offer Scripture and prayers when our brothers and sisters are hurting.  TFC’s mission is to develop Godly character with intellect.  As a part of fulfilling that mission, TFC has already had a 5-year plan in place to work toward increasing cultural competency among our students.  Referred to as the QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan), TFC faculty and staff have curricular assignments and co-curricular programs to address the topics of racism, cultural differences, and building bridges between differing communities.  It is through relationships and the power of God that we can better understand each other and work together towards a just and hopeful future.

We pray over our community the words of Isaiah 61, the same Scripture from which Jesus read as he began his ministry on earth. 

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2   to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
    to comfort all who mourn,
3   and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
    to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
    the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
    and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
    they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.

As we find our way through these challenging times together, we rely on our faith and the strength of our community.  We renew our commitment as followers of Christ to express love to all people while offering hope and truth in a world that so desperately needs it.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance has also provided a response to these events.  You can watch their panel discussion Race, Justice, and the Church’s Response at this link: https://vimeo.com/425165797.

Blessings,

Your TFC Leadership Team