Sam Horn Bids BJU Community Goodbye

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On his last day at BJU, Dr. Sam Horn did a virtual goodbye interview. He shared his favorite memory, what he is looking forward to seeing God do, and his hopes for the future of BJU. To hear more of the story of how he was offered the position as president of The Master’s University and Seminary, listen to the Highest Potential podcast episode How God Led Dr. Sam Horn to The Master’s University.

Krystal Allweil: Hi, welcome to BJUtoday, quarantine edition. Most people at the University are practicing social distancing and working from home, but we didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to say goodbye to someone who’s been a large part of the university family. Dr. Horn — Sam Horn — is leaving very soon for his new position as president of The Master’s University and Seminary. Now, Dr. Horn, what has been one of your favorite memories of Bob Jones?

Dr. Sam Horn: Well, Krystal, thank you for this opportunity to be on the BJUtoday program with you. You know, honestly, this is my last official day at work, and I’m sitting in an office that I’ve occupied for almost six years now. And all the shelves are empty. My belongings are in a truck. They’re headed to Santa Clarita. My wife and I and my daughter will be following here in about a week or two. So, it’s been an incredible time. You know, when you ask me about memories, there are so many that come to mind. I think if I had to narrow it down to one that had a great deal of impact on my own heart and life, was the Center for Global Opportunities and how that came about. I remember meeting with the students that were involved, the student leadership that was involved in helping to plan that, and then of course with Dr. Vowels — Mark Vowels — and David Lovegrove. As that idea came to bear, and then it became the Bible Conference fundraiser. And one of the most meaningful moments in that was, there was a couple — an older couple — who came to the Bible Conference. We were talking about the Center for Global Opportunities, and we went over to the location where the Center for Global Opportunities is now, and we just stood there and talked about it. I began to just pray. Of course, these were donors, and as we got down praying, the man began to pull out his checkbook to give us a check, and his wife said, “Now whatever you were going to give, you need to give more.” And I’ll never forget that. And I actually had a conversation with that lady about a week ago, and I just reminded her of all of the things that have happened on our campus over the last several years because of the Center for Global Opportunities. And so, it was just a reminder to me of the power of God to answer the prayer and the vision of a group of students. And, uh, the administration, and all the Gospel work that’s happened. So, that was a great memory for me.

Allweil: It’s amazing how many stories like that that God has provided over the years for Bob Jones. What is one of the things you’re looking forward to as you go to Master’s?

Horn: You know, when I think about going out to California, I’m resting on the fact that God’s call in this was so clear. My pastor was a part of this. Dr. Pettit was a part of this. The prayers that we prayed for God to do specific things. And so, I leave with confidence that I’m following what God has called me to do in obedience to His clear leading. However, I also leave with a great deal of joy yet sorrow in all of the relationships that are going to stay on this side. Of course, we’ll stay connected, but not getting to serve together. But going out there and realizing that the God who did all of that He did here is the same God who will do what He desires to do there. So, I’m looking to see God work in the same ways there that I have watched Him work here in providing relationships and doing things that are beyond anything that we could ask or think. Obviously, just like Bob Jones University is having to navigate COVID-19, so is TMUS, and these are very, very weighty matters. And yet we rest in the same confidence. The same confidence that I’ve watched here in the meetings I’ve been in over the last two months is the same confidence that the team I’m working with out there has. And so, it’s a great comfort, and I’m looking forward to seeing God do the work there that I’ve watched Him do here for all these years.

Allweil: As this is your last day, what would you like to say to the BJU community?

Horn: Wow. Well, the first thing I would like to say is thank you for the incredible privilege of being a part of the BJU community. I came as a freshman in 1982, and I can honestly say that where I sit today would look very different had I not been here as a student. I spent four years as an undergrad. I earned an MA and a PhD. I taught on faculty for 10 years. And the impact of Bob Jones University has been deep in my life and in my family. My son is a graduate. My daughter-in-law is a graduate. My daughter has been trained here as a high schooler. She’s, first two years of high school here. So, Bob Jones University has a deep impact in our life, and so, the first thing I want to say is, is thank you. The second thing I would want to say is, as you go forward, may the Lord give you incredible strength. May the Lord’s favor be upon you. You know, there’s a wonderful blessing that you find in Numbers, and I’m actually going to read it as my desire for the BJU community. It’s the blessing that Aaron gave to Israel, and it’s actually what Moses gave to Aaron as the blessing for the people, and it’s known as the great blessing of the Jewish people. And it’s one that I would wish for you as an individual, Krystal, and it’s one that I certainly would wish for all of my colleagues and the constituency at Bob Jones University. I owe a great debt here. It has been a joy to serve with one of my closest friends in ministry, Dr. Steve Pettit, and the team that I have been a privilege to be a part of. My life has been deeply enriched by the time here and by the community of people. And this is what I would say, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” And that’s really what I pray that the Lord would bring shalom, the peace and good success to the ministry of Bob Jones University in years to come.

Allweil: Thank you for sharing, Dr. Horn. And thank you, everyone for joining us. If you’d like to hear more of Dr. Horn’s story of how he came to be the president at Master’s University and Seminary, you can watch the — or listen to the podcast episode he did with Dr. Pettit on — there’s a link to that below. And thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you next time.

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