Dr. Allen’s message looked at the life of Manasseh from 2 Kings 21, and 2 Chronicles 33.  Manasseh was king of Judah for 55 years, but in 2 Kings 21:2 it tells us, “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.” Allen said, “Manasseh abandoned the moral framework of God. This is the same decision we are making today. To defy the moral law of God, means we have untethered ourselves from the safety of the harbor only to be tossed to and fro by the roaring seas. ‘How have we abandoned the moral law of God?’ you ask. We have desacralized life, sex, and marriage. We have removed the religious, sacred status, and significance of the law of God. The sacredness of life in every aspect is safeguarded by the moral and spiritual law of God.”

“The moral law of God is summarized in the greatest commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love you neighbor as yourself.  If we love God, we will have no other Gods or idols, we will not use His name in vain, and will keep the Sabbath. If we love our neighbor, we will honor our parents, will not murder, will not commit adultery, will not steal, will not speak falsely, or covet another man’s wife and property. For a free, prosperous, and civil society to exist we must choose between the moral law of God or the lawlessness of man.”

Dr. Allen challenged students to get involved and to make a difference in our world.  He cautioned, “Just make sure that you are on the side of the right, and don’t let it detour you from God’s mission to win the world to Christ and advance His kingdom. While Jesus’ earthly ministry included healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and speaking truth to culture, his primary ministry was to seek and to save the lost.” As Mark 8:36 says, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his soul?”

In concluding his message, he reminded students, “The sins of our past are never so great that God’s love and mercy cannot forgive us, cannot restore us, and cannot give us a new start.” He also charged the University community, “As we start a new semester, let me challenge you to make sure that wherever and whatever you choose to do with your life, that you choose the side of truth. As James Russell Lowell said – crisis moments occur across history, and it’s important to choose the side of truth. Although truth may seem to be losing, remember, God is in control and truth will ultimately win.”

Wednesday morning, HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen welcomed all students back to campus and to HLGU’s annual Convocation Chapel, a special chapel event that opens the school year.

This year’s Chapel service ended up being quite special when a city-wide power outage occurred just as the service was about to begin. It did not stop the leaders, however, from continuing on without a sound system or any stage lights. Only a few back-up generator lights lit the entire auditorium and enabled the service to continue.

During this Convocation Chapel, Dr. Miles Mullin II, vice president for academic administration, led the students in reciting HLGU’s Honor Code, and Mr. John Francis led the congregation in an impromptu a cappella version of the hymn, “Shine on Us,” a fitting selection to be sung during a power outage.

Following the song, guest speaker for the service Paul Masih took the stage. Masih is a native of India who graduated from HLGU in 2003. He and his family now live in northwest India where he serves as a pastor, working to spread the gospel and improve the lives of those living in slums in an area of the country where only 0.3 % of the population professes Christianity.

Masih delivered a powerful and convicting message on God being our ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in life, putting Him above education, relationships, or anything else.

“There’s water that will give you life, and there’s water that will kill you. Where are you taking your thirst?” Masih questioned. He discussed how God is the Living Water and challenged the congregation to look to God for complete satisfaction.

Earlier in the week, those passing by HLGU on Thursday, August 15 likely witnessed the arrival of new students who were warmly greeted by Dr. Allen as they drove in the main entrance. From there, the new students were led to their residence halls where they were welcomed with music, cheers, and eager returning students – the Trojan Army – ready to serve the new students and their parents by unloading their cars and moving the students into their new homes.

The Trojan Army is an annual move-in tradition at HLGU and is always a tremendous blessing to new students and their parents. Their motto, “we move so you don’t have to,” fits their service well.

At 4:30 pm, parents, family, the Trojan Army, and resident advisors, along with faculty and staff of HLGU, lined the sidewalk from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the HLGU arch in preparation for the Walk of Honor.

A bagpiper led the new students along the path of cheering spectators, encouraging the students on their new journey. After each new student passed through the HLGU arch, President Allen welcomed them again with a handshake and a smile. 

Students then gathered around the Trinity Tree, located between the L.A. Foster Student Center and the Burt Administration Building, for a final word of encouragement, the alma mater, and a prayer of dedication.

After a group dinner, all the students met in the Loft for a Student Center Social with ice cream and root beer floats. Then the students gathered in the Mabee Sports Complex for a final evening event, the Battle of Troy Dodgeball Match. This event drew a lot of excitement and involvement from the students as they participates or cheered for their team.

On Friday, the new students spent their morning in breakout sessions and their afternoon in an event called Meet Your Major. Groups of students gathered with faculty from their major to discuss what the degree programs look like.

Friday evening, a new student activity called the Trojan Wars began. This battle between dorms vying for points in organized games will last until Homecoming culminates on October 5.

The New Student Orientation teams ventured to downtown Hannibal on Saturday morning for the annual scavenger hunt. This fun activity takes place on and around Main Street every year, giving new students the chance to learn about all that Hannibal has to offer. As they found their way around downtown with the help of resident assistant leaders, the students met Trojan Army members to receive each clue. This allowed the students to become familiar with the area, as well as the faces and names of returning some returning students.

Saturday also saw the different NSO groups being hosted by HLGU faculty and staff members for dinner, giving the students a glimpse of the strong bond of family and community they can receive at HLGU. The evening culminated in the campus theater with a fun game of Jeopardy. Each NSO team and their leaders participated on stage, competing against one another.

On Sunday, the students started their day by choosing an area worship service to attend. That afternoon and evening, students enjoyed visiting the HLGU Activities Fair. This special event allowed the new students to find out more about area churches, activities, and clubs they could choose to become involved with on and off campus.

After ending the fair, everyone enjoyed a time of student-led musical worship and devotion led by Dr. Eric Turner, chair of the Christian studies division. The students then moved outdoors for a s’mores night on the patio with music and a bonfire.

Additional activities were held to welcome returning students back to campus during the first week of classes. Students participated in a game night, a skating and pancake night, and a sand volleyball tournament.

For more information about student activities at HLGU, contact Stephen Crain, director of student activities, at 573-629-3006, or via email at stephen.crain@hlg.edu.

Wednesday morning, HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen welcomed all students back to campus and to HLGU’s annual Convocation Chapel, a special chapel event that opens the school year.

“Education is a great equalizer, and knowledge is power. No matter your beginning, you are on the road to making your dreams come true,” he said. “Your world is limitless, your course is still unwritten, and your path is ripe with promise.”

Dr. Allen continued, “You’re getting ready to embark on one of the greatest adventures of your life. I call this the academic adventure. No one knows for certain what the future holds, but take heart, God knows your future…Make the most of every opportunity God has given you and he will direct your path.”

Also during Convocation Chapel, Dr. Miles Mullin II, vice president for academic administration, led the students in reciting HLGU’s Honor Code, and Mr. Ben Kendall led the congregation in the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

Those passing by HLGU on Thursday, August 16 likely witnessed the arrival of new students who were warmly greeted by Dr. Allen as they drove in the main entrance. From there, the new students were led to their residence halls where they were welcomed with music, cheers, and eager returning students – the Trojan Army – ready to serve the new students and their parents by unloading their cars and moving the students into their new homes.

The Trojan Army is an annual move-in tradition at HLGU and is always a tremendous blessing to new students and their parents. Their motto, “we move so you don’t have to,” fits their service well.

Once settled into their dorm rooms, the new students and parents had free time to explore the campus and finish up any last minute paperwork. Mid-afternoon, the new HLGU students gathered in the Mabee Sports Complex where they met with their new student orientation team leaders and played icebreaker games in an effort to meet new friends and bond with their team.

While the new students met in the Mabee Sports Complex, parents were gathered in the Roland Fine Arts Center where they heard from the administration. A Q&A session took place to answer questions parents had on their minds.

At 5:00 pm, parents, family, the Trojan Army, and resident advisors, along with faculty and staff of HLGU, lined the sidewalk from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the HLGU arch in preparation for the Walk of Honor.

A bagpiper led the new students along the path of cheering spectators, encouraging the students on their new journey. After each new student passed through the HLGU arch, President Allen welcomed them again with a handshake and a smile.

Students then gathered around the Trinity Tree, located between the L.A. Foster Student Center and the Burt Administration Building, for a final word of encouragement, the alma mater, and a prayer of dedication.

On Friday, the new students spent a fun morning and afternoon continuing to get to know one another and start developing bonds of friendship while playing laid-back games of basketball, walleyball, and indoor soccer, and then yard games like corn hole, hacky sack, and Frisbee, pausing the games occasionally for everyone to tell a fun fact about themselves.

The NSO teams ventured to downtown Hannibal on Saturday for the annual scavenger hunt. This fun activity takes place on and around Main Street every year, giving new students the chance to learn about all that Hannibal has to offer.

Saturday also held a couple new and exciting events. All of the new students were divided up into small groups and hosted for dinner at the homes of HLGU faculty and staff, giving the students a glimpse of the strong bond of family and community they can receive at HLGU. The evening culminated on campus with a fun variety show. Each NSO team performed on stage using the various talents of the new students and their team leaders.

On Sunday, the students started their day by choosing an area worship service to attend. That afternoon students enjoyed visiting the HLGU Activities Fair. This special event allowed the new students to find out more about area churches, activities, and clubs they could choose to become involved with on and around campus.

Additional activities held to welcome students back to campus include dorm parties, a s’mores night, a concert featuring the Gray Havens, a large game of capture the flag, and sand volleyball games.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

The Trojan Army is an annual move-in tradition at HLGU and is always a tremendous blessing to new students and especially their parents. Their motto “we move so you don’t have to” fits their service well.

Once settled into their dorm rooms, the new students and parents had free time to explore the campus and finish up any last minute paperwork. Mid-afternoon, the new HLGU students gathered in the Mabee Sports Complex where they met with their new student orientation team leaders and played icebreaker games in an effort to meet new friends and bond with their team.

While the new students met in the Mabee Sports Complex, parents were gathered in the Roland Fine Arts Center where they heard from the administration. A Q&A session took place to answer questions parents had on their minds.

At 5:00 pm, parents, family, the Trojan Army, and resident advisors, along with faculty and staff of HLGU, lined the sidewalk from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the HLGU arch in preparation for the Walk of Honor.

A bagpiper led the new students along the path of cheering spectators, encouraging the students on their new journey. After each new student passed through the HLGU arch, President Allen and Stacy welcomed them again with a handshake and a smile.

Students then gathered around the Trinity Tree, located between the L.A. Foster Student Center and the Burt Administration Building, for a final word of encouragement, the alma mater, and a prayer of dedication.

On Friday, the new students spent the morning in university breakout sessions with their new classmates. A movie party was held later that evening. Students were able to spend time together in an effort to help foster new friendships. Saturday night, a “Battle of Troy” dodgeball match was held.

HLGU’s New Student Orientation Saturday activities included time for the freshmen teams to participate in the “Quest for the Trojan Horse” scavenger hunt. This fun activity takes place every year on Main Street so freshmen and incoming students can learn all Hannibal has to offer.

On Sunday, the students started their day by choosing an area worship service to attend. That afternoon students enjoyed visiting the HLGU Activities Fair. This special event allowed the new students to find out more about area churches, activities, and clubs they could choose to become involved with on and around campus.

On Monday, August 21, HLGU students volunteered around Hannibal in the 14^th Annual Hannibal Helping Hands, a series of community service projects. This year, nearly 200 students went out into the Hannibal community and performed approximately 400 hours of community service. Projects included painting, weeding, washing, organizing, and cleaning for various Hannibal businesses and churches including Hannibal Free Public Library, Graceful Beginnings Daycare, the Hannibal Museum, the Nutrition Center, area churches, and many others.

Later on Monday, an eclipse party was held. Those without proper eye protection were able to experience the event streamed live in the Parker Theatre.

Classes began on Tuesday, August 22, and on Wednesday, Dr. Allen welcomed all students back to campus and to HLGU’s annual Convocation Chapel.

“We’re grateful today for each student that’s here that has accepted the challenge to engage in the pursuit of knowledge, and we’re equally grateful for the distinguished faculty who have dedicated themselves and their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and the calling of teaching and instruction,” said Dr. Allen.

“An investment in your education is an investment in your future,” he told the students. “I know some of you are making an incredible sacrifice to be here. Let me encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity that you have before you.”

Dr. Miles Mullin, vice president for academic administration, led the students in reciting HLGU’s Honor Code and Mr. John Francis, assistant professor of music and worship, led the congregation in singing a hymn. Additional music was provided by Instructor of Music Ben Kendall, a new addition to the HLGU Music Department.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12