SPC Profs Travel to Lebanon

Dr. Benjamin Keyes and Dr. Merrill Reese
leading a trauma workshop. 
Photo courtesy of Dr. Benjamin Keyes.

By Brett Wilson | November 25, 2013

The trauma and terror overwhelming the nation of Syria has created a growing need for professionals trained in providing grief counsel to those suffering loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In late October, Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling (SPC) professor Dr. Benjamin Keyes and associate professor Dr. Merrill Reese traveled to Lebanon to take part in leading a "power-packed" three-day training session for Syrian pastors, youth ministers, social workers and psychologists.

As an initiative of Regent's Center for Trauma Studies, and in cooperation with The Barnabas Group (TBG), Keyes and Reese led workshops on how to help families and children cope with PTSD, restore hope, deal with grief and loss, as well as helping volunteers work through difficult roadblocks such as compassion fatigue.

"These are the people who have bombs dropping through their rooftops, and many of them have lost loved ones themselves," said Keyes. "But they have a passionate faith in God and it's amazing the strength they have and true testimony to their faith that they press on."

Conditions are still very dangerous for those living in Syria. Reese explained that of the 40 participants of the trauma training, many don't expect to live longer than six months. But they keep pressing on to discover more ways to help coach others through their psychological difficulties because, according to Reese, "fear is not in their vocabulary."

"Here are a group of people who don't flinch, and who understand the power of a promise," said Reese. "They're risking life and limb, but they feel called to do that."

Reese also feels called to aid others through his expert knowledge on grief and loss counseling. To him, trauma training is a ministerial tool that he will continue to help others develop.

"The beauty of the kingdom of God, and what we try to do in these trainings, is that you go in and you equip the people to do the work so that they may continue when you're gone, said Reese. "To me, that is what ministry is all about."

Learn more about the School of Psychology & Counseling and the Center for Trauma Studies.

Center for Global Justice Hosts Summit

Photo courtesy of the Center for Global
Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

By Brett Wilson | November 14, 2013

Unfurling in the regime of North Korea are shocking events meeting at the intersection of a present-day Holocaust and Underground Railroad. Though the traumas evolving within the country are mostly unheard of by the rest of the world, the religious and political persecution taking place in North Korea affects nearly 200,000 people trapped in concentration camps.
Regent University School of Law's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law explored these human rights abuses during the North Korea Human Rights Summit early in November. Students obtained an inside glance into the tumultuous violations such as torture, starvation, forced abortions, beatings and assaults that take place in the nation every day.

"This is arguably the greatest human rights abuse that's taking place today," said Ernie Walton, administrative director for the Center for Global Justice. "The people are starving; they don't have rights—and the extent of the human rights abuse that is taking place there is absolutely astonishing."

The summit featured a showing of the Korean film, The Crossing, which delves into the hardships many North Koreans are facing as they struggle to flee the country, seeking refuge in South Korea by escaping through China.

The summit also featured expert panelists dedicated to informing the public about the outrageous abuses taking place today. Jae-Chun Won, professor from Handong International Law School in South Korea; Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director for the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK); and Myunghee Um, a North Korean refugee and pastor, shared their personal experiences with students.

Along with the panelists, the issues struck a chord for Regent students. Sarah Drury, School of Law 3L student and head student coordinator of the summit, explained that these human rights challenges spurred her decision to attend law school, so that she may someday advocate for the rights of those who are oppressed.

"I believe that God may enable some of us in the Regent community to actually advocate for North Korean human rights," said Drury. "While this is a very complicated situation that doesn't have an easy answer, the first step to finding a solution is being made aware of the problem's existence."

In addition to bringing awareness to the horrors unraveling in North Korea, the heart of the summit was, according to Walton, to encourage the Christian community to begin intervening, if only by prayer, for their brothers and sisters suffering overseas.

"I pray that they gain hope that God is still moving, and that there are Christians, and others, non-believers, who are fighting for these people," said Walton. "I hope that they were moved, at a minimum, to intercede for the nation of North Korea, for the people there and for our fellow brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith."

Learn more about the School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

Ambassador Aharoni Visits Regent

Ambassador Ido Aharoni.

November 11, 2013

Among ongoing chaos in the Middle East, Ambassador Ido Aharoni sees both challenges and opportunities for Israel today. Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York, visited Regent University on Monday, Nov. 4, to meet with students, faculty and staff, members of the local Jewish community and representatives from the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
During a large group presentation to about 300 students and guests, Aharoni began his remarks with some observations about the "Arab Spring."

"In our culture, 'spring' stands for something very distinct and very clear, something that is seasonal," Aharoni explained. "Are we looking at something seasonal that will be over soon? Or, are we looking at the disintegration of countries in our region and the boundaries that were determined by two powers at the time—France and England?

"Spring also stands for something positive, that is about growth, renewal. I'm not sure we're looking at something that will have a positive outcome on people in the region," he added.

The ambassador addressed "lessons learned" from the Arab Spring, specifically as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He noted that the "linkage argument" has suffered a major blow as a result of recent events. The "linkage argument" says the root cause of Middle East instability is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Today is the 34th anniversary of the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran, which had nothing to do the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, leading to the first Gulf War. That action had nothing to do with the Israel and Palestine," he said. "There are no fewer than 29 active tribal, religious and military conflicts in the Middle East. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of many conflicts. That's not to say it's not an important conflict to resolve—far from it—but it's much easier to deal with problems on the table if we're negotiating under the right atmosphere."

Aharoni also pointed out the difference between democratic elections and democracy as a value system using the example of Gaza elections in 2006, which led to a victory by the terrorist organization Hamas that now governs in an undemocratic fashion.

"The ability to conduct open, transparent elections is not the only expression of democracy," he said. "Democracy is about values and people's ability to live by those values."

On a positive note, Aharoni shared encouraging developments from Israel, including the ability to now negotiate with Palestinians "freely, professionally and discreetly"—a process he hopes will lead to more good news. He touted Israel's water self-sufficiency, which has been a priority issue since the nation's inception. Similarly, Israel has identified significant deposits of natural gas that may lead not only to Israel's energy-independence, but could also result in Israel exporting natural gas.

Aharoni also spoke passionately about creativity in Israel. He cited a book, The Rise of the Creative Class, which suggests that the presence of a "creative class"—the people who develop ideas that change the destiny of a society—is the one element that gives a society an edge.

"I'm happy to report, that according to any measurement, the creative class in Israel is perhaps the fastest-growing in the world," Aharoni said, listing top rankings for Israel, including the number of conceptual ideas produced, start-up companies, scientific papers, and three universities ranked among the top 100 in the world.

"Israel is only at the very beginning of introducing ideas that will impact positively everyone in the world," he said.
Besides this presentation, Aharoni met with Regent University leaders and faculty members from several schools. He also appeared on CBN's The 700 Club. His visit to Regent was part of the university's Ambassador Series, which brings international dignitaries to the university to interact with the campus community.

Since August 2010, Ambassador Aharoni has been the Consul General at the Consulate General of Israel in New York, serving the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He has been a member of Israel's Foreign Service since 1991. Aharoni has a bachelor's degree from Tel Aviv University with a joint-major in Film and Television, Sociology and Anthropology. He earned a master's degree in Mass Communications from Emerson College in Boston. Aharoni served in the Israel Defense Forces as a company commander in the infantry during the first Lebanon war. He retired from military reserves several years ago, at the age of 48, as a Major (Ret).

Trauma Team Aids Kenyan Mall Hostages

School of Psychology & Counseling 2013 trauma team.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Benjamin Keyes.

October 4, 2013

A volunteer group of 15 psychologists and professional counselors in Kenya is using trauma training materials developed by Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling (SPC) professors in their work helping hostage survivors of the Kenyan mall attack and family members of deceased victims to cope with the tragedy.

Over the last two years, Regent's trauma team, led by SPC professor Dr. Benjamin Keyes, has traveled to Kenya each summer to provide counseling to villagers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the perpetual discord and violence in the Rift Valley. As part of these outreaches, the most recent of which took place in August 2013, the group offered a series of training workshops for local mental health professionals, community leaders, pastors, families and school children.

The training material addressed issues such as psychological first aid, how best to respond to violence, treating traumatized families, treating trauma in children and adolescents, conflict resolution and domestic violence.

Members of the local Kenyan volunteer team took part in this training by the Regent group. The Kenyan team is now, in turn, using that information to provide counseling to hostage survivors and families of the deceased victims of the mall attack.

Joseph Njoroge, who is part of the Kenyan team and chairman of Family Life Healing Initiative (FALIHEIN), an organization that works with bereaved families in Kenya, said, "We are providing significant psychological help to those affected by the mall attack, as many people have been overwhelmed by it. The training material provided by the Regent trauma team has been most helpful and has added much value to what we are doing."

Dr. Keyes, who also serves as the director of Regent's Center for Trauma studies stated, "The people of this area have already seen a tremendous amount of suffering due to tribal violence over the last 15 years. This mall attack has only complicated matters for them. Trauma counseling such as this can have a great impact on one's life, and we take comfort knowing that local volunteers have stepped up to help those who are suffering."

Learn more about Regent University's School of Psychology & Counseling and the Center for Trauma Studies.

Law Students Make International Impact

Ra Hee Jeon participating in a
WHC fundraising event.
Photo courtesy of Ra Hee Jeon

By Brett Wilson

September 12, 2013

Though school was out of session for most Regent University School of Law students during summer break, serious issues such as assault and human tracking do not take a hiatus.

The Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law interns understood this as they traveled to different corners of the world, following the Biblical calling of "seeking justice" and "encouraging the oppressed."

One Global Justice intern, Kellisia Hazelwood, 3L, spent her summer interning at Dream Ghana, combatting the legal issues revolving around gender-based violence unfurling within many of the country's schools. Hazelwood, along with Dream Ghana, worked to support the efforts of the Human Rights Advocacy in Africa.

Hazelwood explained that in the nation of Ghana, many women attending schools are being abused, kidnapped and raped simply because of their gender. Her work with Dream Ghana entailed educating parents and students and giving presentations to raise awareness of this issue.

As the summer progressed, Hazelwood was encouraged by the number of people who would attend the trials of perpetrators of these particular crimes to see justice served.

"It was like a baseball game or something," said Hazelwood. "Everyone wanted to come out."

Along with her law degree, Hazelwood is also working toward her M.Div. And while she knows the two degrees together are not a traditional educational pursuit, Hazelwood is simply following her calling.

"It just came to me when I went on a mission trip last year to Ghana—I heard God say, 'international law,'" said Hazelwood. "I just wanted to help in a way that was different from a typical missionary, to protect people from a legal aspect."

Like Hazelwood, Ra Hee Jeon, 2L, spent her summer weaving together the threads of ministry and the law as she worked to combat human and domestic violence in her home nation. She interned with Women's Hope Center (WHC), an non-government organization (NGO), in Pohang, South Korea.

Jeon presented research projects regarding the rights of adolescents and single mothers in Korea. She also explored South Korea's social infrastructure to aid victims of sex trafficking. While she was thankful for the exposure to international law in South Korea, Jeon explained her ability to minister to those she worked with was what was most meaningful about her internship experience.

"I loved that I could share how God's grace and love changed my life when I was 20 years old," said Jeon. "Seeing the clients making conscious choices to learn about God's teaching and love, I was reminded of God's love for me as well."

Jeon explained that serving and learning about her home country's legal system was humbling. And though she is quite confident that God has plans for the nation where she was sent to complete her legal education, she also knows there is much work to be done in the nation that she calls home.

"Honestly it was heartbreaking to learn about the social reality of my home country and of the world," said Jeon. "However, I am hopeful this will change because the people of South Korea have a deep care for one another and that carries the power of unity and love."

Learn more about Regent University School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Center for Global Missions Travels to China

Members of the Center for Global Missions team.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Pell

By Brett Wilson

September 6, 2013

"When you're in America, in a Christian school, you get this familiarity with the power of the Gospel," said Regent University associate professor Dr. Clifton Clarke. "You've grown up with it, you've seen it, and you've grown personally in its power."

Though he has a heart for seeing his students grow in Christ from an educative perspective, Clarke is also passionate about ministering to the unreached and unfamiliar. This summer, Clarke and a team of students spent two weeks in China, ministering to university students, some of whom had never even heard the name of Jesus Christ.

According to Clarke, in present-day China, the younger generations are rejecting communism as an ideological approach to life. However, the effects of the Communist Revolution—which replaced religious icons with ideals of the political party—has left gaping holes in the spirituality of the Chinese people.

"There is this vacuum where people tell you that they don't have a religion and that they have envy for people who do have that worldview," said Clarke.

This curiosity about faith was, according to Clarke, the greatest advantage his team had while sharing the Gospel. One young man in particular, a young student named David, stands out. Clarke ministered to him one year ago, and invited him to accept Christ into his heart. David did, and invited his friends to do the same.

"It was the most powerful conversion I've ever seen," said Clarke. "You've got this guy who was saved thirty minutes ago and he was sharing the Gospel—not just sharing, but sharing in a way that was integrated in the Chinese culture."

A year later, Clarke was able to reconnect with this same "dynamic" young man. Clarke continues to share this story with the students who accompany him on these trips.

"It was life-changing, it was eye-opening and it was daunting in many respects, but our students were amazed by how God used them to win people to Christ," said Clarke.

One such student was Lauren Pell, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). Pell said that though she was timid at first about sharing her faith with others, fearful that her efforts would be "awkward" or "ineffective."

"God proved me wrong, and I loved having deep conversations about Him with people who have been told He wasn't real," said Pell. "They asked such genuine questions and were so interested in hearing about Jesus."

Pell explained that she was strengthened in her faith, and appreciated the chance to become bold as she evangelized with her team members this summer. However, she also had the opportunity to grow scholastically, as she learned to collaborate with the other members of the team, and communicate with people from different parts of the world.

"This trip gave me opportunities to work with and learn from a lot of different types of people," said Pell. "And working on a team of both graduate and undergraduate students from different parts of the country and walks of life really helped me grow as a person."

Learn more about the School of Divinity and the Center for Global Missions.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Alumni Help Engage Current Center for Global Justice Interns

Jaclyn Walliser supporting the Jubilee Campaign.
Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Walliser

By Brett Wilson

August 29, 2013

As the summer draws to a close, Regent University School of Law students are opening their Black's Law dictionaries once again. But some Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law interns spent their summers continuing to learn under the supervision and training of Regent alumni now submerged in their own legal careers.

"It was great to work with someone who understands the laws, but also understands my values," said Kyle Carter, 3L, who worked alongside Evan Henck '08 (Law), director of Freedom Firm. "He was incredibly open and willing to talk about everything."

Freedom Firm, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in India, is dedicated to rescuing young females from child prostitution by giving them an opportunity to sell a commodity other than themselves: jewelry.

Carter's work involved researching business decisions for the organization as it seeks to expand operations outside of India.

"One of the things that makes a big difference when you're reading through things like corporate tax law is when you realize that it's companies like [Freedom Firm] that will make a world of a difference," said Carter. "And that gives your work a lot of purpose."

Erica Weston, 2L, also found purpose in interning with the general counsel's office for Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) in Orlando, Fla. Though her primary passion is fighting against slave trading and human trafficking, Weston explained that her internship experience this summer opened her eyes to a different area of law she enjoys.

"I have a passion for Cru and the work God is doing through their ministry," said Weston. "This internship experience was a great combination of my passions and a great eye-opener to the field of law in general."

Weston worked alongside Tara Powell '09 (Law), an attorney with the organization. Weston explained that working with Powell encouraged her to look into working with non-profit organizations upon her own departure from Regent.

"She had some great insight into how God leads people who are willing to listen and follow Him," said Weston.

Jaclyn Walliser, 2L, spent her summer working with the Jubilee Campaign in Fairfax, Va., an international organization dedicated to promoting religious freedom of minority peoples around the world. During her internship, Walliser worked alongside Ann Buwalda '91 (Law).

"She gave me a lot of real world advice for being a lawyer," said Walliser. "And all of my experiences reaffirmed the calling I believe God has placed on my life."

To Walliser, her summer spent interning ignited her desire to stand up for the persecuted people of oppressed nations. She recalled witnessing a specific trial where a young woman from Eritrea was seeking asylum from the religious persecution she was facing there.

"The tears of joy that came to her eyes when the judge announced that he was granting her asylum brought tears to my own eyes, and I thought of how blessed I am to live in this country," said Walliser. "And how blessed I was to be able to be a part of her journey."

Learn more about the School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Right, and the Rule of Law.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Roman Holiday: Students Experience Early Christian History

School of Divinity student David Hunter
poses in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Photo courtesy of David Hunter

By Amanda Morad

August 29, 2013

Regent University students spend their summers in all kinds of places, embarking on all kinds of exciting adventures. This July, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) sponsored a group of 12 students who spent seven days in Rome exploring early Christianity.

"The [point] of this trip is to ask this big question: what was it about early Christians that they were able to go to the heart of the beast, the Roman Empire, and in the midst of extraordinary persecution and challenges were able not only to survive and thrive, but to ultimately overcome the whole empire?" said Dr. Corné Bekker, professor in CAS and the trip's leader.

Looking at the first 300 years of the Christian Church, the team visited multiple historic sites each day, taking in the ancient past first-hand as they discussed how the early Christians lived.

"We would look at issues such as, how did the early Christians view truth? How did they consider life? What were their beliefs about death? How did they transmit their message? How did they organize churches?" Bekker said. He conducted onsite lectures and led group discussions at each location, up to four a day.

Sites included the burial place of the Apostle Paul; the Catacombs; Circus Maximus and the Stadium of Hadrian, where early Christians were martyred; the Pantheon, Coliseum and Roman Forum; and the prison where both Apostles Paul and Peter were kept before they were killed.

The group stayed in the historically-significant area of Trasevere, now a wealthy and thriving sector, but once a very poor part of the city where Jews and early Christians lived. On this world stage where so much of the New Testament played out, students also had the option of taking courses for credit while on the trip.

"It's one thing to read, for instance, Ignatius of Antioch where he writes about his impending death," Bekker explained. "To stand on the historical site where this person died for their faith is something quite different." For School of Divinity student David Hunter, the visit to the Catacombs of San Calisto had the most impact. "The sheer number of burials there was humbling; to know that so many martyrs were buried in those underground tunnels was a tremendous faith boost," Hunter explained. "We learned that many of those early Church Christians worshiped in those same tombs—then we heard singing in the catacombs!

"We saw a Polish church celebrating mass and heard their singing voices ring through the tunnels, and it took me back to the first century when the early Church worshiped there as well. It was a spiritual and mysteriously enchanting experience."

The group of undergraduate, master's level and Ph.D. students trekked through 12-hour days, collecting experiences that will last them all a lifetime.

"Every day there was a particular event where students were able to consider what true Christianity meant in the context of this overwhelming presence of the Roman Empire," Bekker said. "The early Christians had literally no buildings, no power, no privilege, no prestige, no money, no wealth, but they had faith, and that ultimately is what overcame the Roman Empire; faith that taught these Christians not only how to live, but how to die."

Plans for future trips to Rome and other sites around the world that will enable students to further explore the foundations of their Christian faith are underway.

Learn more about the College of Arts & Sciences.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

PCE Encourages Global Connections

International students sign a banner during the closing
ceremony of the two-week leadership camp

By Brett Wilson

August 19, 2013

Regent University's division of Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) is changing the world one student at a time. This summer, PCE continued in its efforts to train students on the basics of leadership during its annual International Collegiate Leadership Institute Program.

The two-week program hosted an array of culturally and intellectually diverse students as Regent faculty and staff members facilitated courses on topics such as leadership and personal growth. More than 40 students traveled from China and the Ukraine to take part in this year's camp.

"In a dynamic and increasingly globalized world, the camp offered students the opportunity to learn, share and grow within a culturally diverse, value-driven leadership framework," said Dr. Bramwell Osula, assistant professor for the School of Business & Leadership (SBL) and facilitator for the camp. "If the future demands students who are globally aware and capable of leading at the edge, then these leadership camps help fulfill an important Regent mandate."

Osula explained that students were encouraged to "hit the ground running" as they developed a sense of their own abilities through the camp's lecture sessions and the encouragement of self-directed learning.

While most of Osula's favorite moments from the camp came from his interactions with the "visibly energized" student participants, he explained that the most edifying part of his involvement came from witnessing the students' final presentations. These ranged from PowerPoint presentations and skits, to an interactive series of participatory trust games.

"The depth of the presentations confirmed just how much each student had learned and was able to apply," said Osula.

As a parent of a student participant, Toni Stubbs explained how she witnessed her daughter, Maiya, learn and transform during the two weeks she spent at Regent.

"I wanted her to have exposure to students from other countries—and I wanted her to go throughout the rest of her education learning how to be a leader," said Stubbs.

"You have to go internal and external, and you have to change your heart to be a good leader," said Maiya. "And definitely my heart has been changed."

She also noted a newfound enthusiasm for developing friendships around the world as a result of her time spent learning from PCE's program.

Ruth Chai, an international student participating in the camp from Beijing, China, was one such friend. Chai, after her pursuits as a graduate student in social work, hopes to return to the United States for her doctorate studies.

"I liked this program very much," said Chai. "And maybe I will come back to Regent one day."

Learn more about Professional & Continuing Education at Regent.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Trauma Team Travels to the Nation of Kenya

Kenyan children.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Benjamin Keyes.

By Brett Wilson

August 23, 2013

"I find myself being honored that these clients will let me see into the very depths of their souls and allow me to be a part of their healing journey," said Dr. Benjamin Keyes, Regent University's School of Psychology (SPC) professor.

As the director of Regent's Center for Trauma studies, Keyes and 12 other members of the Trauma Team traveled this summer to Kinangop, Kenya—a township nestled within the mountains of the Rift Valley, just 90 minutes northwest of Nairobi.

Though the 15 years of political unrest and the rivalry between the Kikuyu and Luo tribes in Nairobi has finally subsided, the people still grapple with the mental aftermath of the nation's perpetual discord.

Many Kenyan people are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Keyes explained. And as he traveled through the nation, he was hard-pressed to find a member of the community unaffected by witness to violence or abuse.

This was the second year SPC students and faculty traveled to Kenya with the Center for Trauma Studies. Keyes, along with the rest of the team, spent the trip visiting local schools, churches, an orphanage and a lingering Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp.

The nation of Kenya has noticed improvements following its political unrest—the number of IDP camps has decreased from five to one in the course of a year—and Keyes has also seen improvements as a direct result of the seeds the Trauma Team planted before.

"If we ever had any doubts about our effectiveness, they've been washed away," said Keyes. "It's working; it's all being implemented."

Keyes explained that pastors of the churches in the IDP camp were making monumental changes in how they dealt with domestic violence cases within their congregations. The pamphlets and PowerPoint presentations the group had left behind were being used in schools around the city.

Sarah Gooss, a third-year SPC student, joined Keyes on her first trip with the Trauma Team. Gooss worked with a local church, teaching the community leaders about how to help their congregants with substance abuse.

"It empowered them; it made them feel like they had something to offer and that they could make their communities different," said Gooss.

Gooss relished working with the orphans, and offered her free time by giving attention to and hugging the children who needed love the most.

"Their joy just sort of rubbed off on you, and that was really healing," said Gooss.

In the midst of the nation's struggles, Keyes was encouraged to see the Christian faith alive and growing within the hearts of its people. Since last year's trip, Keyes noted that four new churches have sprung up in the IDP camp the team returned to.

"We came to bless them, but they ended up blessing us—they were just on fire for God, and it showed in how they ran their lives and how they raised their children," said Keyes. "It was both wondrous and magnificent to see that in the midst of such darkness."

Learn more about the School of Psychology & Counseling and the Center for Trauma Studies.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

T.D. Jakes and Regent Forge International Educational Collaboration

June 10, 2013

As part of its mission to deliver quality educational programming, Regent University has entered into a multi-faceted educational collaboration with The Potter's House, the 30,000 member church in Dallas, and TDJ Enterprises, a for-profit entity led by T.D. Jakes.

"What a privilege for Regent University to join with The Potter's House and TDJ Enterprises," said Regent president, Dr. Carlos Campo. "This relationship with T.D. Jakes provides us with an incredible opportunity to powerfully connect with a broad-based international community, and we look forward to working together on many projects."

Regent's reputation for excellence in academic programs and its capacity to manage the business side of educational programming was attractive to the leadership under the aegis of T.D. Jakes. Both The Potter's House and TDJ Enterprises currently offer an extensive array of non-credit courses, which Regent's division of Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) can now certify. "Regent University provides world-class Christian educational resources to complement our premier conferences, seminars and other content delivery systems," said Jakes, CEO of TDJ Enterprises. "This collaboration offers our faith-centric audiences a gateway to professional learning tools that advance the work of the ministry while also supporting those laymen looking to enhance their corporate leadership and entrepreneurial credentials."

According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU), the collaboration begins with five initiatives:

—The Potter's House will be a Take 2 Through College partner. Take 2 is a scholarship, mentoring and leadership program designed to increase college enrollment and graduation rates for high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes, especially African-American and Latino men.

—Bishop Jakes will serve as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at Regent. He will visit campus each semester for intensive leadership programs and activities in several of Regent's schools.

—Regent will provide registration and certification for The Potter's House educational programs. The Potter's House launched the first certificate offerings at its International Pastors & Leadership Conference (April 25—27) in Dallas and will continue to build its onsite presence at the highly anticipated MegaFest event also in Dallas, Aug. 29 to 31.

—The Potter's House will make Regent's online programs available to its network.

—Regent will provide Corporate Partner benefits to The Potter's House. These benefits include a tuition discount on Regent programs for Potter's House employees.

To move the collaboration forward, representatives from The Potter's House and TDJ Enterprises attended Regent's launch of Take 2 in mid-April and also met with staff from Regent PCE to begin forming plans for educational offerings.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

School of Law Leaders Travel to New Nation of South Sudan

University of Juba.
Photo courtesy of newsudanvision.com

By Brett Wilson
July 10, 2013

When the violent storms of the 22 year-long Sudanese Civil War settled, the world's youngest nation was born. This week, as the Republic of South Sudan celebrates its two-year anniversary as an independent nation, it faces another challenge: rebuilding its identity.

South Sudan's efforts to dismiss former judicial practices steeped in Muslim faith and Sharia law and to adopt English as the official language begins at the educational level. Regent University School of Law's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law is seeking to aid the University of Juba—a public university in South Sudan's capital city—in its beginning stages of adopting and instilling English common law into its judicial practices.

Common law is the body of law based on custom and general principles that, embodied in case law, serves as precedent or is applied to situations not covered by statute. Common law has been administered in the courts of England since the Middle Ages and is also found in the U.S. and in most of the British Commonwealth.

"The nation faces significant challenges as it seeks to build a legal system based on common law and the rule of law," said Dean Jeffrey Brauch. "We are hopeful that Regent can come alongside the University of Juba and Christian lawyers in South Sudan and support them in their efforts."

Brauch, along with law professor Craig Stern, traveled to South Sudan in June to meet with University of Juba representatives as well as members of the United Nations, the U.S. State Department and various legal non-profit groups in order to encourage the growth of the common law movement in the nation's legal education system.

"For us to have a role in this is a tremendous and marvelous thing," said Stern. "Our brothers and sisters in South Sudan are really trying to do something that our nation has had the benefit of for centuries already."

Though the relationship between Regent and the University of Juba is still in its exploratory and informative stages, the opportunities for aiding the school are vast. Stern explained that Regent's role as an international advocate will likely entail supporting the university's networking opportunities, helping teach English courses, and encouraging alumni to assist in the nation's transition.

"We don't want to be there just for the sake of being there; we want to help the University of Juba develop their ownership of common law," said Stern.

Stern explained that the future of Regent's relationship with the University of Juba will rest solely in showing solidarity as the Lord directs. Though the transitional process will be long, Stern attests that the nation's commitment to this process is "awe-inspiring."

"What impressed me the most was the need of the situation; there is a lot of room for help," said Stern. "There is a lot of opportunity to assist the youngest nation in the world and to honor their desire to have a common law system—it's really a lot of work to do."

Learn more about Regent University School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Law School Launches Uganda Summer Program

Uganda summer program participants with local children.
Photo courtesy of David Velloney

By Brett Wilson

July 17, 2013

For Regent University School of Law students longing to fulfill the Biblical charge of "seeking justice" and "encouraging the oppressed," changing the world begins in Uganda.

This summer marked the pilot summer program as Regent partnered with Uganda Christian University (UCU), located just outside of the nation's capital city of Kampala. Students participating in this month-long program earned four credit hours toward their law degree as they studied courses in the East Africa Legal Environment and Human Rights in Africa.

"We wanted to develop a summer program for our students who want to work in East Africa," said David Velloney, School of Law adjunct faculty member and developer of the summer program. "We've seen an increase in undergraduates and older students coming to law school who are interested in social and international justice issues. This program will help all of our students be better trained in that."

Velloney credits simple awareness of the many international social justice issues—such as slavery and sex trafficking—as the catalyst for the program. Students, while learning within the East African context, have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to combat these issues that are prevalent in many East African nations.

"God is in the business of reconciling the world to Himself," said Velloney. "These are hurting, oppressed people—and helping them is on the hearts of our students because it's on the heart of God."

During the program, UCU provided administrative and logistical support, offered areas for students to study, and coordinated guest lecturers and visits to the nation's legal institutions.

"We look at Uganda Christian University as a great school to be affiliated with because they're doing things right in terms of their influence within society and their influence in training leaders for the country," said Velloney. "And they're doing it in East Africa."

Progress for the program began in February 2012—the start of the 18-month long process of beginning and accrediting the summer program. Velloney's 20-year tenure in the U.S. Army as a lawyer and his experience as a law school professor, along with his own passion for aiding oppressed peoples, prepared him for the initiation of the program.

And while it is essential for students to have a strong calling to alleviate major social justice issues in the world—whether in the United States or overseas—Velloney explained that true opportunities to make a global impact is to have the patience to learn basic legal skills.

"Develop a heart and vision for the world, but also develop your skillset now and work hard," said Velloney. "It will pay dividends down the road."

Learn more about Regent University School of Law and the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Counseling Team Serves in Ukraine

By Brett Wilson
July 25, 2013

"People have the same kinds of problems in the Ukraine that that they have here in the United States," said Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling (SPC) assistant professor Dr. Olya Zaporozhets. "But there really are no counseling services in the country."

This summer, Zaporozhets—a Ukrainian native—traveled to Tavriyskiy Christian Institute (TCI), a growing private educational institution located in Southeastern Ukraine. There, she and assistant professor Dr. Linda Leitch-Alford, piloted SPC's first training and supervision missions program for ten of TCI's undergraduate counseling students.

"It was really a growing experience for our team, to see them step out and assume supervisory roles in a cross-cultural setting," said Zaporozhets. "That was really amazing to me."

Zaporozhets and Leitch-Alford were accompanied by five team members, composed of former and current SPC students. The team spent a week with the Ukrainian students, teaching them basic counseling skills. Zaporozhets explained that this endeavor is helping to fulfill a need in the Ukrainian culture.

"Every one of them recognized that counseling skills are needed within their churches—TCI students are pursuing this education with the very slim chance of having a secular position or making any money with this degree," said Zaporozhets. "All of them are looking at applying these skills as a ministering opportunity—without getting paid."

At the week's end, the five Regent team members were assigned two TCI students each to supervise their continuing education in the counseling field throughout the 2013-2014 school year. Leitch-Alford and Zaporozhets will guide Regent's participating team members as they touch base with their supervisees once a week via Skype.

"No one has really done this before," said Zaporozhets. "Some people didn't even think that this would work out in a cross-cultural setting."

Though these long-distance supervisory methods are new, Zaporozhets explained that the enthusiasm of the Ukrainian students will sustain the program and likely encourage the genesis of similar missions programs in the future.

"They were really eager to learn and excited that someone was taking the time to train them one-on-one and explain these skills," said Zaporozhets. "They were really very appreciative."

While Leitch-Alford also acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Ukrainian students, she was impressed with the caliber of dedication from the supervisory team from SPC.

"I was watching them work, and I just kept saying to myself, 'I can't believe what I'm seeing, I can't believe I'm here, and I can't believe these students are doing these incredible tasks!'" said Leitch-Alford.

While Leitch-Alford hopes this yearlong supervisory experience will be valuable for the participating SPC students and alumni, she is also pleased with the opportunity to continue to encourage the counseling students in Ukraine.

"They're so full and rich-spirited, and they're ready—I've been telling people that the fields there are ready to harvest, but the fruits are going to rot in the field," said Leitch-Alford. "This is something that we have to do."

Learn more about Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Professor Partners with Operation Blessing in South Sudan

Children living in South Sudan.
Photo courtesy of Tyson Sadler

By Brett Wilson
August 7, 2013

Dr. Benjamin Keyes, assistant professor in Regent University's School of Psychology & Counseling (SPC), is a man who keeps his promises. When Keyes discovered the state of the nation during his travels to South Sudan in December of 2012, he vowed to return. This summer, he did—bringing $13,000 of food supplies along with him. Keyes, in partnership with Operation Blessing and Abuklui—an organization dedicated to building high schools in the nation—reached out to the women and children living in the desert-land of the Langcok Military Camp, about five kilometers outside the city of Rumbek. "Families are starving to death," said Keyes. "I saw a lot of distended bellies on small children—they were really at the serious end-stages of starvation," said Keyes, who also serves as director of Regent's Center for Trauma Studies. Keyes explained that those left behind at the camp, some 400 people, were families of the nation's military personnel. As the nation of South Sudan struggles economically, politically and socially, the members of its military have only been compensated for two months' wages throughout the past six months. They live—quite literally—one day at a time. And though the crops are growing well in soil surrounding the camp due to a season of abundant rain, Keyes explained that harvest time is still months away, and there is no source of food to keep its inhabitants alive in the meantime. "South Sudan is a country that is still walking wounded—still dealing with the atrocities of war," said Keyes. With the funds provided by Operation Blessing, corn flour, rice, beans, soap, biscuits, tea, sugar and other staples were delivered to the left-behind women and children of the camp. "You would have thought that the heavens opened up and God poured manna from the sky," said Keyes, recalling the first day of food distribution at the camp. "They sang, they praised God, they danced, they beat drums, they hugged, they kissed—it was quite amazing." This was a part of a three-day journey Keyes took around the country with the members of the Catholic diocese where he stayed, visiting leper colonies and prisons, offering prayer, counsel and food whenever possible. Despite the history of the new nation's suffering and its economic hardships, Keyes explained that the South Sudanese are a people who hold onto their faith. This is what inspires him to offer aid, and his goal is to return to South Sudan along with other members of the Trauma Team. "I love the faith that they have and that they believe they can create a better life for their children even though they have nothing," said Keyes. "Nothing except that belief, that hope that they firmly place in God." Learn more about Regent University's School of Psychology & Counseling and the Center for Trauma Studies.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Regent Professor to Spend Semester in China

Dr. Bramwell Osula.
Photo courtesy of University Marketing

By Brett Wilson
August 14, 2013

As Regent University professors make the more traditional preparations for the upcoming school year, Dr. Bramwell Osula, associate professor in the School of Business & Leadership (SBL), has packed his suitcase and set out for an international journey. Osula will spend the fall 2013 semester abroad as he teaches at the China Youth University for Political Science (CYUPS) in Beijing, China. "This is an important cultural and teaching opportunity—a first for Regent in many ways," said Osula. "And I'm pleased to be a part of the development as the university links with the nation of China." During his semester at CYUPS, Osula will teach several courses on qualitative research methods and the sociology of youth and leadership. His efforts will be a part of Regent's division of Professional & Continuing Education (PCE), which continues to make progress in partnerships with other colleges and universities around the world. CYUPS is a higher educational institution that provides academic programs for high school graduates, as well as strategic training for political leaders in China. Regent has hosted students and faculty from CYUPS each summer for the past three years at leadership institutes on campus. Learn more about Regent University's Professional & Continuing Education.

PR/NEWS CONTACT: Mindy Hughes, Public Relations Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888 E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Regent University Holds its Fifth Annual QEP Global Roundtable



Ashleigh Chapman discusses her passion
for souls during the QEP Global Roundtable.
Photo by Alex Perry



By Brett Wilson

February 26, 2013

For five consecutive years, Regent University has addressed the challenge of leading as Christians in a disjointed world during its annual Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Global Roundtable panel. Friday Feb. 21, three distinguished speakers spurred the discussion of global competency, and asked—not only what Jesus would do—but how he would lead in the ever-evolving and modernized world.
According to president Dr. Carlos Campo, leading like Christ is paired with the responsibility of bearing eternity in mind when it comes to sharing the Gospel.

"Hundreds of years before Hester Prynne, there was the woman at the well," said Campo, retelling the story of Jesus' controversial connection with the Samaritan woman. "He didn't just leave her with a Gospel tract—he had a genuine concern for the eternal consequences of her sin."

Eternal awareness in daily interactions with individuals is the key to leading like Christ did, according to Ashleigh Chapman, the administrative director for the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law at Regent Law School. She calls this simply, "caring for souls."

"God has placed us in this world for a purpose," said Chapman. "That's true for you, it's true for me, and it's true for every single person on this planet."

Chapman warned that one of the main hindrances that separate leaders from Christ is their neglect of ministering to the brothers and sisters working alongside them as they charge into the world seeking change.

"If we're going to lead in Jesus' name, we can't let things like that creep in so easily—it's a poison, said Chapman.

Though Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, acknowledges the acute awareness this generation of students has of current social justice issues, he is worried that is creating temptation for students to serve as a result of a trend rather than a purpose.

"You can't just jump on the bandwagon," said Moreno-Riaño. "You must have a thorough Gospel understanding of Jesus Christ."

Dr. Paul Bonicelli, executive vice president, explained that the most basic understanding of Christ and the Gospel comes from the realization that globalization and supporting freedom for people of other nations to "purple their fingers" or "punch a chad" is everyone's responsibility.

"People don't simply want the trains to run on time, they want to be free," said Bonicelli. "They want their dignity respected by their government."

The very role of the Christian leader is to care deeply for "human flourishing" across the nations, according to Bonicelli. Its lack in certain areas of the world is something that should be disturbing to followers of Jesus everywhere.

"What Christian could say, 'that's not my business—that's someone else's problem to deal with?'" asked Bonicelli.

Though the harvest is plenty and the workers are few, when it comes to advocacy for human rights and Christ-like global leadership, its recognition starts with individuals simply paying attention.

"There are a great many things we could do in this world that do not matter, but we all have to wake up to what Jesus would have us do," said Chapman. "We live in a broken world, but there is an almighty God who can hold it together."

Learn more about the Center for Global Justice.

PR/NEWS CONTACT:
Mindy Hughes, Public Relations
Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888
E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu