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Here is a new edition of the announcements by your Student Body Members... take a look and see if you can spot Zamba...

Ramadan

By Koel Shalm

When we were younger, my brother and I used to think it was hilarious to lay out on the streets of Islamabad during Iftar time. We knew it was safe because we knew no one was going to miss the big meal that broke their fast, so there would be no cars. We would hear the music of the Iftar parties, see the celebratory lights. That was Ramadan for us. That and a few days off of school for Eid (the culminating celebration that the month of fasting is over).

The month of Ramadan just ended on September 21st. For those who are not familiar with the term, Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. It is celebrated as the month in which the Qu'ran was brought down from heaven, and is commemmorated through fasting. Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual activity from sunup until sundown. They wake early in the morning to eat a large breakfast, then eat again when the sun has set. In a Muslim country, to eat in public during Ramadan is extremely inappropriate. Restaurants are closed during daylight hours, and street vendors selling food have a one month vacation. Iftar, or the breaking of the fast, is a community event, celebrated with the whole family, and in most cases, several other families as well. There is nothing secret about Ramadan (except of course when you walk into a store to that you you think is empty, until you peek over the counter and see the workers sneaking in lunch).

To understand the importance of Ramadan to a Muslim, one must first understand the culture of Islam. Islam is not a relgion that can be casually observed. Of the five pillars that all Muslims must adhere to, only one is internal. All the others are outward and can be witnessed by anyone. Performing haj, acts of charity, the five daily prayers, and Ramadan are all aspects of Muslim life that determine the extent of your faith, and anyone can watch. As a result, it is very important for Muslims to keep up appearances.

The concept behind Ramadan is a noble one. It serves a number of purposes for the Muslim, the most practical being that it allows those who are rich enough to eat regularly to empathize with those that go without. Islam places a great emphasis on charity, and Muslims are encouraged to give alms to the poor during Ramadan. It also demonstrates ones' commitment to God, to show that Allah is more important than the comforts of food and water. It shows that faith is sincere, because it is followed up with an action, and with a fulfillment of Islamic practices. The Qur'an specifies that fasting is to learn self-restraint, to learn self control. The Qur'an speaks of fasting very specifically. It prescribes the month in which Muslims should fast, the procedure for fasting, who should fast, who doesn't have to, and what they should fast from (Al-Baqara 2:183-187, 196).

The Bible also cites instructions for fasting. The biblical assumption is that Christians will fast. In Matthew 6:17 Jesus says "When you fast..." not if you fast. We are not, however, given guidelines on when we should fast from or how long we should fast for. We have examples in the Old and New Testaments of fasting (Joel 2:12-13, Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-23). The purposes varied; in Joel it was to show remorse, in Daniel to show separation, and for the apostles, it was for direction. The most explicit directions we are given on fasting come from Jesus, when he said "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward", in Matthew 6:16. We are to fast in humility and in secret, it should not alter our regular affairs. Fasting is not an achievement, it's a condition of heart.

I believe therein lies the distinction. While the religion of Islam may, for the most part, have good motives, it does not change the heart. Fasting is done to prove oneself to Allah, as part of a grander equation to reserve a spot in Paradise. For Christians, there is the constant awareness that our redemption cannot be won, it has already been purchased on our behalf. Fasting is to draw closer to our redeemer; it is love, not fear, that compells us.

And the info keeps on coming...

Here is a word from Student Body President Rodrigo Alfaro

Food On The Run

We know that its hard to have heathy, quick food to go. That's why we have recipes for you if you are in the dorms and you get hungry come 9:00 or if you just need something to go.


Double Double
Sam-ich

Bread of your choice - 3 slices
Ham-2 slices
Turkey-2 slices
Cheese of your choice – 2 slices

*Mayonnaise
*Mustard
*Salt and pepper
*Tomato
*Lettuce
*Add to your liking

For starters you will want to put the slices of bread in the toaster. While that is in you can start slicing your tomato, 2 to 4 slices according to your liking. When the bread pops up you will want to spread your choice of condiments right away (Go ahead and put the last slice into the toaster) These first two pieces will be your “first sandwich” so prepare as such. The next thing you put is your Lettuce and then tomato.
You will want to put the lettuce on the outside because the juices of the tomato will make the bread very soggy.
You then put a slice of turkey and then a slice of cheese followed by the slice of Ham. At this section you can add as much as you want such as more lettuce or tomato or even more cheese. You will place the slice of bread on top and then spread your choice of condiment on the outside of the slice and add any tomato slices or lettuce. You will then add the slice of ham, the cheese and then the turkey. You finish it off with the tomato and lettuce and the last slice of Bread. Enjoy! J



Lemon Shake
Salad

Put about a hand full of your choice of Lettuce into a small Tupperware container and add a third of a cucumber sliced, half of a carrot stick, and if you would like some crotons.
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the lemon on top. Place the lid and give it a little shake to distribute the lemon to the whole salad. When done if you would like to add a little salt or pepper.
Enjoy!

Presented by Marivel De La Garza

And On The Seventh Day. . .

By Elba Morataya

I do not get much rest. As a matter of fact, I constantly feel exhausted. This is a very common theme in my life. I am constantly hurrying, planning my week, or thinking about all I have to get done. But no matter how much planning I do, there is never enough time for anything. This semester, I am taking 18 units, writing a thesis (or attempting to), working, and trying to have somewhat of a social life. Looking at my busy semester ahead, I thought I would do something even crazier than juggling school and extracurricular activities.

I would rest. I would stop. I would keep the Sabbath.

Now most modern day Christians consider Sabbath as part of the old law (see: don’t have to do it anymore). Though some Christians believe that it is no longer obligatory to keep Sabbath, I have found that keeping Sabbath is essential to a Christians’ holistic well being. Sabbath can be about ceasing from doing what is necessary and doing what gives life abundantly. This may mean a million different things depending on a person’s passions and different ways of communicating with G-d.

I have found that we live in a culture that tells us if we’re not checking our phones, Facebook pages, or being “busy”, that we are wasting our time. There is a certain quality of sacredness in giving up our time, our most precious commodity, to G-d. It can be a time in which we confront ourselves in confession; perhaps acknowledging that we get so preoccupied with life that we forget to stop and remember who we are and where we came from.

We do not keep Sabbath because it is law. We keep Sabbath because it is life.

Sabbath can spark in us new energy to live fully. For some reading Scripture or prayer brings about this life. However, G-d can speak through many more ways that just these. Taking a hike in a beautiful place, snowboarding on a perfect powder day, or simply journaling as I sit on a tree are ways in which I can see, feel, and know G-d.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own agenda and our own “busyness” we forget our purpose, will, or whatever you want to call it. We can often see the LORD reminding His people in the Hebrew Scriptures to remember Him. He calls them to remember times of slavery so that they may recall a time of rescue. Perhaps taking a time of Sabbath can be a way for Christians to remember these same things of what the LORD has done and what He will do.
That’s worth stopping for.

Vision

By Phillip Muella

Where has your VISION gone? Patten Students, VISION has the power to motivate, inspire, direct, and advance even among opposition.

Before I go on let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Philip Muela, and other than being this random, old biblical study major on campus, I have also received the honor of being Spiritual Life director here at the university. It’s my hope this year, with the help of the WIRE to bring to you a word that would encourage you. I’m not talking about a steak dinner, but more like some morning cereal. Just a quick pick up before you get out and face whatever it is that today is going to throw your way.

One of my favorite excerpts in Proverbs is found in chapter twenty-nine verse eighteen. To put it simply, “where there is no vision, the people will perish.” So what is VISION to begin with? There are two aspects to VISION. VISION involves what you can see and what you can’t.

Have you ever meant an expert in the “can see” field? Sure you have! As a matter of fact you know and come into contact with those people daily. These people allow today’s problems and circumstances to limit their sight. They can’t seem to think beyond a day or two, and every time life throws them a curve, they strike out! They tend to be controlled by their emotion, which by the way is one of the more unstable parts of human nature.

These are the types of people that fail tests before they even take them; they even quit the team before the season starts.

I want to encourage you this year to not just be an expert in what you can see, but fill yourself with VISION of what you can’t see. Set a goal and push to attain it. Like an old car that needs to be restored, keep the end product in mind, and do work! Trust me when you learn to have can’t see VISION, you learn to gain ground. If anything stays with you today I hope that it is these three things; First, can’t see VISION will push you forward despite today’s stumbling blocks that were meant to set you back. Second, can’t see VISION needs to be more of a reality than can see at times. And finally, most of the time, the greatest things exist not in the things we can see, but in the areas we cannot see. May God bless you this year with a VISION not only for your academics, but also for your life, and your relationship with Jesus Christ.

I will leave you with one final picture that perhaps you are familiar with. There is a picture of Walt Disney walking over a dry and swampy land and slightly faded into the picture is a blur of the magic kingdom. Within this picture you see nothing but a wasteland, but of course Walt saw the happiest place on earth. A man of can’t see VISION accomplishes so much more in life not just for himself, but also for those around him

Session III

Here is another segment with Rodrigo Alfaro; Student Body President. Remember, Wednesday is the Lawn Lua at 7pm.

Rant I

by Gavin Bunton

Now that Patten is into its third week of school and halfway done with the organization of student housing, I guess its time for the first news letter of the year. Speaking of the student housing, the International House now has a new international leader, President Rodrigo Alfaro fitting into the role of Student Body President as well as house rep for the international house (with only 1 international student). President Rodrigo promises to bring a good change to the University; unlike what the Georgia singers felt when they lost their leader to Lee University.
In other news, a new study shows that Patten baseball players favorite pass time isn’t baseball but Halo 3. Apparently “killing spree” isn’t just Michael Vicks slogan. Maybe Coach Wright should put together a Halo 3 tournament to recruit new baseball players using Patten’s new “146 ½ “ inch HDTV in the Student Activity Center.

Much like a team, everyone does their part, or five... like the newly graduated Jacob Howard to fill in at any position. He’ll check you in, build your bed, serve you dinner, and rent you a library book all in under two hours. So, thats my blab for today... I have more to share.

What Do You Believe and Who Do You Believe It About?

By William Bynum

Did you know that there isn’t a hell, and that all dogs go to heaven? Or how about this one, did you know that when you go to heaven, you’ll have seventy virgins that are all yours? there is no god, we are just here one moment, and the next we’re dead and gone, nothing happens. As a young man once told me “we’re like light bulbs, once you burn out that’s it.” Did you know that God was first a man who progressed to his godhood, and you can do the same? Did you know that there is no absolute truth, its all relative to what works for you, and that’s really the truth? Here’s my favorite, there is one God, He’s triune, and He was manifested in His only begotten son Jesus the Christ who died an agonizing death on a mountain called Golgotha and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit who was sent by the Father to testify about Jesus to the glory of the Father. Which one of these do you believe if any, and why?

There are many different points of view in the world today, some take their points to prove their view other believe their view without holding to any points. As Christians in a post modern and a post Christian era, it’s important to know what you believe and why. Some would say that they believe in God just because it is what the bible says and I see how that works and factually I believe the same, but when we come across someone who holds a different view than yours or even the bible as a matter of fact it is important that you know how to listen and answer, (1 Peter 3:15) even with those within Christianity.

This is definitely not the easiest task for some Christians. Neither is it for those who hold to another faith or those who claim to have no religious view. But what is evident in any of the many religious conversations that could be had, whether Christian or not, is that we all want to believe in something, even if you may claim that you don’t believe in nothing.

It’s a new year here at Patten University and some of us are returning students yet others are fresh fish in the pond, but regardless of what year you may have come in on or major you are pursuing, keep in mind that there is a world that each one of us has come from and different backgrounds with different conceptions, and maybe even some misconception. So as the year goes by in a blink of an eye lets try our best to take a closer look at why we are here at Patten University; what do you believe and who do you believe it about

Here is a word from your student body president.

A (Not So) Epic Summer

By Elba Montoraya

There I was. Finals had just come to an end, the sun was bright and inviting, and my last summer of college was looking to be amazingly promising. My friends and I would be shooting for the moon, camping under the stars, and making memories that would last a lifetime! This would be the final summer of not being grown ups just yet. We had to make it count.

And yet, somehow I found myself midway through July working two jobs, struggling through my one summer class, and wondering where all my friends were after dozens of failed plans.

My epic summer was starting to look like an epic failure.

The days flew by and all I could do was stand there and watch. What happened to the life changing road trip? To adventure and living on the edge? Well paying bills and flaky friends is what happened. Frustrated at my minimum wage summer job and lack of fun left me feeling abandoned and cynical. I was trying so hard to live up to the expectations in my head about what my summer was going to look like (okay maybe holding an eagle was not exactly completely realistic) that I forgot to just enjoy what I had.

And what did I have? This question kept creeping up on me every time I was confronted with discouragement and disappointment. However, I could not quite focus on the question because I was too busy being a brat and sulking. Then, of course, it hit me. After church one night, a good 20 or so of us went out across the street to our favorite post-service hang out spot. It was one of those nights that just seemed eerily perfect. It was well into the evening but the weather was warm with a slight breeze and the moon was shining just right on our table in the restaurant patio.

Once again, there I was enjoying my cold drink with some of my favorite people in the world talking about our week, Christology, and how dreadful the Oakland A’s were playing this season. I recall sitting back in my sit and feeling so grateful and excited that I was able to enjoy true friendship/community or whatever you want to call it. This is the stuff epic summers are made out of. Though the roadtrips eventually were taken and I finally made it out to Yosemite to sleep under the stars (okay, I was in a tent, but it still counts), I look back on my last summer of college and think what a fantastic collage of failures, joy, frustration, peace, disappointments, and blissful beautiful laughter.

There was a lot of laughter.
It definitely did not go the way I had intended it to go (but what ever does?) It went a whole lot better. Instead of discovering excitement on the open road, I was able to find it in the seemingly incredibly mundane. And as the new semester unfolds, I’ll take all the adventure in the mundane I can get