Being a Newman Scholar on the Mercer campus has been, not only an honor, but a time of renewal and refreshment. It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed the luxury of long hours of uninterrupted reading, thought and prayer. The directed reading and the rest seemed to emerge spontaneously.

I am grateful for the way that Walter Shurden attended to my hopes for this week and provided reading appropriate to the desire. The facilities, lodging and library are nothing short of stellar. Most of all, Walter Shurden’s remarkable generosity and grace in sharing time, conversation, and meals is a gift that I will long cherish – even though he did, from time to time, lead me away from paths of dietary righteousness. 

My wishes and prayers are for Dr. Shurden and the Center for Baptist Studies. I am grateful for his years of faithful service in the cause of Christ within the Baptist tradition and for the continuing effectiveness of the Center in nurturing our ongoing Baptist life.