Students Hear From John Stonestreet and Dondi Costin during Convocation

Liberty University students heard from John Stonestreet on Nov. 6 and President Dondi Costin on Nov. 8 during last week’s Convocations.

Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, took the stage with a timely message the morning after Election Day. Stonestreet encouraged the crowd to remember God is on the throne no matter who is in the White House. He did this by having the audience say aloud, “Christ is risen, he is risen indeed.”

Stonestreet said the election exposed that too many people, including Christians, allow their hope to depend on the election.

“Even if this was the most consequential election of our lifetime, it would be wrong for us to stand in the chaos of this election as Christians and think that that determines the whole story,” Stonestreet said.

He highlighted Acts 17, which shows how God has chosen each person for the time and place they live in, and every person has a responsibility to steward what they have been given. Stonestreet said it is not just the choices America made on Nov. 5 that matter, but the choices each person makes every day.

“It’s not all about what Trump does in the White House; it’s what we do in our own houses. …You cannot outsource your responsibility to the federal government,” Stonestreet said.

Stonestreet compared elections to a map telling the nation, “You are here,” stating that elections reflect more than what they shape.

“It does not stop here,” Stonestreet said. “How are you going to live in the here and now? How are you going to live into the calling God has given you in this time and in this place?”

Senior Emma Olin was inspired by Stonestreet’s message.

“I admired that John Stonestreet didn’t shy away from any political topics or anything in general,” Olin said. “He spoke the truth … in an education(al) way, not in a way that tried to convince people one way or the other.”

Chancellor Jonathan Falwell opened Friday’s CFAW Convocation by recognizing the 75 Liberty students who traveled to help those who were impacted from Hurricane Helene. After the congregation recognized the students who were on the LU Serve NOW teams, Costin took the stage.

Costin, a retired major general of the U.S. Air Force, entered in uniform. He began by addressing his uniform.

“I am slightly overdressed today for one purpose … to honor those veterans who served long before I had a chance to serve, to honor those veterans who served while I served and, perhaps most importantly, to honor those veterans who are serving right now,” Costin said.

Costin told the crowd he believes it is in the providence of God that Veteran’s Day comes so soon after Election Day. 

“Some of you perhaps have seen that bumper sticker that said, ‘if you enjoy the privilege to vote, thank a veteran,” Costin said. 

Costin said the U.S. was formed in war and the constitution was set up, “for the common defense,” which is why we have veterans. 

Costin reminded the audience that veterans do not take an oath to a person or political party but to the Constitution. 

Then Costin shared the story of Chaplain Robert Preston Taylor, a man whose position and desk Costin held during his time at the Pentagon. According to Costin, Taylor’s story was an inspiring testament of loyalty to God as he fulfilled his calling as chaplain against extreme opposition. 

Costin shared how Taylor could have chosen any job, yet he felt called to serve in the military as chaplain for a one-year stint in the peaceful Philippines. Taylor was in Manila in May 1941. 

Five months later, World War II began in the Pacific. Japan took the island along with Taylor and many others as prisoners of war. Taylor remained true to his faith despite persecution, including surviving the Bataan Death March, giving all he had to lead his fellow soldiers and even their enemies to Christ.

Sophomore Asher Fudge said, “The story of Chaplain Robert Taylor caused me to have a deeper gratitude for the sacrifice of veterans.” 

Costin said his desk at the Pentagon represented everything Taylor stood for. He said what was true for Taylor is true for every Christian: God loves you and will never leave you or forsake you. He left the students with a final charge.

“The thing that we want most from you, Liberty University students: … We want you to have a passion and heart for God,” Costin said. 

No matter where students go in life, Costin encouraged them to invite others to the desk by saying to them, “You too can have a seat.”

Costin closed his message by asking the crowd stand and join him in singing “God Bless America.”

Gamble is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.