Over 400 were in attendance for Criswell’s 4th Annual Legacy Awards Gala on Friday, October 22 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
The gala provides an opportunity for alumni and supporters of Criswell College to encourage students, faculty, and staff, reflect on the school’s accomplishments, and honor those answering God’s call on their lives to serve others.
The event started with the song “If It Had Not Been” by vocalists Lori and Jeff Fair ’06 and Leanna Davis. Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Luis Juárez welcomed guests, followed by an invocation by the Director of Annual Giving, Cesia Juárez. Vice President of Advancement Joe Wooddell offered words of gratitude, followed by a presidential welcome from Criswell College President Barry Creamer ’94.
“If you look back historically at the influence we have had, it is profound; it is outsized,” Creamer said. “We are grateful for the footprint the Lord has given us in this world, but what we anticipate the Lord doing is even greater than that. We challenge students to understand that the One we are praying to about them can do what Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians, exceeding, abundantly, above everything they ask or think. And we say to them, this is where you are right now, and this is what you’re asking for, something better than that … maybe a degree, a graduate degree, an influence in the culture. He’s able to do more than who you are right now.”
U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) offered encouraging words to guests, reminding them to be like Nehemiah and be willing to do their part in the places the Lord calls them.
“If you don’t want to just write off your nation, and you want to be involved in Kingdom work, don’t stop … you need to pray first. That’s the Nehemiah model. Pray, and then work. And pray a very simple prayer, “God, what do you want me to do about this? What’s my part?” Senator Lankford implored.
This year’s Criswell Legacy Award was presented to Jack Pogue. Pogue met the late Dr. W.A. Criswell in February 1971 and was led to Christ by him. Not long after meeting Dr. Criswell – and two years after the founding of Criswell College — Pogue established the W.A. Criswell Foundation in 1972. The foundation has contributed millions of dollars to the college and supports the institution’s efforts in training and graduating Ambassadors, Cultivator, Peacemakers, Problem Solvers, and Professionals.
