I
n late December I received an intriguing phone call. Without further explanation, I was requested to come to North Carolina to meet with two Emmanuel College alumni. Since many people make end of the year donations, and knowing the generosity of the callers, I admittedly suspected that a donation to the college might be forthcoming. Little did I know!
As we sat together and talked, the two brothers expressed their love for the Lord, their love for Emmanuel, and their assent to the vision of moving Emmanuel College forward to reach more young people. With a clear expression of thanksgiving to the Lord, they presented Emmanuel College with the largest single donation in her history—one million dollars!
Robert Roberson and David Roberson have a long history with the College. Not only did they attend themselves, but over 35 members of their immediate families attended Emmanuel. Robert served on the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, chairing various committees during some of the college’s most critical years, and David currently serves on the Board as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. Without fanfare and without any attempt to impress anyone, the Roberson brothers’ desire is solely to glorify God. The College has made a positive mark on them and their families and now they wish to leave a similar mark—a legacy—for others who will come behind them.
Legacy is an unusual thing. One cannot really create it, rather it comes from the passions of the heart. While thinking of the past we should also consider the future. Our past and present accomplishments make room for the future. Whether big or small, each of us leaves behind a legacy for the next generation.
As highly successful businessmen, developers, and investors in Raleigh, North Carolina, Robert and David’s desire is to leave a legacy for future generations to experience the transformational power of Jesus Christ through Emmanuel College.
A Scripture that has come to my mind often in recent days speaks to the motivation of our hearts as we seek to leave a legacy. Psalm 115:1 says, “Not for our sake, God, no, not for our sake, but for your name's sake, show your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.”
The entire Emmanuel College family offers a big “thank you” to the Roberson family and we join them in giving continual praise to our great and wonderful Lord!
Blessings,
Michael S. Stewart
President
Posted on
Wed, May 19, 2010
by Hugh Morgan