Ebola in West Africa causing Lipscomb to take international travel precautions

Due to rising concerns about the Ebola virus, Lipscomb students, parents and faculty are making some difficult decisions about international travel. With Commitment Week  just around the corner for Lipscomb Missions, as well as Spring Semester Study Abroad trips coming up in only a couple of months, students and parents are faced with making decisions regarding international travel through Lipscomb-run programs. Concerns are certainly elevated in regards to travel, and especially travel going to West African countries, such as Ghana. “It’s definitely something that’s been on my mind and something I’ve been praying about,” Lipscomb junior Trisha Stocker said. “It’s definitely a concern and it’s something that’s scary, but at the same time, if God wants me to go and He opens the doors, how can I say no?” Stocker has been planning on participating in Lipscomb’s mission efforts in Ghana for two years now; however, due to the unforeseen epidemic, her parents are now understandably cautious about sending her. “I am being respectful of my parents since I am still dependent on them to a certain degree, so it is hard to feel called to go and then have some doors possibly be closing, but if God wants it, it’ll happen,” Stocker said. Missions coordinator and Ghana Missions team leader Paul Stevens says he wants parents and students alike to understand the high level of security and safety Ghana has developed as a country over the years. “The thing about Ghana that makes me feel a little bit more comfortable with it is just knowing that it is the most stable, most advanced country not just in West...

World Cup 2014 recap: The final week

One month and one day ago, soccer fans across the globe were collectively wondering what might happen in the coming month. Flash forward to today, and there is no more wondering left to do, just reflecting. And what a Cup it was to reflect on. In the semifinals, to everyone’s shock, Germany eviscerated an out-manned Brazil squad 7-1, setting numerous records in the process. In the second game, the Netherlands once again had its game come down to penalties, only this time Argentina advanced thanks to a couple of saves from maligned keeper Sergio Aguero. The results left us with a much-anticipated final between the best team in the world (Germany) and the best player in the world (Leo Messi). Not without plenty of chances, Argentina went down swinging in extra time 1-0 to the robotic German squad and its bleeding leader Bastian Schweinsteiger. Mario Gotze’s game-winner will be embedded forever in soccer lore. But the final game won’t be the only, or even first, thing I will remember about the 2014 World Cup. I will remember James Rodriguez turning into a star before our eyes. I will remember Guillermo Ochoa, Keylor Navas and Tim Howard turning in goalkeeping performances of a lifetime. I will remember Robin Van Persie’s flying header and Tim Cahill’s goal against Spain. I will remember the fall of Tiki-taka and Germany’s ascension into the top spot. I will remember Neymar dancing around defenders until they had to carry him (and the hopes of a nation) off on a stretcher. I will remember Arjen Robben slashing towards the centerfield and David Luiz covering the entire field....

2014 World Cup: Week One

With the first week of the 2014 World Cup in the books, it is time for a quick recap of the biggest storylines, the best games, the breakout stars and, of course, John Brooks’ goal. After what was one of the most entertaining first weeks in World Cup history, there is no shortage of topics to be discussed. Best moment, United States: John Brooks Of all the players in the 2014 World Cup, John Brooks may have been the least likely to score at all, much less score a game winner. But in the United States’ first game against their nemesis Ghana (the team that knocked them out of the last two World Cups) Brooks came through will a game-winning header off of a corner kick in the final minute of the game. Clint Dempsey’s opening goal was more technically impressive, but Brooks’ will be the one everyone remembers. Best moment, rest of the world: The Brazilian national anthem There were countless memorable moments in this first week, from Switzerland’s last second goal against Ecuador to Pablo Armero and Colombia dancing their way into our hearts, but I have to go with the singing of the Brazilian national anthem before the opening game. The emotion on the faces of the Brazilian players combined with the sheer joy of the Brazilian fans made for a special moment. Biggest upset: The demise of Spain After one of the most dominant runs in international soccer history, which included the 2010 World Cup title and two European championships, the reign of “La Roja” has finally come to an abrupt, painful ending. The players...

2014 World Cup pits soccer’s best against one another for global crown

After four long years of waiting, the 2014 FIFA World Cup will finally be kicking off Thursday afternoon, and soccer fans everywhere are rejoicing. With the hopes of an entire nation on their back, 32 teams will be travelling to Brazil with their 23 best players in tow. All will be in pursuit of the most prestigious championship trophy in all of sports. I will be highlighting some key players and teams to watch whether you are a die-hard soccer fan or a relative newcomer to the sport. I will also be making my prediction for who will come out on top. Players to watch: Leo Messi, Argentina: The winner of four FIFA Ballon d’Or awards in a row from 2009-2012 (soccer’s equivalent to an MVP award) is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, despite only being 26 years old. Although he has dominated for his professional team FC Barcelona, he has struggled in international competitions. This may be his best shot at the elusive World Cup trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: The reigning FIFA player of the year, like his rival Messi, has seen success in international competitions fall just short of his grasp. Can the two-time Ballon d’Or winner put Portugal on his back and carry the team deep into the tournament or will we see a flame out in the group stage? Gianluigi Buffon, Italy: Heading into his fourth and likely final World Cup, many consider Buffon the greatest goalkeeper of his generation. Buffon and teammate Andrea Pirlo are the only two remaining members of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad. The two will...

Missions Fair offers unique opportunities for students

Tuesday, Oct. 8, the annual Lipscomb Missions Fair will be up and running in the Bennett Student Center. The fair is put together and sponsored by the Lipscomb Missions department. It is designed to provide students with an easily-accessible way to learn about different missions opportunities offered by the university. “We offer trips to places all the way from Nashville, if you want to stay in town and work with our immigrant communities, all the way to India and Australia,” said Missions Coordinator TJ McCloud, “It’s really an amazing breadth of opportunities.” The Missions Fair is especially helpful for new students who are interested in getting involved in mission efforts. The different trips and opportunities will be represented by different booths in the Student Center, where students can gather as much information as needed. Missions representatives will be at every booth to answer any questions. Students can choose to participate in mission efforts that have been established at Lipscomb for many years, such as the mission trip to Scotland or the opportunity to work with an orphanage in Ghana, West Africa. This year, there have been a few newly added trips students can also choose to participate in, including a trip to a Navajo reservation in Arizona and a mission trip to the island of Nevis. “The Mission Fair is a great way to come check everything out, and we’d love to have you,” McCloud said. For more information on Lipscomb Missions, visit the Missions department, located on the second floor of the Ezell...