BY LI JINLIAN
BERRIEN SPRINGS—In every corner there are unsung heroes waiting to be exposed.
For the past two decades, the Famous International Speaker has maintained a self-sacrificing career, flying around the globe to speak and share his expertise at universities, churches, and large events, pausing only long enough to write a book or two and research the next appointment. But for the last ten years, he has also taken it upon himself to maintain a guest lectureship at the Seminary three days a week.
“I find that my career as an international Adventist star really enhances my lecture sessions,” said the Famous International Speaker. “Attendees of my lectures are always wowed by my invigorating stories of adventures and exploits in foreign lands, and by the breadth of my travels. Then it hits them that I still take the time to guest lecture at the seminary, and their awe grows.”
The Famous International Speaker is frank and honest about the physical and mental strain maintaining two careers brings, but his position is made more bearable, thanks to the generous support of the Seminary organization.
“They assured me that my guest lecturing assignment would be a quick in, quick out deal,” he said. “It’s not necessary for me to talk much to students outside of class. They even give me an office where I can work on my next international speaking assignment or my next book, and provide a secretary to screen students and make sure I’m not interrupted.”
Also, the seminary removes academic advising duties, and understands if it is necessary to cancel a few guest lecture sessions due to the demands of the primary speaking career, the Famous International Speaker added.
Still, the Famous International Speaker is never one to stick to the bare minimum. He makes an effort to recognize some of the faces of the students who repeatedly attend his sessions.
“See that girl? She has been faithfully coming to my sessions all week, and she was there last week, too!” he said.
The Famous International Speaker also goes above and beyond, and has committed to nod and smile at each student he passes on his way out of the Seminary.
“I see students walking around with pain in their eyes. Perhaps they’re feeling stressed, out of touch with God, or are going through some crisis that desperately needs a personal touch, more than just a classroom lecture. It’s really the least I can do to show my care to them.”
As if set by divine appointment, the Famous International Speaker passed a dazed-looking, teary-eyed student pacing back and forth in the Seminary commons. Despite desperately needing to get to the door, he slowed, caught the student’s eye, and offered his most compassionate smile and nod, before resuming his near sprint pace out of the Seminary and to his other important appointments. This delay nearly cost him a flight, but such acts are normal for this extraordinary person.
The Soy Dog later caught up with the student, who poured out a torrent of laments about the fight he just had with his wife that morning, and how his marriage is on the rocks. The Soy Dog asked if it helped him to know that the Famous International Speaker cared about him.
“Who, that guy? Wasn’t that Dr…er…Somebody? From what’s that department? I think he sort of teaches one of my classes.”
