Pearls and Rubies Summer 2012 : Page3
A MESSAGE FROM... 2010-12 International President Bible: ;OHUR`V\MVY`V\YZHJYPMPJLVM[PTL WSLHZ\YLZHUKJVTMVY[Z Dear FarmHouse Brother – For the last biennium I’ve had the great honor and privilege of serving as our Fraternity’s International President. This has been a truly rewarding experi-ence and one I will forever treasure. Due to personal and professional obligations, I will conclude my role as International President this summer at the 47 th Biennial Conclave (see pg. 16) in Minneapolis, Minn. As I conclude my term I want to provide you, my FarmHouse brother, with a few thoughts and reflections on FarmHouse today. I want to share with you the enjoyment that comes from giving of one’s time, treasure and talents to our Fraternity and the positive impact it has on our undergraduate brothers. The Object calls us to treat our fraternal membership as a lifelong commitment when it states “to be and become such may require a sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts.” I’ve been reminded of this commitment each time I’ve fielded a phone call, responded to an email, visited a FH chapter, attended an alumni reunion or packed my suitcase for a FarmHouse related meeting. Often I had other things on my mind—work phone calls to return, family commit-ments, another field to plant, a crop to harvest—other priorities for my time instead of giving it to FarmHouse. But, each time I realized that regardless of the commitment there was no better way to spend my time than staying committed to our Fraternity—for the rewarding experience and fraternal fellowship benefits received in return far outweigh the time and travel away from home. For that, I am blessed and will forever be appreciative. Our Fraternity continues to progress thanks to the many men who volunteer every day in service to FarmHouse. During my two years as President I’ve traveled from Alberta to North Carolina, Texas to Minnesota, and in every city, chapter and place between I’ve observed first-hand the dedication of our ´ I ask that you join us in helping steward today’s current crop of young talent. Help FarmHouse achieve our mission and be a builder of men.” FarmHouse brothers, alumni and chapter members alike, who give unselfishly of their time in support of helping our Fraternity achieve its mission. To them all I say, “thank you.” Through these travels I’ve learned wherever FarmHouse men gather, friendships will develop and fun will be had. One of the most meaningful ways we celebrate our fraternal affiliation together is at Conclave. I invite you to join me and hundreds of other FarmHouse men in Minneapolis for the 47 th Biennial Conclave, August 1-5, 2012. In addition to addressing the needs of our membership, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of the last biennium and planning for the future of FarmHouse, together. See you there! In the last biennium the Fraternity launched a series of new volunteer initiatives, including the creation of IEB-appointed committees and officers (pg. 4). These men are helping the Fraternity achieve new levels and advance our new strategic plan, FarmHouse. Forward. as evidenced in the pages that follow. With their help, in addition to yours, in the next biennium the Fraternity will concentrate on seven specific strategic directions that give attention to our most important needs, while celebrating the benefits of our affiliation. To do so will require the involvement of many FarmHouse men and friends. We ask that you join us in this important effort. Visit FarmHouse.org and click the “volunteer” tab. Add your name to our growing list of brothers dedicated to helping our Fraternity grow and continu-ing to move FarmHouse. Forward. As a farmer, I am continually humbled %UHQW%LEOH�b;38c;�c; ,QWHUQDWLRQDO3UHVLGHQW by my responsibility to be a good steward of God’s resources and amazed at a crop’s ability to grow through all types of challenges. As members of this outstanding Fraternity, we similarly have a responsibility to steward the growth of a new crop of men within our organiza-tion and ensure the Fraternity’s progress through various challenges and opportunities—a small sacrifice compared to the privilege of serving. With the end result of the blessing of bounty in mind, I ask to you join us in helping steward today’s current crop of young talent. Help FarmHouse achieve our mission and be a builder of men. Answer the call. Remain committed to living the life of a FarmHouse man and be willing to sacrifice your time, pleasures and comforts in service to our great Fraternity. You’ll be glad you did— as I have been and always will be. Fraternally, Brother Brent S. Bible (PU ’93) International President president@farmhouse.org Lafayette, Ind. SUMMER 2012 3
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