Dr. Todd Deaton, editor of the Western Recorder, Kentucky's Baptist newspaper, speaks at Campbellsville University's Chapel service Wednesday, Oct. 14. (Campbellsville University Photo by Munkh-Amgalan Galsanjamts)

October 16, 2009

For Immediate Release

Deaton Encourages Campbellsville University Students, Faculty and Staff to be ‘Shining Stars' for God

By Hillary C. Wright, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - In a message about how you can “shine like stars in the world,” Dr. Todd Deaton, editor of the Western Recorder, the primary communications tool for Kentucky Baptists, spoke at Campbellsville University's Chapel service Oct. 14.

Deaton related the story in the Bible in Daniel 13 about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He pointed out three lessons to be learned from them: that faithful followers follow through making faith-filled choices, that faithful followers shine through forming faith-filled friendships, and that faithful followers shine through being faith-filled witnesses.

“There are many references in the Bible to stars,” said Deaton. “We can look at the stars and be assured of God's love and faithfulness. Jesus said ‘you are the light of the world.'”

He said Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were “shining stars.”

“They let their light shine brilliantly for all around them to see. They gave the king a powerful witness,” Deaton said.

Being a witness takes courage, he said. “The Christian life is not an easy life. The Christian life is meant to be lived boldly. We must shine like stars.”

Deaton challenged the crowd to shine like stars.

“Be what Jesus was - light,” he said. “Our Christianity must be visible to others.”

“Like the stars, we are to be directional signs, guiding people to the heavenly father's love and the light of Christ in us must be evident” in our everyday activities, Deaton said.

He encouraged the audience to “form faith-filled friendships” during their time at CU.

“Prayer has a way of bonding people together. Choose your friends wisely. Look for godliness in them.”

“No matter what, stand up for what is good. Stand up for what is right. Stand up for what is moral and decent in life,” Deaton said.

“Are you willing to be different from those around you? Will you stick up for your faith when it counts? Will you stick up for your beliefs, your God when you are being put to the test? Or will you just conform and go along with the world?”

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in the south. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.

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