Winter 2022
Rick Cordell (1967)
“We decide every morning when we get up, if we are going our own way, or God’s way.”
Recently, Rick Cordell, class of 1967, of Firm Foundation in Christ Ministries, spoke to our junior and senior high students at their respective chapels. He emphasized to the students that God wants a family relationship with us, that we need to believe God has enough for what we need today, and that what we do shows what is in our hearts.
Cordell attended Portland Christian from 8th to 12th grade. Looking at a historical photo hanging in the PCS Business Office, he points out the window of the room where he attended chapel. He then recalls bicycling four miles to school.
Cordell’s PCS teachers were a strong positive influence on him. When he began college, he discovered that he was at least a year ahead of his classmates academically, and he attributes this to the PCS staff and curriculum. We continue to hear the same thing from current graduates!
His parents, who had a ministry to international students for decades in the Portland area, were another significant influence in his life. He recalls feeling a call to ministry when he was just 12 years old. The global awareness instilled in him through the years, and the impact of leaders such as Luis Palau (when both were students at Multnomah) led him to full time ministry in the pastoral field. After many years as a pastor, he now travels every year to the continent of Africa to work with church leaders (mostly in Nigeria, but when asked, he lists several other countries too!). In his service with Firm Foundation in Christ Ministries, he is an international trainer, training and mentoring national church leaders to effectively disciple new Christian believers to establish a life-long faith in Jesus.
Midway through his time with our students at chapel, Cordell held up a two dollar bill. “Do you believe I will give this to you?” Many students responded with “I believe,” or “No way!” After Cordell repeated his question several times to the students, teacher Mrs. Michele Moultrie dashed down the aisle and grabbed the bill. She believed and took action!
What a clear illustration that if we believe that God came to redeem us, we need to step forward and take hold of that gift!
With his years of life experience, Cordell reminded our young people, “You’ve heard, now go do something!”
Edited by Linda Swenson
Written by Grace Dugger