Newsletter   I   FEBRUARY 2005

PITTSBURGH SOMEPLACE SPECIAL We continue this month to give you some interesting Pittsburgh facts: George Washington and Pittsburgh On November 23, 1753, George Washington, the twenty-nine-year-old major in the Virginia Militia sent by Governor Dinwiddie to deliver a warning to the commander of the French forces on the Ohio, reached the spot where Pittsburgh is built today. Observing the territory, Washington noted in his Journal that the land at the fork was “extremely well situated for a Fort, as it has the absolute Command of both Rivers.” Abraham Lincoln and Pittsburgh Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln visited Pittsburgh on the evening of February 14, 1861? The next morning, in a drizzling rain, the president-elect spoke from the balcony of the Monongahela House addressing a crowd under a sea of umbrellas. After his speech Lincoln left for Washington. Before him were years of trial, war, tragedy and agony. Never again was he to return to Pittsburgh                                - Pittsburgh the Story of an American City by Stefan Lorant

LOVE FOR AN ENEMY In the Grace of Giving, Stephen Olford tells of a pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington. In Ephrata also lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded person who did all he could to oppose and humiliate the pastor. One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. Peter Miller traveled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of the traitor. “No, Peter,” General Washington said,” I cannot grant you the life of your friend.” “My friend!” exclaimed the old preacher, “He's the bitterest enemy I have.” “What?” cried Washington, “You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I'll grant your pardon.” And he did. Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata-no longer an enemy but a friend.

LETTER FROM THE ISF ASSISTANTS Dear International Friend, Winter Greetings to all of you from International Student Fellowship! We did not realize when the new year started that the month of January would have such extreme temperatures. One day the temperature in Pittsburgh was 70 degrees and then in just a few short days we were driving on snowy roads with the temperature around 25 degrees. We have heard that many different parts of the world are experiencing unusual weather. Maybe that's the way it is where you are living. Our thoughts and concerns go to those who suffered loss in the devastating tsunami in December 2004. We do not have all the answers to the questions you may have concerning why these tragedies happen. One thing we do know is that God still loves the world and He loves those who are suffering. February is the month when our Chinese friends celebrate Spring Festival and Chinese New Year (02-09-05). We wish you all a Happy New Year! Also during February, you may notice the emphasis on Valentine's Day. It means different things to different people. For everyone it can be a time to concentrate on expressing your love and appreciation to those around you. How easy it is to say “I love you,” to someone who deserves that love. On the other hand many don't seem deserving of our love. It is good to remember that God loved us before we loved Him. It will help you to react differently to those you meet who are not easy to love. We would like to again invite you to our February gathering. This gathering will be on Friday, February 11th at 7:30 PM in the beautiful Ballroom of the William Pitt Union . The William Pitt Union is located in Oakland on the corner of Bigelow and Fifth Avenue. To get to the Ballroom, use the entrance on Fifth Avenue and then follow the signs. At this gathering we will have William Blair and his wife, Beth, speak to us on love, marriage and the home. You won't want to miss this interesting presentation. Also there will be special music, wonderful fellowship, and children's activities in the Kurtzman room. It's all free so come and invite your friends! We look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 11th!                                                                                                   --Terry & Pam Tiberio, ISF Assistants GIVING Drop a pebble in the water And its ripples reach out far, And the sunbeams dancing on them May reflect them to a star. Give a smile to someone passing Thereby making his morning glad; It may greet you in the evening When your own heart may be sad. Do a simple deed of kindness; Though its end you may not see, It may reach like widening ripples, Down a long eternity.

JANUARY ISF GATHERING (January 14, 2005)