Surprise Gift

For the last week or so, I've been daily humbled as I've awaited news of a big fundraising gift for the library.  Not even three weeks ago, I was introduced to a long-time Malibu resident, who we thought might be willing to name one of our special collection in his wife's honor in exchange for the money to endow a special collection. 

After meeting him in person, I was hopeful that everything would turn out for the best, but I was unclear about the timing or his interest in our library project.  As it turns out - he was more than confident about leaving his home to Pepperdine, and quite excited about the fact this his gift will enable us to offer dynamic, applicable and interesting new resources, and collections to our academic community and the local Malibu community.  This gift will fund the Malibu Historical Collection, something that this community needs.  After the historical society of Malibu disbanded 10 years or so ago, no one has taken up the cause of collecting, preserving, and making accessible, materials that are related to the history of Malibu.  But with the help of our new friend Fred, we will now be the stewards of this cause! I am shocked and awed to say the least.  Most of all I am grateful to God and appreciative of his favor, because I know that this gift was set in to motion by him alone. The glory belongs to God!!!