Chaplain of U.S. Senate Black Visits APU

AZUSA, CA (01/24/2008)(readMedia)-- Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate, visits Azusa Pacific University on Sat., Feb. 2, to close the university’s Economic Justice Week. At a time when all eyes are focused on the presidential campaign, this visit offers first hand insight into the nation’s Senate and the prayer and spiritual needs of the United States and its leadership.

Black’s time at APU includes a morning prayer, breakfast with area pastors, a lunch with students and faculty at 12 p.m., and a worship service featuring Black’s preaching and the vocal talents of the APU Men’s Chorale.

“Chaplain Black has an amazing ministry that extends to the men and women who are at the highest levels of our government,” said Executive Vice President David Bixby, Ed.D. “President Jon Wallace and I were privileged to spend time with Chaplain Black on Capitol Hill and his passion and commitment in action.”

Along with meeting with Senators and their families about spiritual and moral issues, assisting Senators’ staff with research on theological and biblical questions, and teaching Bible studies, Black opens each Senate session with prayer. “As their pastor, I am interested in their spiritual well-being,” said Black. “I have a marvelous opportunity to frame the day for the senators, and it’s a wonderful privilege to offer that invocation.”

Black was elected the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate in 2003. He has served in the U.S. Navy for more than 27 years, closing out his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. Originally commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1976 his stations included: U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; First Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan; Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, Va.; and the Naval Training Center in San Diego, Calif. As Rear Admiral, his personal decorations consist of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

Featured in TIME magazine and ranked as one of the nation’s best by U.S.News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Azusa Pacific is a comprehensive, Christian, evangelical university, committed to God First and known for excellence in higher education. Azusa Pacific’s main campus lies just 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, while its seven Southern California regional centers bring convenience and extend quality programming. The university offers more than 50 areas of undergraduate study, 23 master’s degrees, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,100. For more information, call (800) 825-5278 or visit www.apu.edu.

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