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Many students who are enrolled are encouraged, beyond the fact that microwaves and refrigerators have been added to every dorm room. "I've seen things happen faster in the last three months than in my first three years here," says Kerrick Butler, a senior from Troy, Michigan. "To make wholesale changes without chaos is unheard of."

Paul R. Corts, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, doesn't believe the scandal will permanently damage ORU's legacy. "The Lord has a way to make even difficult times work for good," Corts told CT. "The resulting positive changes the school is making will bear much good fruit in restoring the trust of students, alumni, and other constituencies, and the changes will greatly strengthen the university for future service. I firmly believe ORU is on the right path."

After a nightmarish year, something good is going to happen to ORU.

John W. Kennedy is a consulting editor for CT and news editor for Today's Pentecostal Evangel.

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Mart Green has a webpage with more about his biography and business.

Christianity Today Movies interviewed Green about his investment in movies about missionary martyrs in Ecuador.

2007 and 2008 news on Oral Roberts University includes:

Tulsa Dustup | Lawsuit charges ORU president and his wife with fiscal, moral improprieties. (November 14, 2007)

From Liveblog:

More housecleaning at Oral Roberts U. | Creflo Dollar out, Benny Hinn disempowered on board of regents. (December 18, 2007)

Ex-President Roberts Separates Completely (Almost) from ORU | With a promised $70 million gift being dangled in front of them, ORU Regents plan to disentangle themselves from the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. (November 28, 2007)

Will Richard Roberts Let Go of ORU? | The former president may still be able to access school funds, say reports. (November 26, 2007)

ORU President Resigns | In October, Richard Roberts denied charges of misusing university funds and took a leave of absence. In November, the faculty gave him a no-confidence vote. Now, he's calling it quits. (November 23, 2007)

Oral Roberts University President Takes a Leave of Absence | Richard Roberts temporarily steps down after three university professors filed a lawsuit earlier this month. (October 18, 2007)

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September 2008, Vol. 52, No. 9