After 9 months, the students of the School of Biblical Studies have graduated!!!! Their graduation ceremony was held on Thursday the 25th of June, and this weekend has been one of many goodbyes; sending students off to what is next in their lives.
While one of the more challenging, this has been one of the most rewarding years of my life! During times of sharing, students have talked about how God has changed them in this school. I heard comments like:
"This school has unequivocally been the most important thing I have ever done in my life" -Marcus
"This school has helped me to know God" -Winnie (age 72)
"Before I came here, I was jaded and skeptical about Christianity; wondering, is Christianity really worth it? I had been hurt by the church and did not trust...God has broken those walls down; If I take anything away from this nine months, it is that Christianity is absolutely worth it!!! And there is no greater destiny for a person, than to be called a friend of God!" -J
"Before I did SBS, I was so self focused. Yes I was a Christian, but I was not passionate. All I really thought about was me. I was me focused, now I am Kingdom focused...the way I think has completely changed." -A
(In order to respect students' privacy I have kept some of these quotes anonymous)
Hearing things like this, all I could help but think was, "This is why I do what I do!! It is so worth it!!!!"
Lives have been changed!!! Lives that will touch other lives all over the world, in every sphere of society!!! and you have been a part of that through your prayers and support!!!!
The SBS students are now off to face the next season in their journey with God. What a blessing it is to send people out into the world with deeper faith, and greater understanding of God: who he is and what that means for their lives.
what is next for the students?
We had 41 students complete the school of biblical studies. These 41 will take what they have learned to 41 different places in the world.
Some students will take what they have learned on a three month outreach called Titus Project. They will be going to different countries around the world where bible training is lacking, to teach inductive bible study. Outreaches will go to places like Nepal, Thailand,and South America.
We have students going both long and short term to places like: China, Romania, Thailand, India, Australia, Taiwan...to name a few.
Some students are going to pursue further studies at different colleges and other YWAM schools.
Some students are returning to their homes to minister to their families, churches and workplaces. They will be returning to places throughout the US, Europe and Asia.
What a privilege to be used by God, in His preparing these individuals to be firmly rooted and strong bearers of his love and truth; throughout the nations.
Please be praying for the students as they go out...
Also, Please be prepared for transition, as my blog is transitioning from Annie Bol to Justin and Annie Frase. A formal "Frase" newsletter will be coming in the mail in the next few weeks. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, please let us know.
Thank you for sharing in this very special season with us. We Love you all!!!
Justin and Annie Frase
