The first graduation service was a day filled with excitement and eager anticipation!
This was a big event filled with pomp and circumstance. The army band from Mafinga led the processional of graduates through the center of the city to the Usindi Acts Fellowship Church. Graduates had invited friends and family—government leaders, business leaders, and area pastors. The sanctuary was full with many people outside.
Opening prayer was offered by Bishop Dr. Mpeli Mwaisumbe. Dr. Floyd Parker, Provost, opened the graduation ceremony conferring the degrees on the first graduates of Cornerstone Bible Institute. This was a dream come true for Mpeli. It was a great day of worship and celebration to the glory of God. Men and women throughout Tanzania received their degrees preparing for church leadership in their respective communities.
Rev. Clay Waldrip, pastor of First Baptist Church in Chester, SC, was the guest speaker and brought the message from Colossians 3:12-20.
Dr. Parker, Provost, along with Dr. Mwaisumbe, conferred the degrees: five Masters of Theology, five Bachelors of Theology, and four Diplomas of Theology.
The District Commissioner of Iringa District and the Mayor of Iringa encouraged the graduates. Among them were Daily Bread Life Children's Home Alumni along with many that Floyd and Bonnie have watched grow from childhood to adulthood.
We all celebrated the fulfillment of a dream to train and develop future Spiritual leaders of Acts Fellowship churches.
After a brief break, the Ordination Service of Pastors, Church leaders, and Acts Fellowship leaders began.
Dr. Mpeli Mwaisaumbe opened with brief remarks after prayer. Six were ordained as Pastor/Church leaders, and nine more were ordained and set apart for leadership within ACTS Fellowship.
For Bonnie, Floyd, Mpeli, Neema, Kathy, and Clay, the most moving part was laying hands on these fine young church leaders. Many we had watch grow up from small children at Daily Bread Life Children's Home. Now, they were taking their place as leaders in their respective areas of calling and responsibility. This was a humbling and joyful time of worship and celebration.
After the ordination, all the graduates, invited guests, and government leaders enjoyed a delicious meal. We cannot stop thanking God for His goodness and blessing in the lives of these whom he has called.
In the evening, we joined the children of Daily Bread Life for their evening devotion/worship times. Rev. Clay Waldrip spoke on letting your light shine and with Kathy's help taught the children "This Little Light of Mine."
The day was long but was filled with firsts, realization of dreams, and the celebration of the goodness of God.
Tomorrow is a day of worship so we are going to sleep now. Thank you for your prayers in the past and for the prayers to come. Cornerstone Bible Institute's First Graduating Class
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