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 LEADS GRADUATES PROUDLY display their diplomas after ceremonies at Crestmont. |
The first graduates of the Western Territory’s L.E.A.D.S. (Leadership, Education, and Discipleship School) program participated in ceremonies held at Crestmont College recently.
Friends, family, cadets, and officers shared in the excitement; there was a sense that this pioneer program was receiving the Holy Spirit’s stamp of approval as the 10 students received their certificates of graduation. It was the end of their training at L.E.A.D.S but for many just the beginning of lifelong service to God.
Students also participated in different aspects of the graduation chapel sharing scripture, speech and song. A clear challenge came from two scriptures shared during the ceremony. The first Matthew 28:19-20 clearly pointed the students to where they should “go” (to the nations) and what they should “do” (make disciples). The second scripture 1 Timothy 4: 9-16 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity;” reminded students that their life as leaders would require a commitment to holiness.
Christin Howard represented the students as student speaker and expressed how God had changed her emotionally and spiritually through the various aspects of the five-month program. Tarseny Otis sang a moving song that expressed the desire of the students with the words “My life’s an empty page, for You to color in with Your love.”
Captain Brian Bearchell, territorial youth secretary, shared a devotional with those present and also gave thanks to those who had made L.E.A.D.S. possible. Captain Millie Bearchell, assistant territorial youth secretary, prayed a prayer of dedication asking God’s protection and blessing on the graduates.
The graduates are as follows: David Epina-Pohnpei, Micronesia; Caleb Fankhauser-Fairbanks, Alaska; Christin Howard-Las Vegas, Nev.; Beverly Martinez – Guam; Michelle Moore – Grand Junction, Colo.; Glady Otis-Chuuk, Micronesia; Tarseny Otis-Leeward, Oahu; Bobbie Rabidou-Grand Junction, Colo.; Shannon Scott-Kahului, Maui; Dan Williams II – Grand Junction, Colo.