A Day of Celebration

After twenty years of on and off attending classes, writing assignments, and sitting for tests, I am finally attending the last class for a certificate course in religious studies this evening.

The course which is conducted at a Bible College for the School of Theology consists of sixteen units, broken down into the following subjects:

• Old Testament (4 units)
• New Testament (4 units)
• Doctrine (2 units)
• Missions (2 units)
• Christian Education (2 units)
• Electives (2 units)

At this end of the course, students will obtain the Certificate in Christian Studies.

Some people has asked me why I have taken up this course, since it does not add up to provide any transferable credits for a degree or higher course in any theological seminary, nor am I planning to become a lay leader, pastoral or full-time church staff. After all, it does not provide credits to greater spirituality or entry to heaven.

Well, don't ask me why. I take it because as a young Christian years back, that was my interest, and I don't like to do things half way or leave it uncompleted. It's a promise I want to keep with God, after completing my academic studies.

Just last year, after six years of anxiety, stuggle and many sleepless nights, I have finally completed my degree in media studies. Now is the time to 'pay back' what I have started to do a long time ago, and although there have been much inconveniences weekly in getting to the classes, it is all well worth it. My academic study is not wasted too, as it helped me hone my skills in preparing for the assignments in this course, and to obtain better grades.

This is a day for celebration!

A Day of Celebration

A Bible verse from my devotional time today states:

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. (Psalms 126:5 NAS)

How appropriate this verse is for me today! After six long years of tearful sowing in academic pursuit part-time in the midst of full-time work, the day of joyful reaping has finally arrived. This is the day of celebration and rejoicing, the day where I am awarded my arts degree in Communication at a graduation convocation held at the Ritz Carlton hotel.

Thank God for His blessings and for seeing me through the many years of tearful sowing!

iT is FiNisHed!

After six years of agony, my part-time study in Communication is finally finished, pending results on July 12, 2006!

Thank God for seeing me through the years of sleepless nights to morn, and the many burnt weekends. Thank God also for His grace and provision.

For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a sabbath of rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. (Leviticus 25:3-4 NIV)