2014 Graduate School of World Missions and Ministry Commencement (aka Russel Graduates from Kosin University After Three Years of Study!)

THE GRADUATE

Russel smiling at Tsegi, one of the best friends he made while studying at Kosin,
 after she read a Thank You letter in front of their sponsors

Dear Russel, 

Now that you've graduated, may you continue on pursuing a life of study and ministry and service that will be a sweet aroma to your Father in heaven. He has had great things in store for you since day one, when you chose to attend school a year or two younger than your classmates in first grade, and then continued to walk yourself to school everyday after that despite the lacks and losses in your life. Today's great achievement is a mere stepping stone to more successes to come. We know this because He's taken you this far and will not leave you now! 

Approach your next adventures with confidence in your steps and certainty in your walk, knowing that the great pains and trials you've borne in your past were meant to condition you to bear greater responsibility and influence (Romans 5:3-4). Both of these you will draw on and struggle with as you come to realize your dream of influencing our current world into building God-glorifying cultures one changed man at a time. Men with passion and vision (to see this world redeemed and reconciled to its Creator) like you strengthen witnesses and passersby like me who have the privilege of seeing your life of leadership through service in action.

I have every confidence that whatever you pursue, you will do so fueled with a hope that does not disappoint - making, in the words of your commencement speaker, the right decisions out of your right standing with God.  

God Bless,

Your Friend

(Philippians 1:3)

THE 2014 GRADUATING CLASS

The graduates from both the English and the Chinese programs

Waiting to receive their diplomas and donning on translation devices during the mostly-Korean nearly 3-hour ceremony

GRADUATING AT THE TOP OF HIS CLASS

Russel graduated at the top of his class and was called first up the stage!

I scrambled 20 minutes late to the Son Yang Memorial Hall,
just in time to see Russel get called first and receive his diploma

Dr. Mark Kreitzer, Russel's thesis adviser, sitting up front.
The only part of the ceremony I understood was when he got up to speak

Allan, Russel's roommate, graduated Top 2 in the class. So much Filipino pride!

Attentive as Tsegi delivered a speech all in Korean.
I believe I heard Dr. Kreitzer say that she can speak 5 languages

EXPRESSING THEIR THANKS

Tsegi had to pause a couple of times during her speech, overcome with emotion

Russel enjoying Tsegi's plight on stage. So typical. Hahaha

Tsegi takes her seat

Blurry but I like the emotions I managed to capture last-minutely

SPECIAL SONG BY THE GRADUATES

The graduating class singing a special song for the audience

This was towards the end, so everyone carried a more comfortable and relaxed demeanor

Shuffling on stage for group photos at the end of the ceremony. And what a long ceremony it was...

RUSSEL'S BELOVED SPONSOR IN SOUTH KOREA

HOLY JOY CENTER AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

KODAK NIKON MOMENT

All of the good moments are blurry, but this one is a keeper. 

RUSSEL WITH PROFESSORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

With the Kreitzers, who both teach at Kosin University

Grateful to be a part of this day of celebration!

With one of their great mentors in Korea

Professor Gabriel who teaches at Kosin and ministers at Holy Joy

Professor Gabriel's family minus Kayla

Adorable family!

Russel with Swapan's family

The baby is very cute!

Amit, one of Russel's best friends in Korea who also serves at Holy Joy

Great friends. Two graduates minister at Holy Joy in various
capacities

Proud friends

Surrounded by some of his best and *ahem* most awesome friends

Congratulations, Russel! Bask in this moment. The next commencement won't be for a while :)