Graduation

Larissa, Shawn and Justin all "robed up"
for the graduation. They were a part of the
staff that was recognized at the ceremony.

On Saturday, our staff attended the graduation for ANTC (Archbishop Ngalamu Theological College).  ANTC is a part of the Episcopal church here in Mundri. One of the ways that Serge partners with the Episcopal church here is by supporting and teaching at ANTC. Larissa has taught agriculture classes at this seminary for several years. Justin, Shawn and possibly Will are planning on teaching there in the future as well. Ten students graduated with their seminary degrees and will hopefully go on to be pastors of various churches.

A graduate after receiving his diploma
and being celebrated by his family

The graduation ceremony was very formal and lasted for four hours. Yes, four hours :)! Bishops from all over the area were in attendance and many of them gave speeches. There was a lot of singing and cheering as well. My favorite part of the service was that after the graduates received their diplomas, their family could dance up to them and put leis and large necklaces (some were made from peanuts) around their necks! One of them had so many necklaces around his neck that you could hardly see his face! His family even topped it off by putting a basket on his head! It was a really fun way to celebrate the graduates. It was fun to see their family’s delight in their success.

After the ceremony, they had a huge meal for everyone. There were hundreds of people at the ceremony, so it was a lot of food! The food was delicious! There was bread, greens with peanut paste, beef and potatoes, chicken, beans and rice. It was fun to meet new people at the meal and to eat together as a team.

It was fun to see how this culture celebrates graduations. We pray that each of the graduates have success in sharing Christ with others and that they will be men and women of honor in their future ministries.

All of the graduates, staff and bishops that where honored at the ceremony

This is one of the ways they decorated for the ceremony. They painted phrases and words on each of the buildings. They even painted the bottom of some of the trees white to decorate them. This building is the chapel where they held the graduation ceremony.