The month of July was an especially eventful one for us. From a book launch to various conferences, our campus was abuzz with activity as we continued our mission of equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. This culminated in our annual graduation ceremony, where we celebrated the accomplished class of 2024.
This year's graduating students represent the diverse tapestry of backgrounds and callings that make up the Hope Bible College community. Among them was our oldest graduate, an 82-year-old student who shows that it's never too late to pursue the things of God. "Spiritual leaders who stop reading must stop preaching," shared Dr. Edwell Nhira, the college's founder, as he addressed the graduates.
As the class of 2024 received their certificates, Hope's Vice President Dr. Constance Nhira charged them with a powerful message: "It's okay to delay carrying a title, while doing what God called you to do." This emphasis on heeding one's divine calling, rather than focusing solely on temporal positions, has long been a hallmark of the Hope Bible College experience.
These students are now prepared to go forth and "church the world", making a lasting difference for the kingdom of God.
If you feel called to join them, we encourage you to take the first step and sign up with Hope Bible College. It just may be the experience of a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how you can be a part of this transformative community.
As June rolls around, we once again have the opportunity to celebrate Father's Day and honor the dads in our lives. However, this special day also prompts us to reflect on our relationship with our Heavenly Father. The perfect, eternal Dad who loves us with an unconditional love that surpasses even the best earthly fathers.
Throughout Scripture, God refers to Himself as our Father, inviting us into an intimate, child-like relationship with Him. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to address God saying, "Our Father in heaven..." (Matthew 6:9), modeling the close connection we can have with the divine. Just as a good earthly father cares for, protects, and nurtures his children, our Heavenly Father offers us an even greater love and provision.
Yet, for many of us, our earthly fathers may not have lived up to this ideal. Perhaps our dads were absent, emotionally distant, or even abusive. It can be difficult to reconcile these less-than-perfect human fathers with the perfect, loving Heavenly Father we read about in the Bible. However, this Father's Day provides the ideal opportunity to reflect on and embrace all that our divine, eternal Father offers.
A Father's Unconditional Love.
No matter our past mistakes or current struggles, our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. The apostle John marvels at this profound truth, exclaiming, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1). His love is not conditional on our performance but flows freely from His perfect, unchanging nature. We can do nothing to earn this love, and there is nothing we can do to lose it. Our Heavenly Father accepts us just as we are.
A Father's Guidance and Wisdom
In addition to His relentless love, our Heavenly Father also offers us invaluable guidance and wisdom for navigating life's challenges. The book of James reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5). No matter how complicated or overwhelming our circumstances may be, we can depend on our all-knowing Father to lead us in the right paths. He is always ready to impart His divine counsel and insight.
A Father's Provision and Protection.
Just as a good earthly father provides for his children's needs, our Heavenly Father faithfully meets all our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The apostle Paul assures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19). Whether it's deliverance from harm, daily sustenance, or the strength to face life's trials, we can rest securely under the shelter of our Father's watchful care. He is our never-failing Provider and Protector.
This Father's Day, as we honor and appreciate the fathers in our lives, let us also take time to embrace the perfect love, guidance, and provision of our Heavenly Father. Though our human fathers may have fallen short, we can find comfort, security, and unconditional acceptance in the arms of our divine, eternal Dad. He calls us His beloved children, and promises to love us, lead us, and care for us forever. What greater gift could we receive?
