Testimony after testimony from the 4th graduating cohort in Bangladesh revealed several common themes. It was encouraging hearing their reports as several were chosen to share what God had done in their lives over the last two years.
Pictured below are four of the graduates requested to share at the graduation ceremony.
Common themes included how much they had learned about their identity in Christ. Many had gone through seasons of pain, difficulty, and challenge but each of them could see how God shaped them during the course of their lives, even through the difficult seasons.
One shared about the tragic loss of her new baby and how the group rallied around her, encouraging her and how the A3 faculty member during that season shared from the depths of his pain to console her.
Another woman shared about her son almost dying and a daughter facing a severe trial. Yet, the common story of the group was how these two years helped them grapple with pain and realize that God forgives, heals and helps us to carry on.
Nearly all of them shared that they discovered their purpose in life and ministry. It was encouraging reading their strategic papers and seeing their commitment to equip the next generation. Nearly every graduate has a passion to pass along what they have learned through this two-year journey.
Most shared how the two years bolstered their intimacy with God giving them newfound resources for life and ministry. One went so far as to say that it was a life-changing experience.
Several talked about their strategic plans and the adventure God has set before them.
I’m eager to see how the Lord directs their steps and to see where this adventure leads them. As I reminded them at the close of our time, this is only a beginning: A3 is a community, not a two-year program. We commit to one another’s growth for life to spur one another on to seeing transformation in the nations.
Pray for them as they venture forth!
Joe Handley, President
@jwhandley
