Celebrating God’s Work in Our Graduates
Graduation is a milestone that marks the beginning of a new journey in the graduates’ lives for faithful ministry, equipped with skills, knowledge, and a heart for ministry. It is also a milestone for us, as seeing them graduate is both encouraging and inspiring. After the graduation ceremony of the academic year 2023-2024 had to be postponed due to the war in Lebanon, we finally celebrated the success of 34 students. The graduates from our various programs came from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, Iraq, Sudan, the UK, and South Korea.
The graduation ceremony was preceded by an event a day earlier with faculty and staff, where students shared their testimonies and celebrated God’s transformative work in their lives. Many graduates expressed how their education at ABTS played a big role in their personal and spiritual lives, and that what began as a desire to study theology had transformed into a life-changing experience. Nicolas, a graduate who is continuing in the BTh program, shared how ABTS helped him let go of some of the wrong convictions he once held.
I used to believe that those who think differently weren't true followers of Christ. But through my education here, I've come to realize that the Holy Spirit can work through anyone. Reflecting on this, I’ve come to understand that if I can't handle being around someone here on Earth, how will I ever be able to meet them in Heaven?
Keynote Speaker Jihad Haddad & Nicolas
For many, ABTS was not just a place of theological training; it became a home where God shaped their hearts. Here, He deepened their faith in His word, taught them to love others, and guided them in the pursuit of holiness. Students emphasized the profound impact of their teachers, who not only guided them academically but also extended grace, listened to them, and recognized God’s work in their lives. Above all, they expressed heartfelt appreciation for the ABTS community, faculty, and staff, whose steadfast support and encouragement helped shape their faith and ministry.
Lamis, a graduate, said:
These days have been among the happiest of my life. Throughout, I have learned discipline, organization, and what it means to remain faithful to the Lord. What inspired me is the attention given to every detail, shaping us through thoughtful guidance and encouragement. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, for the people I have met, and for the path that has led to my graduation, a testament to God’s plan unfolding in our lives.
Lamis during the graduation ceremony
The graduation ceremony was a moment of joy and celebration. Though the path was not always easy, both students and faculty testified to God’s unwavering faithfulness through every challenge. Pastor Jihad Haddad, the keynote speaker, encouraged the graduates to remember that what matters most to God is the state of the heart and the skillful hands. Drawing from 1 Samuel 16:7, he emphasized that while people often focus on outward appearances, God looks deeper, examining the heart and the motives behind every action. His message was a call to pursue holiness, remain steadfast in faith, and walk through life with both skillful hands and a pure heart.
This occasion reminded us that each step of this journey testifies to God’s faithfulness. As these graduates continue to pursue truth and grace in Him, we pray that they may be vessels of His love in their communities. May they, like David, shepherd those around them, guided by the same heart and skillful hands that led God’s people.