Four students of the “It Is Finished” Bible Institute in Chiang Mai have a particularly special reason to celebrate. After five years of studies, these young men have completed their Biblical coursework at the Bible Institute and are now preparing to fulfill their callings as part of the Great Commission. [slideshow=36]

A graduation ceremony took place on March 14 at Promise Lutheran Church to glorify God for the perseverance and dedication He has instilled in these four students. Also present for the service were fellow students, instructors, congregational members, and even one proud Christian mother who was able to travel from her Hmong village to witness her son’s graduation.

The service was an opportunity for the graduates to hear a message of encouragement found in the first chapter of Jeremiah. The same calling and promise that the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah also apply to these young men in the callings they have received. Two of the graduates have been called to serve internship positions in the southern town of Krabi. Another graduate will serve the Lord as an intern in the Hmong villages near his home, and the fourth graduate will share the Gospel message through the development of a musical CD with his songs in the Hmong language. Three of the graduates have already expressed interest in returning for seminary coursework in the future.

We rejoice in the Lord for these four young men, who have dedicated themselves to the study of Scripture and the training to be Christian leaders. Please pray along with us that the Lord continues to equip these graduates with all things necessary to share His love in their future roles as leaders of the church.