VANGUARD (By Sam Eyoboka and Olayinka Latona) FIVE doctoral graduates were among the 7,000 persons who graduated yesterday from the Redeemed Bible College as part of activities marking the ongoing 61st annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, in Redemption Camp of the church.
The programme, which was the highpoint of activities of the third day of the convention, started as early as 8.30 a.m. when the graduands filed out for the ceremony, which was presided over by the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The graduands, drawn from different campuses within and outside the country, had spent different periods at the Bible College which is one of the numerous manpower development centres of the church. They were awarded certificates in accordance with their course of study and duration of their programmes. Some graduated with doctorate degrees, others with masters, bachelors and diploma certifictates.
Congratulating the graduands, the Bible College and its lecturers, Pastor Adeboye, urged both the students and the lecturers to remain steadfast in Christ, praying that as the students were graduating, they are expected to launch out in the power of the Holy Ghost and not to relent.
He said: “This school will never grow weary in Jesus name. The Almighty God will continue to strenghten the lecturers, move them from glory to glory, as they wax stronger and stronger, in Jesus name. The favour of God will continue to be with you and God will continue to give you divine wisdom to continue in this laudable assignment.”
The principal of the institution, Pastor Josiah Bolarinwa, in his words, promised that with the dedication of the staff of the college, it will not relax in producing quality and sound students who will always lift the banner of Christ wherever they find themselves. He also appreciated the students for making themselves available for the various programmes.
In his message titled A call to do greater, Pastor James Bamidele, advised the graduating students not to grow weary in being the ambassadors of Christ, adding that they were privileged to be among those that were chosen by God.
He urged them to hunger for lost souls and not relent if they want God to work through them.
Enumerating the importance of bearing fruits and winning souls into God’s kingdom, Bamidele said it is paramount for the students to bear fruits and be productive anywhere they find themslves, noting that God expects productivity from those He chooses.
Said he: “You should always be on the move to carry out your great assignment, make a difference because you have been trained and equipped to do great exploits. You should not only win souls for Christ but also disciple them so that they too can be productive and through this the entire world would be won for Christ.”
Responding, some of the graduands thanked God for the opportunity to study in the RCCG.
One of those who bagged a doctorate degree, Dr. Awojobi Adeleke, said: “It has been a wonderful programme which took my set three years and I bless the name of the Lord who saw me through because it was as if the programme would never end. I also appreciate Daddy and Mummy G.O. who gave us this wonderful oppurtunity to showcase the knowledge and gift that God deposited in us”.
Dr. Hachimenum Amadi, from Port Harcourt, shared similar sentiments, saying: “I feel fulfilled and happy because when we started this programme it was as if it would not get to this stage. We were really drilled because the school wanted to tell the world that we can actually make it.”
I ascribed all the glory to the Almighty God. Also it was a challenge for me to do more of kingdom work because unto whom much is given much is expected”.
Mr. Adigun Emmanuel worships at Lagos Province 14 and this is what he had to say: “I am happy today because I just finished my six month diploma course in Bible College. It is worth celebrating because it is a responsibility on me to fulfill kingdom purpose and assignment and this school will help me a lot to fulfill this mandate.”
