CURITIBA - On December 16, 2016, the dream of Ebenezer Missionary School students was beginning to come true. Their graduation weekend had finally arrived. The class of 2016, affectionately known as the "Exodus" class, was finally to graduate after two years of dedicated studies. A spiritual conference began on Friday, after sunset. The keynote speaker, Brother Adrian Finaru, delivered a message on the illusions of liberty.
Sabbath morning arrived, and after a healthy breakfast prepared by our active kitchen team, the teacher’s Sabbath School class begun at 8 a.m. At nine o’clock in the morning, the Sabbath School was initiated and directed by the graduating class. After which, the divine service took place. The sermon was entitled "On the Journey to Liberty", during which Brother Finaru spoke about his journey from the world to God’s path and how the Lord can set us free from Egypt.
The afternoon was divided into three parts. First, the Exodus choir glorified God and moved many to tears during their presentation. Then, Brother Helenilson Silva was ordained as a pastor. And thirdly, the team behind the www.connectedwithgod.com project presented their work, ethic, and missionary goals.
When Sunday arrived, the graduating class and the school staff were brimming with joy. After two years of laboring, toiling, and dreaming about conquering the diploma, it was finally before them. The graduates were thankful for every teacher, counsel, and lesson. Smiling, they made their way down the aisle one by one, the girls in their dark blue dresses and the boys in black suits and white shirts.
When the class was seated, Brother Finaru delivered an address especially for them. The message was: “It doesn’t matter if you’re called or not, you are a missionary either way.”
After everyone had received his or her diploma, the class sang together for the last time. At this realization, they could not hold their tears, for they knew it was time to say good-bye. May God bless each one wherever they go. May the truths they learned be life-changing for each graduate, as well as to each person they have the opportunity to reach.
Photos: Alan N. De Souza
