On Sunday, May 7, Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) Stevens Point chapter, OnPoint, held a graduation ceremony for three of its members. “Every year, we end on this high point,” said Joshua Guerrero, Wisconsin Conference Public Campus Ministries Coordinator. Several student friends associated with the ACF chapter, as well as members from the Stevens Point SDA Church, were in attendance to support the graduates. Aside from pizza, cake, and other standard graduation party fare, there was a meaningful, spiritual side to the gathering as well.
The ceremony was kicked off with a prayer from local district pastor, Justin Spady. Each graduate was awarded with gifts and a certificate from OnPoint: certifying them as official ACF Scholars, with the full text of Hebrews 12:1-2 printed on them, as a reminder of the endurance God gave them throughout their college years, as well as the endurance He will continue to give in coming years.
Each student also gave a few words about their time involved with ACF OnPoint while at the university. “It’s made my four years of college just that much better,” said Tyler, a graduate of the Business Management program, who has been the chapter’s treasurer the past four years. “I just want to thank Josh for being here for me the past four years and pulling me out of the darkest place of my life,” said Austin, a graduate of the Media Studies and Environmental Philosophy programs who hopes to go on to rehabilitate large felines. “Anyone can go to church. But Josh showed me that you can worship God anywhere, even in public,” said Colton, a graduate of the Wildlife Ecology program who is interning this summer at the Wildwood Zoo and Safari in Minocqua. “He made it seem so natural, like a genuine conversation.”
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the gathering laid hands on the new graduates for a season of prayer and consecration. Pastor Zack Payne, Wisconsin Conference Youth Director, compared the three graduates to Daniel’s three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and prayed that God would give them the strength and courage to stand up for God’s truth, wherever it is that He sends them after graduating. The evening wrapped up with fellowship and volleyball before dark.
Zack Payne, Youth Director
