Jeremias’ Graduation

Jeremias is a 29-year-old church member who blesses us in the exercise of his gifts as an evangelist, preacher, and musician.  When he came to Christ in 2010, his education had been stalled for years at the seventh grade level; but through much prayer and perseverance over the following years, he managed to not only finish high school, but proceed to pharmacy studies at the local medical university.  Last week, his educational journey culminated with his graduation as a pharmacist!

Following the school’s ceremony on Wednesday, we celebrated with a dinner party on Saturday.  I provided funds for the meal and arranged for the use of our organization’s supplies for cooking and serving it.  Jeremias and Afonso bought the food, recruited cooks from the church , and carefully controlled the borrowed items — even retrieving one metal fork from the trash can!

I brought Stephanie to decorate the outdoor space where the party was held  (with help from Matthew and me), since she has supplies and expertise in that area.  She’s also a cake decorator, so she arranged with her instructor to provide the beautiful dessert pictured here.  A camera which I’d provided to another friend for ministry projects was well-utilized to photograph the festive occasion, which included games, speeches, singing, and prayer.

Please join us in praying for God’s direction for Jeremias in the days ahead, regarding employment, where to live, and starting a family.  Pray that the Holy Spirit would continually renew his passion to share the gospel with the lost and strengthen believers’ faith.  And pray, as he earnestly requested at the party, that he would continually grow in his own love for the Lord.  Thank you for your prayers.