The next 16 pictures were taken last Friday during Handong University's 8th official Graduation Ceremony. I think there's no better way to start the semester (starting Mar. 6th) than to be able to celebrate the graduation of previous students, blessing them as they head out "in the real world". May they be true Ambassadors of Christ in this otherwise hopeless world!

Me and my "student", Byung-Hee. The truth is that students like Byung-Hee have taught me much more (about what it means to love others, forgiveness, patience...) than I could EVER teach them. I pray that God (through His grace) would let me see my students through eyes of faith and love at the BEGINNING of the semester...

I will NEVER forget Byung-Hee who will always be one of my best students ever. I am so proud to know that Byung-Hee has already been hired to work at ITPlus in Seoul. (www.itplus.co.kr ) He will be working in the "Public Business Team" and that company was smart to hire him! May God bless you and your family, Byung-Hee. I praise God for the work He has done in your life!

Anwar and Andy on graduation day, Friday, February 24th, 2006.

Su-Bin, Amy and Min-Sung (behind me) are just a few of the precious graduates leaving Handong. Friday was such a joyful day but there was also a mix of sadness to have such loved ones leave us...

Isn't this a fabulous photo of Anwar?! Anwar will be returning to Uzbekistan and we wish him all the best. You will truly be missed, Anwar!!! Please stay in touch.

Congratulations Su-Bin and Amy!!!

Hwang Bo-Kyung-Hwa (English name "Amy") is not only graduating but also leaving the OIA (Office of International Affairs) this week. She has been such a vital help to the university. We wish her all of God's blessings as she leaves in good faith, knowing that God is with her no matter where she goes.

Cho Su-Bin who graduated from the English Translation Department (Masters). I had the pleasure of teaching her and her classmates about a year ago. God has AMAZING things in store for Su-Bin!

After the awarding of degrees & prizes, honor badge awards, greetings, formal addresses and "the Blessing Song" for students, all profs were brought on stage so the students could sing "the Blessing Song" to us. I thought it was a good opportunity to take a photo of the audience. Quite a large crowd, huh?!

This picture is just a random example of how the awarding of degrees worked. Students would come up (by department) and the president (dressed in red like Papa Smurf, ha!ha!) would shake their hands and congratulate them. Their department head would be standing on the far left of the stage to shake hands and hug each graduate.

Representatives of the Undergraduate Class sang "a Song of Celebration" before the awarding of degrees. It was a LONG ceremony but a BEAUTIFUL one! (2pm-4:30)

Sue, Sarah and Louise in the DLE 1st floor Academic Lounge. (All profs met there at 1:45pm to "march in" together at the 2pm Entrance.)

Elsie and Heinz Schoenhoff! Elsie will be teaching with us in the DLE this semester. The Schoenhoffs have traveled the world preaching/teaching the Word of God and we are extremely blessed to have them here at Handong.

Professor Eric G. Enlow who teaches at the Handong Law School. He also preaches on Sundays at BukBu Church in Pohang. Eric had the pleasure of leading us all in prayer at the opening of the graduation ceremony. He looked so cute in his robe that I just HAD to get a picture!

Professors Lee Jong-Sun and Roy Henk looking handsome in their robes on Graduation Day.

With so many students and parents running around, I thank God that I was able to hear Hannah scream out "Andy! Andy!" on my way to the opening of the commencement ceremony. May God bless you always, Hannah!

The Doctrine of God - Dedication to the Will of God

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
God's will refers to His purpose for the life of the believer. It implies His guidance or direction in all of life's decisions. Dedication is an act of surrender or submission to His will for our lives whereby we become a "living sacrifice". Daily dependence on God results in our transformation into the image of Christ.
Illustration: When we seek to discern the will of God we must also be committed to doing the will of God as it is revealed in the Word of God (John 7:17).
Application: The believer should evaluate every decision on the basis of biblical principles, knowing that obedience brings God's blessing.