Thursday – “Forget the former things…I am doing a new thing.”

And so began the much awaited graduation day!  The culmination of ten months of hard work learning new skills, learning to read and write, opening up God’s word and soaking in God’s love and truth…….the time has come to spread their wings and fly! 

Peace opened the celebration with prayer and Isaiah 43:18-19.  How appropriate these words are!  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”  God has certainly done a NEW thing in these women, and now it’s time to celebrate that!

https://app.box.com/s/aunu0ya0iz2iph9wwnmv 

The students had prepared a drama that followed the journey of two women from their despairing past to the Homecare center.  And how intensely they portrayed it!  Two girls appeared as orphans taken in by a woman to be helpers in her home, only to abuse them and kick them out (which happened to so many of them in reality).  Now on the streets, they cried, fearful and alone.  One of the girls actually cried as she “acted.”  It probably brought back deep wounds of her own life.  Then a woman came by, noticed them, and as they talked, she discovered they were homeless orphans.  Portraying a former graduate, she told the girls there was a place she could take them where they would be loved, taught, and learn about God.  They walked across the floor to the “office” where they were interviewed by “Faith.”  After their stories were verified, they became a part of the sewing class.  “Goretti” began to put them through an orientation about the sewing machine (all acted out with great accuracy, much to the delight of the crowd, especially the students and former graduates present).  Then one girl said she could not read or write, and in came in “Phoebe” who began to teach them to read and write, using the Bible.   Now they could read and write and sew!  Then the “teacher” declared that they were ready to graduate, receive their diploma, their own sewing machine and begin their own business, and they sang out in praise!  This truly summarizes the experience for those who become a part of the Homecare family.  How realistically and passionately they told their story!  As they concluded, all those gathered applauded enthusiastically for their powerful performance.

The students had also prepared a fashion show, modeling clothes that they had personally made.  One by one they entered the room in their custom designed clothes with signs around their neck.  Each sign was like a banner of sorts (much like a pageant contestant) with the name of a fruit of the spirit.  We saw “Miss Love, “Miss Kindness,” “Miss Joy” and so on as they playfully modeled their clothes.  It was a great success!

Then there were a number of messages offered by Josephine, one of the former graduates, and Trish.  Trish shared that the team had a gift for them, a necklace with a cultured pearl.  She explained how a pearl is formed, beginning as a speck of sand which once inside the oyster, causes a wound-like irritation, representing painful experience.  But God designed the oyster to begin covering the speck of sand with a special covering, and layer by layer, the tiny speck becomes a lustrous pearl of great value.  She compared the layers as the layers of God’s love that pours over our lives, our wounds and hurts, turning the pain into beauty.  She urged them to remember that what God does to produce pearls, He is doing in their lives.  They seemed genuinely moved.

Rob sang a beautiful song of encouragement about God’s faithfulness, reminding them that He would continue to be faithful to them, and the team sang “Open the Eyes of My Heart” as Connie signed the words.

Before starting to present the diplomas, I shared a few words about the importance of remembering.  Just as God urged His people to remember His great works and miracles, we need to remember His promises and hold fast to what is TRUE.  Moving out into the working world the enemy will no doubt try to stir up doubt, accusations of the past, and fear.  I reminded them of a number of truths about them:  they are redeemed, forgiven, forever free from condemnation…chosen, unique, wonderful and truly women of worth…..because of Jesus!!  Hallelujah!

As one by one the graduates came forward to receive their diplomas, some came singing and dancing.  All came with enormous smiles.  Cameras flashed; everyone clapped, and as each one held their well earned diploma, team members put the pearl necklace around their necks and gave them a special booklet (made by LaDonna) containing God’s truth and encouragement from His Word written in Kurundi.  What lovely gifts!

Then the dancing, singing and rejoicing began!!!  WHAT JOY!  Hugs, smiles, huddling up for pictures……..pure joy.  We brought a printer with us, and John took a photo of each one with their diploma and printed them up for them to take home.  They loved it!  Of course, all the friends who had come for the celebration decided they wanted one, too……he could have done this for hours, and they would not have tired of it!  But at last, the celebration had to draw to a close. 

What a wonderful, wonderful celebration!  We could not be more proud and pleased for them.  How we pray for them as they begin the next chapter of their journey.  Closing words before diploma presentations came from Col. 1: 9-11:  “Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you, asking God to fill you with knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding….we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord….bearing fruit….growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthen with all power according to His glorious might….having great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father.”

As Tim closed us in prayer, all we could say is, “Amen…..and Amen!!!  Thank you, Jesus!!”