Letter to MPP Graduates
“The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight on your behalf, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place… who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.” (Deut. 1:30-31, 33 NASB)
Described in this passage is the concept of a journey. The Israelites, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage began a journey in fulfillment of God’s purposes and calling (Exodus 19:4-6). The idea of journey is intimated in the imagery portrayed –
- “The Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son.”
- “In all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.”
On their journey, the Israelites were accompanied by the strength of a warrior, the affection of a father, and the guiding presence of God symbolized by fire at night and a cloud by day.
The metaphor of a journey fits you well. Your NBC experience prayerfully stretched you; Some of you may even have considered giving up. But thank God you persevered, journeyed from one course to the next in spite of all the challenges you encountered. While you did not have the fire by night and the cloud by day, you had the strength from the Almighty, the affection of our heavenly Father, and of course, His presence.
One journey has come to an end but another commences. God’s purposes and calling upon your life mean that you will be looking for ministry opportunities. I am thrilled that you have completed the education requirement for ordination. District superintendents from around the country will be glad to speak with you as you seek God’s will in this new journey.
I want you to know you’ve been loved and prayed for by your NBC family long before you were enrolled in your first course. We will continue to pray for you as you embark on this amazing, adventurous, ministry journey.
Dr. Joseph R. Warrington, Director Ministry Preparation Program (MPP)
Published: 03/01/2021
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