WHO ARE ENRIQUE, DAN, AND JIM SEEING?

THE OUTSTANDING PEOPLE
OF
THE 2013 GRADUATING CLASS

OK........................ONE MORE REQUIREMENT



WE DO HAVE TO GET INTO THE BUILDING TO GRADUATE

WHAT'S THE HURRY?

WE'RE REALLY CHATTING IT UP!

BUT OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WANT US TO PROCEED! SO LET'S GO!

Left to Right

Miles, the Master of Ceremonies, greets and welcomes all present and guides us through the program.

Ben reads the scripture, reminding us that God is the source of all wisdom and life.

Jim welcomes graduates, family and friends.

William thoughtfully leads us in prayer. (Sorry, William. This picture just about excluded you.)

MILES OFFICIALLY BEGINS THE CEREMONY.

Miles is the ideal choice to serve as Master of Ceremonies. Miles is not only an eloquent preacher of the Word, but also an accomplished radio and television speaker. His clear and resonant voice will be remembered for its appeal and quality.

BEN DIRECTS OUR THOUGHTS TO A READING FROM NEHEMIAH

Ben's reading selection from Nehemiah reflects his own personal commitment to God's will and calls each of us to be of the same mind. Ben is a gifted leader and consistently exceeds goals that are set before him. His leadership concepts are published in his books on leadership.

LOOK! WE DO HAVE A PICTURE OF WILLIAM - CAN'T GO ON WITHOUT YOU.

THANK YOU, WILLIAM,
FOR LEADING OUR OPENING PRAYER

William is blessed with talents of exceptional insight and analysis. Not only is that evident in his prayer, but also in the lessons and courses he teaches in the Theological University of America. He thinks deeply and shares his thoughts in understandable and applicable language.

AT THIS POINT IN THE CEREMONY, MILES INTRODUCES SELLERS WHO SHARES HIS VISION OF THE ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTER IN HIS SERVICE TO THE LORD'S CHURCH

Sellers is a consumate example of the gift of academics and the gift of ministry. He ministers the WORD locally and around the world. He is a master of writing. His many books reveal his unique ability to express the deepest of thoughts in language easily understood by both scholar and learner. He is a blessing to all of us.

NOW IS THE FIRST OF 6 GRADUATES WHO SHARE THEIR VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE MISSION, SPIRITUALITY, AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCH.

DAVID EARL LATON

In Dr. Laton’s presentation he shared his vision for the church with emphasis on providing a balance in our focus to include strengthening our programs for domestic missions. He recognizes the pattern provided by our Lord to the apostles in Acts 1:8 to begin in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the world as a pattern for the church to continue to follow today. His thoughts are that in many cases we focus on the world at the expense of our own areas. We must ensure we meet our responsibilities of our personal Jerusalem where we live.

JANICE MARIE HARRIS

Dr. Harris shared her vision for the church using the model of what she calls the “whole person evangelism” approach. She emphasized that the New Testament gives us a pattern to follow in Luke 2:52 as we view the life of Jesus. Although we don’t know a lot about his early life we do know the areas in which he grew; socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Having worked in the area of Social Work for the last 9 years she believes that we need to teach an integrative approach of reaching the lost which involves meeting the deep emotional and mental health issues as well as the spiritual needs. Dr. Harris feels that Theological University of American has given her many tools to accomplish that goal.

CARL ANTHONY HARRIS

CARL AND JANICE

TOGETHER

RICARDO BARRERA

THOMAS ERWIN HOLMES

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

"Biblical Principles
of
Success"

HARRY MIDDLETON

Dr. Middleton delivered an excellent presentation derived from the scripture in support of inspiring and practical points for success in both our spiritual lives and our temporal lives. Thank you, Dr. Middleton, for sharing your wisdom and insights with us.

DAVID CARLOS ESSUMAN
"I would like to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the President and the governing body of the Theological University of America for giving me the opportunity to speak at this graduation. Graduation time is a period of excitement and a reflection of what took place in the cause of one's study. It is period of harvesting one's long hours of learning, meditating over a wide range of issues that forms part of the study. However, having a degree on the wall is good and demonstrates one's achievement. But, if our degrees on the walls of our study rooms or offices cannot change the lives of others, then, those degrees become worthless. Therefore, the degree one has attained must serve as a platform to make a difference in the lives of our fellow human beings. May the good Lord help us to use the knowledge gained to serve others while preparing them for the eternal home."

CLOSING SPEAKER

DANIEL H. KING

Dan delivered remarks with perfect balance between serious scholarship and exposition. Inspiring and uplifting, the text of the message as understood through Dan's words brought us to a higher concept of application and personal involvement. These qualities of scholarship and communication characterize the excellence of his many books.

Thank you, Dan, for sharing from your deep knowledge of the Word and Christian living.

CLOSING PRAYER WAS LED BY GARY LEE FINLEY

Gary combines the qualities of deep spirituality and thorough Biblical knowledge with exceptional success in the business world.This combination gives Gary a broad perspective in the challenges of living for God while living in this world. His words in prayer match his daily walk in faith and service.

HERE ARE PICTURES OF SOME OF THE GRADUATES, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT PART OF THE FORMAL CEREMONY BUT WHO ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND APPRECIATED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUPPORT.

Brianna Bronson Irma Chris

Front row left to right:Lilly, Lauren, Diane (wife), Gina (daughter), Macy, Jacob
Back row left to right: Lisa, Lance (son) Gary(me), Joey

John Nat Kissi

Marcus Lance Barnum

Dana Griffin Pentecost

Edward Lee Davis

José Molina Ramirez

Irma Chris

Irma

Braxton Briana Bronson

AFTER THE CEREMONY WE ENJOYED FELLOWSHIP, REFRESHMENTS, AND CONVERSATION.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE VERY KIND AND THOUGHTFUL ARRANGEMENTS THAT SISTER
LOIS FAIRCLOTH PROVIDED FOR THE ENJOYMENT AND FELLOWSHIP OF ALL WHO PARTICI-
PATED IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.

WE EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO THE ELDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PLEASANT HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR PERMITTING THE THEOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA THE USE OF THEIR CONGREGATIONAL FACILITIES IN HOLDING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THIS GRADUATION CEREMONY.