During the 104th Foundation Celebration of Adventist University of the Philippines
Praise God for 104 years of challenging yet exciting and rewarding service adventure with Him! On behalf of the Alumni of Western North America (AWESNA), I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to greet and congratulate you, our beloved front-liners in the ministry of preparing our youth, for service here and in the hereafter; and our dear young people for your sustained confidence in Seventh-day Adventist Christian education at AUP.
Fortified. Sixty-five words and expressions relate to this term. Foremost are strengthened, protected, prepared, defended, safeguarded, furnished with power to resist attack.
This year’s theme is a testimony to our miracle-working God’s sustaining power and grace enabling us to surmount hurdles through the years— especially, in 2020. We still struggle to be above water, as it were, as Covid 19’s winds continue to batter us. Swimming against torrential currents, we keep our gaze towards the Master of the sea, who has empowered us to conquer the giant waves— mustering will and muscle to the max to deliver our goods in unconventional ways under abnormal conditions.
A writer observed, “Crisis situations bring out the best and worst in people.” Richard Effers in the Courier Heralds said, “Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.”
We’re seeing the best among our beloved teachers doing their part, adjusting to online learning and keeping students engaged. We feel AUP administrators, workers’, and alumni’s tight grip, moving forward hand-in-hand to achieve the University’s mission. We laud parents, mostly on survival mode, yet continuing to support SDA education at AUP. We admire and cheer our students, some just stepped out of childhood, defying natural laws of physical, social development and growth; some solely dependent on God’s provision for subsistence—struggling yet overcoming the challenges of online learning. Social distancing has deprived us of fellowship with friends and relatives. Yet family has taken priority. Above all, despite our invisible enemy’s attack on our exercise of faith and worship, through technology God has provided virtual means for us to meet as a church family.
God, our Fortifier, assures us in Isaiah 43:2 -“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you.”
Our dear partners in the ministry of preparing workers for God, let us then face the unknown, with unflinching faith and firm resolve; and with our flames ablaze, keep shining for God till we sit at the feet of the Master Teacher and enjoy eternity with Him. Again, happy 104th ! God bless and Mabuhay, AUP!