Bible School Graduation Ceremony

The last week of school is winding down and the widely anticipated graduation ceremony was held today (Saturday, October 2). Pastors and their families came from short and long distances to participate. Everyone, including the children, was dressed in their Sunday best. One pastor located some black caps and gowns with blue hoods for the graduates to borrow – a true luxury.

They gathered at a church to robe up and have photos taken – another luxury. By 9:00 a.m. the sun was just plain hot and all the shady spots were jammed with robed graduates. These eager people marched one kilometer through the streets of Malindi with friends and family surrounding them. The sounds of horns and cheering could be heard from a distance. This graduation is a big deal here. They even had to get a permit from the police to hold the “parade.”

The town hall was packed with well-wishers. Fans whirred from every corner. Over 450 people were in attendance for the 26 graduating pastors. Kelly and Kathy went to great lengths to attend to the details that will make this occasion special for each individual pastor. The ceremony was an almost exact replica of one from America: Introductions, singing, a guest speaker, the conferring of the diplomas, and moving the tassel. There was one exception that really made this occassion very moving.

After the diplomas were conferred, friends and family began coming to the graduates who were seated in the front two rows. They brought gifts, signs, flowers, and some small money to put into the hands of these most beloved family members. This gifting went on for some time until hugs, photos, and dancing took over every area on the main floor. This is the time when I could really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit along with a little self-centered sadness. I quickly joined in the dancing to the welcoming of Pastor Njuguna and some of his congregation.

Wow, what a momentous occasion and I got to participate!