Great Commission University held orientation for the 2025 Summer quarter, with students, faculty, and staff representatives joyfully gathering to welcome the new quarter with praise, a sermon, and important information regarding the study programs.
The orientation began with an intercessory prayer led by faculty Sharon Haman and was followed by a gracious sermon delivered by Dr. Deborah Im, Vice President of Academic Affairs. The message on 1 Peter 3:13-17 delved into the importance of being prepared to always give an answer for the hope that is inside the believer.
Dr. Im asked, “How prepared are you to proclaim Jesus clearly and speak about the reason why He is the Savior and why this world needs Jesus Christ? When we look at the apostles, they faced many threats, accusations, and challenges as they proclaimed the message of salvation. The apostle Peter knew that many questions would come to us as well. Therefore, he exhorts us to be ready to explain to others who are thirsty to know God and the truth. Why do we study theology and why do you need to do many assignments, take many exams, and read many textbooks? The truth is that we didn’t need theology to receive God’s grace or to receive the Holy Spirit. We came to the church through God’s calling and guidance. Nonetheless, here apostle Peter gives us a clear answer- It is so that you can be ready to give good answers to others and to do so with a gentle heart.”
Following this message, President Paul Foerster gave a welcoming message to all students with the verse “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” from Isaiah 43:19. This summer God has many good plans for our university and all students, however, we need to be ready to see and receive them. At the end of this month, very important guests will visit our campus in form of a team visit for our school’s accreditation. All students were asked to pray and contribute to that important goal through their study performance – let us work together, encouraged the President.
This time of orientation was a special occasion to introduce Pastors Simon Kim and Moises Gonzalez who are strengthening the university’s student services in many ways by supporting especially Spanish speaking students.
At the end of the orientation, all participants prayed together for the new quarter, for the upcoming site visit and for the goal of accreditation.
