Washington Adventist University Editorial: Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives
One of the best ways to transform the lives of individuals is to teach and model the love of Jesus to all God’s children. Throughout my life as a student, teacher and administrator, it has allowed me to comfortably make this bold statement: There is no better way or place to engage minds and transform the lives of individuals than to be on a faith-based Christian campus—more specifically, a Seventh-day Adventist Christian learning community.
What does engaging minds and transforming lives really mean? I’m glad you asked. It is the model of how Jesus grew in wisdom, physical development and in favor with God and humanity (Luke 2:52). And this is how AI defines it: 1. A powerful phrase that suggests a commitment to lifelong learning—a passion for learning, growth and exploration; 2. Personal growth focusing on empowering individuals to reach their full potential; and 3. Positive impact—a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
My friends, no other institution or organization does this better than Christian education. It is a successful process of deepening one’s connection with themselves, others and the Divine power of the universe. This Christian educational journey involves:
1. Self-awareness: Understanding one’s values, beliefs and motivations.
2. Mindfulness: Cultivating presence and awareness in daily life.
3. Compassion: Developing empathy and kindness toward oneself and others.
4. Forgiveness: Letting go of negative emotions and experiences.
5. Gratitude: Practicing appreciation for life’s blessings.
6. Connection: Building meaningful relationships with others and communities throughout the world.
7. Purpose: Discovering one’s passions and life’s meaning.
8. Spiritual practices: Engaging in activities like Bible reading, meditation and prayer to cultivate spiritual growth.
At Washington Adventist University (WAU), we get the opportunity to experience this transformation of our students every day. They are learning and experiencing the love of Jesus. Some are requesting a closer journey with Jesus through baptism. Others are not attending the Seventh- day Adventist Church or any church, but they are attending WAU to prepare for a career of service to humanity.
We have a great opportunity to make Adventist education accessible to not only Adventist students but to all students, irrespective of their religious affiliation. Adventist education, through the power of the Holy Spirit, provides the opportunity to transform the lives of all students. Our messages and appeals to support Christian education are vital tools in helping the university to promote Christian education. Therefore, we invite our churches and institutions to watch and share our videos and read our messages on how Christian education is impacting the lives of our students.
Nationally, these are challenging times for institutions like WAU. We need your prayers and positive support to prepare our students for the workplace and eternity. There is a need for an Adventist institution in the capital of the United States.
Every Sabbath service should include a promotion for Christian education, a call for enrollment and a request for financial giving to help our students attend and complete a Christian education at all levels—kindergarten through college.
Students inform me they are having a positive and exciting learning experience here at WAU, but without the necessary financial resources, they may not be able to continue attending. Thus, we invite and encourage all our churches to continue to partner with us to engage minds and transform lives in amazing ways by sharing the value of a Christian education.
This is Washington Adventist University!
Weymouth Spence, President
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