WIM Celebrates Graduation

Seminary and Institute (S&I) has been a great blessing for the young people of the West Indies. It has been a thrill for us as CES missionaries to watch the year long process from enrollment Sept. 2010 to graduation July/Aug 2012. In working closely with seminary and institute teachers and students we have a firm conviction that S&I is having a huge impact in the lives of young people here. Of course this influence will be felt not only now but in the future as these young people serve on missions, are sealed in the temple and become leaders in their families, church and communities.

Accomplishing the goal of graduation takes a lot of effort from the supervisors, teachers, leaders and students. Everyone felt joy in their efforts as graduation day came. We were privileged to attend 8 graduation ceremonies. We were especially proud of the 16 young people who accomplished their dream of receiving a 4 year diploma. This year 269 students received Certificates of Course Completion for the Doctrine and Covenants.

It was a heartwarming experience at each graduation to see the special young people receive their certificates and diplomas. They were very excited and their parents and teachers were very proud of them. Each graduation was a very spiritual experience. Many of the speakers spoke of how seminary and institute has been a blessing in their lives. Jared Nelson of Barbados who earned a 4 year diploma gave a talk about how seminary has been a light in his life and that has helped him be a light to others. He has shared the knowledge he has gained by teaching with the missionaries. He is now preparing to go on his own mission very soon. Shane Boyce, an institute student from Guyana, shared a personal experience in his graduation talk. He heard about Institute soon after his baptism only two years ago. “I wanted to go but was embarrassed because I couldn’t read or write. I heard a voice telling me ‘don’t go’ but, I listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost instead. I went to institute and through studying the scriptures – and with the support of my institute teacher - I taught myself to read. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it.”

We were very impressed with a seminary class we attended a few times in Sangre Grande, Trinidad. The teacher, Brother Blackburn, had a class of four young men. They were dedicated students and came to class every morning at 5:00 AM. Two of the boys, Brandon Blackburn and Kevin Christopher, graduated this year with 4 year diplomas. Adrian Suepaul has one more year to receive his diploma. The fourth boy, a new member of the church, Reon Charles was encouraged by the others to join seminary. He received a Certificate of Course Completion for Doctrine and Covenants along with Adrian. The four friends celebrated their graduation together with enthusiasm. These are amazing young men and we look forward to hear of their mission calls.

The other senior missionaries joined us for graduation in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Elder Andrus said it was one of the most spiritual experiences of his mission. He said he had never seen such excitement and radiance coming from young people at a seminary graduation. As he met some students afterward, they said, “We’ve never done anything like this before. We did it! We really did it!” One of these young women told him of her desire to go on a mission to share the gospel that has brought her so much happiness.

It has definitely been a highlight of our mission to rub shoulders with these extraordinary young people. The Seminary and Institute of Religion of our church is an inspired program from a loving Heavenly Father that is blessing the lives of the young people of the West Indies Mission.