by CTSFW Graduate,

November 13, 2020, marked a special day at CTSFW with the conferral of degrees to six international students who completed their graduate programs. From the Lutheran
Church of Nigeria were Bishop Sylvanus Willie, the Rev. Ibok Luke, the Rev. Elijah Essang, the Rev. David Ukpong, and the Rev. Kufre-Abasi Etim, who each received their Master
of Sacred Theology (STM) degrees. From the South East of Lake Victoria Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (SELVD/ELCT) was the Rev. Odolous Kiula who received his Master of Arts (MA) degree. At the commencement that followed the morning’s chapel service, CTSFW President, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., shared these words, “A few moments ago we sang ‘And from morn to set of sun through the Church the song goes on’ implying that the Church sings its praises of its Lord Christ without ceasing. That, of course, is true for those who are in the nearer presence of our Lord, but it also involves the Church here on earth as we, from one end of the globe to the other, join together in confessing Christ and singing of the great salvation He has won for us. Today we congratulate our graduates who are part of this community with us and who have blessed us so richly with their presence and with their insight as being part of that song that we sing together. Thank you for the way you have enriched our community and we look forward to our continued collaboration both here in the United States and in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the world.

God bless you all and congratulations.”