Transformed and Equipped: Global University's 16th Commencement

A traumatic brain injury. A long-term prison sentence. A library ministry on hermeneutics. What do these vastly different descriptions have in common? They are just a few of the experiences represented in the 1,014 new Global University graduates who come from 49 countries.

On Friday, June 15, Global University celebrated its 16th annual commencement. While this may seem routine for a residential university, a university based entirely on distance learning sees different logistics. Despite any hardships, students from 13 U.S. states and seven countries converged on Springfield, Missouri, to officially walk the line and receive their Global University diplomas. These 42 graduates included one doctoral (Global University’s first Doctor of Ministry degree awarded), five masters, six undergraduate, and 30 Berean students.

Three reflection speakers — one from each group — addressed the graduates at the ceremony. Each of them represented different life experiences and God-filled interventions. They also represented the incredible work God is doing in the lives of Global University graduates worldwide.

Lisa Marshall, Berean School of the Bible speaker, takes her servant’s heart beyond the four walls of a church. Her ministry reaches into her community library, where she teaches regularly on hermeneutics to a group of attendees.

The Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology speaker, Richard Shreves, engages in Kingdom work with a ministry reach that many can’t achieve. He is changing the heart of a Montana prison — from the inside out. Richard isn’t a guard, or a chaplain. He is a prisoner whose heart has been freed from the chains of sin and is unlocking the hearts of those around him — other prisoners and staff. Shreves used video to communicate his message to graduates.

The Graduate School of Theology speaker, Kathi Gregoire, was in many ways also a prisoner, although not in the same sense as Shreves. As the result of an accident, Gregoire was a victim of a traumatic brain injury. Trapped in her own thoughts, unable to read or write, God still called Gregoire to pursue her master’s degree. Through grit, perseverance, and truly divine healing, she not only finished but — with a voice that a few years ago she was unable to use — delivered a heartfelt challenge to her fellow graduates.

These three reflection speakers represent just a sample of what God is doing worldwide. It is Global University’s continuing mission to train and equip men and women from around the world, no matter their circumstances, to be ministers in their own setting. They are continuing to impact eternity where they are.