Last Intern Graduation

Yesterday I wrote about the Stáž/Journey program that lasted 22 years here in the Czech Republic.

Today I got to witness the last graduation for this year's students!

Tyler was the 7th leader of this intensive internship program that Dave began back in 1997.

With a new theological program coming to Malenovice in the school year of 2019/20, leadership of KAM decided that 2018/19 would be the last class in this type of program.

Over the years 249 young leaders were discipled through this program, and in this past year Tyler had the privilege of shepherding the last five.

He had each one of them share about the highlights of their experience this year, and then had a special guest to give the final message to them.

Tim Downey was one of Tyler's professors at Moody Bible Institute, and a mentor of his too.

His message to the interns was so moving as he gave one final challenge to this year's class: "Wherever you go, whatever you do, never cease to feed God's sheep. That which has been done for you, you should do for others. In the same way that your life has been invested in, you too should invest in others. Go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything he has commanded you to do."

Tyler then brought each of the interns up individually, giving them his words of commendation about the growth that he has seen in their life.

One by one, he blessed them with not only encouraging words, but with a particular passage of Scripture for each one, exhorting and challenging them to continue on their journey of faith.

Remembering the first graduation 22 years ago, which was held at our house, it was so moving to be here for the final one as well!

I am so proud of Tyler and Lara, for the ways they have shepherded this last group of interns.

These young men and women go away with a love for the Lord, his Word and each other; and they go away with a desire and skills for how to continue making disciples how make disciples.

It brings me no end of joy, delight and pleasure to see and hear of my children walking in truth!

And I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done in their lives (which includes my precious daughters-in-laws!) and for how they continue to pour out their lives for the sake of the Gospel.