Just a few days ago we hosted a county-wide baccalaureate service for the graduating seniors of our home county. God blessed in a marvelous way. Hundreds of seniors, parents, grandparents, and friends gathered at a local high school auditorium.

The Lord used a great team of volunteers, local churches, business sponsors, donors, and prayer partners. It was truly an exciting thing to be a small part. Seniors from area schools testified, led the music, and sang. Stirring challenges were shared by the State Highway Police Chaplain and a member of the State Board of Education. (Read the local newspaper article here.)

It was my privilege to give a simple message about life and eternity. When the gospel was shared 38 precious souls professed faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior! A number of others requested more information on following Christ or in finding a church home.

Every celebration is an opportunity for the gospel. Life’s milestones are reminders of eternity and what truly matters. What a celebration we had with so many! (View pictures of this first event on Instagram or Facebook.)

God’s Word teaches that there is rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7, 10). Who is celebrating there? Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Indeed, God Himself celebrates over the salvation of souls.

I am writing this brief report for two reasons:

• First, thank you to so many who joined with us in prayer, giving, and labor. God used you and God did what we could not do. May the Lord bless you for sharing in this gospel work. You will share in the reward.
• Second, to challenge you to consider a similar event in your area. Transitions in life are an open door for the truth to be given. As young people leave school and launch out into the next season of life we have an opportunity to point them to God.

Years ago baccalaureate services were common in conjunction with high school commencements. Today few people know what they are. It is another evidence of the increasing secularization of our society. We need a resurgence of events like this that not only honor graduates but honor God.

If you are interested in organizing a baccalaureate service for the purpose of the gospel, we would love to help. A program has been built and the template is yours to use. We would be happy to share the steps that we learned and tools that were developed. Our prayer is that many more of these services will begin in the coming school year.

God willing, we plan to make this an annual event and expand to other counties. Visit WVgrads.com for more information on this exciting work. Would you join us in this endeavor?

You may contact associate evangelist Chase Whitten for more information on conducting a baccalaureate service at 304.661.6139.