Graduate, Clifton Marshall, Gives Testimony of God’s Faithfulness
Torch Testimonies
Listening to the testimonies from each graduate, as they lift high the flamed torch, are unforgettable moments during the NBC Commencement, for the graduate, their families, and the NBC community of professors and administrators. It is during this part of the ceremony that the audience hears the journey of each graduate delivered from their hearts summarized in 30 seconds. Here are just a few of the inspiring testimonies given that day:
As a children’s pastor, Katie Crowe, from Independence, Kansas, said, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, no matter where I go, no matter what I do, I promise that Jesus’ love will shine through.”
Tanner Triboulet, associate pastor from Albany, Oregon, expressed thanks to NBC: “Thank you NBC for the amazing years learning who God is and how much God wants to know me and have a relationship with me. I commit to live out my life and ministry for the sake of others that they would know this amazing God.”
Bobby Jackson, pastor from Peyton, Colorado, announced with joy, “I am the first person in my family to graduate from college.” He gave thanks for NBC, the faculty, his wife, 10 children, 42 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his church ministry team, friends, and for the grace of God.
Clifton Marshall, a pastor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, praised God for getting him through some very difficult times: “I went through 4 major surgeries and when I was ready to give up, my wife said don’t give up, you can make it!” And he did!
Sonia Brown from Bloomfield, New Mexico, shared, “I never thought I would graduate. I did not believe in myself.” Now that she has graduated, she wants to encourage others; Sonia exhorted, “You can keep going. God will always be there by your side, no matter how much pain and sorry you have.”
Pamela Dudley, a member of the NBC Freshman class, was the last to take the lit torch, representing the hundreds of students who are finding their way to NBC to have their lamps trimmed for more effective service. She proclaimed that “as we heard the sacred vows of the graduates, our hearts have been strengthened to pursue with greater determination our years of preparation.”