RHEMA USA Sends Out 38th Graduating Class

ON FRIDAY, MAY 18, 425 soon-to-be graduates of Rhema Bible Training Center USA filed into the Tulsa Convention Center while family and friends cheered, whistled, waved, and took pictures. With the Class of 2012, RBTC now has nearly 60,000 graduates around the world!

Bill McNeese, pastor of Harvest Family Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and a 1982 Rhema Bible Training Center graduate, delivered the commencement address. He shared eight points for the graduates to remember before they reach the finish line in their race for God.

1. DON'T LOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL FLAVOR. There's an anointing on this school and that anointing is in you. Don't get involved with spiritual fads. Stay true to the message. A lot of people are looking for new stuff. You need to stay with the true stuff.
2. MAINTAIN A SPIRIT OF HONOR. A person of honor does not forget where he came from or who helped him get there.
3. HOLD FAST TO A CHAMPION'S PERSPECTIVE IN LIFE. God sees you as a champion, so run your race with that perspective.
4. PEOPLE ARE NOT STEPPING-STONES. Never place accomplishments above the people God sent you to minister to. Put God first and He will get you to the place He wants you to be.
5. PROTECT YOUR PASSION FOR GOD. You have to purpose to stay stirred up in your relationship with God. First and foremost, you're called to fellowship with Him, not to minister.
6. GOD WORKS IN DUE SEASONS. God has an expected end for your life and ministry, but you can't quit and faint along the way. There will be twists and turns, but you have to focus on your goal. Paths with no obstacles don't lead anywhere.
7. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT NOT GETTING UP. You're going to get knocked down. You're going to make mistakes. Turn the defeat into a victory. You'll always win if you just won't quit!
8. ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Remember that it's not just a destination—it's a journey. Stop and smell some roses. Nurture the relationships in your life. Invest in friendships. Take vacations. Cast your cares on the Lord, and do what God's called you to do with joy and peace.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, each graduate walked from the convention center auditorium holding a lit candle in one hand and a runner's relay baton in the other. Each baton bore these words: "I commit today to carry the baton of revival to this generation. I will carry the banner of faith and God's power to a lost and dying world. This is my time to do all God has called me to do!"

Look out world—the Class of 2012 is coming for you!