grad·u·a·tion [graj-oo-ey-shuhn] noun

1. an act of graduating;  the state of being graduated.  

2. the ceremony of conferring degrees or diplomas, as at a college or school.  

3. arrangement in degrees, levels, or ranks.

Origin:

1375-1425; late Middle English graduacion  < Medieval Latin graduātiōn-  (stem of graduātiō ).

We share in the pride of our UIM families celebrating graduations this year. Graduation from High School and/or college represents many long hours, days and years of intense effort, at so many levels. Late nights and early mornings, strained bodies and minds. Relationship built, broken, renewed and released. All with a hearty and celebratory, "Way to go, you made it!" Often immediately followed by, "What's next?"

Accomplishments always lead to "the next thing." Gradually, and often unexpectedly, we progress to the next thing in our life and our journey of faith. As the word graduation implies, life is a step by step process, with perhaps an occasional leap here or sprint there. It is primarily a gradual walk of faith.

We would urge you to use the opportunity of this UIM Connection! to connect with a grad close to you, to speak a word of praise and encouragement as they move on to the next thing.

We pray that "the next thing," for our UIM MKs will be a life of continuing growth and service for our Lord Jesus Christ. We are wishing you, "All the best!"

We are proud of you, and praise the Lord for you!

"...for we walk by faith, not by sight..." 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

 

Dan Fredericks

 

 

Missionary Kid "Graduates" 

Dillon Beard

The son of UIM missionaries, Tim and Val Beard, Dillon is the youngest of 6 children.  From a failure to thrive as a baby, he has grown to 6'9" tall.  Basketball is an assumed sport for tall students and Dillon did play through his Sophomore year at the local public school.  His team even got 7th in state, but due to several sprained ankles, he gave up the sport.  He did some swimming for the Toppenish AAU swim team usually earning his way to a championship round in every event.  He also raised pigs for 4-H and worked for years as a farm laborer.  He now works part-time at Howard's Drug and Medical Supply in Yakima.

After kindergarten, Dillon was homeschooled, which included some classes at Toppenish High School and then eventually at Yakima Community College. A natural bass, he is taking voice lessons to learn to sing not only better, but baritone. Dillon graduated from homeschool high school June 1 and will walk through graduation at Yakima Valley Community College on June 7. He has two more classes to take at the community college next fall before he is actually finished so doesn't have any final plans at this point. He has renewed an interest in design and architecture so may pursue a degree in that area eventually. In January he moved to Yakima from Toppenish to be closer to school but travels back on weekends to lead the youth group and videotape his dad's sermons.  

Dillon loves kids and kids             love Dillon!

Joshua Brock

ad Rod's whole testimony 

 

Some transitions are exciting while others are accompanied with tears. The graduation of a teenager from high school is just one of those mixed blessing transitions. UIM Aviation Field Director Bryon Brock and his wife, Sandy, are excited about their son Joshua transitioning into adulthood. At the same time, they realize that they are one step closer to becoming empty nesters.   

 

Joshua's accomplishments have been many, and he has a heart of gold that is focused on Christ. In May he graduated from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy with honors. Throughout high school Josh tried playing many sports, including tennis, track, and soccer. Football was his highlight and he played all four years. This past season he was awarded "Defensive Player of the Year." In baseball this spring he was awarded the Christian Character award by his fellow varsity players. He also served in leadership for three years and the National Honor Society for four.  

Joshua with Christian Character Award

Josh is currently working at Dunkin Donuts. He has also been hired as a Junior Varsity football coach at the school he attended. Josh is enrolled for the fall at the College    of Engineering at the University of Arizona. He is considering full-time ministry after school and is open to the Lord's leading.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The Kevin and Pamela Dunn family had two graduations this year.  Their recently married daughter, Allison, and her husband, Nate, recently graduated from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri.  They both were graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Biblical Studies.  They will be living in Matfield Green, Kansas, ministering in the local church.  They are expecting their first child in October! 

Allison and Nate Phipps

      

Megan Dunn graduated from Sahuarita High School in Sahuarita, Arizona. Megan did very well in her High School years at SHS, eventually graduating nineteenth in a class of 339.  She enjoyed playing basketball her freshman through junior years, but decided to forgo basketball her senior year to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant license.  She graduated from the program in June and will take her State Board test soon.  The last three summers she has worked as a lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor teaching swimming lessons to children.  She has been active in the youth group at church and helps out with kids' ministries on a regular basis.  She received a two-year scholarship to Pima Community College in Tucson and will be completing the prerequisites towards a degree in nursing before pursuing her Bachelor degree.

Megan Dunn

Please pray for the above students as they seek the Lord's will in their lives.