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Baltimore 1 UBF (Maryland, USA)

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Recently Baltimore 1 UBF had a special Graduation Sunday Worship Service. Paul Sambuco gave the message based on Philippians 3:1-14. The Apostle Paul was a man who had more reasons to boast of human achievements than anyone. Yet he considered it all rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. Paul knew Christ more than most anyone, yet he was not satisfied until he could know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings. He did not seek human glory, but was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of Christ. His goal was to be with Christ for all eternity, enjoying fellowship with his Lord forever. So he said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13b-14) Through this message, our graduates and all of us could see that our goals in life must not be directed at our own success, but toward our eternal home with Jesus in heaven.

Carlo Mercado graduated from Towson University in Forensic Chemistry. He began Bible study from his freshman year and was faithful to Bible study, often during winter and summer breaks. He shared his graduation testimony based on Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” He wants not to worry about his future life, but live committed to God. He grew up Catholic, but grew much closer to God and Jesus through 1:1 Bible study. He learned to pray to God and depend on God through the trials of college life, and God gave him peace. He also learned to put priority in his life in God through Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God blessed Carlo to be accepted to the Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. We thank God for his work in Carlo’s life and pray for him to continue to grow in his personal faith in Jesus and be a blessing to others.

Ishaya Daniel graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with a Pharm.D. from the School of Pharmacy. He began Bible study from his first year of Pharmacy School. Ishaya shared his graduation testimony based on Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” During his first year, Ishaya was in danger of being expelled from school due to inappropriate behavior. At first he rebelled against the administration. In his time of desperation, he had no where to turn than to God. He prayed for God’s mercy and received God’s word from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Ishaya realized he was unworthy of God’s love as a sinner. He accepted salvation through the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus. He repented and admitted he was wrong and after a period of waiting was accepted by the administration. He thanked God for his mercy in to be able to complete Pharmacy School. But he testified of much greater importance is that only Jesus saves. He testified that Jesus is more important to him than Pharmacy School. Though Ishaya had an opportunity to get a good paying job several hours away, he instead decided to remain in the Baltimore area to continue growing as a shepherd and teaching the Bible to young men in need of the grace of Jesus like himself.

The Sunday Worship Service was attended by the family members of the graduates. The parents gave thanks to God for his work in their sons’ lives. They were thankful for God’s work through UBF to bring the gospel of Jesus to young people of our times. Please pray for us to be good shepherds for Jesus’ sheep at the campuses of Johns Hopkins University, Towson University and University of Marlyland, Baltimore.