Convocation: 16 Years and Going Strong

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet
you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. Psalm 8:3-8

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:1-6

Students, faculty, staff, and guests packed the auditorium Wednesday morning for Boston Trinity's 16^th Annual Convocation, a service in which the Boston Trinity community dedicates the new school year to God and asks His blessing upon it.

Mr. Frank Guerra gave a warm welcome, reminding everyone of Boston Trinity's mission, and how the school's motto, Via, Veritas, Vita, reflects our desire to follow Jesus and calls us together to be a community of light.

Boston Trinity's Board Chairman, Mr. Robert Bradley, then spoke briefly, encouraging the students to take advantage of the opportunities they have here. He told them, "The teachers care about each one of you...about your role in finding what God has for you." He challenged the students to consider these questions: Who am I and where did I come from? Am I created by a one, true, loving God? Does my life have a purpose, and what is it? What happens when I die? "Do not let this opportunity go to waste," he told the students. "Make your life count. Take advantage of this gift [being at Boston Trinity Academy]."

Reverend Charles Drew, former pastor of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City and also brother to our own Rebekah Guerra, gave the Convocation address. Referring to Psalms 8 and 139, Reverend Drew explained how these Psalms are perfect for the school, for they tell us how invaluable we are to God. "We can't hide from God's care," he said.

After giving the students a brief account of his life of "privilege," Reverend Drew said life is hard for all of us, but there are "uneven levels of hardness." He told them, however, that they are lucky for three reasons:

1)      Students at Boston Trinity are a diverse group. They have a chance many young people don't have – to study with, play sports with, argue with, and make friends with kids "who are not like you." "This is an enormous privilege," he said. "Don't squander it. Learn to get along with people who don't look like you."

2)      Boston Trinity is an academically demanding school. Reverend Drew reminded students how much their teachers love them. He exhorted them to discover the many wonderful things in every subject. "The greater your knowledge and skills, the better you will be able to find your way. You need what they are giving you," he said.

3)      "You are in a Christ-centered community. Your teachers know God loves them and that He loves you. They know God knows everything about you, even the dark places, even all of your hurts."

In concluding his message, Reverend Drew encouraged the students to make thankfulness a habit. "Be thankful every day for this place, and all the things here – even the hard things. It is no mistake you are here. I hope you have a wonderful year."