KVA CLOSING DAY SPEECH

I gave this speech at the closing day assembly this morning (Friday ) at 9 a.m. (12 a.m. BC time). Form 1 and Form 3 students received their final report cards. Form 2 and Form 4 students are finishing their government exams. 

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Good morning.
I would like to recognize the presence of the Directress, the Principal; staff members of Kings Victory Academy; parents, guardians and friends; and students.

As we come to the end of the 2011-2012 school year, I have also come to the end of my time here in Malawi. I will be leaving Lilongwe on July 19th and returning to my family in Canada after 6 1/2 months' absence. I have some thoughts that I want to leave with you.

I would first like to read a few verses from the 2nd book of Timothy--chapter 2 and verses 6-8:
(2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV))
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

The apostle Paul wrote this as he was facing death by execution. No one is being executed here today! However, both the students and I have reached the end of a chapter in our lives.

Paul said he had finished his race; we have finished this school year, and I hope that you students can look back and say that you have done your best. That's what it mean to fight the good fight. To keep the faith means that you have worked on your relationship with God and your relationships with others. You have grown. You have matured. I hope you have matured!

Many of you also have a reward here for your hard work--promotion to the next form. That's a temporary reward, but there is also the heavenly reward that Paul spoke of--a reward that God had waiting for Paul in heaven. There is a reward in heaven for you too, if you follow God and you don't give up or quit.

So--good bye.
I will think of you often.
And whenever I think of you, I will pray for you, that you stay faithful to God.

And whenever you think of me, remember that if we don't see one another again here on this earth, I will EXPECT to see you in heaven!
And we will tell each other:
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith.
Thank you.