Resident Damou Evans, one of seven to graduate from the North Bay School of Theology at San Quentin, said he joined the program to be a leader, not only in the community, but also in his family.
The 14-week advanced theology program provides contextualized leadership development to residents interested in putting God first as they gain insight, work through conflicts, and build relationships using the Bible as a teaching guide.
Reverend Cornell Swain of Gateway Seminary hosted the commencement ceremony and handed out diplomas to graduates who were accompanied by invited guests and family members.
The three reverends who sponsored the advanced class each shared words of appreciation for the graduates as they presented them with their certificates.
Reverend Miguel Rodriguez spoke on behalf of residents Pedro Ibanez, Nazario Jeronimo Izara, and Jorge Alberto Ramos Coella.
When he introduced Jorge, Rodriguez said he was touched by Jorge’s sensitivity to the Lord.
“It’s a privilege for me to present Brother Jorge with this certificate simply because I have been touched by his sensitivity to the Lord and his desire to apply the Word to his life,” said Rodriguez.
“Pedro is a little quiet,” Rodriguez said, “but when he says something he speaks from the heart. May the Lord continue to bless him and his family.
“We are thankful for Nazario’s efforts, and Lord we pray for the continued blessing for him and his family,” said Rodriguez. “Today, I am honored to be presenting these gentlemen with their Christian Ministry Certifications.”
When Swain presented a certificate to resident Damou Joseph Evans, he called it his honor.
“I believe that I have had the honor and privilege to steward and be a part of you getting wisdom. It hasn’t been about getting the wisdom and knowledge, it has really been about transformation,” Swain said about resident Evans.
As he presented the certificate to Timothy Young, Swain said that Timothy has been one of the longest and committed participants of the program.
“For a little context of Brother Timothy, he has come before us when we started seminary in 2008. He was there in 2011 and 2012. He was also taught by many of [my] predecessors,” Swain said.
Reverend Bob Lawler presented Tristan Lynch with his certificate, noting Lynch’s commitment and calling it genuine.
“Tristan is committed to getting it all and in order to get it all, you have to be a person with a lot of questions. He is an excellent student because he keeps on asking questions,” Lawler said. “He doesn’t just do it for knowledge and he doesn’t just want to know it all, he wants to do it all for the Glory of God.”
Rodriguez, director of North Bay School of Theology, acknowledged graduates for attending the advanced program which is only available at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
Rodriguez said that humans have four basic needs: acceptance, security, identity, and purpose.
As the ceremony came to a close, Rodriguez presented the graduates with a call to action: accept God. He read Psalms 16:7-11 and ended with some motivation for tough times.
“In life there will be storms and I want to remind you of your true north,” said Rodriguez. “My hope is that in difficult times, good or bad, that you will have the strength to go forward.”