This Saturday, we met with Festim’s friends on the Campus of Biola University with several thousand there to celebrate the Centennial Graduation ceremonies. After four amazing years of God’s provision and Festim’s hard work, Festim walked across the stage where President Barry Corey handed him his degree – a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Festim’s journey is nothing short of astonishing. From a ravaged, war-torn nation of Kosova (which just weeks ago declared its independence as a soveriegn nation), Festim’s dreams have become a reality. The turning point was his commitment to follow Jesus – a commitment inspired by several selfless missionaries who made their way to Kosova. As we all know, there is more to come. Festim’s dreams are alive and well. And they are big.
We’ve put the day’s events into a video short. There are links you’ll want to follow. This week, I wrote a LeaderFOCUS on impressions from the day. I’ve also provided you with links to the still photos.
Enjoy! Pass around the link. Congratulations, Festim!
What an incredible video…thank you, Ken. We’re also so proud…first of God and His redemption story of our brother, Festim. After meeting His Savior, walked in pure faith to achieve a goal that God put in His heart years ago when he told us his dreams in Sweden. How we wish we could have been there too for this graduation! We know this is only a beginning….Kosova now an independent country….another dream….and we know Festim’s continuing dreams and fulfillments will be big. We have an amazing God! and a brother, Festim, who believes! We can’t wait to hear the rest of the story!
Mazal tov from Israel, Festim! We love you!
Where to begin? One would consider Festim a wonderfully gracious individual – even without knowing his story firsthand. Knowing (and seeing) as I do what he’s overcome to reach this grand pinnacle is nothing short of breathtaking. God does indeed work in mysterious ways but listening to Festim’s taut story of rescue must be one for the ages!
One thing that has always impressed me about Kosovar believers is their seemingly unending capacity to forgive. I’ve often asked myself if I had been there and witnessed Serb atrocities borne out on friends and family members, could I so readily forgive? And yet I understand on a visceral level that forgiveness benefits the one who forgives in far greater measure. So I hope that I could. Festim has and his life has blossomed as a result.
Congratulations my friend. We can’t wait to see what God’s got in store for you in the days and months ahead. Shume Bukur! Shume Mire!
Wow, Thank you for showing this video, it doesnt only show the amazing graduation of Festim but also reveals a glimps of Gods work through it all
To everyone, thank you for the words of encouragement. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support. I do appreciate you all for being great brothers and sisters in Christ. I am humbled by your comments and writings. It is not really about me. It is rather about the One that created us all-our God. He is good, powerful, almighty, protector, savior, and all the Bible tells us He is.
I couldn’t have done alone!
Love you all,
In Him,
Festim
Hey Festim
Don’t know if you can remember me, I am the english guy that came over with Ans and the rest. Have followed your progress from a distance (Ans does a good job of keeping us all up to date with your progress) Just wanted to say congratulations on your graduation. And thanks Ken for sharing the photos.
blessings
Phill
Hey Phill,
I remember you, Phill. You read an easy-to-read version Bible to my brother Atdhe in our greeen tent at the refugee camp in Tirana. How are you doing these days?
Festim