Fruitland Baptist Bible College awarded degrees to 33 new graduates during their commencement ceremony on September 15th, 2032 at the school’s main campus in Hendersonville, NC. 22 English speaking students were awarded an Associates in Religion/Christian Ministries, and 11 Spanish speaking students were awarded the Certificate of Christian Leadership/Ministry.
Fruitland President Dr. David Horton said that the school’s graduates mostly came to Fruitland because of the recommendation of an alumnus of Fruitland.
“The very best recruiters we have for Fruitland are the alumni, and we just appreciate you very much,“ said Horton. “I’m very much aware this afternoon, as are these graduates, that when they come across the platform, we will be celebrating their accomplishment, but they realize that their accomplishment couldn’t have happened without you as families, friends, and church families supporting them and holding them up, and walking with them through this journey.”
Lance Scarlett, an Alumnus and Professor of Fruitland, gave the bilingual Baccalaureate Sermon out of Micah 6:6-8 on “I Am Graduating; Now What?” He encouraged the graduates to continue to sit at the feet of Jesus, saying, “You see a lot more when you walk. You hear a lot more when you walk. You find a lot more when you walk. Avoid the temptation of always having to be doing something, and don’t think you have to justify yourself to someone else for sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
Scarlett addresses the graduates in English, with Robert Fernandez interpreting into Spanish. Fernandez is the Director of Spanish Theological Education at Fruitland.
Horton reminded the audience that Fruitland is a ministry of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and that about 50% of Fruitland’s budget comes from the funds of the Cooperative Program. He thanked the audience for their generous giving and support of Fruitland, as well as their continual prayers and sending students to Fruitland.
Fruitland is owned and operated by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and is supported by financial gifts through the Cooperative Program. Fruitland trains Christian leaders to serve in a variety of ministry roles at its main campus in Hendersonville, NC, and at satellite campuses across the state.
