This year our department invited some  alumni back to school to attend the annual homecoming event as the University celebrated its 51th anniversary. These so-called outstanding alumni shared their working and studying experiences in various fields. They did receive much positive feedback from the audience.

On my way home after the event, I was met by a two-year evening school alumna, who had been working as a substitute English teacher every now and then. She is simply an ordinary alumna without a promising career. She came to me with only one request, “I want to be baptized. I’ve just got a new job; please pray for me.” For me, that was the most meaningful moment of the day.

In the prarble of the lost son (Luke 15:11-31),  the younger came home to her father after squandering his weath in wild living. He didn’t expect to be received as his father’s son. But while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, Filled with love and compassion, his father ran to him, embraced him, and kissed. And his father threw a big party for his lost son.

I am not sure if this female former student received a warm welcome from the department. But what I do know is she was greeted by our loving Father. He would cry out, “Daughter, welcome home!”