Legacy Foundation President Leon Sexton stands with graduates (from l., June Seng Pan, Kart Ta Yin, Atsadakorn Chala, Bancha Sonsailom, Gum Seng Aung).
Legacy Institute (we are known as Legacy Foundation in Thailand) held our 7th graduation commencement exercise on January 12 at the Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We had five graduates; Seng Aung, June Seng Pan, Kart Ta Yin, Atsadakon and Bancha. Seng Aung and June Seng Pan are a married couple from Kachinland. Atsadakon is a Lahu from Thailand and Kart Ta Yin and Bancha are from the Karen tribe in Thailand.
It is always rewarding when we see the fruits of our labors graduating the three year program from the Legacy Foundation Leadership Training Center, and embarking on a new chapter in each of their lives. It is also very encouraging to hear the graduating students give speeches in English. Some who come to Legacy can speak no English at all. Some can speak a little English. But all have a good command of the English language when they leave. They also learn Bible, Typing and Computer, Public Speaking, Journalism, Music and Chorale, Health and Hygiene and Organic Gardening.
At Legacy we have a rigid program of work and study. Every student is expected to pull their own weight and exercise teamwork. Everyone must chip in and keep the facilities clean, cook the food, and grow vegetables for the school. All are taught leadership principles such as responsibility, accountability and other character traits that will pay off all of their lives.
Jaju will return to his home and help his father on the farm. Bancha already has a job as a tourguide. Katrin wants to continue her education. Seng Aung and June Seng Pan have already returned to Myanmar to preach the Gospel and care for Church of God members there.
Our graduation program consisted of speeches, several numbers performed by the Legacy Chorale and other music. Gloria and I presented diplomas to the graduates and gave special achievement awards. June Seng Pan received both the Academic Excellence Award and what we call the Spirit of Excellence award. Hser Nay Paw was also awarded a Spirit of Excellence Award for demonstrating the highest ideals of the Legacy educational program. Hser Nay Say received an award for being the most academically improved over the previous academic year at Legacy.
The goal of Legacy is to teach them the way to happiness through a personal spiritual relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. We also teach them skills so that they can earn a living and be self-sufficient. It is heart-warming to see these young people successfully pass Legacy’s 3 year program and move on in their lives.
It is also rewarding for our volunteer teachers from the United States, Canada and England to see the hard work, sweat and even sometimes tears, pay off in the beaming faces of the young men and women who are graduating. It makes the sacrifice worthwhile.
Leon Sexton
