Pastor Shawn Paris Delivers Uplifting Message as WAU Community Prepares for Spring Events

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — With the chill of early spring still lingering, the Washington Adventist University (WAU) campus gathered for a spiritual assembly marked by worship, community updates, and a message of faith from featured speaker Pastor Shawn Paris, Director of Camp Ministries, Missions, and Adventist Community Services for the Chesapeake Conference.

The event opened with announcements about key upcoming activities, underscoring the momentum of the semester as it moves rapidly toward graduation. Students were reminded of several important deadlines and opportunities, including:

• Senior Banquet: Graduating seniors are encouraged to register promptly for the annual Senior Recognition Program (SRP) Banquet. Menu selection is available for those who register, and guests are welcome for an additional fee. The final registration deadline is April 10. 
• Service Day: Scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd, Service Day will offer more than 20 project options for students. All participants are expected to arrive by 8 a.m. at the gymnasium. Students were reminded to register before the Monday deadline and to wear the provided uniform T-shirts. 
• Registration for Summer and Fall: Students can now register via Self-Service and are advised to consult with their academic advisors to ensure they are on track to graduate on time. Representatives from the Registrar’s Office were present to assist and answer questions. 
• Pentecost 2025 Tent Evangelism: A significant spiritual initiative is planned in alignment with the North American Division’s 3,000 Evangelism Sites campaign. WAU will host a Pentecost 2025 Tent Meeting on campus, featuring nightly messages, worship, and giveaways. Dr. Ramone W. Griffin, WAU alumna and Youth and Children’s Ministries Director for the Allegheny East Conference, will serve as the keynote speaker. Chesapeake and Potomac Conferences are also partnering in this collaborative effort. Students are encouraged to attend, bring friends, and pray daily for the initiative and its impact. 

In addition to these updates, students were reminded of ongoing spiritual growth opportunities, including Friday night vespers, testimony services, and baptismal classes.

The heart of the gathering came from Pastor Shawn Paris, whose decades of experience in camp ministry shaped a moving message about prayer, humility, and faith. Sharing a powerful story of answered prayer during a water crisis at Pine Springs Ranch in California, Pastor Paris encouraged students to trust God fully—even when the answer to prayer doesn’t come in the expected form.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven,” Paris quoted from 2 Chronicles 7, urging students to embrace spiritual discipline amid academic and personal pressures.

His testimony highlighted how camp ministry not only changes campers’ lives but deeply transforms the young adult staff who serve each summer. “If I can mentor and disciple my staff well, they will minister to the campers, and the impact multiplies,” he shared.

As the service closed in prayer and song, students stood in solidarity, committing their plans and challenges to God. The message from Pastor Paris and the upcoming events reflect WAU’s continued dedication to spiritual growth, community service, and preparing students for life and leadership.

For more information on registration, Service Day, or Pentecost 2025, students are encouraged to check their emails or contact the Student Life office.