Washington Adventist University Ushers in New Year with Spiritual Momentum

Washington Adventist University (WAU) begins the 2025–2026 academic year with a renewed spirit, following a year of revival, student baptisms, and a transformative summer mission trip to Central America.

The spiritual journey of the past year began in December 2024, when WAU closed its fall semester with a powerful convocation that culminated in the baptisms of two students, Titus Aida and Chenelle Gordon. Their testimonies of faith and redemption set the tone for a season of renewal. “Everything changed when I stopped battling negative thoughts alone and depended on God,” Aida said. Gordon, once homeless, described hearing God’s voice: “Give it all to me and come home.” The baptisms, conducted by Chaplain Dr. Jiwan Moon, emphasized WAU’s mission to prepare students for eternity as well as for the workplace.

In April 2025, that spirit grew with the university’s inaugural Pentecost Tent Meeting, a weeklong revival from April 13–19 that brought together students, alumni, and the local community. Keynote speaker Dr. Ramone W. Griffith, Youth Director of the Allegheny East Conference and a WAU alumnus, inspired attendees with messages drawn from Luke 1:17. Under the revival tent, worship, prayer, and testimonies created a unifying atmosphere that reaffirmed WAU’s spiritual foundation.

The spiritual fire extended beyond campus borders in June, when WAU student missionaries—known as the Gideon 300—traveled to El Salvador and Guatemala from June 7–24. The team ministered through Vacation Bible School programs, facility renovations, and community health fairs. Nursing students and alumni provided CPR training, dental hygiene education, blood pressure screenings, and distributed prescription glasses donated by supporters. The impact was lasting: three baptisms in El Salvador, dozens of faith commitments in Guatemala, and a strengthened global partnership with Colegio Adventista El Sinaí. “Our students didn’t just serve—they changed lives,” Dr. Moon said.

WAU President Dr. Weymouth Spence praised the continuity of faith and service across the academic year. “Here at Washington Adventist University, we prepare students not only to succeed professionally, but to lead lives of service and devotion,” Spence said.

As the fall semester begins, WAU looks forward to building on this spiritual momentum with new opportunities for worship, service, and transformation. The campus community enters the year expecting God to move in even greater ways.

Attend Washington Adventist University to experience a campus where revival is alive, missions are global, and students are empowered to live their faith boldly.