By Ken Jacob, DWU Journalism Student
The Divine Word University (DWU) Western Highlands Students Association (WHSA) has ended the 2026 academic year with a message encouraging students to put faith at the centre of their future aspirations and recognise the importance of God’s grace in their journeys.
The association held its closing function at Smugglers Inn in Madang Province recently, where Pastor and Evangelist Clement Tep, Director of the Students for Christ (SFC) Ministry and National President of the Holy Spirit Movement, encouraged students to remain faithful to God as they prepare to pursue their careers and take on new responsibilities beyond university.
Tep said having a vision and setting goals were important, but students also needed God’s grace and divine intervention to fulfil their aspirations.
“The message that I want to bring along is at least something for them to take right throughout the future, not for now, but right into their future,” Tep said.
Drawing on the biblical examples of the Apostle Paul and Moses, he reminded students that success was not determined by qualifications or personal ability alone, but also required humility, faithfulness and commitment to God.
He encouraged students to remain committed to God’s Word and be willing to start with small responsibilities, saying humble beginnings could lead to greater opportunities when approached with faith and dedication.
Tep said the message was particularly important for young people who wanted to make a difference in their communities and achieve their ambitions after completing their studies.
WHSA President Raymond Jonah, a final-year Bachelor of Business Management student at DWU, said the message about God’s grace was meaningful and timely as students reflected on their experiences throughout the 2026 academic year.
“The message shared by the pastor during our close-up function about the grace of God was meaningful and timely. It reminded us that everything we have achieved throughout our journey was not by our strength alone, but through God’s grace and faithfulness,” Jonah said.
Jonah said concluding the association’s function with the Word of God was a first under his leadership and provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their experiences, acknowledge God’s guidance and appreciate the support they received throughout the year.
He expressed hope that continuing students would maintain the practice in future years, particularly as final-year students prepare to leave university and younger students take on new responsibilities.
Jonah also acknowledged the contributions of students, alumni, sponsors and supporters, saying their assistance had played an important role in the association’s journey throughout the year.
