I hope more young people can come and experience the campus life,
quality education and real-world training that APU provides.
AZUSA, California--Following are comments Russell Duke, director of the Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University (APU), received from WCG students. The Ambassador Center begins its second year in September.
As a participant in the first year of the center, I was thrilled to be a part of a new era in the history of the Ambassador tradition.
As a graduate of AU, I appreciated all that AU and our fellowship contributed to my higher education. Now that I am at Azusa I know I can receive an excellent education and still maintain a connection with the legacy of the WCG within the context of the larger Christian community.
The center provides a hub of friendship that is familiar--we all grew up in the WCG. I am glad Dr. Duke is here to provide advice from someone who knows where we come from--he grew up in the WCG as well.
All this provides a safe atmosphere that gives us the strength and skills to go out into other communities.
We can learn from the Azusa community, and from our interaction with WCG congregations, how to be real Christians interacting with the real world.
With the diversity of majors and people here, I have been able to broaden my perceptions of the world and mature in many areas.
I hope more young people can come and experience the campus life,
quality education and real-world training that APU provides.
This is all bolstered by the spiritual commitment emphasized by the school motto: "God first." That is what is most comforting to me.
Ben Martinez, graduate student
Major: Master of Arts in Religion
I am excited about how great my past year at APU has been.
After the closing of Ambassador, I wanted to find another Christian university to continue my education. APU exceeded my expectations. It was easy to see Christ on this campus. The people here have a joy in their faith and the desire to express it in all aspects of their lives.
Prayer is an integral part of school life. Before the start of class, we pray. This gives a connection between the students and teachers. Not only do we relate to each other as students to teachers, but we also relate to each other as fellow Christians.
We also have chapel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This past year some chapels have changed my life.
One of my greatest blessings was the chance to sing in the Bel Canto Ladies Choir. At the end of the school year, we had a two-week tour that took us to Northern California and Oregon.
Singing Christian songs and being able to share this message with congregations of different denominations was to me a remarkable testament of the incredible body of Christ.
The Ambassador Center gives me a connection to Ambassador University. The Ambassador Center helps to maintain the heritage we have within the larger body of Christ.
After the closing of Ambassador, it was a great comfort to know that
its message of hope lives on in 
the Ambassador Center.
I would encourage all students in the WCG to look into APU as an option for continuing their education. It has a great Christian environment with challenging academics. It would also provide the chance to become involved with the Ambassador Center and all the exciting things in store for its participants.
Rhonda West, Senior
Major: English
Without the Ambassador Center I would not be able to go to a
Christian university. Only by the help of God, through his people, was I able to study at
this fine institution.
I come from a poor home, and it has been my dream to attend a Christian university. May God bless all of you who have prayed for and supported this work. Thank you for showing God's love and grace.
Amy Carlson, Senior
Major: Music Education
My experience at APU last year was a great growing experience.
I was able to straighten my faith and better understand the love
Jesus Christ has for us.
The people at APU are great, and everyone is friendly just as they were at Ambassador. It is easy to get involved in many activities where you can go with your friend, meet new friends and have a great time.
The number to call for information on APU is 1-800-TALK-APU.
Domenick Picinic, Junior
Major: Graphic Design
For information on how to apply to Azusa, write to Russell Duke, Ambassador Center, Azusa Pacific University, Box 7000, Azusa, California, 91702; call 1-626-815-3874, or visit the APU website at http://www.apu.edu
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998