Dr. Pamela Shade
"It is with profound gratitude, admiration, and Christian love that I write this letter to honor you, your ministry, your leadership, and the extraordinary vision God placed within you to establish Praise Waiteth University.Scripture tells us:“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”— Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV)When I consider your life's work and the ministry God has entrusted to you, I see characteristics of this five-fold ministry demonstrated through your service.I see the apostolic characteristic in your ability to build, establish, lead, and bring a God-given vision into existence. Praise Waiteth University did not simply appear—it began with vision, faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to answer God's call. Through that vision, you created an institution where others could discover, develop, and walk more confidently in their own purpose.I see the prophetic characteristic in your ability to recognize potential in people and encourage them to see beyond where they are to where God is calling them to be. Sometimes people need someone who can see the possibilities within them before they can fully see those possibilities for themselves.I see the heart of an evangelist in your commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and creating opportunities for men and women to become better equipped to serve God and His people. Your influence extends far beyond a classroom because every student who carries the Word, serves a community, counsels a family, ministers to someone who is hurting, or encourages another person carries a portion of that influence forward.I see the heart of a pastor in your compassion for people. Ministry is not merely about titles, degrees, positions, or recognition. True ministry is about people—and throughout your journey, you have poured into the lives of people from many different backgrounds, circumstances, and walks of life.And I certainly see the gift of a teacher. Through Praise Waiteth University, you have demonstrated your belief that Christian education can prepare individuals not simply to obtain knowledge, but to use that knowledge in service to God, their families, churches, professions, and communities.The true measure of a ministry cannot always be counted in buildings, programs, ceremonies, or accomplishments. Sometimes its greatest measure is found in the lives that have been touched.Praise Waiteth University represents countless prayers, lessons, sacrifices, testimonies, accomplishments, and transformed lives. Every graduate has a story. Every student who discovered greater confidence has a story. Every person who was encouraged not to give up has a story. Every ministry strengthened because someone became better equipped has a story.I am one of those stories.Receiving my Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Praise Waiteth University was one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my educational and spiritual journey. But behind the degree is something even greater: inspiration.Bishop Archie , you inspired me.Your determination, faith, leadership, and willingness to follow the vision God gave you helped inspire me to continue pursuing what God had placed within me. My doctorate represents academic achievement, but to me it also represents perseverance, purpose, faith, and the understanding that God can continue developing and using us throughout every season of our lives.For that, I will always be grateful.There are people whose influence lasts for a moment, and there are others whose influence becomes part of someone's testimony. You have become part of mine.The seeds you have planted through Praise Waiteth University will continue producing fruit in places you may never personally see. Every student who uses what they have learned to counsel someone, teach someone, minister to someone, encourage someone, serve a community, or lead another person toward Christ extends the reach of the original vision God entrusted to you.Scripture reminds us:“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”— Matthew 7:20 (KJV)The fruit of your labor can be seen in the people whose lives have been touched, educated, encouraged, empowered, and spiritually strengthened through your ministry and through Praise Waiteth University.Today, I honor the woman behind the title.I honor the visionary.I honor the educator.I honor the spiritual leader.I honor the servant.I honor the founder.I honor the president.And most importantly, I honor the woman who said yes to God and allowed Him to use her life to help others discover purpose within their own.May the Lord continue to strengthen you, enlarge your territory, renew your vision, and allow you to witness even more of the harvest produced from the seeds you have faithfully planted.As Scripture declares:“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name.”— Hebrews 6:10 (KJV)Bishop Dr. Kako Archie, your labor has not been in vain. Your work matters. Your ministry matters. Your vision matters. And the lives you have touched are part of your legacy.I am deeply grateful that my life and educational journey became part of the Praise Waiteth University story. I will forever treasure the doctorate I received, but even more than the degree, I will treasure the inspiration, encouragement, and example that accompanied it. Thank you for answering the call. Thank you for believing in education. Thank you for believing in God's people. Thank you for planting seeds in generations of students. And thank you for inspiring me. May the legacy of Praise Waiteth University continue to declare that when God gives a vision to a willing servant, that vision can touch lives far beyond what the eye can see. With profound love, honor, gratitude, and respect,
Dr. Pamela A. Shade Doctor of Christian Counseling Praise Waiteth University."
