On October 1, 2025, Central Philippine University will celebrate its 120 years of existence.
For over a century, CPU has stood as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. From its humble beginnings as Jaro Industrial School in 1905, built through the l, CPU has grown into a university known for its commitment to faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence.
Anniversaries are not just about looking back; they are memorial markers. They remind us of the past, they strengthen us in the present, and they guide us into the future.
In the Bible, memorial markers were often stones, altars, or symbols that pointed to God’s mighty acts.
Today, we look at Joshua 4:1–9, when the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land and God instructed them to set up stones as a remembrance for generations to come.
Joshua 4 describes the Israelites finally entering the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Crossing the Jordan at flood stage was impossible, but God parted the waters as He had done at the Red Sea.
To ensure that future generations would never forget this miracle, God commanded Joshua to take twelve stones from the Jordan and set them up as a memorial. These stones would speak to their children: “Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground” (Joshua 4:22).
Just like Israel, we too need memorial markers or reminders of God’s saving power and sustaining grace.
First, remember God’s mighty works.
CPU’s 120 years is a testimony of God’s mighty works. From humble beginnings with only a handful of boys, it became a university shaping leaders and servants of God. These are not mere achievements of human hands; they are miracles of God’s provision, protection, and purpose.
Do not forget God’s mighty works in your life: your salvation, answered prayers, healings, and victories.
Write them down. Celebrate them. Share them. If we do not remember, we will be tempted to think we achieved these things by ourselves.
Second, teach the next generation.
CPU’s motto Scientia et Fides (Science and Faith) was meant to instill both knowledge and faith in students. Our school buildings, traditions, and testimonies are not just for us today; they are for our children and our children’s children.
We should not keep silent about what God has done. Share testimonies. Pass on the stories. Build traditions of faith.
Third, renew our commitment for the future.
Every memorial was not only backward-looking but also forward-looking. It reminded Israel to trust God in the battles ahead.
CPU’s 120 years is not the end of the story; it is a marker along the way. The same God who was faithful in 1905 is faithful today and will be faithful tomorrow.
Our memorials should renew our faith and deepen our obedience.
When you remember your milestones, renew your commitment to God. Do not just celebrate but rededicate.
Remembering is not just looking back; it is a call to move forward in faith. | NWI
