But this particular day, just as the material became critical the screwdriver slipped.

The hemispheres of uranium came too close together. Instantly the room was filled with a dazzling bluish haze. Young Louis Slotin, instead of ducking and thereby probably saving himself, tore the two hemispheres apart with his hands and thankfully interrupted the chain reaction.

By this instant, self-sacrificing act, he saved the lives of the seven other people in the room. As he waited for the car that was to take him to the hospital, he said quietly to his companion, “You’ll come through all right. But I haven’t the faintest chance myself. It was true. Nine days later he died in agony.

Self sacrifice. Why do people do it? Self-Sacrifice is defined as the relinquishment of one’s own interests or wishes in order to help others or advance a cause. The Bible gives us numerous accounts of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Christ. The Bible actually calls this a “living sacrifice.” Peter was one such person. He once healed a well-known beggar and from that, five thousand men came to believe on Jesus Christ. The religious rulers & elders went nuts. They arrested Peter & John and demanded to know, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

So Peter told them – It was “in the name of Jesus Christ, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead…and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Period. Of course, that didn’t set well with these religious rulers but it was too late. People were being turned “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” and these rulers were afraid of the people.

So the rulers severely threatened Peter & John and commanded them not so speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter & John’s response? “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Period-again!! Peter continued his life of self- sacrifice – teaching, preaching & healing people in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

He is listed as one of the early church martyr’s. It seems that people have always had a aversion to truth-tellers!

So why would Peter sacrifice himself like this? What cause could possibly be worth his life? The answer is pretty simple – he cared deeply for the souls of people. Peter caught the vision of Jesus for people! Check out Romans 5: “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man…but God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s people love at it’s apex.

Everybody knows in their heart of hearts that eternity exists. Ivan the IV of Russia was such a cruel man that they called him “Ivan the Terrible.” He married 7 wives and

abused them all. He was immoral and violent He used to grow animals off the Kremlin walls just to watch them die.

When he died in 1584, historians record that they shaved his head and dressed him for burial in the robes of a monk, hoping that God would think that Ivan the Terrible was a monk, and thus allow him into heaven. Pretty crazy stuff. The only problem with that is that there’s only one way to heaven and it’s not by lookin’ good!

Charles Spurgeon (1934-1892) once made a remarkable statement: “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring then to stay…and let not one go unwarned and unplayed for.” Selah!

Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at Dpcitychurch.org

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These are just a few inspiring stories highlighting Mt. San Jacinto College’s (MSJC) 61st Commencement Ceremony, held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.  

MSJC held three separate ceremonies throughout the day to accommodate all graduates and their families. New this year, the college introduced real-time English and Spanish captioning and interpretation services, reflecting its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with 52% of students identifying as Hispanic.  

MSJC awarded 2,556 graduates a total of 3,353 degrees and certificates. The graduates ranged in age from 15 to 90.   

During his keynote remarks, MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger W. Schultz addressed the graduates:  

“Every graduation is a milestone, but today is particularly special because it represents more than the completion of courses or the earning of degrees. It is a celebration of action, breakthroughs, collaboration, and courage. The diploma you receive today is the key to new opportunities, challenges, and successes.”  

Among the graduates celebrated for their perseverance, leadership, and transformation:  

Gerardo Sanchez, 45, of Hemet, a husband, father of five, and caregiver to three children with autism. After dropping out of high school in 10th grade, he returned to education through MSJC’s Adult Education Program and earned his GED in 2022. He graduated with three associate degrees in Sociology, Social Justice, and Liberal Arts – Social and Behavioral Sciences. “The support I received from MSJC’s staff and programs made all the difference in my journey,” Sanchez said. “From food and gas cards to help during tough times, to replacing my broken laptop so I could stay enrolled, their support went far beyond the classroom. I was ready to give up more than once, but their belief in me kept me going. Today, I’m graduating with three degrees, and it’s because MSJC didn’t just support me—they empowered me. I hope to pay that forward someday.”  

Jaxon Tabesh, 21, of Murrieta, is graduating with five associate degrees, including in Business and Computer Science. A recipient of the 2023 North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI) award, Tabesh also distinguished himself as a leader on campus. He served as President of the Computer Science Club, an Honors Program mentor, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Officer, and a Supplemental Instruction Leader. He also helped organize MSJC’s first-ever hackathon. “Each role was an important part of my deeply rewarding leadership and graduation journey,” Tabesh said. “The support I received from MSJC was essential to my journey. From outstanding counselors and professors to dedicated tutors and supportive peers, I was surrounded by people who believed in me every step of the way. I truly could not have done it without them.”  

Rita Victoria Hernandez, 90, of Temecula, enrolled at MSJC during the COVID-19 pandemic at the urging of her family to “keep her brain alive.” Despite health challenges and personal loss, she persevered and became the oldest graduate in the Class of 2025. Her graduation marks a continuing family legacy—her granddaughter graduated from MSJC in 2022, her great-granddaughter in 2024, and her great-grandson will begin at MSJC in the fall. “As someone who had never experienced college before, I can honestly say the support I received at MSJC was unbelievable,” Hernandez said. “I was fortunate to learn from inspiring and dedicated professors whose encouragement played a key role in my success.”  

This year’s commencement also marked a solemn and historic moment for MSJC, as the college awarded its first-ever posthumous degree.  

In a profoundly moving tribute, the college recognized Marisa Alejandra Rosas, a beloved member of the MSJC community whose life was tragically cut short. Her passion for learning, commitment to her goals, and deep love for her community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.  

An empty chair with a flower in the front row honored Marisa’s presence and rightful place among the Class of 2025.  

“In honor of her academic efforts and the life she devoted to bettering herself and those around her,” Dr. Schultz said, “Mt. San Jacinto College is proud to award Marisa Alejandra Rosas with MSJC’s first posthumous degree. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Marisa’s life and accomplishments.”  

The Class of 2025 reflects the heart of MSJC’s mission to transform learners, communities, and lives. With degrees earned, goals achieved, and new chapters beginning, this year’s graduates exemplify resilience, diversity, and determination.  

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