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Suffering is never easy to accept. It’s part of the deal, whether you’re a Christian or not, said Emma Tautolo of Athletes in Action. But she finds the answers to her questions about suffering in Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians and Philippians — a message she shared at Chapel on Monday. She said that when believers participate in suffering, like Christ did, it will lead to resurrection and to light.

Grand Canyon University, which completed its transition back to a nonprofit status earlier this year, announced today it is extending the tuition freeze on its west Phoenix campus for an 11th consecutive year.

Graduates of the online program at Grand Canyon University always have inspirational stories to tell, and this year they were equally inspired by keynote speaker Gian-Paul Gonzalez’s talk — and by the celebration that is a GCU commencement ceremony.

If the graduates at fall commencement didn’t know about ninth-grade world history teacher and New York Giants chaplain Gian-Paul Gonzalez before they got to GCU Arena, they sure do now. Gonzalez’s keynote addresses at the five ceremonies were a hit every time, and in addition to all the standing ovations he also was descended upon by a sea of thankful listeners when he came out to watch the “tunnel walk” after the Saturday morning ceremony.

Brian Smith was a junior at Alhambra High School when he applied to then-Grand Canyon College. He was elated to be accepted. Unfortunately, his family moved back to Ohio and he was unable to attend. He held onto his admissions letter from 1975 for more than 40 years before he decided to pursue a master’s degree in Nursing at GCU. He will carry the letter across the stage with him at Online Commencement.

Eighty GCU students are in the class room already, gaining valuable experience by teaching lessons in math, science, social studies and art at nearby Westwood Elementary for students from preschool through Grade 3.

Dr. Dave Brazell, who served as a coach, teacher and administrator in Grand Canyon athletics and academics for 50 years, passed away Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 93. Brazell and his wife of 72 years, Mildred, both taught in the physical education department. “Nobody probably has contributed more to Grand Canyon University over the years than Dave and Mildred Brazell,” GCU President Brian Mueller said.

Canyon Worship West, the first concert by students whose work appeared on the Canyon Worship 2018 album, drew an appreciative crowd Tuesday at Harvest Bible Chapel West Valley. “These guys came into this church, set up three hours before, and walked in like they’d been playing here for 10 years,” said Genaro “Gin” Giurgiu, the church’s Director of Worship.

A trio of Grand Canyon University students are accelerating their dream of eliminating the middle man for impoverished Peruvian coffee farmers. They will take their ideas to the Clinton Global Initiative University, a conference this weekend at the University of Chicago. “I think it is awesome to be able to see future world leaders, entrepreneurs and changers in one central location,’’ said Noah Wolfe, who has combined with Tim McGill and Aly Halbakken to form a nonprofit, Novella.

Monday’s Chapel was unusual. The Worship Team got the week off, but there still was plenty of great music — oh my, was there ever. Scott MacIntyre of “American Idol” fame was the guest speaker and, in between a half-dozen songs, delivered his message about making the most of the talent God has given you. MacIntyre certainly has — he’s blind.