They worry about
their families as they strive to trust the Lord, no doubt wondering
should they be making this sacrifice to train to be a minister,
a sacrifice that seems to put their families in jeopardy.
Entering 2004
As 2004 began, we wondered if we could afford to open Livingstonia
Theological College for a second year of academic training. Our
students had finished their first year well, several doing bachelor-level
work and a few showing graduate performance potential. We had
begun the first year with next to nothing, and it seemed as though
this was also how the second year was destined to begin.
Following a month of practical work and an extremely brief holiday
with their families, the students returned to the college on January
10, 2004, to begin their second year. One student was delayed
due to the death of his 3-year-old son. Another student’s
father died during the holiday. During the second week of classes
the brother of one of our students died. We share their sorrow
as we also continue to share the journey of faith, hope, and love.
Walking with God: A journey of faith
This is the rainy season in Malawi (our summertime), everything
is green and new life is springing forth. As we began the New
Year, life at the college seemed to mirror the natural realm,
as amidst the rain of tears of sorrow signs of new life began
to appear.
- The Reverend Robert Rasmussen of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
arrived to serve as full-time lecturer, teaching Old Testament
and missiology.
- Word came that the Church of Scotland and the Office of Global
Education and International Leadership Development of the Worldwide
Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have
made commitments of financial support. These are the first funds
to be received from partner churches.
- Next week part-time lecturers will receive their pay in arrears
and students their allowances for December and January. Thanks
be to God.
- The Reverend Robin Quinn of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
will arrive this month to serve as a part-time lecturer.
- Mr. Quinn has received funds to purchase textbooks for the
students. To date the students have only a theology textbook.
Hopefully, in the next two to three months they will also have
textbooks on church history, New Testament, Old Testament, missiology,
pastoral care, African traditional religion, and a Greek New
Testament.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did
not over come it.” (John 1:5). This is the light we have
received at Livingstonia Theological College, the light of Christ
shining through the encouragement, love and support of God’s
faithful people.
I am grateful for the privilege and honor of serving as dean
of studies and lecturer of systematic theology and Christian ethics
at Livingstonia Theological College.
Keep the Livingstonia Theological College and the people of Malawi
in your prayers.
- The college needs bicycles for the students’ practical
work, books for the library, more textbooks for students, a
copy machine, a computer printer, bookshelves, learning materials
such as biblical maps and financial resources to see us through
the year.
- Death from HIV/AIDS and malaria and economic hardship remain
the order of the day.
- Preparations for the presidential election in May are consuming
much time, energy, and resources. Of the many candidates a reputable,
viable candidate has yet to surface. Voters are confused and
apathy abounds.
With you in the Spirit of our Lord,
Debbie
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