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This month in brief: 

The month of October was the homestretch for the semester. After we finish the finals next week, we start “summer break.” (Yes, it’s summer for us over here in the Southern Hemisphere—October is the hottest month of the year.)

How the Semester is Finishing

It’s been a joy to watch students grow over the course of the year. I’m especially encouraged by my greek class. When I started with them last February, they didn’t even know the alphabet. Now they are translating 1 John with ease. With so many urgent needs in the world, you might wonder why we need to spend the time learning the original languages. But as Martin Luther explained, the languages help us steward the gospel well. If we want to see the African Church grow strong, they must grow deep. The students here CABU spend two years studying Greek. Starting the first semester of next year, they will have the option to spend one year studying Hebrew. 

As I have gotten to know the students, they’ve opened up to me and I’ve heard their stories. One student, (who is mastering Greek), grew up in an orphanage—not an uncommon story due to AIDS epidemic in Africa. He’s now training for ministry. I have a couple of students who first embraced a love for theology through listening to hip-hop groups (like Christcentric). I’ve enjoyed seeing these students deepen their theological understanding, root their theology in the Scriptures, and think through theological implications for their own context. I’m even more convicted that the church here in Africa needs the very best theological education, but they need it taught in such a way that invites the African students to think through the implications for their own context. As I pass on the theology that has been taught to me, the students have shown me implications of the truth that I never would have imagined. As I see the theology through their eyes, I actually understand it even better. 

All graduating seniors have to complete a “Doctrinal Defense.” They spend one semester working with a mentor to write up their doctrinal statement. At the conclusion of the following semester, they have to defend that statement, as the faculty asks them all the tough questions they can think of. I was the mentor for two students, both of whom did very well. (See the picture below: This is Isaac, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). After graduating, he plans on doing an internship for six months before returning to the DRC to be involved in pastoral ministry). 

Update on the Master’s Program 

We are still waiting for word on whether or not we’ll receive accreditation for our master’s program. We’ve had several positive conversations with the governing bodies, so we are optimistic. If we are approved, I probably won’t teach in the undergrad program next semester so that I can devote my attention to the master’s program. We have a number of potential students interested in the program, and we haven’t even advertised it yet. 

Health

October is the month that just about everyone gets sick. Students and faculty have been in and out due to sickness. In terms of general health, our family has done better than many. But Matthew still has the headache and nausea that started about two months ago. We have figured out how to manage the symptoms a bit better. We are consulting with a doctor in the US, and results from some bloodwork should come back next week. 

Support 

Thank you for your generous support! We could not be here serving the churches in Zambia without you. We are so grateful for the many churches and individuals who signed on to support us this first year.  As we finish up the second semester I am encouraged by the ministry opportunities here in Zambia.

In order to be here long-term, we need to raise more financial support. In the coming weeks I hope to create a short video that can be shared on social media explaining what we do here. If you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting our work, please connect them with us. 

Prayer Requests 

  • Pray that the final exams would be an accurate reflection of what the students learned and that they can be encouraged by their progress. 
  • Pray that CABU would receive approval for the Master’s program. 
  • Pray that we can figure out what’s causing Matthew’s headaches and be able to do something to relieve them. 
  • Pray that we would have the financial resources to be able to stay here long-term. 

 

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