We Serve a Miracle-Working God!
Saturday, September 15, 2007 will be forever etched upon the campus of Nazarene Theological College in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The mighty Hand of God moved upon the South African Council of Higher Education whereby NTC was granted accreditation of their bachelor of theology programme submission.
This decision culminates four years of planning and praying by the administration of NTC.
The ramifications of this high decision will impact the entire continent of Africa for theological education in the Church of the Nazarene.
Team leader, Bruce Jacobson said it well: “The WORLD is now NTC’s classroom.” Students will be able to receive a qualified and accredited degree which will enable them to secure viable employment and pastor churches. Many churches in Africa cannot pay their pastors a salary; but when students secure a BTH degree, they can support their families while pastoring a church.
On behalf of the administration of NTC, Dr. Lockard wishes to thank RFN for their continued prayer support of this vast endeavor. Prayer was a significant factor that led to the approval of the BTH.
Please continue to PRAY for NTC administration as they pave a positive way forward for God and theological education in Africa.
O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25: 1
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Unexpected blessings in our day...
Monday morning following breakfast and devotions, we met with the facilities manager of NTC to get an overview of the work that needs to be accomplished in the short two weeks we are here. Being encouraged that many hands make light work we learn this day just how much work there is to be done! Although enthusiastic about our goals, we struggled to fight discouragement knowing we can only "touch the surface" and improve on areas that are currently being used the most. As we began working to patch, paint and repair the sanctuary where the professors and students gather to worship together, the room became flooded with our brother’s and sisters coming to have their own time of devotion and prayer. As we cooperativley relinquished our work area and joined in to partake in this unexpected time of worship, we became keenly aware of the sincerity in the hearts of these students, of their commitment, and of their deep passion for studying the word of God.
As the students, Reverend Chuck and Dr. Lockard began to sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him despite the suffering and needs surrounding them, we knew this was going to be an unexpected blessing in our day. We watched these students lift their hearts to the Lord as Franque (one of the students) exhorted all of us with Ephesians 6:10 to put on the full armor of God! He urged us to stand firm, placing the belt of truth around our waist that we might be able to stand firm when evil comes! I can tell you this is a “real” and "meaningful" exhortation in this country where evil surrounds you from all sides.
Following this devotion, we quickly grabbed our tools and went to work painting, cleaning and making much needed repairs on the sanctuary and two of the major classrooms. With the simplest of tools in hand, the team dug in to “work heartily as unto the Lord!” As I took pictures and observed the work of these servants, I was struck by the wonderful fellowship happening before my eyes. Brothers and sisters from six different churches across several states working together in harmony (Romans 12:16) to serve the people here in Africa with all their hearts; to make a better home for them and a place where they can equip themselves with the Word of God. What a sweet aroma to the Lord!
Please continue to lift up your prayers for this team as we work diligently to be examples of love to all the students observing us day by day. Pray for our bonding as a team as well as with these men and women who are giving up their lives to prepare themselves for whatever God has ahead of them.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5
As the students, Reverend Chuck and Dr. Lockard began to sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him despite the suffering and needs surrounding them, we knew this was going to be an unexpected blessing in our day. We watched these students lift their hearts to the Lord as Franque (one of the students) exhorted all of us with Ephesians 6:10 to put on the full armor of God! He urged us to stand firm, placing the belt of truth around our waist that we might be able to stand firm when evil comes! I can tell you this is a “real” and "meaningful" exhortation in this country where evil surrounds you from all sides.
Following this devotion, we quickly grabbed our tools and went to work painting, cleaning and making much needed repairs on the sanctuary and two of the major classrooms. With the simplest of tools in hand, the team dug in to “work heartily as unto the Lord!” As I took pictures and observed the work of these servants, I was struck by the wonderful fellowship happening before my eyes. Brothers and sisters from six different churches across several states working together in harmony (Romans 12:16) to serve the people here in Africa with all their hearts; to make a better home for them and a place where they can equip themselves with the Word of God. What a sweet aroma to the Lord!
Please continue to lift up your prayers for this team as we work diligently to be examples of love to all the students observing us day by day. Pray for our bonding as a team as well as with these men and women who are giving up their lives to prepare themselves for whatever God has ahead of them.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5
Sunday, September 16, 2007
What a glorious day God has given us on this His Sabbath! After a restful night in our chalets, we began our morning with a delicious breakfast. We were quickly greeted by a host of enthusiastic children awaiting the many gifts coming from the states. Hearts rejoiced and the chanting of "We love Jesus" by the children rang out as we delivered to them their very own individual bibles from Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene (RFN) in NC, homemade teddy bears from Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Florida, and cross stickers that delighted even the oldest child. The children thanked us with great zeal and childlike love. Surely, the love of Christ was felt in each of their hearts.
As the morning was quickly passing, we rushed to attend a Sunday school class where we studied the parable in Matthew 22. We were reminded and exhorted to make sure we were wearing our wedding clothes - the righteousness of Christ.
We continued on to the worship service where Rev. Mark Medley (Pastor FCN) preached on living a life of holiness. What a blessing to worship together with brothers and sisters from all across the world! We found ourselves immediately bonded together because of our love for Christ and our passion for His word.
As we have begun to make ourselves at home here at the Nazarene Theological College (NTC), we are in awe of the true miracles that are happening here everyday. God’s blessings on this ministry are apparent as we learned today at lunch. Dr. Lockard shared with us that just yesterday, on the very day of our arrival, NTC received the news that they have been granted government approval of their Bachelor of Theology degree for distance education! NTC is now the ONLY Nazarene College in all of Africa to have such a program available online. The enormity of this is still settling in at NTC. As we begin to realize all that this will mean for Africans called by God into ministry, we realize this opportunity will impact far more than just South Africa; it will impact all of Africa! In fact, as a result of God’s miracles during a time when the government is shutting down programs such as this, NTC is now the “world’s classroom!” May He receive the glory!
Please continue to keep NTC and its missionaries, Rev. Chuck, Dr. Lockard, and Annique, in your prayers. He has called them to a great cause of which they are passionate about; a cause that will equip men and women to go out and be a light in a dark, hurting country. Your prayers and resources are what keep them fueled for this task. Continue also to pray for the Work and Witness team over the next two weeks as we seek to minister to them and physically work to repair and rebuild the facility God has given them to do His work.
Blessings and love come from all of us to you!
As the morning was quickly passing, we rushed to attend a Sunday school class where we studied the parable in Matthew 22. We were reminded and exhorted to make sure we were wearing our wedding clothes - the righteousness of Christ.We continued on to the worship service where Rev. Mark Medley (Pastor FCN) preached on living a life of holiness. What a blessing to worship together with brothers and sisters from all across the world! We found ourselves immediately bonded together because of our love for Christ and our passion for His word.
As we have begun to make ourselves at home here at the Nazarene Theological College (NTC), we are in awe of the true miracles that are happening here everyday. God’s blessings on this ministry are apparent as we learned today at lunch. Dr. Lockard shared with us that just yesterday, on the very day of our arrival, NTC received the news that they have been granted government approval of their Bachelor of Theology degree for distance education! NTC is now the ONLY Nazarene College in all of Africa to have such a program available online. The enormity of this is still settling in at NTC. As we begin to realize all that this will mean for Africans called by God into ministry, we realize this opportunity will impact far more than just South Africa; it will impact all of Africa! In fact, as a result of God’s miracles during a time when the government is shutting down programs such as this, NTC is now the “world’s classroom!” May He receive the glory!
Please continue to keep NTC and its missionaries, Rev. Chuck, Dr. Lockard, and Annique, in your prayers. He has called them to a great cause of which they are passionate about; a cause that will equip men and women to go out and be a light in a dark, hurting country. Your prayers and resources are what keep them fueled for this task. Continue also to pray for the Work and Witness team over the next two weeks as we seek to minister to them and physically work to repair and rebuild the facility God has given them to do His work.
Blessings and love come from all of us to you!
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