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Published: November 29th 2010
Our work with the Andrew Connally School of Preaching has been rewarding. I am especially thankful to have been the teacher for such vital classes as Homiletics I and II, The Preacher & his work, Personal Evangelism, Marriage & Family, Romans & Galatians, Missions, and Minor Prophets. Other classes I have taught to previous graduates have included: Isaiah, Luke, and Greek I. The eight men, who came to us from various places in Tanzania and Kenya, have studied with great diligence. Following my last instruction day with these students, they all filed into the Land Cruiser, and came to our home. Joy and Lindsey had prepared a wonderful meal to honor their upcoming graduation. We enjoyed a nice visit while the meal was receiving final preparations. It is interesting to know that depending upon where a person was raised will largely determine what foods are considered special versus what is usual. For some of the students the rice was what would be more special since their usual was ugali (corn meal dish), while for others it was the opposite. They all seemed to enjoy the cake, though some had trouble finishing it all. For two reasons, one it was rich and
two because they had consumed a great quantity of the main courses.
Saturday was the graduation ceremony. Decorations, diplomas, caps and gowns were all in readiness. Joy, again this year, made the special Bible shaped cake as well as the cupcakes. The graduates were: Tom Alusula, Richard Aroko, Mahiga Buriet, Charles Mwakalonge, Odede Obimbo, Phabian Onyan’go, Charles Otoyo, and Eliya Samhenda. Each student was presented with their diploma, a leather bound English Bible, and $200. Roger Shepherd, who just finished teaching a short course, was the guest speaker. His address to the graduates was: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.”
Phabian Paul, due to achieving the highest grade point average, gave the valedictorian address. His father made the journey from Kenya to witness his son’s graduation. His father is a gospel preacher and father of ten. Phabian is number seven, and desires to take his father’s place as a proclaimer of the Word. It was very moving to hear this fine brother say, with tears in his eyes: “I will not fail you!” He was expressing his assurance that my work in helping to train him would not be in vain. I told him something to the effect: “You
and I both will try to serve God with faithfulness.” I had told him sincerely, that though I cannot read men’s hearts, I was confident of his desire to serve from the right motive.
Lunch was prepared for all in attendance. Pilau (brown rice), white rice, sauce, chunks of meat stewed with potatoes, watermelon, chapati, and cake were on the menu, along with sodas and water to drink.
It is our sincere prayer that these men who go forth will serve the kingdom in a great way. It is also our desire that all of you who support our work realize your part in making this milestone possible. Together we push the borders of the greatest kingdom - the spiritual kingdom of our King.
George Jensen 2010
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Julia Parish
non-member comment
:)
Looks like it went really well! So glad to see a new post... I love you all! :)