December 2011

Dear Friends

During this year (2011) a lot of things have happened and a lot of changes have occurred.  But one thing stayed the same:  Jesus Christ is Lord.  He is Lord of Covenant College and we pray that together we can always shine the light of His gospel in Zambia and the rest of the world. 

In this Column is an update of the work we could do through the Holy Spirit during the last part of 2011.

On the last page of this newsletter we include an advertisement for a new lecturer at Covenant College.

Covenant College Farm – Phil Bailey

SEPTEMBER 2011

It’s a myth that farming in Zambia is just for the 5 months of the year when the rains are with us. The last season’s harvest was brought in during May, shelled and bagged in June, sold to the Food Relief Agency during July for which payment was received in August. A little time to rest? Just a few weeks! Early September we were back in the fields preparing the holes and by the end of the month putting in the lime and the fertilizer or one of the organic alternatives such as manure, compost, sunflower cake or maize bran. The students that stay over for the weekends were busy helping in this preparation work. It’s a great way for them to put into practice the ‘Farming God’s Way’ that we have been teaching them in the classroom.

We have about 5 hectares to prepare which is a large amount of work as we have always done this by hand to provide work for the men in the villages around us. But things have changed, harvests in the area have improved, people have more money and this year we have    struggled to get enough people to come and help us. This is a good sign and we must adapt. We have therefore adjusted one of the ploughs to make a ‘ripper’ which rips open a furrow in the soil into which we place the fertilizer/lime etc. This is much quicker than digging holes as it is pulled behind the oxen but the important thing is the principle remains the same, we are NOT turning over the soil (as with ploughing) which damages the soil structure and layers within the soil which leads to killing off the living organisms and bacteria which God placed there to keep our soils healthy.

During August we received our new Farming God’s Way shirts and caps. A friend in the UK organized these for us and at the same time   designed a new logo for FGW. Looking smart from right is Bilison, Jackson, Samuel and myself. The FGW team!!

Christian Education Ministry – Marjanne Hendriksen

How happy and thankful can you be when you visit a school and find the teachers always in, able to show their lesson plans and hearing them telling a Bible story! When you walk through a village and you hear in a hut a child singing: ‘Let the children come to Me… for theirs is the Kingdom of the Lord!’

But how sad and painful to visit a school and tell the staff that after some years of training and support we will not visit them again, because the teachers are not willing to be serious in Christian education.

Together with my colleagues Mwenya and Lungu we are able to visit about 10 schools every week. Some schools need a visit every week, because they just opened this year. For others once a month is enough to keep in touch with the teachers and their programme.

As you understand already from the beginning of this small sharing of CEM experiences, we have encouraging and discouraging school visits. It shows how dependent we are on our Lord in all that we do. Only He can change hearts of teachers so that they really see the importance of teaching the children daily in a Christian way. Only He can change hearts of parents so that they see the same importance and also the need of supporting the teachers. And we hope He will give you the burden on your heart to pray with us and work in this way together in the Kingdom of the Lord to reach out to children, teachers and communities in this part of Zambia. So that His name will be glorified worldwide!

Covenant College Graduation – Katie Lachman

On 30 September 2011, Covenant College Zambia Trust held its 9^th graduation ceremony and marked the closing of its 12th academic year. This year the College had 31 students, 7 of whom graduated on this special day.  The occasion was attended by over 200 people, including the District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO) and the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS).   The guest of honour was the District Commissioner.  The programme was presided over by Pastor Lovemore Banda, himself a graduate of the College and a member of CCZT, as Master of Ceremonies, with Dr. Heinrich Zwemstra and Rev. David Lachman officiating as College President and Vice-President, respectively.  We also noted with pleasure the presence of Rev. Cees Molenaar who was able to return to the College to join the day’s celebration. There was a heart warming and joyful atmosphere as we celebrated the hard work and achievements of our 7 graduates over the past 3 years.  Special music was provided by a choir of our own students.  Pastor Richard Mwenda, one of our local Trustees, opened with a brief devotional.  Speeches were given by the District Commissioner and the College President.  The graduating students each received either a diploma or certificate acknowledging the completion of their respective courses of study, and a hardcover copy of Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible as a gift.  Mr Phil Bailey and the DACO also addressed the students and presented each graduate with a certificate acknowledging completion of the Farming God’s Way course. The other students were each presented with their annual academic reports and a gift.  In closing, graduate Richard Tembo gave a speech on behalf of the graduating students. Afterwards a lunch was served to the guests.

We give glory to the Lord for sustaining the work of the College through another year, and look forward to what He will do in the future.

Zwemstras called to a church in South Africa – Joseph Pettitt (trustee)

The college principal, Heinrich Zwemstra, has been called to pastor the Reformed Church Pretoria-Annlin, in South Africa, starting on 15th January 2012. We are very sad to no longer have him and his family at the college, but glad that God has provided them this new avenue of service. Please pray that God would give Heinrich all that he needs to honour Christ by preparing God's people for works of service (Ephesians 4:12). Pray also for the whole family as they settle into a new home and a new area.

The Zwemstras arrived at Covenant College in 2008, and very quickly seemed to be at home among the staff and students, who appreciated their Christian character combined with friendly personalities. We are very thankful for all Heinrich's devoted and competent work as lecturer, vice-principal, and more recently as principal. We are also very grateful for all the ways Jacomien has helped the college, not least by her support of Heinrich and management of the college accounts. Of course their friendship and support to others at the college, as well as their children, Cobus, Nelrie and Anel will also be greatly missed.

Please urgently pray for the future of the college as we look for new lecturers and staff and consider how best to provide for our future.

Prayer & Thanksgiving – from the Team

• We commit the Zwemstra family to the Lord.  Heinrich accepted a calling to a reformed church in Pretoria and will be installed on 15 January 2012, Lord willing.
• We pray that the Lord will send lecturers to work at the College, especially now that the Zwemstra family is leaving.
• We thank the Lord for the graduates who successfully completed their studies.
• We pray for the health of Bilison Mwanza, the farm manager.
• We pray for a good rainy season so that the Farm and the people of Zambia will have a good harvest.
• We thank the Lord for committed churches who work in community schools.
• We pray for the Lachman family who are expecting the birth of their baby in December.
• We pray for all the missionaries who are on furlough this time of the year and presenting the work of the mission to different churches.
• We thank the Lord for good health in 2012 and the privilege to serve at the mission.

We thank the Lord for so many fellow believers who participate in the work of the mission in different ways.

Greetings in Christ,

The Covenant College Team

Job Advert

Covenant College Zambia Trust is looking for a person qualified to fill the position of Lecturer in Theology.

More Information

April 2011

Dear friends of Covenant College, it is our pleasure to send you a new Column. Mission work does not only bring missionaries together at one place, but also unites many believers around the globe. We pray this letter may serve to inform you well and enables you to support the work according to our needs, your opportunities, and to the glory of God!

Trust AGM – Heinrich Zwemstra

On 1 and 2 April 2011, the AGM of Covenant College Zambia Trust took place at the premises of Covenant College.  Trustees came from Scotland, England, North-America, South-Africa and locally from Petauke and Lusaka.  No major decisions were made at this meeting, but the Trust appreciated developments that are taking place in all three ministries: the College, Farm and Christian Education Ministry (CEM).  At the College there is a growing number of students (30 students are enrolled this year) and the College is employing three local lecturers on a part-time basis.  At the Farm the Trust acknowledged the teaching of Farming God’s Way and the developments regarding the employment of Jackson Kasolo.  At the CEM the Trust appreciated the continued training of teachers through the visiting of community schools.

After five years of faithful service the trust bade farewell to the Molenaar family.  The trust thanked Cees for his good work as principal and lecturer, and appreciated the important role that Mirjam played in the Women’s and Children’s Ministry. David Lachman, together with his wife Katie and their son Elijah were officially welcomed.  David Lachman is sent by the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) which has played a major role in the establishing and operation of the College.  God willing, Heinrich Zwemstra will take over as principal and David Lachman as vice-principal on 6 May 2011. The Trust was thankful that they accepted these appointments, in order that the College ministry will continue with their guidance and dedication.

Farm Update – Phil Bailey

Jackson Kasolo.

Since the last CCZT Trust Meeting we have been praying and seeking for a Zambian to come and work alongside us at Covenant College Farm. The position is as an Agricultural Missionary with the aim of helping to spread the message of Farming God’s Way and to develop the farm further. The long term aim is for this person to eventually take over as Farm Ministry Leader. This is part of the ‘Zambianisation’ process for all of the Ministries of Covenant College Zambia Trust. The Lord led us to Jackson Kasolo during November last year. He has, uniquely, training in both Theology and Agriculture which is more than we had hoped for. Jackson joined us last year for a trial month in December and came with his wife Grace and their two boys Nathan and Asher.

In March Jackson returned to the farm to continue his trial period working up to the CCZT Trust Meeting on the 1st and 2nd April. He has quickly shown that he has good agriculture knowledge that will enable us to develop the present farm and add new projects. Already with his help we have added a new livestock unit, broiler chickens. He has previous valuable experience with raising chicks and has expertly maintained this new unit.

Jackson has quickly become enthusiastic about Farming God’s Way and has already been involved in teaching to groups during the various Field Days. Here he is explaining the principles and benefits of FGW to the District Commissioner for the Petauke Region at the local Farm Training Centre where we had a FGW demonstration plot.

The Trustees approved his appointment so we are pleased that he will join us from 1st June on a longer term contract with a view to a permanent contract from 1st November 2011. Please remember Jackson and Grace and their two boys and pray that they will really see this opportunity to work at Covenant College as a long term ‘calling’ rather than just a job.

Student Adoption

In August 2009, we launched our Adopt-a-Student programme. This was enthusiastically received by a number of people who since support one or more students every year. There are still students however without a sponsor, and our number of students has grown to 30 this year.  Why would you consider support a student?

First of all, it will help you put a face to your support and to your prayers. It reminds you that the mission work here is not so much about those who labour here, but about those who benefit from our work. When you adopt a student, we will send you his picture and try to update you every year about his progress. Secondly, this form of support will give stability to the College; once the number of sponsors equals the number of students, we have more certainty that we will be able to continue our work into the next years.

Please feel free to contact us for more details; we would also encourage a church or group of Christian friends to adopt one student.

These are the amounts that cover all the expenses we make to train a pastor, per year.

Fare-well!

As mentioned, our family is soon leaving CC. We would like to use this opportunity to bid you farewell, too. Since we arrived in April 2006, we have come to know many of you personally. We have always marvelled at how many do pray for the work here, and even for personal matters of those who serve here.

We count it a privilege to have laboured here. We look at these years as a learning experience, in which the Lord has taught us many lessons, both for our own walk with Him amidst trials, as in serving Him in the mission setting. We have come into close contact with many servants and handmaidens of the Lord; most of their names will not reach publications and newspapers, but they are known with God. They are examples for us of enduring hardship and persevering in the ministry of the Word. We have received a broader perspective on what the Church of our Lord Jesus is; and we have fellowshipped with many Christians whose experience enriched us.

We thank you as supporters for standing together in the cause of Christ in Zambia, and appeal to you to continue in this way. Also our sending church, Heritage Reformed Congregations, is acknowledged for having sent us to serve at CC.

As we anticipated our departure from CC, we have experienced that this does not mark the end of our time in Africa. Recognizing our calling to continue availing similar training to other places as well, we are currently considering settling in Malawi as the place where the Lord seems to be leading us.

Prayer & Thanksgiving – from the Team

• We thank the Lord for the service of the Molenaar family at Covenant College
• Please pray for Heinrich as assumes the work of principal
• We thank the Lord for the arrival of the Lachman family
• We thank the Lord for employment of Jackson Kasolo
• Please pray that the Lord keeps us all healthy
• Thank the Lord for the committed teachers, who teach Bible lessons etc. and pray that this number will increase
• Pray for a Zambian teacher who would like to join the work of CEM
• Thank the Lord for all the times that He kept us safe, during travelling on quite bad roads, when visiting schools
• Pray that teachers and children will be saved by Jesus and Christianity will be spread through the work of CEM

We thank you for the many ways in which you participate in the ministries.

In Christ’s service, Cees Molenaar

December 2010

Dear supporters,

We greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is a great privilege to us that you continue your involvement in the ministries of  Covenant College Zambia Trust. With this Column you receive an update on the various facets of the work. You also find our details below if you wish to contact us.

News from the Ministries

• In the last Column, we advertised for a lecturer. We are very thankful to announce that the Lord provided in this position with David and Katie Lachman. David will be a minister in the Free Church of Scotland Continuing, and sent and supported by this church. Ten years ago, another of their ministers, David Fraser, started the work of CC, and we are glad indeed that the church will participate in the mission again by means of David and Katie. They, with baby Elijah, hope to make their way to Zambia in February/March 2011.
• This appointment was even more encouraging as in the meantime Cees and Mirjam Molenaar decided to move on from CC, in search for mission work where their oldest children can attend school and have a social network. The Trust knew this was coming and is thankful that they have time to look for another missionary family.
• The Farm received a serious application for the position of Agricultural Missionary; in the coming months, the Farm hopes to see whether the applicant meets the expectations for the position.
• The Trust also appointed Mr. Andrew Macleod, from the Free Church of Scotland Continuing, to voluntarily help with the work of the Christian Education Ministry for the coming six months.
• Jaap van de Kamp, the teacher volunteer for the Molenaar children, completed his year at CC. The Molenaars are thankful for his contribution to their family and the mission at large.  For January to June 2011, the Molenaars are looking for an English speaking volunteer teacher to help with Joas and Rhoda’s schooling (see appended advert).

Farm Ministry: An Introduction to the new Agricultural Curriculum – Phil Bailey

This year, I introduced a new Agricultural curriculum to the studies undertaken by the student pastors at Covenant College. The curriculum involves 16 hours of farm teaching per year, giving a total of 48 hours over the three-year-cycle of teaching the students receive.

The teaching is based upon ‘Farming God’s Way’ which gives a Biblical application to conservation farming for the rain fed field crops, particularly the main crop of maize. It includes various aspects of ‘Organic Farming’ methods and then expands into the integration between livestock and crop production under the heading of ‘Integrated Small Scale Farming’ (ISSF). This especially looks at ways of reducing the expensive chemical fertilizer inputs by the use of manure harvesting from the animals and the making of compost. This applies to both field crops and the vegetable garden. The plant stova and waste vegetable matter from these is then added as supplement feed to the animals which include cattle, pigs, chickens, goats, rabbits and ducks.

ISSF also covers the benefits of local trees and plants such as Moringa (nutritional), Musangu (nitrogen fixing), Neem (medicinal) and Artemesia (malaria preventative). All the aspects of ISSF are practiced on the Covenant College farm and some of the teaching hours are spent as practical farm walks where we can actually see these methods being worked out in reality.

Under this new curriculum we have an additional subject ‘Good Business Practice’ in which we have lessons on Setting up a Small Business, Saving and Investing, Christian Work Ethics, Water Management and Planet Wise (caring for creation). We learn what the Bible has to say on these matters knowing that ‘All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching etc’ 2 Tim 3 v 16.

All the teaching is geared towards becoming self reliant, getting away from the dependancy of ‘hand-outs’ and becoming independent. I Thessalonians 4 vs 11 and 12 which is a key principle of FGW .

Please pray hard for the students to have their minds and attitudes changed by God so that they may willingly endeavour to follow these principles. Also that they may be able to teach the same to their congregations so that their churches may become more self reliant and they themselves may be better supported by the churches that they Pastor.

College: Visits  to Students – Heinrich Zwemstra

At Covenant College we are not only concerned about the academic training of the students, but also the development of their Christian character.  To facilitate this, we have divided the students between the two of us to mentor them.  The mentoring of the students includes visits to the students and their families, and the churches where they serve.  Sometimes it is easy to reach the students, but sometimes one has to leave early since it takes time to reach them (not necessarily because of distance, but because of the condition of the road).

These visits normally take place on a Sunday.  During the worship service we have the opportunity to preach (with an interpreter).  The service also includes a lot of singing, Bible reading, offering and announcements.  After the service we have the opportunity to speak to the congregation about their pastor who is studying at the College and encourage them to pray for the pastor (student) and his family and to support them.

After the service most of the churches have the custom of greeting each other with a handshake.  Then we go to the house of the pastor (student) where a meal is being prepared.  Sometimes the preparation of the meal takes some time, but it is a good opportunity to talk to the student about his life and ministry.  Before greeting the student and his family and starting our journey back to the College, we pray with the family and commit them into God’s care.  On our way back we think of the many challenges that the students face, and we pray again that the Lord will strengthen and encourage them for the work He called them to do.

Christian Education Ministry – Marjanne Hendriksen

What do you see at the picture? A school? Imagine: one crippled teacher and more than forty children. Their school? The community started to build a shelter. But as long as this is not finished the teacher is already teaching his pupils outside. Nowhere a spot of shadow…  And that in this hot season!

It shows something about the commitment of this teacher! He doesn’t get a salary. But – and he is not the only one – he makes such a difference in the lives of many children! The blessing of having a pre-school!

In 2010, something special has happened. Up till this year we had among the twenty schools that CEM is supporting just one pre-school. In conferences we share experiences from the different schools. So information about pre-school education was also shared. The result? Three other schools have opened a nursery this year. After the training for Sunday School Teachers at the College (see below) five of them were involved in opening two new pre-schools. Both schools registered more than one hundred little children! And last but not least; three students from Covenant College were involved by opening a pre-school in their village!

Together with Solomon Lungu I visit all schools. I try to visit the new schools at least every other week.  For me, a former pre-school teacher, it is a great joy to train the new pre-school teachers! To teach them how to tell a Bible story every day; how to lay the foundation for reading, writing, mathematics and other topics. It gives joy to see a teacher playing different games with their children. And it makes you really thankful when you hear them singing Christian songs. To God be the glory!!

Please thank the Lord for the great opportunities that He gives us to reach out to so many children! Thank him  for the received funds and prayers from the supporters. Please pray with us for a Zambian assistant who can join us in the work so that more teachers can be better trained; pray for committed teachers, parents and for all the children. Please also pray that Andrew Macleod will be a blessing to CEM.

Sunday School Teacher Training – Mirjam Molenaar

Covenant College runs a children’s ministry every Saturday afternoon. We teach many children from neighbouring villages the Word of God through a Bible lesson, Bible songs, Bible memorizations and a colouring picture. It is our wish to teach locals also to minister to the children of their communities. Therefore Marjanne and I started a Sunday School Teachers Training program. From June to August we taught about 40 attendees why and how to teach Sunday School for children. After the teaching sessions, we involved them in our children’s program, giving them a chance to practice what they learned. Here are some of the responses we got: “I never realized that the Bible commands us to teach children”, “I have observed in your program that I have to be kind and caring towards children”, “I didn’t know that children are also sinners and need salvation”, “From your training I have learned the importance of teaching God’s Word to children and now we have even started a pre-school in our village”.

We hope and pray that this training may be a blessing for many teachers and children in our area and that God may be glorified!

Women’s Ministry – Mirjam Molenaar

“Madam, these days are the highlight of the year,” says one of the student wives. “Please, tell us when the next meeting is,” asks a student. “This is the time and place where our wives can be among other Christian women and learn how to be godly women in our rural communities.”

It is such a blessing to minister to the wives of our students. More and more we realize how special our conferences are for them in light of their daily life. These women don’t have easy and comfortable lives. Their work as house wives and mothers is heavy – drawing water from the well and carrying it home for washing, cooking and cleaning, chopping firewood, making the cooking fires, working on the fields in the heat of the sun with almost always a baby in the sling on the back, washing clothes by hand, often caring for the sick and dying, walking long distances to reach the shops or clinic etc. Apart from that they face a lot of emotional challenges. Most neighbours are not Christians; they steal, lie, gossip or even cast spells on them. Traditional, un-biblical rituals are every day reality; how do you deal with that in a culture where the village community is one of the strongest units?

 In our last meeting much discussion was spent on the initiation rites. Some women believe that you cannot participate anymore in these practices. Others think that it is an opportunity for Christian women to teach teenage girls the biblical view on marriage. But what about the special dance they have to perform, for example? At a certain point in the discussion the eyes go to us, missionaries, and ask ‘but you, what do you think is right?’ Those things need a lot study of the culture and Bible study. The Bible doesn’t always give direct answers to certain issues.

We always study women from the Bible; Rebecca, Mary, the Proverbs 31 woman…After teaching we split into small groups to discuss questions with regard to the Bible study. The women are also very eager to learn about health. We invite a nurse to teach a specific health issue. Because most women have never been to school  they have many health questions. It is one thing to keep far from traditional (witch) doctors, but only relying on tablets from the clinic is not always necessary. God has given so much in His creation for us to use for healing.

During the craft in the afternoon (often sewing) we continue discussions, have fun together and sing choruses.  The daddies take care of the babies in the afternoon as they do their chores so that mommy has a break. They even cook dinner for the wives - you can imagine how pampered they feel! The women’s ministry is still in need for support. Please consider if you can help us to keep organizing such meetings to train the wives of pastors.

Dear brother and sisters, we are thankful that the Lord has called us to serve Him in these ministries. This work takes a lot of patience, as we aim for changes in the hearts, attitudes, and lives of people. We are encouraged to know that this change is ultimately only effected by the Holy Spirit. What a privilege it is when we observe evidences of change! We pray that your prayers and support enable to continue these ministries.

Warmly, Cees Molenaar

April 2010

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

We are grateful that over the years so many have joined in supporting the mission work! From that perspective, the mission is the centre of the world, uniting many different believers and churches from all over the world with God’s people in Zambia. Please receive this newsletter as a means to foster that relationship.

News from the Trust

From March 26-27, the Board of Trustees held its Annual General Meeting here at the mission. From various churches and countries, the brothers arrived to discuss the progress and prospects of the three Ministries: College, Farm, and Education. The Board also approves budgets for the next year and checks the accounts, assisted by a professional accountant from Lusaka. The Board encouraged the Management to compose a list of various projects, large and small, to publish the ministries’ needs to the churches and enable individuals and congregations to take responsibility of those (see the selection of Projects below).

It also considered the feasibility of adding a Health Ministry, which would concentrate on the Christian training of community health workers. The Trust decided to explore this option.

The Trust spent considerable time to review the Vision plans that were drafted in the previous months for each ministry (see Vision).

The Trust also met again with representatives from the students’ churches; this strengthens the ties between the College and the denominations in our area.

The Management team is being assisted by Rev. McDonald to create a new website, covering all the work of Covenant College Zambia Trust.

Vision

1.     We are inspired by the Bible and emphasize its authority and application in all areas of life. Therefore, we seek to promote a Biblical worldview in our ministries which addresses the totality of daily life of the people around us, including faith, culture, family relationships, work, and education.

(…)    

2.     We realize that the Word of God is the most important gift we can share with the people around us, and that practical help cannot stand on its own in a church based mission work. However, we are also convinced that the Word should be accompanied by Deeds of mercy and Christian development of life. Since different aspects are realized in each ministry, we complement each other for a balanced missionary approach.

(…)

5.         Each ministry is driven by a desire to serve God in serving the churches, Christians, and the people of Eastern Province in general. We acknowledge that God has His church here, that many Christians are devoted to serve Him, and that in many ways responsibilities are taken by churches and Christians to propagate the Gospel, to reach out to those in need, and to educate children.

6.         In respect to this, we are convinced that our major focus should be the training of other people. We are not here to take away the churches’ responsibility, to replace local Christians, or to make local knowledge and experience redundant – but to strengthen and develop what is already here. This applies to all areas of ministry. 

(…)

From Trust Vision, March 2010

College

In this College update, I would like to highlight some blessings and challenges we are experiencing.

In February, the College commenced its 10^th year of training pastors in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Nine new students joined the fourteen who remained after eight graduated last October. Sixteen students are enrolled in the Diploma stream, and 7 pursue a Certificate. We are thankful for a stable number of local church leaders who find their way to Covenant College, and for the dedication among students to work hard.

We are thankful for the steady support which enables the College to operate without disruption, in the form of funds, or of materials such as books, or in the form of enabling lecturers to teach at no expense to the College. It was good to visit supporting churches during the College break; Heinrich presented the work again in South Africa, and visited the Free Church of Scotland (continuing) in November. Cees visited the Heritage Reformed Congregations in North America and presented the College to friends in The Netherlands. It is encouraging to see churches commit to stand together in the work of the Lord. We thank Mr Pompe and Mr Van der Merwe for the new uniforms! We acknowledge pastors Smit, Van der Walt (Reformed Churches of South Africa), and Kamanga (Reformed Baptist Zambia), as well as Mr Thomas (Mukhanyo Theological College) for jobs well done teaching courses in 2009. Two graduates are involved in teaching, Pastor Banda (Certificate classes) and Mr  Chellah (English). One graduate, Mr. Mwale, is now enrolled in Mukhanyo’s B.Th. program with the support of Centurion Reformed Church; we expect him to become a teacher in due time. Several people responded positively to the Adopt-a-Student program; one family took responsibility for four students!

The accreditation acquiring process through Mukhanyo has progressed slowly but steadily; now that they have received their independent status, our position can be finalized soon as well.

In terms of College staff, our two Zambian employees perform commendable jobs and we could not run the College without Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda. The Zwemstra family is expecting to receive their third child very soon, and are in South Africa to await the birth. The Molenaar family was glad that a teacher volunteer from the Netherlands, Jaap van de Kamp, joined them in November to take responsibility of Joas and Rhoda’s education this year.

Challenges

In the midst of these blessings, what are some of the challenges we face? By far, the greatest challenge remains to offer theological education which is both true to the whole Bible and relevant to all of life, and to train men for a God-glorifying ministry in the local churches.

At a smaller scale, we are concentrating on the College’s relationship with the local churches, and on maintaining the relationship with our graduates. We will work more closely together with the churches to create more ownership of the College locally, and to evaluate the College training in light of what happens at ground level. We will also invite all our graduates to a special Graduates Conference this year – and pay their transport if at all possible since most are not financially supported by their churches. At the same time, we hope to hold our general pastors conference to aid the many untrained church leaders in our area, and to encourage their enrolment at the College. It is our desire to organize such conferences in more than one location, to cast the net wider.

In order for the College to seriously undertake all this, we need the right resources. Therefore, the College is looking for a full time lecturer (see box) to safeguard the continuation of the ministry. The Trust also approved that we appoint two part time Zambian lecturers. We hope to find men who are experienced as pastors, committed to reformed theology, and have a heart for teaching in a rural setup. The part time teachers will not be required to live at the mission station. This also emphasizes the importance of continued financial support. In our Project list we name a few specific needs for your consideration.

Christian Education Ministry – Marjanne Hendriksen

During the first term this year we were able to visit most of the schools CEM supports.  Once we had to abandon a trip because there was a lot of mud on the road. People from the villages around came to warn us. The day before a 4x4 got stuck over there and the people had to stay in their car the whole night before there was enough help to get them out… I was really thankful for this warning!

It was good to visit the schools again and encouraging to see teachers doing a Bible lesson. But there are also schools with problems. Two schools were still closed this term because their communities didn’t take their responsibility in supporting the teachers. In one village we had a meeting with the parents and headmen. In the other village we had several talks with teachers. Both schools plan to open next term.

At the moment we are busy with a three days conference for teachers. Four people from the Excellence Christian Academy in Kabwe came to help me with the teaching.  It was encouraging to work together. It is also good and really nice to meet our teachers again and to learn more together about Christian Education!

Farm Ministry – Phil Bailey

CC Farm Open Day

On Friday 19^th March we held our Farm Open Day. Over 150 people came, mostly farmers, from throughout the district. Encouragingly, two District Agricultural Co-Ordinators (DACO’s) came along as well. One from Petauke and the other from the next District, Katete. These men are the Heads of the Districts’ Agriculture and both were enthusiastic about Farming God’s Way.

Bilison was extolling the virtues of manure and compost pits. Not the most pleasant subject but a very important part of conservation farming and for overcoming the escalating price of fertilizer. Then we moved onto the maize trial fields where the benefits of FGW were shown and explained.

We also had a FGW demonstration plot at the local Farm Training Centre and at their Open Day we were able to explain the biblical application to FGW.

CC Farm Workshop

Building of the new workshop is well on the way. It will comprise two large rooms, one for carpentry and one for welding/metal work. We aim to rent these out to local craftsmen to provide services to the local community and to the College. In time, we hope that this facility will also provide training in these trades for the students of Covenant College. The tools to equip the workshops are being sent out from the UK by the charity ‘Tools with a Mission’ (www.twam.co.uk)

Prayer and Thanksgiving

• Thank God for keeping us all in good health and for giving us the energy and desire to serve Him. Please pray for this to continue, not only among the missionaries but also among  the Zambian staff and their families.
• Please pray that the Lord will send out people to serve in the various ministries: an agricultural missionary, part time lecturers, and a full time lecturer.
• Join us in thanksgiving for a good growing season so far; please pray for the rains to stop so that the crops will dry in the field to enable harvesting. This harvest forms the main income and provision of food for most of the people around us.
• Please pray that communities will be committed to support the schools of their children.
• Pray for more teachers who see the importance of daily Bible lessons; pray that the teachers’ conference will have a lasting influence on the Christian character of education in the community schools.
• Thank the Lord that the Zwemstras had a safe journey to South Africa; please pray that the delivery will go well.
• Please pray that Heinrich’s teaching at Mukhanyo will go well; pray for our graduate, Mwale, who studies there far away from his family, and for the accreditation process to be completed soon.
• We covet your prayers for all our graduates and students, and for other pastors we come in contact with, that the Lord will give much fruit on the ministry of His Word and that the churches may live the truth and show mercy to those in need.

Praying that this update indeed binds us together,

In Christ’s service, Cees Molenaar

August 2009

Dear supporting churches and fellow believers,

The students are about to return for the third and last term of this year; last week the mission was crowded with pastors for the annual conference. Harvest has been a busy time at the farm with many learning and teaching opportunities. Teachers are coming to the mission for training while the schools are on break... It is time to update you on all that goes on at the mission post.

Trust and Management Team

In April the Trustees gathered for the Annual meeting. For the first time, the Trust met with representatives from the churches that send students to the College. Delegates and graduates expressed much appreciation for the training with which Covenant College has aided the churches from 2001. Ideas were shared how the teaching can connect even more closely to the local church situation.

The Trust reviewed reports from the three ministries (College, Farm, Schools), checked the books, and approved the budgets and plans for the next year. Together we also acknowledged the blessing to have many faithful supporters from different churches and countries. Some donate necessary supplies, others help to fund new buildings, and many contribute towards the daily operation of the ministries. Instructors are sent to the College free of cost from Zambia and South Africa. All this helps in the realization of our calling, and the Trust and team appreciate it very much! It was the first Trust meeting for pastor Lovemore Banda, a local College graduate, and pastor Greg McDonald who represented the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).

Over the last year, we have held regular Management Team meetings to coordinate the ministries at the mission. This is to make sure that we know from each other what we do, to encourage each in his or her own work, and to discuss items that pertain to the mission as a whole. This helps us to operate as three ministries, each with its own ministry leader(s), funding and account, each directly answerable to the Trust, yet united and working together at one mission station.

College

We are thankful to report that the construction of the new class rooms has progressed well. Last year October, the builder started with the first part (class room 1, office, and storeroom), so that from February we were able to teach there. Last week, July 27, the second part was completed far enough to house the Pastors’ Conference.

Both class rooms will be used for teaching; we teach some courses separately to the Certificate and Diploma students. The large hall will also be used for the combined sessions at the pastors’ wives meetings, for conferences, and large meetings such as the graduation. We received sufficient funds from a family in the Netherlands to complete the building.

As lecturers, we enjoy teaching in these class rooms – most of all because the students are so eager to learn. We may report that there is a very good attitude among them and that the Word of God is received with attention. Often spontaneous words of appreciation are expressed for all the learning, sharpening, and encouragement for the ministry that we share.

In the end of June, our family (Molenaar) had to return to the Netherlands. Mirjam got malaria which is dangerous for the unborn child that we expect; this also required regular medical monitoring and delivery in a hospital. Since we had already planned to travel to the Netherlands to give birth, we followed the advice to leave earlier. Since our arrival Mirjam is checked regularly and thankfully everything seems to be well. The Lord has answered the prayers of many! Mirjam is still quite weak and needs to watch herself carefully; she is due September 6.

At the College, the full responsibility fell on Rev. Zwemstra to finish the second term and prepare the third. He has been very busy with the regular teaching, as well as teaching at the annual Pastors’ Conference. Together we are thankful for God’s provision of two full-time lecturers so that the work continues unhindered when one falls out. For the third term (Aug 11 – Oct 2) help is arranged to teach all the courses; the Reformed Baptist Kabwata church sends a lecturer and two pastors from the Reformed Churches of South Africa will also assist. These forms of support are greatly appreciated!

Farm Ministry – Phil Bailey

CC Farm continues to develop both in its Livestock units and the ‘Farming God’s Way’ teaching. The new piggery is nearly finished, it has four pens, one for tata (father) and two furrowing pens for the mai (mothers) and one for the weaned piglets. The market for pork is good and we’ve been slaughtering one pig a month from the last litter. Each one bringing around 80 kilos of good meat which is both enjoyed by the students and readily bought by the men coming to work on the farm. The men will not work for maize, that’s the women’s job to bring home, but they will work for meat! It must be a ‘man thing’!

One of the stumbling blocks for people to take up the FGW way of growing maize is the high cost of fertilizer. We have been seeking many ways to overcome this problem. Through trials during the past rain season we have found that by using various methods of composting we can eliminate the use of base dressing fertilizer. We are composting things like ground nut shells and shelled maize cobs which are normally just burnt. Then the harvesting of manure from the animals is used to help breakdown maize stalks, leaves, crop residues etc into compost. All of which will later be placed in the holes where we plant the maize. This planting season our total of 4 hectares of maize will be grown without the use of compound D as a base dressing which will halve  the input of ‘chemical’ fertilizer. We have to show it’s possible!

Christian Education Ministry – Marjanne Hendriksen

At this moment our schools are busy with writing tests; the second term is almost over. During both terms of this year, each school has had several visits. We, Solomon, Dorica, and I, observe lessons and discuss them with the teachers. We speak about what they have learnt at our conferences and how they use this in their schools. School visits can be very surprising; twice I didn’t find the school, but a ruin… One school doesn’t exist anymore; the other is using a church building. The teacher had been replaced by a new one. The third teacher in two years… Sometimes you feel a bit desperate about what is going on in some schools.

But the Lord also gives us special experiences that encourage us: teachers involving the community to build a school, teachers helping each other in preparing a lesson plan, teachers that open and close their days with prayer, teachers that want to learn about the Bible, teachers telling a Bible story every school day…

Next term we hope to concentrate on observing Bible lessons. But first we will have two conference days in August, Lord willing. We pray that He blesses the teachers and through them also the children!!

“Adopt a Student”

Covenant College offers pastoral training to church leaders in Eastern Province Zambia. We do this free of charge to the students (apart from a nominal registration and uniform fee), so that all who are called by God and recognized by the churches to preach the Gospel can participate and benefit from this training. The salaries of the full time lecturers are paid by their sending churches; new buildings are funded from specific donations – yet, we remain each year with a considerable budget for the running or operational expenses.

Today, we don’t want to bother you with huge amounts however. Neither do we like to enlarge on the expenses. We want to bring this all down to the very heart of what we need: believers who support a pastor so he can be trained for the ministry of the Word. Therefore we launch our new program – Adopt a Student!

The real costs per student, in rounded figures, are as below. We have an average of 20 students.

• 3,000,000 Kwacha
• £400
• US$600
• €450
• SA Rand 5000

Our students are dedicated pastors who make sacrifices to enrol in the College. Their income is reduced as they have to cut back the amount of cash crops they can produce or piece work they can do, and they spend many weeks away from their families. They receive their training as once in a life opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Bible, to come to a clear understanding of Bible doctrine and its application to real daily life, and to develop their skills to lead the people of God and to bring in the lost. We are convinced that support for these men is an important investment in the kingdom of God!

Please consider to ‘Adopt a Student’ – together with some other families or as a church and commit to their support both financially and spiritually. You can contact Rev. Zwemstra or myself about this (addresses below).

Prayer and Thanksgiving

• Please pray for Heinrich and Jacomien Zwemstra, Phil Bailey, Marjanne Hendriksen to persevere in their responsibilities.
• Pray for visiting lecturers and students during the third term of this year; safe travelling and blessed learning.
• Pray for the spiritual growth and development of the pastors, and that the teaching bears fruit in their personal lives, families, churches, and villages.
• Thank the Lord with us that He continues to provide the ministries all that is needed.
• Remember in prayer Mirjam as she anticipates delivery; pray for energy and protection.
• We continually pray for all those living and working at the mission, that we may be healthy, live together in a good spirit, and that we display a life of godliness.
• Please thank the Lord for His provision of a good harvest, and pray for the promotion of farming that is consistent with a biblical worldview and Christian stewardship.
• Pray for the Christian Community Schools, for commitment in the teachers, for the many orphaned children that attend, and that Christian education may bear fruit. 

We appreciate your support and thank God that so many are united in their love for Covenant College!

In His service,

Cees Molenaar, Principal