October 2008 - Covenant College Column

Dear supporting churches and friends,

We have just concluded the ‘academic year’ at Covenant College. In this Column we like to update you on the graduation, the pastors’ conference, and the new building project. We also bring our financial needs to your attention.

In this issue, Phil Bailey shares about the continued ministry of the Farm and particularly the blessings of teaching Farming God’s Way.

‘Our village’

The mission has been a busy place; early each morning and late afternoon you find many workers on their way to Covenant College. Farm employees, piece workers, brick makers and builders – they all make their living from the mission’s business. Students lodged here from February to October, filling the station with their singing each morning. Three workers’ families have their own small compound at the mission, bringing more liveliness to this place.

None of the missionaries or workers has been seriously ill, for which we are very thankful. All the work, on the side of the College, the Farm, and the Christian Education Fund, has continued with the help of the Lord. As the rain season is at hand, we all leave the mission for some months. We will be busy presenting the ministries to the supporting churches, raising funds to carry on next year, preparing lectures..., trying to get some rest as well.

Training Pastors – a rewarding ministry

The College offers training to men who are already serving in the church; who are thus recognized by their church as called from the Lord; and who have proven for some years to be dedicated to the ministry. This is what binds our students together, despite the great variety in formal education, age, social standing, and experience. It is a tremendous opportunity and privilege to be involved in the training of Zambian church leaders; to help them grow and advance in leading their churches in the Word of God and in a worship and life that glorifies Him.

Graduation

The graduation was again a beautiful conclusion of this year’s training. Seven students completed their three years at the College. Many bicycle miles and months of disciplined studying were rewarded with a Diploma or Certificate (one of the seven) in Theology. Six men are already pasturing a church; one is involved in pastoral work and hopes

Teaching

In the last term, we were assisted in teaching by Pastor Oswald Sichula from Kabwata (Reformed) Baptist Church, Lusaka, who explored with the students the area of pastoral counselling. We are grateful to him and the church that supported him to serve at Covenant College.

Pastor Zwemstra lectured the last two terms on the Pentateuch, Reformation history, and NT Letters. I have taught Christology and Soteriology. Some students faithfully carried on their Greek language study with the help of Jacomien Zwemstra.

Conference

We had the pleasure of meeting many College graduates at the Pastors Conference in October. They were invited along with our current students and pastors from surrounding churches. For the graduates, the conference served as a refreshment course and an encouragement to persevere in their often lonely ministries. For neighbouring pastors, the conference is intended to introduce them to Covenant College and invite them to come and train for their ministry. Many pastors are interested in the College, and we expect a number of new men to join our ranks next year February.

Rev. Gerrit Kruger from the Centurion Reformed Church of South Africa provided most of the teaching on the theme of Biblical Church Leadership. The lectures were much appreciated and we look back at a blessed conference. 

FARM MINISTRY

Farming ‘God’s Way’ at Covenant College – by Phil Bailey

During September we had several opportunities to teach Farming God’s Way (FGW). We continued with 10 hours of agricultural teaching to the students, going over various applications of FGW and bringing in a new subject ‘Planet Wise’ which looks at the Christians’ responsibility of caring for God’s Planet as His stewards.

A local farmers’ group called Chambale came to the college one Monday for a full day’s teaching both in the classroom and out in the fields. They were encouraging as they joined together to form the group with the intent purpose of seeking ways to make their small farms self-sufficient. This is the only way out of poverty for Africans, waiting for 'hand-outs' does not make them faithful in the 'talents' God has given them in the form of land, rain, sunshine and the ability to work.

This is one of the main teachings within FGW so it's encouraging when we are asked to come and teach these principles. During the Pastors Training International Chipata conference in August I was asked to come back and teach FGW to the Pastors. So on Sept 20th, 60 people gathered at Chipata Day school to hear the message and method.

FGW combines conservation farming, long term sustainability of the land and environmental awareness, all with many Biblical applications. We thank God for leading us to learn of this teaching and for helping us to apply it in the fields of Covenant College and we pray that He will continue to provide opportunities to teach the Gospel in this way. 

PROJECTS

Class rooms/ conference hall

Last month we started with the construction of a new classroom/ conference hall building. The current hall does not facilitate for year round teaching as it is wet in the rain season and cold when the strong winds come. Neither does it cater for conferences, combined women and pastors meetings, and other functions such as the graduation.

The new building, all under one roof, gives room to a middle sized and a small classroom, a conference hall and a small storeroom/ office.

The funds for this project have come in largely from the Heritage Reformed Congregations where we held presentations in January and a church in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Right now we can only finish the classrooms; the conference hall will only be added when more funds become available. To complete our class room/ conference hall project we still need $6,000.

Shortfall 2008

We are very grateful for all the support we have received during this year. The College could operate without major financial concerns. We do however have a shortfall in 2008. The operational fund of the College is short by about $3,000; this fund covers all the regular expenses of the College, upkeep of the buildings and vehicle, students’ food, College supplies. For the support of the Pastors’ wives meetings we still need $1,500. Please consider these needs; see the colophon for bank details, or email us for more information.

Please give thanks with us for:

• completion of the house for the Zwemstra’s
• good rains early in the season; on the 20th sowing has started!
• the dedicated studies of our students
• unity and health under the team members
• peaceful elections

 We covet your prayers for:

• successful furloughs, for rest and good meetings with the churches;
• for the CEF, pray that teachers see education as one of the means to lead children to Jesus
• for Zambia, a good harvest to provide for next year
• God’s wisdom in the preparation of next year’s teaching

We appreciate your support! In Christ,

Pastor Cees Molenaar, College Principal