Phils ZMS Newsletter - June 2007

Covenant College

The past weeks have proved to be a major time of blessing in the history of Covenant College. Communication with supporters, family etc is vital to our welfare and the progress of the mission work. During May a satellite internet system was installed which is why we now have a large white dish outside the third chalet!

We can now email from right here in the compound, 16 kms out in the bush from the nearest town, Petauke. This is quite strange as when I arrived three years ago there was no internet or mobile phone service even in the town. Also Zesco, the Zambian electricity company, has commenced work to connect us to the nearby national grid, thereby bringing us our own power source! This will be quite dramatic after three years of using a generator and candles and will improve our living facilities, but also importantly provides a much better place for the students to study.

Building work have commenced following the Trustees positive decision regarding the plans drawn up for the new student dormitory. Already the foundation slab has been laid and brickwork started for the main walls. This dormitory block includes 10 sleeping rooms for 2-4 students, individual showers, toilet cubicles and wash basins. This will bring a massive improvement to the students living facilities.
 

The College closed on Friday 8th June for the mid term break. I had the privilege of giving the last three mornings of lectures to the students on God’s Way of Farming, integrated subsistence farming and other subjects developed from what we have learnt and practiced here on the College farm. However the picture on the left is not of me lecturing, it is of Cees giving the closing message to the students at the end of this years first term.

Christian Education Fund

Marjanne Hendriksson, a teacher from Holland, arrived early this month to commence work at Covenant College with the specific task of overseeing the Community schools supported by the Christian Education Fund. Remember her as she settles into life here at the mission and her new role working with Solomon Lungu the CEF travelling secretary.

Covenant College Farm

Building is also continuing on the farm, and last week saw the completion of the house for one of our farm workers. Matthew Sakala has been working diligently with us for the past two years and it was a pleasure to welcome him and his wife Dorothy and their six children to their new home on the farm.

The new cow and goat shed (separate quarters!) will provide much better shelter for these animals, particularly during the rainy season.

POSTAL ADDRESS

If you have been using the Zambian Airways postal address to send me parcels please note that this is no longer convenient. Please use the following address:

COVENANT COLLEGE

PO BOX 560229

PETAUKE

ZAMBIA