The students at Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College are the reason I am here. A common phrase I said during support raising was that I hoped to play a small part in equipping the pastors of Zambia to better spread God’s joy throughout Zambia, Africa and the world. I am daily reminded that my part in all of this is quite small.
Here’s the breakdown of the student body:
- There are 26 students.
-24 men, and 2 women.
-10 first years, 7 second years, and 9 third years.
-The two women are single, one widowed and one a single 22 year old.
-There are 11 single men. The rest are married with families.
-The wives of the married students have a daily program of study here as well (more on that later)
-The age range of the students is from 20-64.
-Education level is varied. They have completed anywhere from grade 6 to grade 12. The wives have education anywhere from none to grade 8, with just a few having completed grade 12.
These are students who have been called by God. They are each individually gifted with passions and abilities that already shine through their daily lives. They have a level of Biblical Literacy which is far beyond the average American believer. Even the first year students know scripture inside out and backwards before they have begun their studies at the college.
Their faith inspires me daily. To become a pastor in Zambia is a huge sacrifice. A pastor’s salary is provided by the church’s tithes. In a country where the parishioners have an income of next to nothing, pastors and their families survive on the scraps of what their congregations are able to give. Several of the students here have answered God’s call to the ministry, leaving behind much higher and more comfortable positions in business management and even computer programming. Several have brought shame to their extended family by entering the ministry, going against secular cultural expectations. Their level of faith and sacrifice is humbling. I know that my own sacrifice to be here pales in comparison to the trials which they and their families will face.
Like most Africans, these students each have stories of persevering through and overcoming the adversities of their socio-economic class. In our first discipleship group meeting, each of the 7 students in my group gave a brief story about their background. Some had stories of relatively comfortable upbringing in good Christian families while some had homes broken by divorce or the death of a parent. David’s story was the most heart wrenching to me as he shared about being a double orphan, growing up on the streets begging for food and finding hope only in drugs and alcohol. He was blessed to have a man take him in at age 12, allowing him to complete his schooling. It wasn’t until 3 years ago that he became a Christian and soon after felt the call to ministry. David, age 27, is now a promising young pastor with a fighting spirit. His whole life is evidence of God’s grace, love and redemption for each of his dear children.
These are people who know what it means to have nothing. They have felt the sting of hunger for the necessities of food, love, and acceptance. They have lost loved ones left and right due to incurable diseases and a poor medical system. Yet when you talk to them, you would never know it. Their JOY is radiant. They have come to know the secret of the Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ and are filled to overflowing with the Spirit’s passion for living a life of sacrifice and worship. Laughter is a constant here, and gossip or arguing unheard of. When asked what they are thankful for today, the first year’s answers were along the lines of, “For the Lord’s salvation.” “For the opportunity to live in and serve the Lord.” Obby said, “I am thankful to be counted among the living.” In a land where they know death and suffering all too closely, these are people who embrace their God-given lives with hope, perseverance, and JOY.
Each one of these students has quickly gained my respect and admiration. They are already so close to my heart that I want to do everything I can to pour into their lives these next two years to help prepare them for the work the Lord has called them to. Though there is definite value in the lessons we are teaching in Biblical exegesis and hermeneutics as well as the constant practice in preaching they do during their 3 years here, the Lord has already equipped and prepared them with gifts and passions and most importantly His Spirit. Though they look at me with respect and authority as their foreign, well-educated lecturer, I see them with great humility. They are teaching me lessons that go far deeper than anything academic I could offer them.
All of this deep emotional stuff only comes to my mind when I sit and reflect. My usual interaction with the students involves a lot of laughter. J
The students are here on scholarship. The scholarship money comes from the States from individual and church sponsors. To sponsor a student and their family is $100 a month. Each month, the students are given a $40 allowance. This is used towards food, clothing, their children’s school fees and any other necessities. For some families, this $40 is spread thin between two parents and anywhere from 1 to 8 children. The other $60 is put towards boarding costs, the staff salaries, grounds maintenance, and other tuition fees. If the money is short, this doesn’t mean that a student isn’t allowed to come to college. What does happen in a budget deficit however is each family is given an equal but lesser amount of their monthly income of $40. In this case, choices will need to be made in the family. Do we eat less food as a family? Does Junior go without schooling for the term? Sacrifices are made.
Currently we have a budget deficit of $11,000, meaning that approximately 9 students aren’t sponsored. Many of you have been asking about other ways you can be supporting my ministry here at the Bible College. If there were any way you could do something further than the ways you have already supported me, it would be to donate money to the student fund. Even in situations where we have a surplus of funds coming from the States, that money is always put to good use. There are always repair projects to be done, and many big dreams for new buildings for housing and schooling.
If you’re interested in sponsoring a student for the $100 monthly donation, you would be partnered with them for 3 years. The students write to their sponsors regularly (a good way to practice their English!) and your favorite missionary will be glad to send photos and stories J Otherwise, one-time donations are always more than welcome. A dollar goes a LONG way here, so every little bit you give makes a big difference.
If you would like to make a donation you can contact Global Partners and ask to make a donation or begin sponsorship for the “Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College Zambia Scholarship Fund”.
Thank you for the many ways you are already supporting these future church-leaders. As always, your prayers for them as they face many challenges, both inside the classroom and in everyday life, are the best way to support them. J
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