Farewell Batch
Leviticus
This March,
11 of our students achieved their goal by completing their studies in Theology,
Christian Education or Christian Ministry. On top of the busyness of final
papers and exams, we had preparations and practices for their graduation. We
had a farewell party at the school, an informal, fun event which gave all the
students the opportunity to celebrate and give words of thanks or encouragement
to the graduates. It was hosted by a
couple of our most entertaining students and there were performances, games
and… a PROPOSAL! What a night! The next week was the Baccalaureate Service, a
more formal event which included passing on the baton of leadership and
specific responsibilities to the next batch of students. I had the honour of
being the MC for that evening. Finally, On April 25, we held the 3rd
Commencement Exercises – the graduation of Batch Leviticus. As the event was
conducted in English, I was again chosen to be the MC. Of course, I have a
clear advantage when it comes to English, but the Filipino names, as well as
the names of some of our Korean special guests, required some practice. It was
a special day and filled with emotion as we reflected upon all the things our dear
students have contributed to our school and the way they have been part of our
lives. We thanked God for His faithfulness in providing for all their needs –
financially, academically, emotionally. We marvelled at the way they have grown
in their spiritual walk. We also shed a few tears, as we will truly miss these
wonderful, servant-hearted people. Truly, I believe that God used their years
at PCL to equip them and I am excited as I consider the great plans God has for
them.
 |
| 4th Year Farewell Party |
 |
| All dressed up for the Baccalaureate Service |
Fun and Fellowship with
PCL students
It is a tradition at Paul College of
Leadership to have an outing at the end of the year, for fellowship and to
celebrate the year that was. So on Tuesday 26th, the day after graduation,
the students spent a day at the pool. After a time of prayer and worship, we
were let loose to enjoy swimming and the water slide. It was a fun day and a
great way to end the academic year 2012-2013.
More Concerts
This month, I also enjoyed being
invited to visit another concert, this time at the church of 2nd
Year student, Bro Erick. Some of the other students also attended and as we
were travelling there together, they told me that we would all sing. I was
surprised, but only a little bit. In this country, I’ve come to expect things
like that... So we had a little practice when we got to the church, then sang as
part of the concert. At the end of the event there was an alter call and the
response was wonderful, with many people, including some of the neighbours who
had just popped in to see what was going on, giving their lives to Jesus. I
pray that they can be discipled and will grow in their new faith.
Out and About
This month, we also
had our Holy Week Camp. Every year, all the Gethsemane churches (I think there
are 15 or 16 now) come together on the mountain for Easter Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. There must have been about 700 people gathered on the mountain,
sleeping in every classroom, guest house and dorm. Unfortunately, I was unable
to attend for the whole time, as I made an unexpected visit to the hospital
(not for me, but to take my church-mate who was suffering from a severe asthma
attack) and I had a visitor from Australia come for one day. However, I enjoyed
the time I was there and I hope that next time, I am able to join in all the events,
including leading the praise and worship, competing in games (from basketball –
not really my scene, to scrabble – which I am quite good at!) and a talents
night, as well as hearing messages based on the seven last words of Jesus
before he died on the cross.
Also this month, a group of about 30 students went to Wawa,
a place with beautiful water features and rock formations, to celebrate the
birthday of Bro Choi. It was a wonderful day and I thoroughly enjoyed climbing
over the rocks. It reminded me a bit of Kakadu. However, in some places, the
distance between rocks was quite far and I needed a lot of encouragement. At
one stage I declared that I could go no further, that the particular rock upon
which I was standing would be my new home, and that I hoped my friends would
visit me there from time to time. Of course, with some help, I was able to go
on!
 |
| You don't need plates or bowls, even when eating rice and soup... here, a plastic bag is ok :) |
More adjustments
This month,
I experienced many things that were new for me, but common experiences for the
people who live here. I had my phone stolen while I was sleeping. It was right
next to my face, the thief came into the room and while my friend saw him, she
was too afraid to scream and I stayed asleep until he was gone - CREEPY! I lost
an important document I had been working on when a student inserted a USB with
a virus into my laptop. Due to unexpected expenses for some people I care
about, I was down to 6 pesos (about 15 cents) for a few days. I really believe
that God had a purpose in these and other experiences and that He is giving me
a better glimpse of real life here, and teaching me to rely on Him more and
more! Through it all, I have great peace and joy and I am certain that I am exactly
where God wants me to be.
So… What to do During
Vacation??
Now it is vacation.
However, it seems like things will continue to be busy. Today (April 5) I will
go with about 18 students on a one-week mission trip to Quezon province. Later, I will
go to Australia to visit my newest nephew (my wonderful brother and sister-in-law have paid for my flight, they are so generous!). I plan to study Tagalog and play my guitar, as my progress in both of these areas is a bit slow. Maybe during vacation I will even rest!
I am praying for sponsorship for our students, and particularly for a girl, Dang, I have a heart to look after, as at this point in time there is nobody else who can help her. She desires to study in order to have more opportunities in the future. I pray that God will provide for her needs, as well as for the needs of all of the Bible School students.
 |
| My dear friend, Dang |
God bless and thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support!
