by Lize Labuschagne, SIM Mauritius
29 March 2010

"You should offer meat, not bones." When Kevin was studying at Bible school for his Diploma in Theology, one of his classmates used to challenge him with these words. The older pastor, who had been in ministry much longer than Kevin, encouraged the youngster to make his teaching and preaching to his congregation a priority—giving meat, not bones. "Bones" do not feed the hungry souls. "Bones" are shallow, messages that are not founded on careful study of God’s Word.

After completing his Diploma, Kevin realized that if he wanted to continue offering meat, he would have to study further. His congregation consists of highly educated Chinese and they are eager to learn deeper truths. It was then that the opportunity arose for him to enroll for a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree in Theology at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS). Pieter operated as facilitator and initially seven students enrolled. They all started with their first subjects in 1995.

Sheila formed part of the group of three ladies who enrolled that same year. She was eager to study more after seeing the growth in her personal life and her ministry as pastor’s wife while doing her Diploma. Eventually she was the only female student left in the group as the others gave up one by one. This did not deter her but made her even more determined to persevere.

There were many obstacles to overcome. Because of poverty in her childhood, Sheila had never completed primary school. Her capacity to express herself in English was too weak to answer the assignments. She received special permission to write the exams and assignments in French. As they were nearing the end of their studies, our family had to go on home assignment, leaving them with two subjects to do on their own. In January 2008 Pieter made a special trip to Mauritius and part of the purpose was that students could hand in assignments and write exams.

Finally, after four hard years, they managed to complete their last subject in 2009. Only three students remained of the initial group. They all passed with flying colors and Jacques is continuing with year four for his Degree in Theology. On Sunday, 21 March we proudly presented Kevin and Sheila their degrees. Sheila is one of very few Mauritian ladies who obtained a Degree in Theology and the first one ever who did it without leaving Mauritian soil. As Kevin remarked in his testimony, "This degree has already enabled me to add much meat to my ministry, and I will never be satisfied with bones again."