by Margs Hall, SIM Malawi Communications
14 November 2007

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 people spilled out of a tent on the grounds of the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi as the 2007 graduates dressed in blue robes made a joyous entrance, singing and dancing toward the front.

Twenty-six students graduated in September from the four different courses the college offers. The courses were a diploma in Theology and Christian Ministry, Certificate of Biblical Studies (English and Chichewa), a one-year certificate in Christian Ministry and the Wives Program where women join their husbands during their final year of study.

Some people may baulk at the thought of sitting in the heat under canopy for a ceremony marked out for four hours, but the graduation program of dedicated speakers, singing, prayer and certificate presentations was uplifting and inspiring.

The speakers offered the graduating students encouraging advice, spurring them on to fulfill their call as new pastors and leaders in the church.

Academic Dean Megumi Fazakerley stood in for absent principal Bob Setor, reading his pre-prepared report. It gave an update on college happenings including plans for upgrading facilities, and congratulated the graduating students as they move into their called ministries.

There was delightful singing from both the college’s daycare group and the college choir.

The guest speaker was the Reverend Dr Lazarus Chakwera, president of the Malawi Assemblies of God. He preached from the gospel of Luke about the story of Jesus calling Peter from his life as a fisherman. The crowd appreciated his enthusiastic and polished message which was an inspiration not just to the graduating students but to all who were present.

He urged followers of Christ to work together and participate in sharing the gospel throughout Malawi and beyond. The crowd hung on every word as he finished powerfully urging all to “Go and become God's heroes of faith as you serve God's purpose with a passion that cannot be stopped because you have a power that is supernatural!”

The final hymn was belted out, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ before the students danced out of the tent to singing and clapping.

Give

Financial limitations often limit promising leaders from being trained at EBCoM. Your gift to the church leaders' scholarship fund will equip more leaders for the church in Malawi.

Go

The Evangelical Bible College of Malawi is looking for international staff to help equip Malawi's church leaders. Find out how God can use you