First Day At SABC
We were greeted by the students singing a wonderful song called "Brighten the way where you are." I had arrived early so I got the opportunity to listen to them practice this song and enjoy them singing it over and over until the rest of the group arrived from the airport. We had a nice fellowship and then to sleep.
We then got up bright and early, ate breakfast with the students and had the opportunity to go to classes with the students. Today was Greek I and II, Teaching Methods, and Systematic Theology. I chose to join Systematic Theology and it was a wonderful class. This is the start of the semester so it was a wonderful introduction of what systematic theology is all about.
I was then given the opportunity to speak to the students and faculty at chapel. They asked me to present a lesson on some of the difficulties that arrise as we minister to others. I focused upon and used there theme of brighten the way and talked about being the light of the world. Set before them the challenges of Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, and Paul. It was well received, even though for some reason I spoke to long. On my defense, they didn't give me a time perameter.
After this we enjoyed a small lunch together and prepared the school for our workshop tomorrow. This consisted of setting up chairs in all the rooms and areas where we will be doing classes. There will be 12 classes going on at the same time all day long for the participants to choose from. We then sang with many of the students for three hours songs in English and in Zulu. We did this while some of the other students were cooking a Braai, BBQ for us in America. Promptly at 6pm the lights went out as the power here has rolling blackouts every day, twice a day. Luckily, the school has been raising money and has prepared for these and has solar backups. These do not light everything, but gave us an opportunity to still enjoy fellowship together with the light provided from this solar activity. This was a wonderful meal together with an abundance of fellowship and getting aquainted with the students. Since it has been four years since I have been here there are only two students that are around from my last trip. Getting to know all the new students has been a delight and so very encouraging to hear their stories and their hopes and dreams in ministry. Listen to their challenges and to witness their successes. It was a wonderful day to be in South Africa!