Student Life:

Only God Knows the Seasons

By Roger Craig

Dean of Students

It is amazing how God works.  In past years I have gone out and tried really hard to recruit students.  Yes, I have asked God to guide me but then went out and did what I thought would work.  Mostly it did but it was a lot of work. This year I had a different plan and that was to go out and promote but let God bring students to me.  I must admit I like HIS way better than mine.  At the beginning of the term I had one student that had been accepted and now I have eight with a couple still in the pipeline.  It is amazing how God can work when you get out of His way.  A lesson we can all learn.

Accepted students are two from Chile, three from Thailand, two from India,  one from Australia.  Another Australian and two New Zealanders are in the pipeline.  Please pray for these applicants because there are many hurdles to jump before they can actually settle in and sit in the classroom.  Some of the challenges they face are securing financial support, making arrangements for their families, sorting out church and community responsibilities for the time they are away at school and organizing business and employment situations.  As I said, keep these future students in your prayers.

In the last report I told you that I had resigned from my position as Dean of Students and that I would let you know more in this report.  Well here’s the update: the Lord has been working on my heart and closing doors that we thought might be opening and, to make a long story short, I’m staying put.  It is sometimes hard to swallow that maybe you had it wrong but I know the Lord has me here for a reason so this is where I’ll stay……for now.  Like I tell my students, God usually has three answers to things: “yes”, “no”, and “wait a while”.  So I’m taking my own advice and waiting a while.

Enough about me…the students are on break after another quarter.  It has been a hard one for them because it is the third of four quarters—nearly finished but not quite.  “Third quarter blues” are difficult but I have to say they all made it through.

Connie Ross, one of our first year New Zealand students (via South Africa), had a little stint in hospital with some health issues.  She is back home but I will ask for your continued prayers as she is not at full strength yet.  We pray for a full recovery for you, Connie, and miss you when you’re  not around (Connie is like the class mum).

Paul Norris, one of our third year students, has had some bad news regarding his brother in Scotland.  Sadly he has a terminal illness and Paul is traveling to Scotland to spend some time with him and his family.  As a college we would like to thank all the people who made it possible for Paul to make this trip.  We pray for you and your family in this time of sadness, Paul. 

During one of the breakfasts at the recent Bible College Reunion I presented a talk about my position and said one of the hard things was juggling finances for student support.  I had quite a few past graduates come to me and offer support.  Well guys I’ m still here and waiting…. not trying to put the rush on or anything but I have a huge shortfall for next year’s intake so, if you can help support a student by any means next year please get in contact with me.  I know a lot of our past graduates were supported in some way so my plea to you is help out another student as you were helped.  If you are not a past graduate and would love to help on a monthly basis it would be greatly appreciated (any amount helps).

God Bless, Sir Rog