Greetings Friends!
We are excited about keeping you up to date concerning the work being accomplished at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. This past Saturday we graduated 8 men from ACSOP. There were almost three hundred people in attendance including the local village leader and our special guest from America, Dale Jenkins.
Dale is the preacher for the Spring Meadows church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN and man is he a preacher's preacher! If you spend any time around him at all it becomes very apparent that he has a great love for preachers and a passion for preaching. I'm certain if he were cut, he would bleed sermons! Dale spent the week before graduation teaching a short course (a whole quarter in one week) on 1&2 Timothy and Titus. He did a fantastic job and we all benefitted from his presence. Dale was our keynote speaker at graduation and he has written a blog post that contains most of his speech. You can find it here.
Our valedictorian, Stephen Odwori, from Uganda, encouraged his fellow classmates that they should continue to be disciplined, dedicated, diligent and docile. As with any work, but especially preaching, the reality after school is much different than what most expect. Please pray for them that they will stay strong and overcome the difficulties and temptations they most certainly will face.
Also partaking in the commencement exercises were the students who graduated from Arusha Bible School, Kilimanjaro Bible School and Kisongo Bible School. These three schools offer basic bible curriculum that is taught over a two year period. While the schools are free, students must show their dedication by faithfully completing the curriculum. They must provide their own transportation and receive no support while attending. This year these three schools graduated 10 students. The bible schools are operated as an evangelistic effort to reach those within close proximity of each school.
As we wrap up this report we want to express our gratitude for the many brethren who support the ACSOP. It doesn't matter what country a school of preaching is located in, it is always a costly endeavor. These men would have never been exposed to the level of education they have received at ACSOP were it not for you. Thank you.
Until next time, take care and God bless,
Sean & Anita