June 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s been exactly three years since we left St. John’s for Zambia. In all that has happened since then we can affirm God’s goodness in sustaining us here in Ndola, and we have felt God’s blessing on our ministry and in our lives in many ways. So we give thanks for each gift that was given in the past month to provide for our needs. We also thank everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement.

News From TCCA

It’s hard to remember how much has happened in the past month. Here are a few highlights, with prayer requests:

• I taught two Old Testament courses (Exegesis and Exodus to Deuteronomy). It is so rewarding to equip my students with tools and resources that will allow them to handle God’s Word with greater accuracy and confidence. As Paul charged Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who … correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV). I  struggled in trying to communicate as much as I could to my Exegesis students without overwhelming them. I can see from the daily assignments that they have understood and are applying much of what was taught, and I am very much looking forward to reading their exegetical papers on passages from Samuel, Kings, and Ruth. Please pray for my students as they complete their coursework and continue with other courses this term.
• I have been heavily involved in the transition from Theological College to full-fledged University. As Chair of the Curriculum Committee I am responsible to oversee what is taught at the school. This month our committee submitted eight reports to the Principal for consideration by TCCA’s Board of Governors. These reports covered everything from the content of our courses, including possible new schools, programs, and majors, to how this content is delivered, including e-learning and satellite campuses. We have also been engaged with Zambia’s Higher Education Authority, whose standards are quite rigorous. This period of transition is exciting yet will require an enormous amount of work to complete. Please pray that God will grant us wisdom as we lay the foundations for Evangelical University.
• TCCA has partnered with the South African Theological Seminary (SATS) to offer their Masters program at TCCA. The second cohort for this program started this past week, lead by a visiting lecturer from South  Africa. The expectation from SATS is that TCCA will provide much of the teaching and supervision for these students for the remainder of the program. Much of that burden will fall to me, as I am scheduled to teach two of the remaining four modules and will be supervising a number of students in writing their theses. I will also be applying to join SATS as an adjunct lecturer to facilitate my participation in this program. Please pray that God will give me the time I need to take on these additional responsibilities, and the wisdom to balance my growing schedule.
• Our fourth-year Bachelor of Theology students are out on internship this term. While some have remained in Ndola, a number have moved out to ministry in other parts of Zambia:
  • Teacher at a pastor’s training college in Mufumbwe, (top left marker on the map)
  • Intern at a church in Lusaka, the capital city (below our home on the map)
  • Intern at a church in Livingstone, near Victoria Falls (bottom left marker on the map)
  • Teacher at a girls’ school in Macha (between Lusaka and Livingstone)

Over the next two week I will be traveling to visit these students. These visits are an important part of the internship program since I will meet with the interns, observe them as they minister, and consult with with their supervisors before reporting back to the Field Education Coordinator at TCCA. These visits are also important for me in gaining a more intimate knowledge of the places where interns and graduates are ministering. But most importantly, I hope to be an encouragement to my students as they minister across Zambia. Kristina and the girls will be joining me for the three visits in the south. Please pray for our safety in traveling, and that I might be a blessing to my students as I spend time with them. We hope to have lots of pictures and stories to share in our next newsletter!

As you remember for TCCA we also ask that you continue in pray for our family here in Ndola, as well as John in Newfoundland.

Blessings in Christ,

Tim & Kristina Churchill