December 2008 Zimpeto Bible School Update

"There has been much activity and excitement surrounding the bible school since our last update. One of the highlights has been hosting the first ever "International Leaders School of Ministry", put together by a team from the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship in Canada. Leaders from the UK and South Africa took part as well. The students from the bible school, pastors from all over southern Mozambique, and even provincial leaders from the central provinces were in attendance. It was an absolutely amazing time for them. Thank you to Iris Ministries Canada for providing the finances to allow us to transport all of these individuals, feed them and care for their basic needs during this time. What a tremendous blessing!

[A teaching session during the "International Leaders School of Ministry"]

"We just finished up the last session of the bible school for 2008, and completed a 4th level graduation of students who came from many parts of the country. It is always such a special term when there is a graduating class. There is both joy at the completion of their 4 years of coming to study, and sadness that due to the large geographical distances between us, that we won't be seeing many of these friends again. The most recent group included many students with whom we've had special relationships since their coming for the first level, now several years ago. Our graduation celebrations were wonderful - praying for each one and sending them back to their towns and villages to continue in the ministries the Lord has given them."

[John praying for students during the graduation celebrations]