September 13 perfectly illustrated Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 16.9 where he speaks of a ‘wide door for effective work’ alongside ‘many adversaries’.
WEST’s Dedication Service included interviews with the biggest intake of undergraduate and masters students for several years. A further group of distance learning students are studying together for the Graduate Diploma in Liverpool.
Principal Jonathan Stephen stressed Christian character formation and the development of practical skills alongside academic study. He then interviewed a dozen of the new students and prayed for them. Most are from Britain, however Hannes from Austria and Heinrich from Denmark both testified in impeccable English! Calvin from South Korea and Lisa from Finland spoke on behalf of the new students on the International Foundation Course.
Staying the course in ministry
The preacher was the Revd Mark Johnston, late of Grove Chapel, London and the USA, and pastor designate of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Cardiff (his installation is on October 11). He spoke on 2 Timothy 3.15: ‘and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’. He urged the students to profit from their time in seminary and then to stay the course in ministry. The latter would only be possible with God’s help.
Satan’s backlash
That night Satan’s backlash was crude in the form of a burglary and damage to Bryntirion House. Please pray for the work and in particular for two young shocked female students who disturbed the burglars.
