You may be feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty around us. It may be hard for you to remember the many ways the Lord is at work.
That is why I’m remembering recent ways I’ve seen God’s faithfulness, like this recent story. A few months ago, the first group of students graduated from the University of the Gambia’s Christian Studies department. Some of you may recall hearing some of this miraculous story in the past.
In 2015, administrators told Christian leaders at the University of the Gambia they were almost out of time. If they wanted to start a Christian studies program, it would have to be right away. There had already been many obstacles to starting the program – and they had been trying to start it since 1999!
But in spite of mounting obstacles, the Lord made a way. The department of Christians studies began in September 2015 . Global Scholars professor Dr. Layne Turner served as its first professor. The program continued to grow with other Global Scholars professors joining him.
On February 6, ten students graduated from the Christian Studies program.
“A dream come true!” “Amazing!” “Prayers fulfilled!”
Those are some words from the program’s graduates. The Christian Studies department now has a solid foundation at the university. The graduates represented a range of ages, experiences and church backgrounds. They formed a tight-knit community over their years of study together. They will be pastors, evangelists and Christian education teachers. Christian knowledge education is required alongside Islamic education for all grades. This is an exciting opportunity for graduates to make a difference.
At the graduation luncheon, Gambian Anglican Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico encouraged students with the story of David and Goliath. Only 5% of Gambians identify as Christians. He told them they may be a small group, but that does not mean that God cannot work in and through them to do great things.
Stories like this remind me that God is at work and in control even in the face of big obstacles. He continues to answer prayers. During these uncertain times, I hope you are encouraged by this story of God’s faithfulness.
Please pray with me for this group of graduates. Pray that God will through them to reach Gambia Western Africa with the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that there will be many more graduating classes to come from this department.
We continue to pray that you and your family will experience God’s grace and peace – and see daily reminders of his faithfulness in your own lives.
