A letter from Debbie Chase in Malawi
December 7, 2009
Dear Friends,
Joyous Advent greetings from Malawi!
Advent marks the beginning of the New Year in the Christian calendar. During this season, we reflect upon the past year, and we ponder anew the wondrous gift of a wee babe in a manger through whom the whole creation has a new beginning, through whom “the hopes and fears of all the years are met.”
Student Mrs. Ruth Nyondo.
New beginnings are exciting as well as anxiety-producing. New beginnings involve change and challenge. As we journey into new beginnings, we experience the joy of the new, the fear and trepidation of the unknown and the hope that a new beginning will lead to new life given through the grace and love of this child. As the prophets foretold: “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:10); “justice will roll down like a river” (Amos 5:24); the wolf will live with the lamb … a little child will lead them … they will not hurt or destroy” (Isaiah 11:6,9); and “they will obtain gladness and joy” (Isaiah 51:11).
Student Mrs. Agnes Kachali Mughogho.
For the College of Theology, this past year has been filled with new beginnings. In February we welcomed our first two female students. Their daily presence has changed our lives. We noticed immediately that these women were very serious students. When not in class, they are most often found in the library, inspiring our male students to frequent the library more often. In class discussions, a woman’s voice has brought fresh insights and new perspectives as we consider the challenging issues of life. Theirs is a voice often filled with the hope of new life that comes to us through these new beginnings.
The college also experienced the new beginning of offering students three courses of study: a licentiate of theology, a diploma in theology and a Bachelor of Theology degree program. This turns out to be a challenge as well as a blessing. Insufficient classroom space and difficulty finding well qualified faculty to teach the various courses for each of these programs inspires our creativity in order to provide quality education for our students. In addition, the college lacks adequate housing for new faculty and insufficient resources to pay competitive salaries. Nonetheless, the grace of God is at work through the patience, perseverance and gracious spirit of students and faculty and partners such as you and has enabled the college to successfully complete this semester while receiving the blessing of the great diversity of students who come to us through these three programs.
Students await the beginning of the academic procession.
In early November the college experienced the new beginning of its first university graduation. Seven of our students who had completed their studies last year and are now serving congregations received their diploma in theology along with College of Education bachelor’s degree students at the third University of Livingstonia graduation ceremony. What a joyous occasion!
The semester culminated with our first class of nine bachelor’ degree students completing their studies. They will graduate at the 2010 University of Livingstonia graduation. These accomplishments are the life-giving fruit of new beginnings. At our closing Communion service, the message was about the surprises of redeeming life that God has in store for us as we journey into God’s future of new beginnings.
The Rev. Debbie Chase, dean of the College of Theology, with a graduating student.
After the service of worship and closing speeches I bid farewell for a season to commence preparations for the new beginning of a six-month interpretation assignment in the United States. This time to spend with folks in the States and share about the University of Livingstonia, the College of Theology and the people of Malawi is always a time of overflowing blessings.
From January through June 2010 I am scheduled to be in the United States. I would be greatly honored to receive an invitation from your church or organization to tell you more about Malawi. To date, I am scheduled to speak at churches and gatherings in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, California and Michigan. I still have many week-day slots to fill and the weekends of March 20-21, March 27-28 and May 29-30 remain open. To schedule a speaking engagement, please contact me at dachase26@africa-online.net or get in touch with Julie Burton, the director of congregational resources for Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery at (800) 533-1324 or eop-rc@sbcglobal.net.
As Christ comes into our hearts this Advent-Christmas season, may the wondrous hope and redeeming life of new beginnings be yours!
Grace and peace,
Debbie
The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 44
