“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” Revelation 7:9-10 ESV
Were you able to attend Bethlehem College & Seminary’s Decennial Convocation—or to watch it on the internet—in early November? If yes, you will know that one of the highlights of the weekend was the introduction of our seven international seminarians. I have worked in four mid- to large-sized academic institutions—all secular—over my career that spans 45 years. I have never observed such a high percentage of international students. God has blessed us.
I rejoiced to realize that four of the seven students work at the Bethlehem library. These four represent: El Salvador, Italy, Myanmar, and Nigeria. In addition to their rigorous study load, these young men help process books, assist in keeping the library open 74 hours per week, and answer or refer reference questions, all in a language that is a second language to them. I am pleased to pray for them as they study yet a third language, Hebrew, via their second language. In the case of Zau Naw (Chying Chying) from Myanmar, he’s studying a language that uses even a different alphabet. Can you join me in asking God to continue to shower His masterful goodness upon them and their families?
How did such an international group come to salvation, come to love the doctrines of grace, and then finally to end up at Bethlehem College & Seminary? Each story is varied, of course, and we loved sharing Rene, Chying Chying, and Jeremiah’s stories with you this past summer. For now, I can affirm that these future global church leaders were drawn here by the Holy Spirit and were then able to pursue their call because of our ability to defray their expenses through the Serious Joy Scholarship and also through the Alex Steddom International Student Fund. Your generosity has made this possible. And, at this season of the year, we lift our hearts in praise to God, who continues to provide for them through your generosity. We look forward to the day that we stand with you and with them around the throne.
Barbara
Barbara Winters
Librarian
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that our students, faculty and staff would enjoy a restful Christmas season with family and friends.
- Pray for those students, especially our international students, who are away from home and family this Christmas.
- Pray that the Lord would bring in the needed funds to cover Serious Joy Scholarships for this year’s students.
- Pray that we all would remember the true meaning of Christmas and delight in the gift of Christ.