Thursday 6 December 2012
Monday 3 December 2012
Prayer letter for December
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colleagues
Last year we mentioned Dr. Gabriel Olaniyan was joining the faculty but we have just heard he is leaving in January to start work at the Baptist Seminary. This is disappointing since he was helping to teach education courses here but the other Seminary will, no doubt, be pleased to have him on board. Pray we get someone else to strengthen the education department at the Seminary. Three of the faculty members who were working here on a contract basis are also ending their contracts this year and the Seminary is recruiting two more people on contract. We are expecting another two new faculty members and have heard that another two will be leaving to work elsewhere with ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All).
The number of expatriate missionaries here is set to increase by one. Dee Grimes, from the US, has been working in Jos and is moving here in January. Her master’s degree is in ‘spiritual formation’ so she will be teaching primarily in that area.
So it looks like there will be quite a few changes in the new year and we would appreciate your prayers as these people bring their gifts, skills and experiences to the Seminary and as the faculty adjusts to the changes.
Fellowship meal
Our provost likes to encourage the faculty, non-teaching staff and students to consider ourselves part of a community. In line with this, each semester he arranges a meal for everyone here. This is quite an undertaking since we have over 300 students and 50 people working at the Seminary. When you add in the families of these people the number exceeds 500. It was a good time which started with worship together, then indoor and outdoor sports and finally the meal. Most of the cooking was done by the traditional method of burning wood under large black pots sitting on three stones each.
One of our colleagues, Dr. John Habu, studied in Korea and has a black belt in Taekwondo. During the sports time, he introduced a group of students to some of the basic moves.
Graduation 2012
One hundred and twenty one students graduated on 24th November 2012. This is the highest number of graduates who have graduated from here on one occasion. One of them was the first student to complete the new one-year Post-Graduate Diploma programme. Pray for these graduates as they determine where our Lord would have them work or study next and that the things they have learned at the Seminary will help them in their future ministries. The graduate with Debbie in the photo is Pastor Micah Goje who is in pastoral work and also coordinating the work of the Prayer and Worship Team we mentioned last year.
Seminary Management
Since returning to Kagoro I have been back in the registry. Our deputy provost left to pursue further study in South Africa in September and with that post vacant, I have been doing extra administration at the Seminary in recent months. The Seminary will appoint a new deputy provost soon (the person still has to be chosen) and that will take the pressure off. I hope this means I will be able to do more teaching in the new Semester.
Building projects
A foundation in the US has donated $25,000 towards the completion of the two-storey married students’ dorm. They have also promised to give a ‘matching grant’ of up to $50,000 if the Seminary can raise the same amount before December 2013. It would be great to have that building finished and such amounts would go a long way to seeing that happen. We thank the Lord for this generous gift and ask you to pray along with us that our Lord will provide the extra amount targeted.
Christmas
We are going to spend our Christmas here at Kagoro. I am taking a series of three messages in a church near Kafanchan on 17, 18 and 19th December and then speaking on Christmas Day at the same church. Pray these messages will help us celebrate the arrival of the Son of God and all He accomplished during the time He was physically on earth (John 17:4).
Please note we are not sending out as many Christmas cards as we used to these days and hope this prayer letter will serve as our expressed wish for you that this will be a blessed season.
Thanks for your prayerful support.
In Christ,
David and Debbie Colvin
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colleagues
Last year we mentioned Dr. Gabriel Olaniyan was joining the faculty but we have just heard he is leaving in January to start work at the Baptist Seminary. This is disappointing since he was helping to teach education courses here but the other Seminary will, no doubt, be pleased to have him on board. Pray we get someone else to strengthen the education department at the Seminary. Three of the faculty members who were working here on a contract basis are also ending their contracts this year and the Seminary is recruiting two more people on contract. We are expecting another two new faculty members and have heard that another two will be leaving to work elsewhere with ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All).
The number of expatriate missionaries here is set to increase by one. Dee Grimes, from the US, has been working in Jos and is moving here in January. Her master’s degree is in ‘spiritual formation’ so she will be teaching primarily in that area.
So it looks like there will be quite a few changes in the new year and we would appreciate your prayers as these people bring their gifts, skills and experiences to the Seminary and as the faculty adjusts to the changes.
Fellowship meal
Our provost likes to encourage the faculty, non-teaching staff and students to consider ourselves part of a community. In line with this, each semester he arranges a meal for everyone here. This is quite an undertaking since we have over 300 students and 50 people working at the Seminary. When you add in the families of these people the number exceeds 500. It was a good time which started with worship together, then indoor and outdoor sports and finally the meal. Most of the cooking was done by the traditional method of burning wood under large black pots sitting on three stones each.
One of our colleagues, Dr. John Habu, studied in Korea and has a black belt in Taekwondo. During the sports time, he introduced a group of students to some of the basic moves.
Graduation 2012
One hundred and twenty one students graduated on 24th November 2012. This is the highest number of graduates who have graduated from here on one occasion. One of them was the first student to complete the new one-year Post-Graduate Diploma programme. Pray for these graduates as they determine where our Lord would have them work or study next and that the things they have learned at the Seminary will help them in their future ministries. The graduate with Debbie in the photo is Pastor Micah Goje who is in pastoral work and also coordinating the work of the Prayer and Worship Team we mentioned last year.
Seminary Management
Since returning to Kagoro I have been back in the registry. Our deputy provost left to pursue further study in South Africa in September and with that post vacant, I have been doing extra administration at the Seminary in recent months. The Seminary will appoint a new deputy provost soon (the person still has to be chosen) and that will take the pressure off. I hope this means I will be able to do more teaching in the new Semester.
Building projects
A foundation in the US has donated $25,000 towards the completion of the two-storey married students’ dorm. They have also promised to give a ‘matching grant’ of up to $50,000 if the Seminary can raise the same amount before December 2013. It would be great to have that building finished and such amounts would go a long way to seeing that happen. We thank the Lord for this generous gift and ask you to pray along with us that our Lord will provide the extra amount targeted.
Christmas
We are going to spend our Christmas here at Kagoro. I am taking a series of three messages in a church near Kafanchan on 17, 18 and 19th December and then speaking on Christmas Day at the same church. Pray these messages will help us celebrate the arrival of the Son of God and all He accomplished during the time He was physically on earth (John 17:4).
Please note we are not sending out as many Christmas cards as we used to these days and hope this prayer letter will serve as our expressed wish for you that this will be a blessed season.
Thanks for your prayerful support.
In Christ,
David and Debbie Colvin
Prayer letter
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colleagues
Last year we mentioned Dr. Gabriel Olaniyan was joining the faculty but we have just heard he is leaving in January to start work at the Baptist Seminary. This is disappointing since he was helping to teach education courses here but the other Seminary will, no doubt, be pleased to have him on board. Pray we get someone else to strengthen the education department at the Seminary. Three of the faculty members who were working here on a contract basis are also ending their contracts this year and the Seminary is recruiting two more people on contract. We are expecting another two new faculty members and have heard that another two will be leaving to work elsewhere with ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All).
The number of expatriate missionaries here is set to increase by one. Dee Grimes, from the US, has been working in Jos and is moving here in January. Her master’s degree is in ‘spiritual formation’ so she will be teaching primarily in that area.
So it looks like there will be quite a few changes in the new year and we would appreciate your prayers as these people bring their gifts, skills and experiences to the Seminary and as the faculty adjusts to the changes.
Fellowship meal
Our provost likes to encourage the faculty, non-teaching staff and students to consider ourselves part of a community. In line with this, each semester he arranges a meal for everyone here. This is quite an undertaking since we have over 300 students and 50 people working at the Seminary. When you add in the families of these people the number exceeds 500. It was a good time which started with worship together, then indoor and outdoor sports and finally the meal. Most of the cooking was done by the traditional method of burning wood under large black pots sitting on three stones each.
One of our colleagues, Dr. John Habu, studied in Korea and has a black belt in Taekwondo. During the sports time, he introduced a group of students to some of the basic moves.
Graduation 2012
One hundred and twenty one students graduated on 24th November 2012. This is the highest number of graduates who have graduated from here on one occasion. One of them was the first student to complete the new one-year Post-Graduate Diploma programme. Pray for these graduates as they determine where our Lord would have them work or study next and that the things they have learned at the Seminary will help them in their future ministries. The graduate with Debbie in the photo is Pastor Micah Goje who is in pastoral work and also coordinating the work of the Prayer and Worship Team we mentioned last year.
Seminary Management
Since returning to Kagoro I have been back in the registry. Our deputy provost left to pursue further study in South Africa in September and with that post vacant, I have been doing extra administration at the Seminary in recent months. The Seminary will appoint a new deputy provost soon (the person still has to be chosen) and that will take the pressure off. I hope this means I will be able to do more teaching in the new Semester.
Building projects
A foundation in the US has donated $25,000 towards the completion of the two-storey married students’ dorm. They have also promised to give a ‘matching grant’ of up to $50,000 if the Seminary can raise the same amount before December 2013. It would be great to have that building finished and such amounts would go a long way to seeing that happen. We thank the Lord for this generous gift and ask you to pray along with us that our Lord will provide the extra amount targeted.
Christmas
We are going to spend our Christmas here at Kagoro. I am taking a series of three messages in a church near Kafanchan on 17, 18 and 19th December and then speaking on Christmas Day at the same church. Pray these messages will help us celebrate the arrival of the Son of God and all He accomplished during the time He was physically on earth (John 17:4).
Please note we are not sending out as many Christmas cards as we used to these days and hope this prayer letter will serve as our expressed wish for you that this will be a blessed season.
Thanks for your prayerful support.
In Christ,
David and Debbie Colvin
Sunday 28 October 2012
November update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings from a bright and sunny Kagoro. The rains are gradually easing off and the temperatures are rising.
Thank you for your prayers for us. It's been a busy month especially for David, with many committee meetings and minutes to record. Thank the Lord for the health and strength to serve Him here at the Seminary.
Our mid-semester break went by quickly. In Jos I got part way through the process of renewing my driving license and will hopefully get a bit further on our next trip. It was good to get the car serviced although it meant David had to sit at the mechanics for the whole day! They were very busy.
As we look ahead, the diary is full of activities alongside our normal teaching responsibilities.
David is preaching tomorrow, Sunday, 28th October, in the Seminary church. He will also give a paper on Thursday during our morning service with the students. There will be a management meeting on Monday morning as certain things have to be in order for the Board meeting and Graduation.
On Wednesday afternoon we are having a time of food and fellowship as a community. Coletta Shelly is chairperson of the committee in charge of this huge event which means organizing the purchase, cooking and distribution of food to hundreds of students, staff and their families. Please pray that everything will go smoothly and that we enjoy our time of fellowship together. There will also be games and our normal morning service.
Our good friend, Dr Paul Todd, who is serving with SIM and is Senior Editor for ACTS (Africa Christian Textbook Service), is visiting in November so we plan to go to Jos to see him and do our shopping during the weekend of the 9th November.
David will be taking the minutes of the Seminary Board meeting on the 16th November and the following day going to Jos to take part in the SIM Group Board meeting. SIM Group is SIM's in-house vehicle insurance organization.
Plans are underway for the Graduation exercise which will take place on the 24th November. Committees are working on the various details and I am working with Dr Dennis Shelly on the production of the annual Seminary Newsletter. We would value your prayers for the students to have everything done on time so they are eligible to graduate. This is a lot of work for David and his secretary as well as for the Academic Dean's office. It is always a great day of celebration for the graduates and their families.
The ACTS Board meeting will be held on the 29th November and I will travel for that and the executive meeting on the 28th.
That's a lot going on in a short time! We are much in need of prayer for successful meetings, safe travels and stamina to keep going. Please continue to pray for peace in the nation. We are thankful that our area remains calm. It is a great answer to the prayers of many. Thank you.
May you know the Lord's peace and the abundant supply of His grace as you face the challenges of life (John 1:16).
With Love in Christ,
Debbie and David
We send you greetings from a bright and sunny Kagoro. The rains are gradually easing off and the temperatures are rising.
Thank you for your prayers for us. It's been a busy month especially for David, with many committee meetings and minutes to record. Thank the Lord for the health and strength to serve Him here at the Seminary.
Our mid-semester break went by quickly. In Jos I got part way through the process of renewing my driving license and will hopefully get a bit further on our next trip. It was good to get the car serviced although it meant David had to sit at the mechanics for the whole day! They were very busy.
As we look ahead, the diary is full of activities alongside our normal teaching responsibilities.
David is preaching tomorrow, Sunday, 28th October, in the Seminary church. He will also give a paper on Thursday during our morning service with the students. There will be a management meeting on Monday morning as certain things have to be in order for the Board meeting and Graduation.
On Wednesday afternoon we are having a time of food and fellowship as a community. Coletta Shelly is chairperson of the committee in charge of this huge event which means organizing the purchase, cooking and distribution of food to hundreds of students, staff and their families. Please pray that everything will go smoothly and that we enjoy our time of fellowship together. There will also be games and our normal morning service.
Our good friend, Dr Paul Todd, who is serving with SIM and is Senior Editor for ACTS (Africa Christian Textbook Service), is visiting in November so we plan to go to Jos to see him and do our shopping during the weekend of the 9th November.
David will be taking the minutes of the Seminary Board meeting on the 16th November and the following day going to Jos to take part in the SIM Group Board meeting. SIM Group is SIM's in-house vehicle insurance organization.
Plans are underway for the Graduation exercise which will take place on the 24th November. Committees are working on the various details and I am working with Dr Dennis Shelly on the production of the annual Seminary Newsletter. We would value your prayers for the students to have everything done on time so they are eligible to graduate. This is a lot of work for David and his secretary as well as for the Academic Dean's office. It is always a great day of celebration for the graduates and their families.
The ACTS Board meeting will be held on the 29th November and I will travel for that and the executive meeting on the 28th.
That's a lot going on in a short time! We are much in need of prayer for successful meetings, safe travels and stamina to keep going. Please continue to pray for peace in the nation. We are thankful that our area remains calm. It is a great answer to the prayers of many. Thank you.
May you know the Lord's peace and the abundant supply of His grace as you face the challenges of life (John 1:16).
With Love in Christ,
Debbie and David
Tuesday 25 September 2012
October update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of Jesus our Lord.
Thank you for praying for use as we settled back into life at Kagoro. It has been six weeks and things are now starting to settle into a familiar pattern.
I have been quite busy with administration since our deputy provost flew to South Africa to pursue further study and our provost went to Oxford for three weeks to attend a conference and conduct some research. Since the registrar is the third in line, administratively, I have ended up doing parts of all three jobs. Thankfully the provost should be back soon and please pray for him as he selects a new deputy provost.
The total number of students registered for study this semester has increased slightly to 335 for which we thank the Lord.
On 15th October Dennis and Coletta Shelly, Debbie and I are to give a report to the Seminary community of our time back in our home countries earlier this year so pray that goes well. One other meeting I have this month is the SIM Area Council on 5th October. Debbie and I will go up to Jos for that and stay for a few days to get some things sorted out like the renewal of her driving license.
Things have been peaceful here in the Kagoro area but there are still occasional attacks on Christian churches elsewhere in the country so keep on praying for peace and stability here. Thanks.
It is good to be back and we especially enjoy the teaching (Rom. 12:7b). Thanks for praying.
David and Debbie
We send you greetings in the Name of Jesus our Lord.
Thank you for praying for use as we settled back into life at Kagoro. It has been six weeks and things are now starting to settle into a familiar pattern.
I have been quite busy with administration since our deputy provost flew to South Africa to pursue further study and our provost went to Oxford for three weeks to attend a conference and conduct some research. Since the registrar is the third in line, administratively, I have ended up doing parts of all three jobs. Thankfully the provost should be back soon and please pray for him as he selects a new deputy provost.
The total number of students registered for study this semester has increased slightly to 335 for which we thank the Lord.
On 15th October Dennis and Coletta Shelly, Debbie and I are to give a report to the Seminary community of our time back in our home countries earlier this year so pray that goes well. One other meeting I have this month is the SIM Area Council on 5th October. Debbie and I will go up to Jos for that and stay for a few days to get some things sorted out like the renewal of her driving license.
Things have been peaceful here in the Kagoro area but there are still occasional attacks on Christian churches elsewhere in the country so keep on praying for peace and stability here. Thanks.
It is good to be back and we especially enjoy the teaching (Rom. 12:7b). Thanks for praying.
David and Debbie
Sunday 26 August 2012
Update for September
Dear friends,
We're in the middle of a thunderstorm right now and I'm glad I made a pot of soup yesterday to warm us up during the rains! You can gather from this that it hasn't been too hard to adjust to the rainy season temperature in Kagoro!
Thank you for your prayers for us as we travelled and got our home in order. Everything went well. Most of the unpacking is complete, the kitchen is functioning and the cook is on duty (most of the time)! We thank the Lord for answered prayer in this transition process. It wasn't as difficult as we anticipated and we are happy to be back.
Thank the Lord we have completed our first week of teaching successfully. Our workload will be a bit lighter this semester as we are both teaching one course less than expected because there were not enough students for these courses.
By next week, David will be back in the Registry office. Please pray for a good handover process with the Acting Registrar. David would appreciate prayer for his new course on Expository Preaching. Pray for good understanding for the students. Pray for David as he preaches on the 4th September at the Seminary devotional service. The theme is 'Fix your eyes on Jesus' (Heb 12:2).
On Mondays I (Debbie) teach 57 students Old Testament Poetry at Diploma and Degree level and on Tuesdays I teach 3 students the same subject at Certificate level. Pray for the Lord's help in communicating His truth to the different groups of students.
At the end of September we will observe Spiritual Emphasis week where there is usually an invited speaker. Please pray that the Lord will make an impact on all our lives as we hear what He has to say to us.
For the first time in many years we have six missionaries and three children at Kagoro. This is a great answer to years of prayer for the growth of the missionary team here. Thank you for praying. The Creightons are settling in well and Dennis Shelly's health is stable. There are also new national colleagues so we praise the Lord for strengthening the faculty at the Seminary. Please pray we would work well together as a team for the progress of God's Kingdom.
We value prayer that we would 'fix our eyes on Jesus' in the midst of our busy schedule.
Thanks again for your faithfulness in prayer.
Debbie and David
We're in the middle of a thunderstorm right now and I'm glad I made a pot of soup yesterday to warm us up during the rains! You can gather from this that it hasn't been too hard to adjust to the rainy season temperature in Kagoro!
Thank you for your prayers for us as we travelled and got our home in order. Everything went well. Most of the unpacking is complete, the kitchen is functioning and the cook is on duty (most of the time)! We thank the Lord for answered prayer in this transition process. It wasn't as difficult as we anticipated and we are happy to be back.
Thank the Lord we have completed our first week of teaching successfully. Our workload will be a bit lighter this semester as we are both teaching one course less than expected because there were not enough students for these courses.
By next week, David will be back in the Registry office. Please pray for a good handover process with the Acting Registrar. David would appreciate prayer for his new course on Expository Preaching. Pray for good understanding for the students. Pray for David as he preaches on the 4th September at the Seminary devotional service. The theme is 'Fix your eyes on Jesus' (Heb 12:2).
On Mondays I (Debbie) teach 57 students Old Testament Poetry at Diploma and Degree level and on Tuesdays I teach 3 students the same subject at Certificate level. Pray for the Lord's help in communicating His truth to the different groups of students.
At the end of September we will observe Spiritual Emphasis week where there is usually an invited speaker. Please pray that the Lord will make an impact on all our lives as we hear what He has to say to us.
For the first time in many years we have six missionaries and three children at Kagoro. This is a great answer to years of prayer for the growth of the missionary team here. Thank you for praying. The Creightons are settling in well and Dennis Shelly's health is stable. There are also new national colleagues so we praise the Lord for strengthening the faculty at the Seminary. Please pray we would work well together as a team for the progress of God's Kingdom.
We value prayer that we would 'fix our eyes on Jesus' in the midst of our busy schedule.
Thanks again for your faithfulness in prayer.
Debbie and David
Friday 3 August 2012
August update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus.
Thank you for praying for Debbie. Her nose is healing well and we are able to return to Kagoro leaving Northern Ireland on 14th, flying overnight from London to Abuja and then being driven to Kagoro arriving mid-morning on 15th, God willing. Our colleagues, Dennis and Coletta Shelly, will be on the same flight from London and the journey by road to Kagoro. We thank the Lord Dennis does not need surgery and that his health concerns are not as serious as earlier thought. Thank you for praying.
We have two farewell meetings at our home churches. The evening service at Ballynahinch Congregational Church on 5th August (6:30 to 7:30pm) is the first of these with Mike Ewan (SIM Ireland director) speaking at that service. On the following Sunday (12th), there will be a short farewell service at Coagh Baptist Church at 7:45pm right after the evening service. There will be tea after each of these services, we hear. Our role at each service will be to give a short update including prayer requests. Everyone is welcome at these services and we look forward to seeing you there if you are able to attend.
The academic dean at the Seminary has let us know which courses we will be teaching. Debbie will be covering three courses all of which she has taught before while I have been asked to teach a new course on spiritual formation and one on expository preaching. Although this second course is not new, I have not taught it before so I have been working on both courses and look forward to teaching them this semester. The Provost wants me to resume work as the registrar at the Seminary so I will have to find out from Dr. Paul Bidoli what has been happening in the office while I have been away.
We would appreciate your prayers as we pack (six suitcases to take with us on this trip, two of which are full of things for the seminary). It is always hard to say farewell to family and friends and we would appreciate your prayers for us and them as we head off to Africa again. Pray also for our adjustment to being back at Kagoro. It will take some time to get our systems up and running again.
Thank you to all who have been praying for us and contributing towards our financial support. We could not continue our ministries without you and are confident our Lord will reward those who are seeking the extension of His kingdom (Col. 3:23-24).
Yours in our Lord,
David and Debbie
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus.
Thank you for praying for Debbie. Her nose is healing well and we are able to return to Kagoro leaving Northern Ireland on 14th, flying overnight from London to Abuja and then being driven to Kagoro arriving mid-morning on 15th, God willing. Our colleagues, Dennis and Coletta Shelly, will be on the same flight from London and the journey by road to Kagoro. We thank the Lord Dennis does not need surgery and that his health concerns are not as serious as earlier thought. Thank you for praying.
We have two farewell meetings at our home churches. The evening service at Ballynahinch Congregational Church on 5th August (6:30 to 7:30pm) is the first of these with Mike Ewan (SIM Ireland director) speaking at that service. On the following Sunday (12th), there will be a short farewell service at Coagh Baptist Church at 7:45pm right after the evening service. There will be tea after each of these services, we hear. Our role at each service will be to give a short update including prayer requests. Everyone is welcome at these services and we look forward to seeing you there if you are able to attend.
The academic dean at the Seminary has let us know which courses we will be teaching. Debbie will be covering three courses all of which she has taught before while I have been asked to teach a new course on spiritual formation and one on expository preaching. Although this second course is not new, I have not taught it before so I have been working on both courses and look forward to teaching them this semester. The Provost wants me to resume work as the registrar at the Seminary so I will have to find out from Dr. Paul Bidoli what has been happening in the office while I have been away.
We would appreciate your prayers as we pack (six suitcases to take with us on this trip, two of which are full of things for the seminary). It is always hard to say farewell to family and friends and we would appreciate your prayers for us and them as we head off to Africa again. Pray also for our adjustment to being back at Kagoro. It will take some time to get our systems up and running again.
Thank you to all who have been praying for us and contributing towards our financial support. We could not continue our ministries without you and are confident our Lord will reward those who are seeking the extension of His kingdom (Col. 3:23-24).
Yours in our Lord,
David and Debbie
Saturday 7 July 2012
July prayer letter
Dear praying friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us. Our Home Assignment has been a time when we've been very aware of the importance of family in times of celebration and struggle. We are thankful to be part of our biological family as well as our church, mission and seminary families.
The 31st of March was a great time for my (Debbie) parents as we joined together as a family to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. It was a joy to see many relatives and friends who we hadn't seen for some time and to be reminded of the strength we gain from family. It has been special to spend a bit more time with family members while we've been here.
The family we are part of in Kagoro has grown with the arrival of the Creighton family. Please pray for their adjustment to a new environment and their new roles within the Seminary community. However, our Kagoro family is also hurting because of the health problems of our colleague, Dennis Shelly, who is in the US with his wife, Coletta, for a series of medical tests. Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment which will enable them to return to their ministry.
Our family in Nige ria has been suffering because of the activities of terrorists against Christians especially as they worship together on Sundays. Please pray for God's people to stand strong in the Lord and also for protection against the Enemy. Praise the Lord for the truth of Matthew 16:18.
Numbers in the wider SIM family and mission community have reduced owing to the security situation and the retirement of some members. Please pray for wisdom for the leaders as they evaluate the events in recent months and plan for the future.
One of the features of this Home Assignment has been dealing with health issues which has resulted in a record number of hospital appointments. We thank the Lord for the NHS! I had a small non life-threatening piece of skin cancer removed from the tip of my nose two weeks ago. The healing process has not been straightforward so please pray that everything would be in order for our return to Kagoro on 14th August.
We enjoyed spiritual refreshment through the ministries of the ladies' Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and sitting in on some of the Cornhill Belfast classes. I attended the BSF meetings on most Tuesday evenings at the Castlereagh Gospel Hall. It was great to study the Word of God with a lovely group of godly ladies. David sat in on most of the Cornhill classes on Friday mornings and we both enjoyed some other classes we were able to attend on the Psalms and the book of Judges.
We were blessed by having a wonderful week of holiday in Menorca at the end of May.
It's been encouraging for us to meet with our family of prayer and financial supporters
while we've been in the UK. Thank your for being a part of what the Lord is doing in Kagoro and the nation as a whole. Classes will have already started when we return to Kagoro so we anticipate a stressful few weeks as we get our systems up and running as well as begin teaching again. There will have been many changes in the months we've been away so pray for grace to adjust to the new dynamic in the Seminary as a result of a change in leadership. Please continue to pray for good health for us and our colleagues, protection and a fruitful ministry as we help prepare God's people for ministry (Eph. 4:12).
Thanks again for your prayers,
Debbie and David Colvin
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us. Our Home Assignment has been a time when we've been very aware of the importance of family in times of celebration and struggle. We are thankful to be part of our biological family as well as our church, mission and seminary families.
The 31st of March was a great time for my (Debbie) parents as we joined together as a family to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. It was a joy to see many relatives and friends who we hadn't seen for some time and to be reminded of the strength we gain from family. It has been special to spend a bit more time with family members while we've been here.
The family we are part of in Kagoro has grown with the arrival of the Creighton family. Please pray for their adjustment to a new environment and their new roles within the Seminary community. However, our Kagoro family is also hurting because of the health problems of our colleague, Dennis Shelly, who is in the US with his wife, Coletta, for a series of medical tests. Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment which will enable them to return to their ministry.
Our family in Nige ria has been suffering because of the activities of terrorists against Christians especially as they worship together on Sundays. Please pray for God's people to stand strong in the Lord and also for protection against the Enemy. Praise the Lord for the truth of Matthew 16:18.
Numbers in the wider SIM family and mission community have reduced owing to the security situation and the retirement of some members. Please pray for wisdom for the leaders as they evaluate the events in recent months and plan for the future.
One of the features of this Home Assignment has been dealing with health issues which has resulted in a record number of hospital appointments. We thank the Lord for the NHS! I had a small non life-threatening piece of skin cancer removed from the tip of my nose two weeks ago. The healing process has not been straightforward so please pray that everything would be in order for our return to Kagoro on 14th August.
We enjoyed spiritual refreshment through the ministries of the ladies' Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and sitting in on some of the Cornhill Belfast classes. I attended the BSF meetings on most Tuesday evenings at the Castlereagh Gospel Hall. It was great to study the Word of God with a lovely group of godly ladies. David sat in on most of the Cornhill classes on Friday mornings and we both enjoyed some other classes we were able to attend on the Psalms and the book of Judges.
We were blessed by having a wonderful week of holiday in Menorca at the end of May.
It's been encouraging for us to meet with our family of prayer and financial supporters
while we've been in the UK. Thank your for being a part of what the Lord is doing in Kagoro and the nation as a whole. Classes will have already started when we return to Kagoro so we anticipate a stressful few weeks as we get our systems up and running as well as begin teaching again. There will have been many changes in the months we've been away so pray for grace to adjust to the new dynamic in the Seminary as a result of a change in leadership. Please continue to pray for good health for us and our colleagues, protection and a fruitful ministry as we help prepare God's people for ministry (Eph. 4:12).
Thanks again for your prayers,
Debbie and David Colvin
Tuesday 5 June 2012
June update
Dear Friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus.
Thank you for praying for our trip to England. We drove about 1,200 miles but had many stops along the way with friends and supporters. It was great to see people again and catch up with things happening in their lives.
Deputation meetings are almost over with only two meetings booked for this month: Debbie taking part in the Women's programme at Lambeg Baptist Church on 13th and myself speaking at the prayer meeting at Cairndaisy Baptist Church on 28th.
We would appreciate prayer as Debbie has minor surgery to remove a non-life-threatening bit of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) from her nose on the 14th June. Please pray for a successful procedure and a good recovery.
We are just back from a one-week package holiday in Menorca. It was very relaxing.
Please pray for our preparations to return to Kagoro. We are planning on flying in August for the start of the new semester at the seminary.
Nigeria has been in the world news again with the tragic plane crash in Lagos. One incident not so well reported was a bomb detonated near a church in Bauchi. Join us in prayer for the relatives of those killed and let us keep on praying for peace and stability in the country (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Thanking you again for your partnership in the ministry by prayer.
David and Debbie
Saturday 5 May 2012
May update
Dear friends,
Many thanks for your prayers during April. We praise the Lord for help given in the meetings and medical appointments. In Castlewellan we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Andrew and Lorna Forson who allowed us to stay in a cosy corner at the Castle. We got a walk around the lake as well as a few strolls in Newcastle between the showers.
On Wednesday the 9th May we go to England to visit friends in Preston, Lichfield, Oxford, St Albans, London, Capel St Mary and Leeds. It is kind of many to offer us hospitality and take time to see us in the midst of busy schedules. We will take the morning service in Oldfield Baptist Church in north London on Sunday, 13th May and visit SIM UK Headquarters in Wetheringsett on the 16th. Please pray for safety in travel and that we would be a blessing to those we meet.
When we return we will take the Missionary Sunday in my (Debbie's) home church, Ballynahinch Congregational, on the 20th of May. David will preach in the morning and I will show a power-point presentation during the Sunday evening service. Again we need the Lord's help and enabling for these services.
Last night was very important in the life of David's home church, Coagh Baptist. It was great to have the chance to attend the induction service for David Causby, the new pastor of the church. Please pray for the Lord to use him as he serves the Lord in this new ministry.
It's also time to get our vaccinations up to date and we plan to do that at the end of May.
We are thankful for the Lord's faithfulness in answering prayer and all the ways we've been encouraged by His people during this time of home assignment, Hebrews 10:24.
God bless,
Debbie and David
Tuesday 3 April 2012
April update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of Jesus our Lord.
Thank you for your prayers for the various meetings we had the opportunity to take in March. Also, it was good to have the opportunity to preach in my home church on 1st April. We believe they all went well. Other meetings for this month are scheduled as follows:
SIM prayer group at Broughshane on 3rd.
Debbie is giving a missionary report at the Bangor Convention (which is run by the Faith Mission over the Easter period) on 10th.
Debbie is taking the women's meeting at Armagh Baptist Church on 19th.
We are both taking the evening service at the Coolyvenny Mission Hall on 22nd
and giving a short report during the SIM conference in Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on 27th.
Finally, Debbie is speaking at the annual women's service at her home church, Ballynahinch Congregational Church, on 29th.
March was a busy month for me in terms of meetings to take and, as you can see, April is going to be a busy one for Debbie.
On the evening of 31st March we booked Murlough House (near Dundrum) so we could celebrate Debbie's parents' 50th wedding anniversary. At least 50 people came to celebrate the occasion. People brought sandwiches, tray bakes, and so on, for supper together and some of Debbie's aunts baked and decorated a cake. It was a great evening and gave us the opportunity to meet most of Debbie's aunts and uncles in the Lyons and Watson family circles.
Our own anniversary comes up next week. We are going to celebrate our 14 years together later on in the month by taking a break for a couple of days at Castlewellan Castle -- where we had our wedding reception. If we could get some weather like we had here last week, that would be great.
Right now we are finalizing plans for a trip to England to visit supporters in the middle of May. We would appreciate your prayers as we put that together.
Things seem to be going well at the Seminary at Kagoro. Dennis and Coletta keep us up-to-date with news from there. My smartphone showed me it was 35C in Kaduna city yesterday so I am sure the teachers and students at the seminary would appreciate your prayers as they go through this hot season.
Yours in Christ,
David and Debbie
We send you greetings in the Name of Jesus our Lord.
Thank you for your prayers for the various meetings we had the opportunity to take in March. Also, it was good to have the opportunity to preach in my home church on 1st April. We believe they all went well. Other meetings for this month are scheduled as follows:
SIM prayer group at Broughshane on 3rd.
Debbie is giving a missionary report at the Bangor Convention (which is run by the Faith Mission over the Easter period) on 10th.
Debbie is taking the women's meeting at Armagh Baptist Church on 19th.
We are both taking the evening service at the Coolyvenny Mission Hall on 22nd
and giving a short report during the SIM conference in Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on 27th.
Finally, Debbie is speaking at the annual women's service at her home church, Ballynahinch Congregational Church, on 29th.
March was a busy month for me in terms of meetings to take and, as you can see, April is going to be a busy one for Debbie.
On the evening of 31st March we booked Murlough House (near Dundrum) so we could celebrate Debbie's parents' 50th wedding anniversary. At least 50 people came to celebrate the occasion. People brought sandwiches, tray bakes, and so on, for supper together and some of Debbie's aunts baked and decorated a cake. It was a great evening and gave us the opportunity to meet most of Debbie's aunts and uncles in the Lyons and Watson family circles.
Our own anniversary comes up next week. We are going to celebrate our 14 years together later on in the month by taking a break for a couple of days at Castlewellan Castle -- where we had our wedding reception. If we could get some weather like we had here last week, that would be great.
Right now we are finalizing plans for a trip to England to visit supporters in the middle of May. We would appreciate your prayers as we put that together.
Things seem to be going well at the Seminary at Kagoro. Dennis and Coletta keep us up-to-date with news from there. My smartphone showed me it was 35C in Kaduna city yesterday so I am sure the teachers and students at the seminary would appreciate your prayers as they go through this hot season.
Yours in Christ,
David and Debbie
Wednesday 7 March 2012
March update
Dear praying friends,
We’re enjoying the novelty of being warmed by an open fire in the lovely home we’re privileged to have use of during our home assignment. The warmth of renewing fellowship with many has also been a blessing in the past month. Thanks for your prayers for the meetings and the travelling involved.
It was fun to share some of the sights of Northern Ireland with our friends from London. A highlight was our trip to the north coast. We enjoyed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway on a bright but blustery day.
I’ve been encouraged by the women’s Bible Study Fellowship which I attend most Tuesdays. We’ve been learning much from the books of Acts, Thessalonians and Corinthians. Pray for help to put it into practice. David is enjoying the classes at Cornhill on expository preaching.
David would value prayer for the Lord’s help as he has to preach in both services at Coagh Baptist church this Sunday (11th March). He will also take the services on 1st April.
This month we will take meetings in Bangor, Ballymena and Armagh. I have been asked to be guest of honour at Ballynahinch Congregational Girls’ Brigade on the 23rd March. Please pray that the Lord will use us for His glory in all these opportunities to speak for Him.
Last month we had our medicals and now we have a series of medical and dental appointments for essential maintenance!
At the end of the month we plan to celebrate my mum and dad’s golden wedding anniversary. We praise the Lord for blessing them with so many years together and the fact that we can be here to share in the occasion.
The recent bombing in Jos and violent incidents in Kagoro are deeply disturbing. Please pray for the Lord’s intervention and for His people to remain strong in their faith (Eph 6:10).
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Yours in Christ,
Debbie and David
We’re enjoying the novelty of being warmed by an open fire in the lovely home we’re privileged to have use of during our home assignment. The warmth of renewing fellowship with many has also been a blessing in the past month. Thanks for your prayers for the meetings and the travelling involved.
It was fun to share some of the sights of Northern Ireland with our friends from London. A highlight was our trip to the north coast. We enjoyed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway on a bright but blustery day.
I’ve been encouraged by the women’s Bible Study Fellowship which I attend most Tuesdays. We’ve been learning much from the books of Acts, Thessalonians and Corinthians. Pray for help to put it into practice. David is enjoying the classes at Cornhill on expository preaching.
David would value prayer for the Lord’s help as he has to preach in both services at Coagh Baptist church this Sunday (11th March). He will also take the services on 1st April.
This month we will take meetings in Bangor, Ballymena and Armagh. I have been asked to be guest of honour at Ballynahinch Congregational Girls’ Brigade on the 23rd March. Please pray that the Lord will use us for His glory in all these opportunities to speak for Him.
Last month we had our medicals and now we have a series of medical and dental appointments for essential maintenance!
At the end of the month we plan to celebrate my mum and dad’s golden wedding anniversary. We praise the Lord for blessing them with so many years together and the fact that we can be here to share in the occasion.
The recent bombing in Jos and violent incidents in Kagoro are deeply disturbing. Please pray for the Lord’s intervention and for His people to remain strong in their faith (Eph 6:10).
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Yours in Christ,
Debbie and David
Thursday 9 February 2012
February update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord.
Thank you for praying for the meetings we took in January. All went well. The following are ones we have still to take this month:
Sunday 12th evening service, missions conference, Lurgan Baptist Church
Wednesday 15th Baptist Women’s Fellowship meeting at Coagh Baptist Church
Monday 20th prayer group at Ballymoney
Wednesday 22nd mid-week service at Spamount Congregational Church
Sunday 26th Bible Class at Ballynahinch Congregational Church
Tuesday 28th SIM prayer group at Whiteabbey
Wednesday 29th Mission Africa prayer meeting near Kilkeel
We thank the Lord that my home church, Coagh Baptist, has called David Causby to be the pastor. He will start full-time ministry in May this year and we are looking forward to meeting him and his wife and family (D.V.).
In our last prayer letter we mentioned Rick and Alanna Creighton who were planning to move to Kagoro to work at the Seminary this month. With the recent unrest in Nigeria, they have decided they will look for another place of service. We are disappointed they will not be living and working at the Seminary but join us in prayer for them as they determine where our Lord would have them settle. Also, please continue to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.
We are planning to sit in on some classes nearby which have an emphasis on expository preaching. Debbie is also attending a ladies’ Bible study class on Tuesday evenings being run by the Bible Study Fellowship just down the road from us. As teachers it is good to get some fresh input to help us.
Next week we are having some friends from London come over and visit for a couple of days: David and Judi Naish and their daughter Emily. Debbie and Judi were missionaries in Brazil and have been friends ever since. We have stayed with them in London when we are over there on deputation. No doubt we will take them along the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway at some stage (weather permitting, of course).
Thank you for your prayers.
David and Debbie
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord.
Thank you for praying for the meetings we took in January. All went well. The following are ones we have still to take this month:
Sunday 12th evening service, missions conference, Lurgan Baptist Church
Wednesday 15th Baptist Women’s Fellowship meeting at Coagh Baptist Church
Monday 20th prayer group at Ballymoney
Wednesday 22nd mid-week service at Spamount Congregational Church
Sunday 26th Bible Class at Ballynahinch Congregational Church
Tuesday 28th SIM prayer group at Whiteabbey
Wednesday 29th Mission Africa prayer meeting near Kilkeel
We thank the Lord that my home church, Coagh Baptist, has called David Causby to be the pastor. He will start full-time ministry in May this year and we are looking forward to meeting him and his wife and family (D.V.).
In our last prayer letter we mentioned Rick and Alanna Creighton who were planning to move to Kagoro to work at the Seminary this month. With the recent unrest in Nigeria, they have decided they will look for another place of service. We are disappointed they will not be living and working at the Seminary but join us in prayer for them as they determine where our Lord would have them settle. Also, please continue to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.
We are planning to sit in on some classes nearby which have an emphasis on expository preaching. Debbie is also attending a ladies’ Bible study class on Tuesday evenings being run by the Bible Study Fellowship just down the road from us. As teachers it is good to get some fresh input to help us.
Next week we are having some friends from London come over and visit for a couple of days: David and Judi Naish and their daughter Emily. Debbie and Judi were missionaries in Brazil and have been friends ever since. We have stayed with them in London when we are over there on deputation. No doubt we will take them along the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway at some stage (weather permitting, of course).
Thank you for your prayers.
David and Debbie
Wednesday 4 January 2012
January update
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! We trust it will be one of blessing and increased joy in the Lord.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these past weeks. We praise the Lord that we were able to finish our marking and submit our grades before leaving Kagoro. Then we quickly packed up most of our household things before going to the airport. We had a good journey and are enjoying our new temporary home on the Ballygowan road.
It's a treat to drink water straight from the tap not to mention having constant electricity. I (Debbie) am happy that I don't have to soak all fruit and veg in a bleach solution. David is excited to have better internet access.
Since arriving we have had lots of rest and special times with family over this holiday period.
Recent events in Nigeria are very disturbing. Please pray for Christians who are under threat that they would know the Lord's peace and protection. Pray too that they would be salt and light in the midst of increased tensions.
The new Provost will be 'on seat' by now. He needs prayer as he faces the challenge of leading the Seminary in Kagoro.
Our deputation schedule begins on the 16th January with an SIM prayer meeting in Belvoir Park. We will be with a group of ladies from the Belfast Bible College Women's Study Fellowship on the 23rd. The next morning we will share with students at the Irish Baptist College. Coleraine Baptist have invited us to take part in their missionary conference on the 28th. I (Debbie) will take Ballykeel Baptist Ladies' meeting on the 31st . Please pray for safety in travel and that the Lord would help us as we share about the ministry in Kagoro and encourage more to be involved in mission.
In these times of uncertainty and instability in the lives of individuals and nations the words of Psalm 62:1-2 are a great encouragement.
We continue to appreciate your faithful prayers.
God Bless,
Debbie and David
Happy New Year! We trust it will be one of blessing and increased joy in the Lord.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these past weeks. We praise the Lord that we were able to finish our marking and submit our grades before leaving Kagoro. Then we quickly packed up most of our household things before going to the airport. We had a good journey and are enjoying our new temporary home on the Ballygowan road.
It's a treat to drink water straight from the tap not to mention having constant electricity. I (Debbie) am happy that I don't have to soak all fruit and veg in a bleach solution. David is excited to have better internet access.
Since arriving we have had lots of rest and special times with family over this holiday period.
Recent events in Nigeria are very disturbing. Please pray for Christians who are under threat that they would know the Lord's peace and protection. Pray too that they would be salt and light in the midst of increased tensions.
The new Provost will be 'on seat' by now. He needs prayer as he faces the challenge of leading the Seminary in Kagoro.
Our deputation schedule begins on the 16th January with an SIM prayer meeting in Belvoir Park. We will be with a group of ladies from the Belfast Bible College Women's Study Fellowship on the 23rd. The next morning we will share with students at the Irish Baptist College. Coleraine Baptist have invited us to take part in their missionary conference on the 28th. I (Debbie) will take Ballykeel Baptist Ladies' meeting on the 31st . Please pray for safety in travel and that the Lord would help us as we share about the ministry in Kagoro and encourage more to be involved in mission.
In these times of uncertainty and instability in the lives of individuals and nations the words of Psalm 62:1-2 are a great encouragement.
We continue to appreciate your faithful prayers.
God Bless,
Debbie and David
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