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aturday, November 12, 2011, was an historic day in the Bible College in Maputo. The occasion was the 25th graduation at which 99 students received their Diplomas. It was a moving and majestic sight as they came marching down the long aisle of the large Central Church, two and two, in their graduation caps and gowns. I remembered how that in that same church 26 years ago, on October 31, 1985, the School officially began. Since then hundreds of students have graduated all over the country, and many of them are involved in Christian service. To God be the glory, great things He has done! On the back of the program sheet for that Graduation Ceremony, someone had written:
“By the grace of God, since its beginning on October 31,1985, the Assembly of God Bible
School has produced fruit that will never perish! During the 26 years that it has existed, the School has graduated around 1,300 students all over the country from the Extension School program, 586 students from the Ministerial program (Diploma in Theology), and 54 from the Bachelors program. Last year – 2010 – saw the first graduation of the Masters program, with 18 graduates.”
Sunday the 13th of November, the closing service for the annual, national Pastors Conference was held in that same church. That large building, including the balcony, was jammed, with many people standing. The General Superintendent of the Conference, Pastor Tiago Manhiça, was in the first graduating class of the Bible School, 25 years ago. His assistant, Pastor Pedro Muianga, who is also the National Director of the Bible School, graduated at the same time, as did the Assistant General Secretary. The General Secretary graduated a few years later. In the service that morning, 64 Pastors, along with their wives, were ordained to the Ministry. For all of this and more, we praise the Lord. Thanks for your part in it all.
I wish you a great new year, filled with God’s richest blessings as you continue to minister to many at home and overseas.
With you in His service,
Bill Mercer
