Giraffe Header 3

Students     Faculty     Partners     About ACU    News     Links     Contact Us

Greetings!

 

The unique physiology of the giraffe is well documented by scientists. It's height and build require very specialized blood pressure control mechanisms to allow it to survive and function. Its sheer elegance reveals the beauty of the Creator, while the complex design features reflect God's intricate precision for functional details beyond full comprehension.

 

We pray that one day ACU will stand as such a testimony to the beauty of our God and the exquisite care for detail that He demonstrates at every step. We see clear evidence of His hand at work in the 425 Campaign. During the challenging economic times that we have been through, He still orchestrated a steady growth to bring us from 75 up to 133 partners who have committed to supporting ACU with $25/month. Let us acknowledge His grace as He supplies the needs through finances, through prayers and through those being called to serve. 

SeasonedFields Seasoned for Discipleship!

Lift Up Your Eyes
Antonio Oliveira

"Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." (John 4:35)

 

After having spent ten days in Africa, to check out the probability of operating a business as part of ACU's student labor program, Antonio Oliveira, of Fall River, MA, returned to the US, clearly motivated by what he perceived as fields, seasoned for discipleship in Christ and growth of the Biblical worldview.  

    

AntonioO
Antonio & Dr. Hein Strauss

Conversations with local church   members, businessman and government officials validated his opinion that tremendous potential exists for developing businesses as part of ACU's Student Labor Program; nevertheless, the motivating force that persuaded him to consider such a dramatic relocation was the privilege it would present to mentor students through the practical application of his faith, while demonstrating the Biblical principles of mind renewal and moral transformation. 

 

Zambia is a land of both opportunities and challenges. "As a businessman, I see the potential for hundreds of new enterprises from agriculture to manufacturing, from distribution to retail;  however, the locals cautioned that those who come with the western mentality of an explorer learn quickly that it does not work for them."

 

African Dining
African Cuisine 
While there is a great need for entrepreneurship, the greater need is in fulfilling the cultural mandate through discipleship in Christ and displaying the love of God through every endeavor, not simply seeking an outcome of economic gain. "Africa can become economically emancipated; however, a firm foundation must first be established."

Christ's living biography being written out through the fruitful labors and benevolent deeds of His people is the entrepreneurial model ACU is bringing to Africa, and one that
Antonio believes is "indeed inspired by God."   He added, "Teaching entrepreneurial skills to the younger generation will be crucial for Africa's future," further qualifying, "I am very excited about ACU's selfless, kingdom-oriented and Christ-centered approach to implementation."       
Ordination of Kasango Kayombo

Antonio described his last Sunday in Lusaka as especially inspiring given that he was able to attend the end of the  Missionary Conference at Kabwata Baptist Church (Pastor Conrad Mbewe). "What a blessing it was to witness the pastoral ordination of Kasango Kayombo, who will soon  be  sent  to  the  mission field in the interior of Zambia," Antonio shared.

Conrad and Antonio
Pastor Mbewe & Antonio

He left Africa exhilarated, yet feeling a weight of responsibility, due to what he humbly acknowledged as, "a sense of unworthiness in breaking new ground for this unique and noble cause." Even so, Antonio fully recognizes that the task at hand can only be done by God and not men.

 

While in the airport in route back to the US, he purchased a book called, "Africa Rising -- How 900 Million African Consumers Offer More Than You Think," by Vijay Mahajan. Antonio recommends it to anyone who is not sure about starting a business in Africa, adding, "It made me want to move there next month!"

 

"May God use my life as an instrument for His Glory," Antonio  expressed, concluding with the hope that God would continue to give strength and wisdom to Dr. Ken Turnbull, his family and the board of directors in Zambia, South Africa and United States.
LaborLabor and Ontology
by Dr. Ken Turnbull
 

Ken - Cool Structure
Ken Turnbull & Paul Hamelry

Trevor Thompson (South Africa) and Antonio Oliveira (USA) both desire to start-up businesses through ACU to create an environment for discipleship, entrepreneurial and skills training, and sustainability of ACU through the Student Labor Program.  During Antonio's visit to Zambia, he and I met with a variety of government and business leaders to gather information. One consistent message came through: the opportunities for development in Zambia are nearly limitless. In all areas of development: agriculture, construction, manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, education, arts, crafts, tourism - you name it - there is a need, and opportunity abounds! However, development won't flourish until there is motivation for excellence and compassion for others. Motivation is a core driving force within each of us, the source of which taps in to the very root of our existence, our ontology, begging such fundamental questions as, "Why am I here?" and "Who am I?"  

 

Antonio - Group
Kalifungwa, the Buttons, Antonio & the Turnbulls

Embracing such fundamentals is ACU's purpose. Foundational transformation must occur to alter one's motivation toward a limitless passion for excellence and compassion for others. This level of transformation requires that one learns through experience why they are here and who they are so they can fully manifest life. Jesus answers this in defining Himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life." He goes to His ontological core to lead the way for us to know who we are. He is the way to His Father, our Creator, where we will find our identity, created in His image. He is the truth, the knowledge of why we exist, created to have dominion and subdue God's creation in His image. He is the life, the sustaining drive that motivates all we do for the Father's glory.  This transformation into the way, the truth and the life leads us to excellence and compassion. This transformation opens the way for limitless development in Zambia, across Africa, and around the globe, resulting in the Father's glory.

Trevor Thompson
Trevor Thompson

We need more pioneers like Trevor and Antonio who are willing to labor in their vocation, their calling, in Zambia according to the way, the truth and the life found only in Jesus. Labor is the one of the deepest forms of learning, where one experiences themselves, their abilities, their limits.  Labor is the field where one practices what they really believe. Students need to be challenged by those who work in the image of God, displaying excellence and love for others. In Christ, this should be the image we all display in all we do.

FoundersUpcoming SBFCM Event  

   

Founders Conference ACU will exhibit at the upcoming 2012 Southern Baptist Founder's Conference Midwest, in St. Peters, Missouri on Feb. 28-29. Please pray that Director of communications, Linda Woodward, along with ACU supporter and prayer partner, Karen Eppler, will have opportunities to expand our outreach to the glory of God!

       

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything in accordance with his will, he hears us. ~1John 5:14 

   

Setting personal agenda's aside, may God grant us the confidence to pursue only His blueprint!    

 

Encouraged by His indelible grace,

 

Transparent ACU logo Linda Woodward

Director of Communications

African Christian University-USA

linda.woodward@acu-usa.com

http://www.acu-usa.com

In This Issue:

 

 Fields Seasoned for Discipleship 

                           

Labor and Ontology 

 

Matters of Praise 

 

 Matters for Prayer 

 

 February Tour   

 

Upcoming SBFCM Event 

Giraffe-side
 MattersMatters of Praise
  • The first in a series of ACU Strategic Planning Meetings was outstanding as our vision and mission were well-refined with beneficial
    contributions from all participants.  
  • Many vital liaisons were established as the plans for ACU were conveyed to various gov't and business representatives during Antonio's visit. 
  • In answer to our prayer for a bookkeeper, God  provided Rebekah Martin to facilitate the timely processing and acknowledgement of contributions to ACU-USA.
ACU-PRAY
PrayerMatters for Prayer 
  •  May God grant wisdom for the ongoing Strategic Planning as critical components of the academic programs are formulated and decisive steps taken toward initiating them.
  • Ask for the operation of God's Spirit through Conrad Mbewe as he seizes opportunities to share the vision and plans for ACU at various venues in the USA.
  • Plead for God's grace bringing forth those who can lead ACU's Seminary with faith and passion through sole dependence on Him, leaving the world behind and whole-heartedly seeking His glory in unrelenting commitment to His call.

FebruaryFebruary Tour 

ConradM3
Pastor Mbewe

 Pastor Conrad Mbewe of  Kabwata Baptist Church, will have opportunities to share the vision of ACU in February.  Plan to attend if you live near any of the events posted to the downloadable calendar below.  Our thanks to Pastor Dan Chittock (Bethesda Baptist Church), Dr. Aaron Messner (Covenant College) and Pastor Layton Wayne (Grace Reformed Baptist Church) for sponsoring the meetings. 

Mbewe Feb. Tour
Mbewe Feb. Tour

 Facebook Fan    "4 Likes & 2 Shares "

Thumbs Up

 

"Conversion is not simply a new way of living--though it leads to that. Conversion is a new way of thinking and feeling. It means we behold Christ in a new way, so that He looks clear where He had been confusing, brilliant where He had been bland, and supremely glorious where He had been just another regular, slightly above average guy. -Kevin DeYoung 

 

Links

 

African Christian University

 

Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook 

 

425Header3 

425 CAMPAIGN BUTTON