Far Eastern Bible College
FEBC reopened with a Day of Prayer on Monday 3 January 2011. Faculty and students gathered for a time of Bible study, fellowship and prayer at the idyllic and sylvan grounds of Calvary Tengah Bible-Presbyterian Church in Choa Chu Kang. The principal spoke on why it is important for theological students to see God as very big and man very small, and why we must reject all kinds of worldly philosophies and rationalistic methods that seek to undermine the greatness of God and the truthfulness of His Word: “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:4, 5).
We welcome nine new students: Bang Dongwi (Korea), Cahyono Budi Wibowo (Indonesia), Cho Ik Su (Korea), Choong Kai Shuin (Singapore), Choong Yi Jie (Singapore), Kekhriezetuo Nagi (Nagaland), Ko Woong (Korea), Marilyn Nanta (Sarawak), Jan Yap (Singapore). Ko Woong is back for studies after completing national service, and Marilyn after taking time off for medical treatment. We thank the Lord that young people waiting to enter the university have chosen to study at FEBC for a semester. Kai Shuin, Yi Jie and Jan have wisely invested their time to do just this. It is good to be well grounded with a biblical worldview before embarking on secular studies in the university. Dr Tow Siang Yeow, President of the FEBC Board and Elder of New Life Bible-Presbyterian Church, has also committed himself to take FEBC classes. His wife Jessie happily joins him. It is never too old to study God’s Word. Dr Tow is 83 years old.
The last three years have been very trying years for FEBC. Life BPC sued to evict FEBC from her birthplace and home. They did this because they could not stomach FEBC’s belief in the present infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible without any mistake—the doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation (Ps 12:6, 7; Matt 5:18, 24:35). Life BPC won the suit. FEBC filed an appeal. The Court of Appeal heard FEBC’s plea on 3 December 2010. While we wait for the verdict, let us pray the Lord to glorify Himself, and magnify His Word above all His Name (Ps 138:2).
Here is a letter of encouragement from Australia, 21 December 2010:
To the staff of the Far Eastern Bible College,
I am writing on behalf of the Cootamundra Bible Fellowship in Australia with regard to the recent court decision against the school. We stand behind you in your stand for truth. The Word of God is being relentlessly attacked today. We appreciate those who defend God’s Word against those who seek to destroy it. We pray that this decision will be overturned and that God will be honoured. May you be encouraged as you fight for truth. In the fight maintain your
testimony that God may be glorified in you.
If the decision is not overturned, God will have something much better with which to supply your needs. We know that He often sends trials our way to increase our faith and make us better for His glory. At the end of the day you will look back and rejoice more than ever in our great God. He does all things well. May this battle not distract your ministry of training future servants of Christ.
Keep up your good and faithful work.
With you in ministry,
Bob Hein, for the flock of CBF
We have also received letters of encouragement from Rev Errol Stone (Perth) and Rev Nguyen Hien (Brisbane), Dr Robert Kluttz (Hokkaido), Rev Judah Pallangyo (Tanzania), Rev Philip Lagat (Kenya), Esther Chew (China), John and Michele Tow (USA).
Bible College of Central Africa
A Report from the Rev Dr Mark Kim 22 December 2010
Greetings in His precious Name. I trust that you are well in the Lord and in His grace. I visited Kinshasa—the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo—with Rev Eben Yoon from the 10th to the 14th of December 2010. I fell ill immediately upon returning, likely from exhaustion, but was able to recover today by His grace and am writing you now. It is quite a surprise and pity for me to fall sick so often these days. I once thought my health was invincible until I had a major surgery in 2003. It is truly the Lord who has sustained me all these years.
My first impression of the Congo at the immigration counter in the airport and subsequent experiences have led me to summarize the general conditions there as a place of “order amongst chaos.” I do praise and thank God for leading us to this vast and expansive country.
After visiting the plot of land that Rev Chota (our BCEA graduate) investigated, I was certain that this was indeed the appropriate plot. The neighboring plots were in the possession of large-scale investors, and I was also told that a nearby plot of substantial size was held by a group of nuns. As I saw numerous large structures built by the Mormon church on our way to and from this plot, I became certain of the need and call for correct theological education in this land. We are strengthened by the fact that there are already 4-5 BCEA graduates who are ready to participate in this ministry.
The location of the land is 17 km from Kinshasa International Airport, away from the city center. It is located near a 4-lane road. It stands directly across the road (1 km wide) from the FIFA office of Congo. I was told that there are plans to construct a national stadium nearby. The original area that we had planned for the Bible College of Central Africa is about 3 hectares, but the paperwork for 1 hectare is incomplete and pending. The lawyer that we consulted recommended that we first finish the paperwork before making the purchase, so we decided to follow his legal advice. The entire plot is about 100 m by 300 m (the actual length is a bit longer than this figure). The land that is currently eligible for purchase is 100 m by 200 m. You can track the location of this plot on Google Earth (4°17’16.99″S /15°34’15.47″E). Since the land is currently designated for agricultural use, we are in the process of changing its purpose through a lawyer. Please pray that the founding of BCCA will be on God’s schedule. We pray and trust that He will send laborers to be equipped here, not only from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) but also the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Angola, and other nations of central Africa.
Your prayers are needed, and we will lean on your prayers as we seek God’s timing and will during this important time. I will write again.
