The Day's Sweet

On the day Tracy's sister went home to be with the Lord, the fifteen pastors of ACTION Pastors College graduated after three years of hard work. Baptist Theological Seminary (BTS) gave our school accreditation as our men had more than fulfilled the requirements for BTS's off-campus program. The seminary invited our students to "walk the aisle" with theirs. To say that our guys were excited is an understatement!
 
Dressed in blue and gold robes the
pastors proudly strode to the platform where they received congratulations from Tracy and the principal of BTS, as well as their certificate. Also handed out were congratulatory letters from visiting pastors who have taught in APC throughout the past three years.   

Several church choirs, as well as the 
seminary's, ministered in song and dance to those present. Dr. Kim, a Korean missionary in Zambia, challenged the graduates from I Peter 2, calling them priests chosen by God, a peculiar people. 


Afterwards our graduates gathered in a reception hall at the back of BTS for a luncheon and APC's own special program. Our teammates pulled together to clean, decorate, and serve the pastors and their guests. What a help they were!

In addition to awarding diplomas to the pastors, APC gave their wives a PHT~a "putting honey through" award. Three men were recognized during the ceremony as well~Manuel Simuyemba for distinguishing himself as a faithful shepherd; Bonaventure Mulenga for being a humble servant; and Anderson Jere for being a discipling leader. Pastor Martin Phiri won the honor from his fellow students to be the class spokesman.
 

Steve and Stephanie Allen

Before the program ended Tracy honored and recognized Steve and Stephanie Allen who just finished their term and are returning to the States after four years. Steve has worked alongside Tracy in teaching and training the pastors of APC. Stephanie has stood beside Steve, homeschooling their five daughters. They will be greatly missed. 

Also with us that day were Jay and Carol Sigafoos, Stephanie's parents, who have been wonderful supporters of the college.


As I think about APC's first graduation, I'm reminded of the story of a college student, Jason Bohn, whose hole-in-one golf shot won him a million dollars. Rather than frittering away his winnings he used the money to improve his golf skills. His efforts paid off and he won the PGA's Tour B.C. Open in 2005. 

Investing in APC and the training of pastors in Zambia is an investment in eternity for the advancement of the gospel. As Tracy and I stood with the graduates, there were others standing with us in spirit~those who have labored in prayer, who have sacrificed financially to see this day arrive, and those who have encouraged us along the way. We thank God for you and pray God's richest blessings on you!