September 12, 2016
by Dr. John Neihof
“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”
I Thessalonians 1:8 (NKJV)
Like the Thessalonians, our alumni have “sounded forth” the word of the Lord in every way and “in every place.” Equipped for various ministries, we’ve watched them step out of the classroom and into diverse arenas as pastors, teachers, missionaries, professionals, chaplains, counselors, and more. Throughout WBS history, our alumni have served in over 50 countries.
Steve Kellogg was the first WBS alumnus to graduate as a commissioned missionary. He grew up in Africa and returned to minister in Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. He was active in teaching theological education, church planting, preaching and sports ministry outreach, and ministry to widows and orphans. Steve went home to heaven and his eternal reward July 25, 2016.
I just received a newsletter from Scott Rambo, a WBS alumnus and missionary to Uganda. Scott, Meg and their four sons are spreading the word of the Lord in “every place” throughout Equatorial Africa. Story-telling timeless Biblical truths, building relationships, and community health transformation are sounding forth the word of the Lord.
I recently visited with Rev. Ava Harvey, a Jackson area pastor and WBS alumnus, at his church’s revival services. When Ava accepted pastoral responsibilities at his church nearly 20 years ago, it was a small, struggling country church congregation. That night at revival, not a single empty seat existed in the 500-600 seat church. The choir loft was packed throughout the service. Eight or ten pastors sat upon the platform. Folding chairs lined the walls and seated the overflow guests. Folks prayed through to victory at the close of the service.
We need others who, like the Thessalonians, are well-versed in faith and the Word of God, who go into every place, share a living faith, and serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Wesley Biblical Seminary’s mission lies in training these ambassadors. We rely heavily on our network of family and friends to refer those eager to be trained to sound forth with truth and clarity.
Whom do you know? Is it you?
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