Over the past couple semesters, we have desperately felt the need to build dormitories for our students. Up until now we have been housing our students in two private homes. These homes were normal 3-bedroom family residences, but we had as many as eight students in each bedroom. This made it extremely difficult for our students to study. Some guys snore, disturbing their classmates’ sleep. One student would have the flu causing the others to get sick as well. Our students had no place to store their books and no personal space to study. The limited restroom and shower facilities represented not only a daily logistical nightmare, but also trouble with our city council who frequently had to unblock our sewage lines. Additionally, having two separate homes for our students meant we had to staff two separate kitchens. And the list could go on.

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Therefore we decided to take a step of faith and to start building proper dormitories for our students. The total cost for these dormitories is 3.4 million South African Rand (approx. $423,000 USD). We are selling one of the homes for $98,000 and have taken out a mortgage for $262,000. Our prayer is that God will raise up ministry partners committed to Christ Seminary and to theological education in Africa able to cover the remainder.

SO WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THIS MAKE?
Now we only have two students to a room, as compared to eight formerly. Keep in mind the students we are training are not high-schoolers at a boarding school, but men already serving in the ministry as pastors. There are no more bunk beds and each room now has its own bathroom with a shower, toilet, washbasin and mirror.

The beds and desks in each room are built into the wall. Not fancy, but functional. Each bed has storage space underneath and will be fitted with a decent mattress. Each student will also have personal closet space—something else we were previously unable to provide.

Though we sold one of the original homes to help finance this building project, the other house is on the same property as the dormitories. This house will be kept as accommodations for 4 students and will be adapted to serve as a common living area where all the students can share meals and fellowship with one another.
The 22 dormitory rooms we are building will accommodate 44 students per session. Our total enrollment will be 96 students, which means we can take in 24 new students per year.

When the dormitories are complete, all our students will be better able to focus on their studies. We thank God for what we are able to do realizing that it is a major step in faith.

PLEASE PRAY WITH US THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE!
Please pray with us that God will provide sufficient supporters from our own congregation and beyond who would give a monthly or special gift toward this very important need.

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Posted 19 July 2009