I feel very privileged to meet via Zoom with students, teachers, and pastors from many parts of the world. Again and again, these conversations remind me that God is quietly and faithfully at work, even in places that may seem isolated or forgotten.
No place is too remote for God to kindle faith, raise up people for ministry, and bring hope, grace, and healing to communities that have known deep hardship.
We remain deeply grateful for the prayerful and financial support Australian congregations have faithfully offered over the years, and for the encouraging fruit we have seen as students grow in faith, continue their studies, and serve others in their communities.
Many of our students in Africa are now able to contribute toward the cost of their studies with ACCM. Yet some of the places most in need of hope and grace are also among the poorest and most vulnerable. At present, we have more than 20 students living in the refugee camps of Kakuma in Kenya and Dzaleka in Malawi.
Kakuma is home to around 313,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Dzaleka is home to more than 60,000 people, the vast majority of them women and children.
Access to study resources is limited. Many students rely on public internet cafés, where they must pay for access, and often have only limited use of computers, updated phones, and electricity.
Life in the camps is very difficult. Daily realities include limited access to food, water, medical care, employment, electricity, and reliable internet, all within a harsh environment.
ACCM students in Kakuma and Dzaleka often speak three or four languages, have completed high school, and may also hold a bachelor’s degree or trade qualification. They serve faithfully in their congregations and communities through pastoral ministry, teaching, outreach, and other forms of service.
ACCM is working to provide translated course materials and resources, encourage students to study with a local mentor, and equip graduates from Africa to serve as teachers and support others in their learning.
How we can pray
Please pray for the growth of the GCI communities developing within the camps. Pray that these communities will continue to be places where people can walk together, grow in faith, and come to know more deeply God’s love and grace. Please also pray that God will continue to work in the hearts and minds of those in government, and that conditions in the camps may improve.
Click here If you would like to assist with Sponsorship for ACCM students.