Scope for our Bible Schools
We have attended Bible Schools in Guyana, the Caribbean and North America. Apart from the uplifting, edifying and enlightening talks, there are two other untaped aspects for which we should be thankful.
The first is the family care. Attendance at our schools ranges from babies to seniors, and provision is made to cater for everyone, spiritually and naturally. There are teen sessions advertised simultaneously with adult classes and the needs of the younger scholars are met at the schools.
There was an article reporting on the 2006 Guyana Bible School, entitled “Grandparents in Guyana.” We recall the mention of how a speaker’s wife did a commendable job with the children at the Georgetown ecclesial Hall. Likewise, this year at the Kilcoy venue Sis. Diana volunteered on the first day to keep the twenty-five children happy while the adults were instructed in “The Only Thing That Counts” by Bro. Ted Hodge and “The Truth of the Fourth Beast” by yours truly. Afterwards Sis. Christine took over the children, realizing that Sis. Diana as a young sister should be in the main hall with the adult classes. Sis. Diana was greatly relieved (25 children are not easy to control) and the manner of her bonding with Bro. Ted reminded me of Mary in Bethany. (One of the most enjoyable moments at North American Schools, we found, was Children’s Night and admiring the celebration of their week-long projects.)
The other aspect is outreach. With at least “100 lighthouses” (borrowing Bro. Nathan Badger’s analogy) at any school anywhere, what a wonderful opportunity is afforded to witness effectively. We recall one year at the Midwest Bible School a special lecture was given one evening by Bro. Jim Styles, after attendees had canvassed nearby.
In Guyana, a preaching campaign often integrates into the school. Four years ago at the Kilcoy venue Bro. Ken Sommerville and Bro. Duncan Kenzie (the teachers) functioned as evangelists in the evening, and many would recall how encouraging it was. This year, again at the same venue, there were Bro. Ted and myself continuing with the support of some Bible School participants. One rainy evening was particularly memorable as the neighborhood family invited us in and provided seating accommodation for the meeting to enjoy Bro. Ted’s class on “Mankind - Our Future.”
Our Schools are a vital part of our lifestyle. Let us maintain their excellent quality, and extend their scope if and whenever possible to the most vulnerable – the young and the unenlightened.
Comment: Readers’ views are welcome with any suggestions that may improve Bible Schools, especially in Mission areas. As well as not placing the burden of caring for the children on those that should really be attending the meeting, would it not be possible to arrange the catering so that Sisters are not involved with it so that they, too, can also benefit from the meetings? My personal view is that those in their teens should be attending the meetings. MH.
Bro Clive Drepaul (New York, USA)
