uring a month long trip to visit the MEDICS pastor training schools in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, I was able to evaluate their administration, teaching staff, and facilities and give encouragement to the leadership and students alike.  I listened to the staff and to over 50 of the students individually as I tried to experience the schools through their eyes.  Following is a summary of their comments: 

 

• Above all, the students and staff think the curriculum is outstanding.  As I watched them during class, they seemed eager to soak up all the information taught them by the wonderful teachers.  When I asked about the cultural relativity and practical application of the course, all were more than satisfied.

 

• Secondly, many of the students commented that not only their preaching had changed, but the way they live their lives has changed as well.  The material, the way it is presented, the contact with other pastors in this school situation where they can discuss not only theology but also daily application with each other and the teachers, has transformed lives.

 

• They told of their relationships with other denominations before the MEDICS school started, saying that they would rarely talk with other Christian denominations outside of their own, they would never sit down to a meal with them or have them for friends. 
   
  Now, with more than 50 denominations involved in our pastor training schools, that has changed and it has reverberated to those outside the schools.  They wanted me to understand that there is a new feeling in the cities where the schools are held, that Christians are now feeling more like one family in Christ!

 

• Some of the needs expressed were for a Bible dictionary and concordance for each school for reference material.  Some of the poorer students had Bibles very torn and water damaged from the recent war and hoped that newer editions could be provided.  Other pastors wanted some training for their wives and children because of the transformation the pastors felt personally. 

 

I came away from the experience of visiting the schools in Gbadolite, Gemena and Bangui, and with the director of Bumba school, in awe of the difficulty faced daily on the Fire Line and the perseverance required to run schools of the caliber attained.  MEDICS International’s supporters and partners can be proud of their involvement in these life-changing, kingdom-strengthening institutions!