“Graduation helps me to outreach [the] gospel more spontaneously and appropriately to other faith people,” said Pastor Topon*, who graduated with the Diploma of Pastoral Ministry from South Asia Nazarene Bible College (SANBC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh 10 October. He was speaking in a ceremony in which 86 women and men graduated.
The program’s theme was, “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding,” (Jeremiah 3:15).
Rev. Simon M., the national coordinator of SANBC-Bangladesh, said candidates of the graduation will be ordained next year during district assembly and will gain licenses for pastoral work. Graduates study for three years in theology and pastoral ministry, and also receive training in holistic, compassionate ministries that include disaster relief.
A number of education leaders were present at the graduation, including Rev. Simon Jothi, principal, SANBC; Rev. John Haines, Eurasia Region education coordinator; Dr. Kent Brower, chairman of International Board of Education (IBOE) for the denomination; Dr. Dan Copp, education commissioner, IBOE; Rev. Nathan, field strategy coordinator for South Asia Field; Rev. Prakash Nemade, vice principal, SANBC; Dr. Winnie Nhlengethwa, vice-chancellor, South Africa Nazarene University; Dr. Bob Brower, president of Point Loma Nazarene University (USA). Bangladesh’s three district superintendents, and Dr. Franklin Cook, emeritus Eurasia Region director, were also present.
“A great thing usually starts from smalls,” said Cook, speaking from Luke 8:4-15, the Parable of the Sower, set within the context of the start of Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. He remembered the small beginnings well from his time leading the region from 1989 to 2004. Twenty-two years ago he had visited the country and met Rev. Nathan and Mr. Vanu, who showed interest in helping to register the denomination with the government.
That seed which they had planted two decades ago led to this very graduation ceremony, he said, urging them not to worry for any matters because God will protect them. But, for those who don’t obey God, don’t listen His commands, there is something to be worried. He only calls His followers to plant the seeds and God will make them grow, just as Cook obeyed God by visiting Bangladesh all those years ago, planting the seeds, from which God has given a good result.
Mrs Tania, a graduate, says, “I am very much grateful to the Lord and the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh for giving wonderful opportunity for studying [with] SANBC. I have learnt so many things from the Bible which I will apply in my life and help to apply others for serving and preparing them for HIS kingdom.”
Pastor Samual, another graduate, says, “I am very happy to receive graduation because I learnt a lot and now I am able to preach God’s Message more correctly and actively. I will work for Christ my entire life. I thank SANBC for this opportunity to gain graduation.”
*Full names not used for security reasons.
