This month we feature comments from the various leadership groups of the ACU family. These comments include reflections on what has transpired thus far as well as what is anticipated for the future. But one thing continues to stand out: ACU is an institution that is dependent upon the mercies of God and determined to proclaim His glory.

From Dr. Conrad Mbewe, ACU Chancellor  

Dr. Conrad Mbewe

For me, 2013 was a year when the ACU changed my whole life! The call to serve as ACU's first chancellor made me rush not only to my drawing board but also to my knees. "Lord, what would you have me to do?" has been my prayer ever since. I was enjoying my ride in the back seat, only to be summoned to the front. As we enter 2014, therefore, I am appealing to all the Christians in our Zambian Reformed Baptist fraternity to look again at their involvement in the mammoth task of the ACU. This is our baby. Our American friends have simply come to help us establish this university. I have no doubt that when we bequeath this institution to the next generation, they will look back and marvel at this vehicle for biblical education in our country. But that will only happen as we all put our hands to the plow. Let us close ranks and hold hands as we work towards the day ACU opens its doors to its first students. I can't wait to cut the ribbon!

From Dr. Ken Turnbull, ACU Vice Chancellor  

Dr. Ken Turnbull

The apostle Paul summarises how Christians behave in this world and relate to one another in Colossians 3:17 with, "... whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." It is in the authority of Christ, by His righteousness, as those who are in Him, that we walk. It is in Him that we acknowledge our complete dependence on the grace of our Father by offering all thanks to Him for anything that we do or accomplish. This is the lens through which all that occurred with ACU in 2013 is viewed. Whatever was done, the desire was always to do it through prayer, depending on the grace of God in Jesus Christ to accomplish His will. Tremendous successes were granted as ACU-USA saw 2013 open with two significant donations totaling $70,000 toward campus construction in Zambia, the development of a reconstituted, zealous Board for ACU-USA, the coming of Ray Warwick to serve full-time with ACU, the donation of all of the books needed to initiate ACU's library, the contribution of $12,000 from individuals in the USA and Zambia to ship the donated books to Zambia, the decision by Lusaka Baptist Church to lease ACU land for campus development and God's clear hand of direction in leading the ACU Board in Zambia to reconstitute and strengthen the foundations for a more solid initiation of academic programs in 2014. These are only the highlights of nearly innumerable small and large acts accomplished by God's grace as visible testimony to His favour and guidance upon this work. Even the more challenging events of 2013 revealed the wisdom and care of God in directing our steps according to His will. The loss of land sought in Shantumbu, the delays in securing land when desires to move forward with construction were compelling, the realisation that initiating the Scholars Program in January, 2014 would not be wise, despite the strenuous efforts to bring it about, as God made apparent by many roadblocks and disappointments. God accomplishes His will as He teaches and prepares His servants, conforming us to the image of His Son through both success and hardship. As we look forward to 2014, it is through the same lens of faith that we will commit ourselves to do all we do in word or deed in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him. In Christ, we know that our faithful Father will accomplish His kingdom work as we toil, in the same manner that Paul reminds the Colossians, "... struggling with all His [Christ's] energy that He powerfully works within" us. Thank you for your prayers with us as we strive to glorify God through the work of ACU in 2014.

From Mr. John Chundu, ACU-Zambia Board Chairman 

John Chundu

2014 is finally here! Looking back at 2013, there are a lot of reasons to rejoice for those of us closely associated with African Christian University. Just to give an example, we saw God's provision of land for campus development in answer to our prayers! We spent the last two years searching for land, but at the right time, God provided! Our situation with regard to land provision was very similar to the story we find in Genesis 22 vv. 1 - 8. When asked by Isaac as to where the lamb was for the burnt offering, Abraham replied, "God will provide for himself a lamb for burnt offering, my son." While we had some financial and human resources to put up some infrastructure developments, we did not have the land on which to build. At the appointed time, God provided. This indeed is testimony to God's faithfulness and should encourage all of us to soldier on as we endeavour to further his kingdom through the establishment of ACU. With God being the chief architect and planner of this work, we look forward to 2014 with confidence, knowing full well that God will provide for our needs.

There is a lot of work ahead of us this year. We aim to achieve a number of milestones, among them: 

• Completion of the university registration process 
• Commencement of the Scholars Programme 
• Acceleration of fundraising and resource mobilisation efforts 
• Approval of building plans and commencement of infrastructure developments.

I would like you to join with us in prayer for the success of this work and for achievement of these key milestones.

Soli Deo Gloria!

From Pastor Dan Pentimone, ACU-USA Board Chairman 

Pastor Dan Pentimone

Greetings in the name of our Wonderful Savior! As we begin a New Year, we are excited about the prospects of seeing God's hand in the advancement of His kingdom through ACU. This past year we have seen God do some great things. The final funds necessary for the shipment of the books from Michigan to Zambia were received through a gracious donation in the USA. God also provided help in other financial area that were direct answers to our prayers. After Ken Turnbull attended the "Mission To The World" conference in South Carolina, the ACU-USA board convened in Kansas City to discuss some important matters and plan for the upcoming year. We are excited at the prospects that we have this New Year to share the vision of ACU.

In January, ACU will have a presence at the G3 Conference in Atlanta. This should be a great opportunity to make the work of ACU known to hundreds of pastors and leaders. Conrad Mbewe will be one of the keynote speakers and will also have a special "additional opportunity" to share the vision of ACU with all in attendance. Please be in prayer that God would raise up workers for the labor, as well as prayer and financial supporters. We are also looking forward to having a booth at the upcoming Founder's Midwest Regional Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in February.

We are excited to see what God will do this year in advancing the work that is before us. Please pray that Jesus Christ would be glorified in all that is done regarding ACU. We long to see Christ made known in all the earth!

From Rev. Hein Strauss, ACU-RSA Board Secretary

Rev. Hein Strauss

Arguably the raison d'�tre for the ACU-RSA Board would be leading and managing the process of soliciting financial contributions from South African sources for ACU in Zambia. One of the first steps toward this goal is to obtain tax-exempt status for such contributions. The ACU-RSA Board would covet prayers for wisdom as they continue to probe the way ahead regarding this issue in South Africa.

A major drive is needed to expose South Africa to the ACU vision. To this end strategic thinking is key towards identifying the most appropriate and advantageous target areas as well as finding the human resources best fit to address the activity. Much prayer is needed for further developing and then putting into action the strategy of selling the ACU vision in South Africa. This is regarded as a starting point to build financial support for ACU in Zambia and, additionally, for the recruitment of students. Also, pray that the necessary resources to do so would be found.