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A Call to Serve
By Dr. Ken Turnbull, ACU Vice-Chancellor 
 
A young businessman founded a company that sold medical diagnostic instruments. He felt a strong obligation to stay informed of the latest technology to ensure that the medical facilities in his country were capable of the best diagnostics and treatment. Medical treatment improved as a result. He spent much of his profits and time on furthering his education. However, over time he noticed that the medical schools in his country were becoming consumed with teaching a progressive version of traditional medicine approaches and drifting away from teaching state-of-the-art diagnostics. As time went on, medical care in the country grew increasingly worse. Eventually people were perishing of diseases that had been readily diagnosed, treated and contained in the past. He did his best to promote better diagnostic approaches, but he soon realised that the problem was not simply a lack of education. There was an underlying philosophy that the "new" traditional medicine practices were preferred, regardless of the outcome on the country ' s health. When he accepted that no effort through education, government pressure or judicial appeals seemed to change the growing culture from reverting to unsuccessful medical practices, he began to direct his efforts elsewhere. He reluctantly travelled to a country that was developing in its medical education and advancing from traditional medicine practices toward proven, higher technological approaches. His company and his expertise from years of study and innovation were well received in his new country of residence. Healthcare and mortality rates improved and his work was recognised in contributing to the country's advancement. As an old man he looked back on his life choices. While his heart ached for his home country, his company had proved that holding to truth was more beneficial to humanity.
 
This modern parable is analogous in many ways to Christians in Evangelical churches of the West. As our young businessman saw medical practice improve with his efforts to offer improved diagnostics, likewise the rise of Western civilisation out of paganism through true Christianity improved the human condition (true Christianity being motivated from Holy Spirit revival, repentance and personal sanctification; not the state-mandated religious and social movements of man). It was the freedom, creativity and innovations of the Christian worldview that ushered in the proliferation of education and literacy. The Christian worldview revolutionised the understanding and practice of governance through democracy, human rights developments and just legal systems. It allowed the passionate imitation of God's creativity in music, the fine arts, architecture, science, engineering and medicine which have proliferated untold artistic and technological advancements. The Christian worldview defined economic systems and business practices built on trust and integrity that have transformed the world's standard of living, health and longevity. Non-revisionist history clearly proves the value to humanity of Christian morals and philosophies lived out by those in Christ. History verifies that God's common grace, which not only prevents even the darkest sin of humanity from utterly destroying us, has given the world brilliant discoveries and aesthetically astounding works of creativity that have been produced even by those who are not reconciled to their Creator through the cross of Christ. Despite this clearly evident reality, much like the medical schools in our parable, the philosophies of today's progressive elites are leading Western culture back towards the ungodly paganism and hedonism of the past dark ages.
 
Like our businessman in the parable, what are we Christians to do who desire the best for our post-Christian culture? We see the progressive depravity that is rapidly drowning all evidence of a culture guided by truth and morality defined by God's Holy Word. Surely there must be some Christians in Western, Evangelical churches who, like our businessman, realise the benefit of moving to a more receptive culture and that their service to Jesus Christ would be most fruitful in a culture that has not willfully chosen to disobey and abandon the truth of God. Christ is certainly calling some, who have been steeped in God's truth through education, discipleship, healthy churches, faithful service and fellowship, to go. Where are those who feel a deep sense of God calling them to serve the fledgling, maturing churches in parts of the world where little historical knowledge of Him exists? Where are the faithful brethren with gifts, skills, expertise and education in all areas who have much to offer the fledgling churches of God's global kingdom? To these brethren we earnestly appeal in Christ: the  harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ... Come!
 
Come help us at ACU to exalt the pre-eminence of Christ in all learning and in every vocation and aspect of life! Come help us bring the Christian worldview through higher education and whole-life discipleship in all of the academic disciplines, the trades, artisanship and technical skills of cultural advancement! ... Come!

What is Christian Worldview Education? 
By Kendra Hawley, ACU Librarian 
 
On Saturday the 7th of November, ACU had the privilege of presenting to a group from the Reformed Baptist Churches in Lusaka. The theme running through the day was the importance of a Christian worldview in education. Below is a brief overview of the various sessions.

Ernest Mwansa presented a challenge from Hebrews 5:12-14 on the topic of discernment. He explained that a proper foundation must be laid before learning more difficult things. A proper foundation will lead from the ABCs to calculus and from basic Biblical principles to difficult doctrines. In contrast to a secular education, a Christian education will give spiritual knowledge to aid in understanding the world we live in and the One who created and sustains it. A Christian education will refine our understanding of God's Word and of the world He created. It equips students to discern truth from error.

Dr. Amos Banda expounded on Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 6-9. Before the people of Israel could enter the Promised Land, they needed an education in proper conduct. They were entering a land where the people did not know the Lord. Therefore, they needed to know the fear of the Lord. How were they to learn this? Parents were directed to take the responsibility of diligently training their children at every opportunity. They were instructed to train their children in every area of life so the children would learn how to worship the Lord, love Him and glorify Him at home, at church and in the workplace.

Ray Warwick began his session on the topic of the Christian philosophy of education with the question, "Does philosophy matter?"The answer was a resounding, "Yes!" Why? Our philosophy of education lays the foundation for our understanding in all areas. In secular education, knowledge is held as most important whether it is true or false, whether it is presented systematically or haphazardly. Christian education includes: 1) Knowledge, 2) Interpretation and 3) Application. You cannot take one away without losing the full scope of Christian education. Christian education teaches truth. Mr. Warwick stated, "There is truth. His name is Jesus."He went on to explain that since there is truth, this implies that education done wrongly is full of error and falseness. Therefore, ACU (and all true Christian education) will teach from a Biblical worldview. ACU will teach that all truth comes from the Lord and is revealed to us in His Word. It guides our understanding of both the physical and the spiritual realms. There is a great chasm between Christian and secular education. We need to recognise this and choose the path that leads to the desired end. And that end should be TRUTH.

Dr. Ken Turnbull presented ACU's Pedagogy (methods of teaching). He explained that truth is derived from God's Word. That our understanding of who God is and who we are in this world forms our worldview. At ACU, learning may begin in the classroom, but it does not end there. Learning needs to extend beyond the classroom to challenge the students and present practical ways to live out what they are learning. A Christian education recognises that all knowledge comes from God, is glorifying to Him, transforms character and is redemptive. Therefore, a Christian education will be cohesive between various disciplines, it will enlighten and humble, and it will challenge students to love those around them rather than focusing on self-glorification. Dr. Turnbull cited a study done across Sub-Saharan Africa in which employers were asked what characteristics were most important in hiring new employees. The employers answered that most universities do not prepare students in the qualities needed because the most important qualities are those of character (such as teamwork, perseverance and honesty) not acquired skills. Education needs a new paradigm built on God's Word that brings about whole life education. If Christ is the centre, education will touch the Mind (intellect), the Heart (emotions), the Hands (physical) and the Soul (spiritual).

Wilson Tembo wrapped up the day by sharing the vision and values of ACU. He explained that ACU seeks to present education in a way that: 1) presents a Biblical worldview, 2) focuses on the Lordship of Jesus Christ, 3) is based on the authority of scripture and 4) is distinctly African. He then went on to challenge the parents in the audience, quoting Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:14-15, to lay up for their children. He explained that parents do this by taking the responsibility to care for their children and train them to be useful members of society in the fear of the Lord. When children grow up, they will then see that it is their responsibility to care for what God has given to them. They will do this by working hard and loving others.

This article barely scratches the surface of what was shared at this event. If you would like to learn more about the importance of Christian worldview education, please contact us or visit the ACU website, www.acu-zambia.com.
 




Because of growing needs, ACU is diligently looking for an office vehicle.  
If you would like to contribute to the purchase of a vehicle, or have a viable vehicle you wish to donate, please contact us at office@acu-zambia.com.





Help us build the Jonathan Edwards library collection.  Our immediate need
is in the disciplines of education, agriculture and business. These books do not need to be explicitly Christian, just intellectually informative, legitimate and current.  Please help us with this important request.

For further information, please contact library@acu-zambia.com.
 






1. Please continue to pray for the registration process with the Higher Education Authority of Zambia. Join us in praying that the Authority will complete this process without further delay.

2. Pray that God, through His people, would provide support for several families desiring to serve in Zambia with ACU, particularly the Janse van Rensburgs and Kilians.

3. Please pray that students will register for the Scholars Programme being planned to commence in January 2016.

4. Pray for the ongoing health of the ACU team and that we will be able to glorify God even in physical weaknesses.

5. Pray for the work at the Chisamba land, specifically as it relates to drilling another borehole. Pray for wisdom to select the best location for drilling and that this borehole will yield a substantial amount of water.

1. Carlos & Diana Paul and their children have recently arrived in Lusaka to serve with ACU. Please remember them in prayer during this transition time.

2. For the presentation made on the 7th of November to the churches in Lusaka. Pray that the hearers will be challenged by ACU ' s vision of Christian worldview education in every discipline.

3. We are grateful for the many volunteers helping with projects at ACU. This university is truly an international work of God ' s people.

4. We thank the Lord for all those who support the work of ACU and the individuals serving here.

5. Praise the Lord for continued safety of the ACU staff and families as we live and travel around Lusaka and beyond.

Print this Update
Download a copy of the ACU November Prayer Update to print and hand out at your church.
 
 
 
Seeking Help


   
 
If God has gifted you as an artisan of excellence in any aspect of the construction trade, consider  discipling colleagues and students with ACU.  Please contact us if you believe God is calling you to serve His kingdom wor k in this way. 
 

  Current Faculty Needs:
Theology - Education 
Business - Agriculture
with future expansion to cover all humanities and sciences
 
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The "Friends of ACU" campaign seeks partners for a 10 month duration to

support special projects with monthly gifts in 3 categories:

Bronze K500/mo
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Contact Gladys Mposha for more information or to sign up as a partner. gladys.mposha@acu-zambia.com.
 

Conrad Mbewe5   
A Letter From Kabwata