Want to write your name in the history of BGC?...
It's been a while since I have uploaded a blog to this site.
I ceased being their official international consultant last year as Bishop Gwynne College grew into a new phase of self-sufficiency.
But I'm posting this one last blog to everyone who has had any connection with the college through giving or prayer over the last 10+ years and before.
Now you have the opportunity to register your support by name so that new students and chapel users can see how many supporters the college has had, and continues to have, across the world in the past and today - especially in its hours of need.
Bishop Gwynne College
In 2010, Bishop Gwynne College was relaunched after a protracted period of decline and, in September of that year, it moved with a new intake onto a new site. With an initial roll of just fifteen students, it now boasts ten times that number and is expanding every year.
The site has been extended and now houses the administrative office of The Episcopal University of which Bishop Gwynne College has become a part. In addition to teaching theology, the college has also taken on a faculty of law. The Episcopal Church of South Sudan is forging ahead with the expansion of tertiary education, which is so needed in this country, despite the political and economic problems that have seen hundreds of thousands die and millions displaced.
A God-centred focus of unity
From its initial beginnings in 1945, BGC has sought to bring people and tribes together under God and continues to do that despite the fractured society in southern Sudan which has prevailed for most of BGC's history.
To express this unity under God, the college has desired to build a multipurpose chapel that will provide opportunities for worship, teaching and fellowship across the diversity of the college membership. Now, as the chapel comes to be completed, they are looking to use it to witness to the college's connections across the globe.
Historical international support
BGC is truly grateful for the crucial international contributions it has received at the critical stages of its history. Most of these have come from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia but the donations have by no means been limited to these countries.
Although churches, charities and individuals across the world continue to send support, the college no longer depends on them for either its day to day costs or its expansion.
However, the more the college receives, the faster it can develop.
A visible witness
BGC treasures these links with people from all six continents and it would like to record that in the new chapel. The staff has therefore come up with the idea of sponsored benches /pews to which plaques could be attached with the names of the sponsors engraved upon them. All who use the chapel will then get a picture of the college's international connections and those who give will be remembered and prayed for in return by name.
The plaques could include names of individuals, groups, churches, even dioceses.
Each bench will cost US$300 and will seat a minimum of six people - so $50 a sitting.
Contacts
My name is Trevor Stubbs. I was involved in the re-establishment of the college between 2009 and 2011. Now in retirement in the United Kingdom, I am writing to all on behalf of the college as part of their international outreach.
Of course, even if you have not supported the college in the past, you are welcome to be part of this initiative.
If you would like to give a whole bench or an individual sitting, or just find out more about the college, then you can contact me
Lord, give us hearts that love,
minds that seek learn of you,
lips that sing your praises and
deeds that proclaim your Word
across South Sudan
and all the world.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
