The graduation
for the ISTEK students took place on August
16th. This is always a joyfully anticipated
time as it marks the end of the academic year and
the crowning achievement of three years of hard
work on the part of our graduates. It's with
much sacrifice of time and money that our
students pursue their studies. This year seven graduated
with a diploma in theology. Unfortunately there
were four students who did not meet the
graduation requirements. One of them confessed
to us that the past year had been very difficult
for him. There were three consecutive deaths in
his family, he was hospitalized twice, and he
endured much financial hardship. He was not
able to concentrate on his studies. It is
obvious that we cannot guarantee life or health,
but with the help of our Canadian partners we
can perhaps offer financial support to students
like him. Last year nine students were assisted
financially by brothers and sisters in Canada.
They were all very grateful. I would like to
thank you on their behalf.
Our graduates: Elie Moma
Nkusu, Daniel Kalombo Kalubi, Barthelemie
Kasokwe Malungo, Hypolite Mwambayi Seya, Mbayo
Kazadi Bulambo, Yves Mulenga Mbiya, Alidor
Muteba Lunganga.
Effective October 1st, we will have yet another
rent increase for the College. We will now be
paying $2000 US per month, which is an increase
of 400% over the past 18 months. This rental
situation will surely deteriorate in the next
few years. We have moved ahead with the
construction project so that we can soon be free
from these exorbitant price hikes. Our
international missions office has approved this
project and the construction is to begin soon. We
would greatly appreciate your prayers that this
project would be completed in record time and
that our God would provide and would take care
of all the many details. Any financial
contribution would be welcome and can be sent to
the PAOC international office with the
designation 'Paradis- ISTEK building project.'
Thanks once again to each of you.
Pierre and Marielle
