Clarkston Happenings

On By pandjhall

Clarkston Bible Institute

Nine students graduated from the Clarkston Bible Institute (CBI) in June as we finished the 2019-2020 year via Zoom. This was the 3rd year of the Institute and the first year of ever teaching via Zoom!

IMG_5985
June 2020 graduates

We were disappointed, but not surprised, that Patrick was not able to return to PNG in July, as he normally does. (Of course, nothing much about 2020 feels normal!) There were travel and visa restrictions that made it impossible for him to go. However, PNG is beginning to open up and ease restrictions which makes us hopeful that he will be able to return in January. Meanwhile, he is continuing to teaching at CBI. CBI began a new school year in July with six students attending in person and two joining online.

The students this year come Burma (Mynmar), Iraq, Thailand Refugee Camps and the U.S. Their languages include Arabic, Aramaic, Karen, Karenni, and Burmese.

Special speaker!  Michelle graduated from CBI in 2018 and then joined Africa Inland Mission.  She was able to share her missions vision and journey with the new CBI students. She completed French language school in Canada in July and arrived in Africa a week ago!

IMG-0207
Michelle sharing with the new CBI students

Clarkston International Bible Church

CIBC Pastors’ Fellowship

While in the U.S one of Patrick’s new responsibilities is to work with the pastors of the churches that use Clarkston International Bible Church (CIBC) facilities.  This includes a Pakistani, a Congelese, a Nepali, and a Swahili – speaking church. Currently Patrick is leading a book study of Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar.

IMG-0194

Homework Help Team

IMG-0210

Dekalb County, GA schools (where Clarkston is located) is currently teaching 100% online. This is extremely difficult for the many students who are still learning English and computer skills. We are so thankful for the great team God has raised up to offer in-person “Homework Help” at the church 2 afternoons a week.

Praise:

  1. All the Halls are healthy and have work (or school) to do!
  2. Jan loves her new group of high school students for 2020-21.
  3. God has provided a great group of tutors to work with the students needing “Homework Help.”
  4. For the ministry opportunities Patrick has been given – teaching, preaching, and mentoring.

Prayer Requests:

  1. We are as burdened as the rest of you about our country.  Pray that God will use all the chaos and uncertainty to show many their need for changed hearts and lives that comes only from Jesus.
  2. For Jan to continue to learn all the new online teaching skills she needs.  It is extremely difficult for both teachers and students. The “Digital Divide” is very great for most of Jan’s students and it is draining for Jan to try to meet their needs. Pray that schools will soon open up for in person-learning.
  3. For travel restrictions to be lifted so Patrick can return to PNG in January.
  4. Pray that “Homework Help” will soften the students’ and their parents’ hearts towards Jesus and open them to the hear the gospel.
  5. For continued blessing on Patrick’s teaching at CBI and developing relationships with the ethnic pastors.

2 thoughts on “Clarkston Happenings”

  2. Carolyn and Gordon Longmuir's avatar Carolyn and Gordon Longmuir

    As I read your blog I am so impressed by the Wonderful way God is using you and Patrick at CBI as well as PNG. You truly do represent the heart of God as you reach out with your God-given skills and your love for these students that are so in need of education and Jesus.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment