The 2018-2019 school year ended in May. On May 11, we graduated three students who successfully completed their course of studies, namely: Peter Granston from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Christine Gyles from Hillview Baptist Church and Rhyne Park Mission and John-Ann Fraser from Oasis Baptist Church. It was great to celebrate with them the achievement of their discipline, work, perseverance, achievement and success.
It was our privilege to have with us the Rev. Dr. David Smith (Missionary with ABWE, a third-generation missionary, whose father was one of the two founders of the college). He was our Bible Conference and graduation speaker. The theme of the conference was “Transformed into the Glorious Image of God,” a study from the first five chapters of 2 Corinthians. Apart from the preaching ministry, Rev. Smith presented updated slides presentation of what God is doing in the ministry in India. He also used an evening to make a presentation of the history of the early beginnings of FBBC.
Sharing in the conference and graduation were also: Rev. William Newman (President of the Association of Independent Baptist Churches in Jamaica) and Pastor David Brown (New Interim President of FBBC Alumni). They brought greetings to the graduates.
In the last two years, many of our partners and stake-holders have joined us in fasting and prayer as we diligently seek God’s direction to continue to train competent, compassionate, servant leaders for the ministry. In an age when many persons are attempting to serve the Lord without studying and proper preparation, FBBC continues “Hold fast the faithful Word” as the foundation for ministry. We do believe that we need good Bible teachers, counselors and ministers that will answer the complicated questions and distractions that are surfacing in the 21st century. It has been our goal that students, upon completing their course of study at FBBC, will be equipped to demonstrate the sufficiency of the Word of God to meet the needs of mankind to find God and live for Him victoriously.
Last school year, we had five students, and this year we have three. These are two of the most challenging years in the life of college. With only these students, we have struggled to meet our financial obligation to teachers, other staff members and government. Our workers have sacrificed their service without being paid so that the ministry can go on. We say thanks to them for their extreme patience, and deep commitment in serving under less than ideal means. We however, do not foresee this continuing like this as even the strong in battle gets weary under hardship.
The college is in trouble with the government because we owe a large amount of taxes. Recently, we were given a summon to go to court to address our property tax. We managed to clear it before the due date and was spared the actual court. We are presently seeking the help of our partners, churches and stakeholder to raise two million dollars to address our tax debt.
We must say thanks to all our TEAM FAITH GIVERS, churches and individuals who have continued their faithful support each month or quarterly. They have helped tremendously to keep the doors of the college open. We say thanks also to those who have kept us in their constant prayers.
We are convinced that our foundation and emphasis on Biblical Teaching and Preaching are critical necessities to preserve the Christian Church. We therefore continue to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into His harvest, direct them to Fairview Baptist Bible College and give us an opportunity to be a part of their training. Our prayer to the Lord is that He will raise up at least 30 students each year to be trained for the ministry.
The college says thanks for the Labour Day project done on the campus by the dedicated team from Zone 1 of the Association Churches, led by Rev. Leroy Thompson. They were able to slab/cast a section of the front classroom building that is under refurbishing construction. They have also made a commitment to finish the ground floor. We continue to seek for help to complete the female dorm and the present building in the front of the college. There is also the need to redo our road to the college.
FBBC had the opportunity to says congratulation to the Havenhill Baptist church who recently celebrated their 50th year of ministry. In their anniversary service, it was my privilege to offer greetings and congratulation on the behalf of the college. In the past, The Rev. Dr. Winston Smith has travelled weekly from Kingston and lectured at the college. He also served on the Board of the college for many years. The church continues to be one of our most consistent supporters of the college.
FBBC also had the opportunity to bring greetings and congratulation to the Palmer’s Cross Baptist Church who celebrated their 50th anniversary. The college counts it an honor that over the years 9 persons from Palmer’s Cross were trained at FBBC, one of whom is their present pastor.
God is searching for a new set of youths who will become Instruments in His hand. At Fairview, we stand ready and eager to help to prepare these persons for His service and for His glory. We continue to ask our pastors to look around in their church, challenge some young persons and pray that God’s call to ministry may come to them. Pray like Paul for a Timothy and direct them for training at FBBC.
Pray also that the Lord will direct your heart to make a special contribution to the college in the next two months that will help us to clear our major debts. We are looking to raise JA$2,000,000 at the outset to offset some of the most pressing needs. As we continue to trust the Lord, we continue to depend on the faithful contributions of our partners and friends. Do not make a day go by without including us in your prayers. Our goal is to continue to “Hold fast the faithful Word” and build champions for God.
It must be noted that as of our last Board Meeting there are some board members who have completed their term of service or having resigned. We say congratulation for the service of Rev. Joseph Falconer, Rev. Godfrey Watson, Julia Baines, Mr. Dorant Brown and Mrs. Paulette Goslin-Murray who have served their time with distinction. They are off. The members added are: Mrs. Karen Porter, member of Black River Independent Baptist is the secretary. Mrs. Grace Samuels member of Hillview Baptist and senior lecturer at Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College. Mr. David Brown, Member of Nightingale Grove Baptist. Rev. William Newman, president of the Association of Independent Baptist Churches. Rev. Errol Nelson, Pastor of Bible Baptist Church is the new board Chairman.
In Christ,
Audley Black