Regular Edition: June 8, 2012 • www.vision.edu
Dear Vision Family,
Welcome from the land down under. To a great extent, Australia is the birthplace of Vision. Under the able care of Drs. Ken and Alison Chant, and now led by Dr. Denis Plant and his team, Vision Christian Colleges offers government accredited and recognized programs from Certificate level through Graduate diploma, and can make these vocationally accredited awards available, generally via our offices in Ramona, to our students around the world.
In this Vision Update, we have articles written by Dr. Denis Plant, Principal of Vision Christian Colleges Australia, Dr. Timothy Dailey in Kuwait, and from Kathy Smith, M.A., our Director of Publishing. May the Lord continue to inspire and lead you in greater knowledge and wisdom of Christ.
Report from Vision of Australia
Our colleges in Australia are continuing to grow, bless God. our mix of recognized, accredited and degree programs have enabled us to keep working and stay afloat financially while assisting others and keep our missions program to Nepal, India, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea the Philippines, China, and several other places. We are so pleased to see the success of the programs touching the lives of so many in so many places.
Within Australia, our resource centres continue to grow, we now find ourselves in partnership with some other churches and denominations in training programs, initially with a mix of Vision and their own program and then as the student graduates with a certificate they move over to Vision. We are seeing this co-operative approach helpful to so many and it is a win-win situation for us and for the other colleges. Our individual student body is growing from strength to strength and particularly so with the accredited program.
During 2011 we had 76 students graduate throughout the year. Considering the size of our population, the competition for students and the economy we praise God for such a result. Every year since 2006 we have been keeping track of those graduating, and we have grown from 53 to 76 steadily over that time and it keeps on growing.
In South Africa
The books have been sent, bless God! Vision Colleges' new office in South Africa, where Nicholas Daniels is our director, will receive them with joy. Nicholas and his team are setting up a distance education university program to offer Bachelor and Master Degree programs in Pentecostal Theology. This is a brand new concept, and the studies will be available worldwide, to every student, everywhere in the world. South Africa has some of the finest educational standards in the world.
The story of the books began when I received a rather casual and matter of fact email from Nicholas: "We need between 25,000 and 50,000 books for the library − 25,000 as the minimum for a Bachelors." It was not an appeal, it was a statement.
My initial thought was "I will send a few books". I then remembered a colleague who sends books to Myanmar, and I contacted him – "Sure, I have two pallets of books you can have." I accepted them and wondered how I could get two pallets of books to South Africa. He called me back and advised me that he could get a container for me for $2,700.00 delivered into Cape Town. I accepted this and wondered where the money would come from.
From my email lists (we have several) I made an appeal for books for the Library. Over the last few months, books have come to us from every state in Australia. The books have come from private individuals and from schools and colleges wishing to help. A Christian opportunity shop donated 6 boxes of books and sent them. Elderly folks wanting to get rid of old books and young people buying new books from book stores sent them. From Perth and Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne, enquiries came asking how to get the books to us. A Christian courier took up the challenge and transported books free of charge; others offered amazingly low prices to get the books from around the country to our office or to the Bible Society in Ingleburn, where the books were to be loaded and shipped.
Meanwhile people donated money to transport the books. From pensioners offering $5.00, to other others sending larger amounts, sufficient money came in even when, of course, the quote of $2,700.00 snowballed to well over $3,000.00 with the expenses of packing and preparing the books.
On Australia Day, our team with volunteers at the Bible Society in Ingleburn loaded a container with in excess of 30,000 books for South Africa; you could not get so much as an extra sheet of paper into the container!
This was an amazing feat. To make this happen so many worked together in so many ways. They were unrelated to each other apart from the idea of sending the books.
A combination of emailed messages, a small notice in "Eternity", word of mouth contact from one person to another, individuals who sent books or transported them for others, courier services offering free or very low cost rates to transport books from around Australia to Sydney, colleges, schools, universities, shops, churches who donated books or finance − it all came together for God's glory to start a Library in Cape Town. This will help to establish world class accredited degrees, available from South Africa to around the globe at affordable rates, and it all started with a thought "I will send a couple of books". My initial "couple of books" turned to be 20 odd boxes plus all that came to us from near and far.
How amazing, and yet so much like God it is! He took a small thought and multiplied it out, so that a Distance Education college in South Africa, with one of the world's highest standards of education, will be able to offer legitimate degrees in ministry at truly affordable prices to students anywhere in the world. – That is GOD.
In India
We have seen a growing interest in the Vision programs. Our man within India, Babu, is getting the program into schools to teach English in the secular and (would you believe it?) Hindi schools where they use our subjects to teach social welfare, human development, social justice et (amazing stuff). Many Christians are also starting to take the program for Bible College, while secular students are being confronted with the word of God and coming to Christ. A few pastors are interested, but many of the regular Christians can see the benefit of a Vision course. This is the beginning of something that could be huge. We are so delighted that Babu has not given up on his vision to see Vision in India.
Dr. Denis Plant, Principal of Vision Christian Colleges Australia
Raising a Healthy Disciple
"Facing the Challenges of Change"
Dr. Tim Dailey
In autumn, things change. The days become shorter. Leaves fall off trees. Politicians get elected or replaced. But things also change in the spring -- and in July -- and on Thursdays -- and in every moment of every day throughout recorded time.
We change too. We adopt puppies. We sprain our ankles. We lose our keys. Some people handle life's inevitable transitions with grace befitting royalty. Others freak out.
And then the big stuff happens. We fall in love. We move. We buy houses. We lose loved ones. We hit 30 or 40, or some other crisis--inducing milestone that makes us dye our hair and lease convertibles.
Change is constant. And every change, whether positive or negative, causes some kind of stress. Left unaddressed, stress can unleash anxiety, sleep loss, disgruntled digestion, and a host of other ills. But it doesn't have to.
Let me share with you some basic truth that can help you deal with change the next time it invades your world.
- Change is inevitable (It will happen! Don't fight it!) (James 4:13-14, note the word "vapor".) We are constantly in the process of change. (Growth, aging, spiritual maturity, etc.)
- Change is a normal and necessary part of life. Everything that is in the normal cycle of life will change. If you are growing and developing physically, your body will change. If you are growing spiritually, you will change (1 John 2:12-14 -- little children, young men, fathers). See also Heb. 5:12-14 -- the author deals with those who have not properly changed.
- Change requires flexibility (Matt. 9:17) You must be willing to adapt and adjust to the changes of life, or you will become bitter and resentful.
- Change springs forth new things. Old things will change as the new is birthed.
- Change challenges and develops our faith. In these times, we are forced to trust God in greater ways. We are faced with new challenges, different circumstances, stuff we have not had to deal with.
- Change is where God gives us deeper revelation of Himself. When He wants to reveal Himself to us in deeper ways, He often puts us in a new place with challenges that we have never faced. (Illustration -- The Children of Israel and their journey to Canaan.)
As you come to grips with the reality and certainty of change, remember that there is one thing that doesn't change -- God's love for us is constant. It's immutable. It does not change, even if we change for the worse. (Heb. 13:8; Jam. 1:17)
So when faced with some kind of uncomfortable change in your life, try to see your situation through God's eyes. Resist fear and don't give into panic. Fight the desire to dwell on the past, and battle negative attitudes with praise. We are all in the process of change, so either we will choose to get "better" or "bitter" with life's changes.
Dr. Timothy Dailey
TLC Kuwait
Vision Publishing
Vision Publishing has had a phenomenal month! We have published a record number of titles, some are brand new and some are new versions of a previously published works. We will have released some nine published books in approximately six weeks. God is doing some incredible things.
Dr. Stan's "Living in Freedom" and "Grace and Truth" have been published as well as his revisions of "Christian Response to Crisis" and "Christian Response to Family Violence." His revised New Beginnings is also nearing completion for publication in the next few weeks. Also Dr. Stan has articles featured in Faith Filled Family Magazine … www.faithfilledfamily.com go check it out for yourself.
Dr. Ken Chant has a new book that will be released shortly from his new "Treasures of Paul Series" it is his book on "The Ephesians". We also have a number of revisions from Dr. Chant's previously published books almost ready for publication. We will update you on their titles and release dates soon.
We have an author who is new to Vision Publishing and her book, "Working in Unity" is about to be released. Her name is Dr. Karen Adams and she is from the beautiful state of Texas. Although it is not her first published book, it is her first book published with Vision. This book offers a plethora of information and guidance to those leading and supervising volunteers and paid staff as well. If you manage staff, paid or volunteer, you will want to get a copy of her book for your own personal library. You may do so by going to our website, www.booksbyvision.com
We have numerous other titles that will be published in the very near future as well. More about these authors and the books that they have written in the coming issues of the Vision Update.
Also in the weeks ahead, please keep us in your prayers as we prepare our books for publication in the IBook store. This is a tremendous blessing for Vision and Vision Publishing alike. It is also an answer to prayer as we endeavor to keep our publishing business on the cutting edge of the best available technological advances.
We are just beginning to explore the multitude of options that this offers us for our books. I am told that the new IBOOK 2 store is even more impressive than the IBOOK store in giving us the opportunity to produce interactive books for our student's reading pleasure. Can you imagine our students being able to click their mouse on an image of Dr. Stan and have him teach them on a specific point in the book via video clip?
The possibilities with this new technology are mind boggling. Interactive images, charts, diagrams, all with the click of a mouse from our own books? How we may be able to utilize this opportunity remains to be seen, that is why we need your prayers. More on this as the information becomes available.
Most of all we want to thank the Lord from whom all these many blessings flow. Praise be to God! We will continue to move forward as he directs.
Sincerely,
Kathy Smith M.A.
Director of Vision Publishing
In many ways I can relate to Gideon. In Judges 6:11-8:27, when told by the Angel (Jesus) of the Lord… "The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior" he obviously thought, "Who me?"
300 Can Accomplish the Overwhelming Task
He was overwhelmed. The task given to him seemed overwhelming. In similar ways I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the mandate to take The Whole Word to the Whole World. But Gideon made his choice to follow God's call and bring blessing and deliverance to his generation. We at Vision (specifically Vision International Education Network (VIEN)) have made our choice to do the same, to take The Whole Word to the Whole World. It is a challenging choice, because we are both a university and a mission's ministry, and recognize the need to equip the next generation of national ministers. Of course I am not alone. But by the grace of God I know it is possible with His selected staff, World Zone leaders, and financial partners.
God knew that 300 were enough to accomplish the task assigned to Gideon. And in Vision's case, 300 committed donors, giving $100.00 per month, would completely underwrite Vision International Education Network (VIEN), providing for us the resources to plant another 1000 Resource Centers and thousands of churches with those trained leaders.
The need for discipleship ministry in the nations remains crucial. The need is not being met by Christian Television or city wide crusades, but only by relational evangelism and discipleship, which is offered through VIEN and its partners. We have the tools and system to meet the need.
Our prophetic word, taking the whole word to the whole world, is based upon the word from Habakkuk 2:14 "…for the earth will be covered by the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea". We have a mandate, and our apostolic methodology, a system of education that helps fulfill this prophetic mandate, is tested and working.
Our Dedicated Partners and Leaders
We are honored to work with many dedicated leaders around the world who sacrifice greatly for the Lord and this work. They deserve resources to fulfill their mandate. And part of my dream, what motivates me every day, is the knowledge that these dynamic leaders could do so much more if we resourced them, as they deserve to implement our three-part ministry of Teaching, Restoring and Releasing men and women into their destinies.
Over the past few years, we have worked exceedingly hard, perfecting our curriculum, course delivery systems, administrative systems etc. From the feed-back we receive from around the world, our flexible educational program is working. Let me share with you a couple of examples:
On any given weekend, teachers, mostly trained by Vision courses and teachers, take buses and trains from their home towns to over 40 areas of Ukraine and Russia. With over 35 students in each site, on average, studying one course per month, God is raising up hundreds of leaders, who pay 95% less than the average U.S. student. This is very cost-effective! We are actively helping to change a generation by planting churches and establishing more teaching and counseling centers throughout the former Soviet Union. Training these 1800 students, who pay less than $10.00 per course, however, does not pay our bills. That is why we need Vision's very own "Gideon's 300", to help us fully support the work of God for these two nations, and many others.
All throughout Africa, from Kenya to Ghana to South Africa, leaders in our Resource Centers, training in English and French, gather students in churches, rented buildings, and under trees, to teach them the principles of the word of God and church planting. Most of the teachers are Vision graduates, who print out the books, study guides and exams for the students from our patented Bible College in A Box (t) CD. Tuition is stratified to the economy of the nation, but with the support of God's people like you, we are able to provide curriculum, support and leadership seminars to lift up the hands of God's leaders throughout Africa, and in 150 nations of the world. We will be able to do so much more when we are fully resourced by Vision's "Gideon's 300"!
Our Committed Givers
We currently have 40 + committed givers at present, sacrificially investing $100/month, which is a great start. But, we need 260 more to fully fund our international office and allow us to create and expand our leadership training and church planting to thousands around the world. I realize that this is no small task. But I know, with God's help and yours, it will be accomplished.
So, please pray and decide if God is calling you to be one of our "Gideon's 300". And, as a token of our appreciation for your pledge, we will provide a unique, one of a kind, drawing by friend and graduate of Vision, Dr. Johnny Carter, of Gideon: The Man of Vision. It will be a reminder to you to pray for VIEN as well as our thank-you for your financial partnership in Taking the Whole Word to the Whole World.
In Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's famous speech, he begins with the phrase, and repeats it many times, "I have a dream". Well, I cannot help but dream a dream…of Vision Resource Centers in key nations, where our directors can work from to take the word of God to other nations, and coordinate our Leadership seminars. I have a dream of all our major books in English being translated into the major languages of the world, and being used to equip even more men and women for ministry. I have a dream…and I hope and pray, as the Holy Spirit leads you, that you will indeed be a part of our "Gideon 300" for Vision, and embrace this dream. Let's fulfill it together. Thank you!
Will You Join Gideon's 300 with Dr. DeKoven?
Vision International Education Services, Inc. is a Non-Profit 501(C)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. Give Online at http://www.vision.edu/partner/give or give by mail to:
Vision International
1115 D Street
Ramona, CA 92065 USA
The link to TBN is http://www.tbn.us/join/?repid=228v&nid=CBN
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