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The new building was packed with some 200 students, staff and supporters on Saturday, 14 September for the WEST Dedication Service, marking the start of a new academic year. The tone of the meeting was one of thankfulness and praise to God. Most gratifying was the significant increase in the number of new undergraduate students (27), many of whom were introduced to the congregation. It was striking that no fewer than three of them were from the same congregation, Quedgley Baptist Church in Gloucester, and another two were on full FIEC scholarships. In addition, there were several students on the six- month International Foundation Course from South Korea and Hungary.
Two of the three new academic staff members were introduced. Dr Cornelis (Cor) Bennema, from the Netherlands, had been engaged in mission and theological teaching in India over the last 11 years. He is a Biblical Theologian and Johannine specialist. Rev Phil Hill, born in Bridgend, is an experienced pastor. Most recently he has been teaching Palestinians at a seminary in Nazareth, Israel. He teaches Pastoral Theology and as Church Theologian provides a resource to local churches. Dr Benema read the Scriptures and Rev Hill led in prayer. The third new staff member, Dr Michael Reeves, was speaking at a prior engagement. He was formerly UCCF’s Theological Adviser. As “Theologian – at – large” he teaches Systematic Theology and, in time, will supervise research at the College, and preach and teach at conferences at home and abroad.
Through the kindness of a South Wales – based Christian charity, WEST had been enabled to buy the freehold on the Bryntirion site, and the Evangelical Movement of Wales had been able to obtain new offices in Bridgend. It was a “win – win” for both organisations. WEST could now accommodate recent growth and plan for further expansion. A new partnership had been agreed with Tyndale House, Cambridge which would give WEST staff and students access to world class research facilities. Prayer was requested for the urgent reroofing of Bryntirion House, the visit of the Principal and Chief Operating Officer to Chicago and Phoenix and the October board meeting in Seoul.
WEST board member, Rev Graham John, of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Swansea preached pointedly to the new students from 2 Corinthians 3. He posed two questions:
What is the purpose of the Christian ministry?
Where does the power come from?
In answer, he first spoke of leaders’ need of the Lord’s people: their testimony, prayers, fellow-feeling, mentoring and encouragement. He then looked at the source of Paul’s confidence. It was not his intellect, learning or abilities. Rather it was his hold on Christ. Like Paul, the need for godliness is primary. Effective ministry is dependent on the quality of pastors’ lives. Competence in ministry comes from God himself. Lastly, it was vital to remember the privilege and glory of this work. It is worth investing one’s best time. Sustained theological study was an unrepeatable privilege.
