FEBC NEWS

FEBC concluded another term with a thanksgiving service on Labour Day, 1 May 2015. The end-of-term thanksgiving is always a time of rejoicing. We thank the Lord for taking care of all our needs both physical and spiritual.

Daily Vacation Bible College

The Daily Vacation Bible College starts tomorrow, Monday 4 May 2015. It will last the whole week and will end with an exam on Saturday. The Principal will teach the book of Galatians (one credit). We have students flying over from Australia, Japan and the Philippines just to take this course. It is not too late to register. You may sign up on the spot tomorrow morning.

Renovation Update

Since December last year, FEBC started repairing its 50-year old buildings, and renovating its rooms. The central library is already done. The reference library, ladies’ dormitory and second parsonage are almost done.

During the college vacation, work will start on the L-Annex. The main works will be the toilets and bathrooms—the corroded pipes have to be replaced, the drainage system correctly fitted and the floor waterproofed.

 

 

We are replacing the half-century old wardrobes in dorms. When these old wardrobes were hacked out, we found skeletons in the closet, literally! You see, there were gaps between the wall and the wardrobes just below the roof. The birds which found a nesting place underneath our roof also found a “resting” place there. The gaps are now sealed up so that the birds will not fall into that “bottomless pit”. No more fowl cemetery! The birds should have a safe nesting place in God’s house. They have been there for many generations. “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.” (Ps 84:3-4). The olive-backed sunbird which built a jug-shaped nest on the bamboo branch just outside the Principal’s study last year has returned. God provides for His creatures but He does much more for us His children. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7). Although we live in hostile and inhospitable surroundings, we are comforted by God’s promises in His Word and His providential acts around us that He is watching over us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear …” (Ps 46:1-2a).

Thus far, almost $200,000 has been spent in the renovation of our premises. Here is the breakdown:

     

The renovations are ongoing and should be completed before the College reopens on July 20. Here are the estimated costs for the rest of the work to be done:

 There are other items that are not included yet like the furniture for the dining area and dorms.

True Lifers have been giving generously, and thus far we have collected $146,060 through weekly designated offerings. We have also received $300,000 from a member of Calvary Pandan and a total of $93,107 from other sources. (Stop Press: Another $3000 just came from an FEBC alumna in Jakarta).

We are grateful to the Lord for His timely provisions through His people who have given so lovingly to His School of Prophets. To such givers the Lord promised a “prophet’s reward”, “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matt 10:41-42). Praise the Lord! JK