Rev. Fabiao in front of his desk at Weidenhoff House in Stellenbosch
Thanks to NetACT (https://netact.org.za/wordpress/) and Witness Ministry it is possible for pastors of our sister churches in Africa to do their post-graduate studies at some of the universities in South Africa like Stellenbosch University. These students stay at Weidenhoff House in Stellenbosch and we try to make it as homely as possible for them.
But how do these students experience it to study so far away from home, especially in this time of COVID-19? Rev. Timoteo Fabiao from Vila Ulongue, Tête Province in Northwest Mozambique answers, “Living in Weidenhof House, a house that was designated for students from various countries for theology and other students from different fields is a blessing because it is well equipped and in good standing. We are separated from our family during these difficult times which is a challenge for us. These and more issues changed our lives in Weidenhof. Our rooms became libraries.
“We are eleven students at the moment of who two are doing their post-doctorates. We are from different countries namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Malawi, South Africa, Portugal, Tanzania, and Mozambique. We interact with one another and have devotions that are so important to all of us especially in the time we are living in.”
Rev. Fabiao is busy with his MTh (Masters) in Practical Theology, specializing in community development. It includes a variety of modules such as the New Testament, missiology, youth ministry, homiletics, and community development. He is busy working on his thesis at the moment which is the final part of his studies. His study leader is Prof. Nadine F. Bowers du Toit.
“I have a lot of time without interruption for my studies,” says Rev. Fabiao about the benefit of staying at Weidenhoff House, “As a group, we encourage each other in this difficult time through prayers and devotions. We are also closer to our study leaders in this time. The interaction is so solid. We have time to reflect on God’s grace in this difficult time and we experience a lot of care and support from the university.”
“To be a student here is a challenge,” Rev. Fabiao continues, “but because of COVID-19 we had to adapt to the fact that there is no possibility to visit the library – we are studying indoors. The internet became an important tool in my process of learning, although not all books are available on the internet. As the lockdown became like the seven heads of the beast (Revelation 17) to everyone in the world I realized that we are part of this new order – things are not what we thought it would be and all of us must adapt.
“Sometimes the concentration is compromised due to all these challenges such as a lack of enough food for the day due to limited financial recourses you manage to buy with what is available in our pocket. I am always hesitant to go out of the house because you don’t know who you will meet. The increase in the infected number of lives makes me uncomfortable in this strange country. The food is becoming expensive by the day. Some of us don’t have full bursaries.
“It is a completely new lifestyle. Sometimes I also experience feelings of uncertainty, and watching the news is so confusing. The borders are closed and we don’t know when they are opening. If South Africa will open, maybe Zimbabwe will maintain the borders closed. I am also worried about the way back home. It will take me three consecutive days (day and night) by bus back home to Mozambique.
“What keeps me going is the trust in the Lord: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ (Romans 1:16-17 and Psalm 46).
“Finally, my thanks to all those who are supporting me during this difficult time in Weidenhof: my brothers and sisters who tirelessly support me here at Weiddenhof House as well at Stellenbosch University. I also want to thank Dr Kobus Odendaal, Prof. Jurgens Hendriks and his family and my mentors Prof. Mouton and Prof. Nadine for their encouragement.”
Contact
Kobus Odendaal
missio@kaapkerk.co.za