The BereanSafari International Leadership Institute returned to Nyahururu, Kenya for their Sixth Annual conference June 17-23, 2012. The seventy-six delegates came from twelve countries: The Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Netherlands, Norway, Rwanda, South Korea/Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, and Zambia.
The faculty was composed of four international and five African teachers. Three groups of first time students studied the first half of the Gospel of Mark: two classes were conducted in English and the third in Swahili (for the first time suing a Kiswahili text). Returning participants studied the second half of the Gospel of Mark or I Corinthians.
Here are comments from some of the 2012 participants:
One of the great things I have gained from ‘BereanSafari’ experience was to connect with other national leaders from Kenya and other parts of Africa. As we shared about our ministry experiences, including achievements or challenges in the ministries of each of our countries, it was so wonderful to find out there were many common things we shared with each other. In this, we could be an encouragement to one another.
– J-K M , Korean Missionary working in Sweden
I have learned to interpret the Word through BereanSafari and to labor to put myself in the place of the writer in his context so as to understand the original meaning first before applying it to my situation. This has been very enlightening and refreshing and has taught me not to just take in what is taught to me but to interact with the Word myself. The discussion with others has also been very enriching and especially because we come from different parts of the world so it gives very enriching views and one is able to learn a lot. This has therefore been a very different and fulfilling experience for me that has helped enrich my own personal devotion.
– L N, Kenya
BereanSafari is a week spent at the feet of Christ, submitting to the Scriptures, listening to them rather than conforming the Scriptures to the culture of our day. It is one of the rare conferences where everyone is a learner, even the facilitators themselves. It is a place where we can travel together, discovering different insights and gathering them together for the benefit of the entire group. BereanSafari is a study not to miss.
– J W, Kenyan working in Tanzania
And here is what one participant wrote about the benefits you will reap at BereanSafari 2013:
It is going to teach you an effective way of studying God’s word
It is going to introduce you to believers from different cultures around the globe
It is going to leave you with remarkable memories that you will cherish all your life.
– N M, Tanzania
For a detailed report see what missionary Bob Rice posted on the Presbyterian Mission Agency web site at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/rice-bob-and-kristi-2012-07