First Ever Literacy Graduation

We just graduated 16 people (12 ladies and 4 gentlemen) from our first ever literacy course! The story starts back in 2012 when we began Big Tree Bible Baptist Church. Each week we were meeting on Wednesdays and would give everyone the opportunity to memorize Scripture in order to earn a Bible. We noticed a section of people that did not participate in this exercise. After some research, we found there was a significant group of people (both older and some young girls) that had never been to school, could not write their own name, and could not read a word in ChiChewa or English. 

Of course, I am always telling people to read the Bible and study the Scriptures but what to do about people that can not read for themselves. So, our little literacy school was birthed from the need of people wanting to read the Scripture! 

We found the perfect teacher (Mrs. Zulu) and she began teaching from Sunday to Wednesday each week. Of course there were struggles. Some students stayed and went the distance but some did not. Mrs. Zulu poured her heart into this endeavor which was evidenced by the fantastic accomplishment of 16 people graduating. 

Upon hearing about our efforts and little graduation, the chief (Royal Chief Mnukwa), wanted to be a part of our celebration! We set a date, invited everyone, and prepared for the day... truly, a profound highlight to see 16 people move from not being able to read or write even one word to now being able to write letters and begin understanding some simple Scripture. Praise the LORD! The Chief spoke during our graduation and gushed with excitement for what is happening because of our Church and small literacy school. Even a local government school administrator came and was surprised at how advanced we are! Again, praise the LORD!