Global Mission Bible Institute (GMBI) – an interdenominational Bible training college – on Friday made history when it presented certificates to 36 students who have successfully completed their online bible courses in Malawi.
The 36 were pioneer students of GMBI in Malawi as well as Africa. At a colourful commencement ceremony held at Lilongwe Pentecostal Church, GMBI founder and president, Reverend Dr. Charles Shaheen, challenged the graduates to be exemplary in their service to God and mankind.
“We want to see that people serve the Lord and in whatever way we can help them to plant new churches and move forward. And let’s see what God has installed for us. So it’s really a great joy and to see the fruit of our ministry here,” said Shaheen who comes from Finland in Europe.
GMBI started offering its online bible courses in 2005 in Finland. It has now grown and extended its presence in many countries, including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, Solomon Island, Malawi and Mozambique.
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Shaheen thanked God for “first graduation in Malawi and Africa”, describing it a great milestone in their proclamation of the gospel of the living Jesus Christ.
He also commended their local coordinator, Reverend Dr. Anderson Gondwe, for working tirelessly in coordinating the programme in Malawi.
“Reverend Gondwe is a wonderful man of God, and he has been helping us with the program. We have 36 graduates here today. Some couldn’t make it, but 36 graduates, our message was that they served the Lord. It is wonderful to serve the Lord because the Bible says my father honors him who serves me. So think about that, that God the Father, honors us when we serve Him, it’s a great joy, and it’s a country of Malawi is beautiful country, beautiful people, sweet spirit, and we are so blessed to have our campus here in terms of proceeding with your programs, continuing with your programs,” he said.
While praising God for his faithfulness, Moyenda Moses Chilamba of the Pentecostal International Christian Centre (PICC) said the studies helped him deepen his ‘walk with God and also to sharpen his ministry’.
Chilamba, who spoke on behalf of the graduates, said through the studies, he had learned to handle the Word with more understanding, to pray with more depth, to lead with more wisdom, and to live with greater devotion to Christ.
“Beloved graduants, as the pioneer graduating class of Malawi, we stand as the first fruits of this vision in our land. We believe that many more will follow after seeing what the Lord has begun with us. But let us humbly remember: this does not mean we are “on top of the game.” Far from it-there are veterans and generals in the Kingdom who have gone before us. We are not replacing them; we are simply a reinforcement battalion, joining hands with those already in the battlefield. Our call is to serve faithfully, in humility, and not to disappoint our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ,” he said.
In his remarks, Reverend Gondwe disclosed that the main purpose of GMBI is to equip pastors and future leaders in a practical ministry.
He said the institute will soon introduce diploma and degree courses, which will also be offered online to anyone at no cost.
“There is an application form online, which people can fill and submit, and they will hear from GMBI. I must mention that even the degree level is free, because the institute itself is planning to offer immediate scholarship for all students from Africa, especially Malawi,” said Gondwe.
