New Church Life September/October 2015 | Page 55

             chief, it seemed like remote grass land with nothing nearby. Now Abidjan has expanded and there are many homes and businesses around. The church was filled with well over 200 people. The joyful service was the usual three-hour celebration. The choir marched us in and sang many pieces as the congregation sang and danced. I ordained three men into the second degree, preached, and recognized five candidates for the priesthood. There was also an occasion for speeches of welcome and thanks, during which it was rewarding to praise the strides they had made and assure them of our oneness in dedication to the New Church. As the choir led us out at the end of the service, we moved to a ceremony of a stone laying. I was given a trowel and cement (while in my robes!) to set in a foundation stone for a school they are planning on building on that site. They have been moving carefully, not wanting to rush ahead without a clear plan for a self-sustaining school. They are still a couple of years away from classes beginning, but I’m sure it will happen. On Monday morning I met with the current Theological School students at the Bobby Church and taught them various facets of being a pastor – their responsibilities to the Lord and to the people. There was a lively give and take as we covered many topics. Also Gretchen had been asked to meet with the ministers’ wives. They had a very productive session, considering what is involved in being married to a minister and how to help the church grow there, with requests for much more time set aside for this in the future. In the afternoon I met with the clergy. We went over in detail what is happening there and addressed a number of issues that would help them in their work. They face many challenges, often due to their growth. They have high aspirations and work very hard to accomplish them. But there are never enough resources. It is amazing what they accomplish with so little. They make great sacrifices and we are fortunate to be able to help them in building the Lord’s New Church. Tuesday was more casual, with some touring. T