We have come this far....
I always find there is value when I reflect on the life of CLTC. I imagine the founders first began to prayerfully plan the birth of the College and I believe uppermost in their agenda was unity. What CLTC, and the Churches it serves, primarily needed were not better programs or more fancy resources; what would tilt the balance and make the priceless gospel believable would be the character of unity that undergirded the multifaceted community that bore witness to the Saviour – thus the Motto –
To know Him and to make Him known".
CLTC is multilingual and interdenominational, open to learners from all backgrounds. But, wouldn’t such diversity eventually tear it apart? How could people speaking different languages, coming from different cultures and holding to different theological stances and church traditions sustain such a community? This has been a valid concern, one that was dealt with brilliantly by the balancing maxim – CLTC would be evangelical: the Bible would be recognized as the final authority for Christian faith and practice!
We have come this far and it has gone from strength to strength, with everyone like you friends and supporters being part of this united body of Christ we profess. In July 2009 I attended the SPABC Conference in Adelaide for the first time and was privileged to meet with other Principals and members of the South Pacific Association of Bible Colleges. Following that I was honoured by being welcomed by the members of the Australian Advisory Council. I met in person those who over long years have been supporters of CLTC in Melbourne. Attending the Advisory Council gathering enabled me to receive such love and a personal gift to the College from those of you who have been moved by the desire to support CLTC in its ongoing ministry to serve the Churches in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
The power and strength of unity seen in the gifts, service and prayers by one and all speaks volumes of love of the Lord in CLTC and abroad. It has come to us forcefully as we have been challenged by various problems this year, yet thorough His grace and your support we have persevered in our service to CLTC. We have come this far and I’m convinced our founders got it right and we are moving in the right direction. Jesus said: “Let them be one that the world might believe that you sent me”. In every step we take together, as we strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit, we are much closer to making the good news believable to those who are in need of salvation in today’s world.
I thank you all for your thoughts, prayer and support for CLTC.
Ezekiel Ivihi
National Principal