Some of the BEST students

This year the B.E.S.T. (Bursaries Enabling Strategic Training) study partner programme has supported 42 students financially in their studies at various colleges throughout Kenya, Ethiopia, the UK, Tanzania, South Africa and Myanmar. There has also been support for 23 Indian students studying through TAFTEE (theological education by extension) established in study centres all over India. These students often serve in ‘sensitive’ areas. Added to this, Crosslinks gives ongoing support to Navjeevan Seva Mandal, the social arm of Friends Missionary Prayer Band, where we are currently supporting 21 students (many of whom are involved in community based care programmes, social health issues, children’s homes and drug rehabilitation). 

There are over 20 different colleges throughout countries in Africa, the Far East, and Europe, where money has been channelled by Crosslinks for the benefit of the students there. Since graduation some sponsored students are now in key positions in colleges we support; others work as pastors and teachers making a significant contribution in their diocese.

Our future plans are to consider providing bursaries for students from countries like Serbia, Chile and Angola. Most will study in their own country, but South American students will probably receive training in South Africa.

Significant areas where sponsorship has been given include the training of a much needed Tanzanian doctor for Berega Hospital, and the training of an outreach worker amongst the Indian community in France in order for him to more effectively teach, preach and write Christian literature in the Tamil language. Also regular financial support has been given to the only Bible school in southern Sudan, where very poor students are trained to become teachers, preachers and evangelists in this impoverished country.

There has always been the hope that churches in the UK would link with a study partner and support their training. So far very few churches have decided to do this and so most of the fees have been paid out of the Crosslinks’ budget. This is one area where we pray for improvement. More churches financing study partners can enable funds to be released to help more students in the future.

A report from the church in Africa says: “….there are too few evangelists and church planters…there is a critical lack of trained, mature leaders with some pastors caring for 20 or more congregations….”
There is a very long waiting list of students who wish to be sponsored for the next academic year. Although we want to help as many applicants as possible, selection will be restricted according to needs and finance available.

We pray that God will continue to bless this vital part of Crosslinks’ ministry which enables men and women to be trained to teach God’s Word effectively to God’s World.

In the words of one study partner in Uganda “….being sponsored by Crosslinks has made a big difference to me. It has broadened my Christian outlook with a deeper concern for fellow believers… the training I receive will equip me to go into the world to show his love in the community I will live and be working in….”
A letter received from a Bishop in a Kenyan diocese reports: “…Thank you for your sponsorship of Rev Edward Oigo who is now make a wonderful contribution to the Mission of God in this part of the world. His dynamism is being felt by all as he has revived the ministry at Kagonya parish and playing a vital role in training others…..”

More BEST information 

May 2003 Crosslinks' Annual Review index