February 8, 2011

Today's activities begin and end at Michael Louis' Cornerstone Institute (CI), which brings 'Christian higher education' to Africa. In the morning's meetings with Mr. Louis and his executive team, we hear the stunning story of CI's birth: Mr. Louis, after visiting with Dr. David Gyertson and seeking the Lord, felt strongly that he needed to bring an overtly Christian institution of higher ed to South Africa. He decided to 'tour America's finest' Christian colleges and universities, and visited a number of schools over the next months. His travels took him to Wheaton College, Azusa Pacific, Greenville and Regent University. While at Regent, he visited the library's chapel and prayed. God moved upon his heart and--as a photo taken of the prayer ledger in the chapel reveals--on July 10 of 2008, Mr. Louis felt directed by God to launch a university in South Africa that was founded on the 'Spirit of Regent University' that he sensed while praying on campus. Cornerstone Institute was born. Today, they boast some 300 students, and are seeking the Lord's guidance and direction from a new campus, with innovative ideas to help solidify their future.

We then visited Parliament, and were greeted by Mr. Steven Swart, a member of Parliament and of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). Mr. Swart was gracious and clearly a deeply committed Christian, and hosted us exceptionally well. We had the extraordinary privilege of lunching with ACDP president, the Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, who spoke with hope about the future for South Africa, despite the fact that his party is currently marginalized by many. President Meshoe asked about "Dr. Pat," whom he had met in the past. He detailed how many Christians in Africa revere Dr. Robertson as a "true spiritual leader" and a "father in the faith." We agreed that the Lord's purposes for South Africa will not be thwarted by any weapon formed against her.

After this visit, we strolled through the Palace Gardens, to the South African National Gallery (where we saw some disturbing images from SA photographer Roger Ballen) and then to St. George's Cathedral, where we could almost hear Bishop Tutu intone against hatred and inequality.  

The evening concluded back at CI, where some 70 business and church leaders met to discuss "Change Leadership." Dr. Bekker--called 'his royal highness' by Mr. Louis (they are good friends, and Mr. Louis was reflecting SA's deep love for their 'lost treasure,' Corné
 Bekker), opened the evening by sharing his heart about leading as Jesus did with the rich young ruler, looking upon him intently and loving him. I then shared a few thoughts about "Leading Change: Lessons from Literature." As the evening ended, a journalist from "Joy" magazine (SA's only Christian magazine) asked a number of questions about Regent's hopes to engage South Africa. We responded that we have come here as much to learn as to teach, to invest in lives and not for financial reward, to live out our mission and be a blessing to the nations--for God's kingdom and glory.

It is nearly 11pm when we arrive back in Devon Valley, but our exhaustion cannot dim our exhilaration at all God is doing here.