Overseas Council Australia in Parramatta, New South Wales | Non-profit organisation

Overseas Council Australia

Locality: Parramatta, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 9635 4409

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25.01.2022 Our Zoom meetings with Bible college principals around the globe have been an enlightening and fascinating insight into challenges faced by these innovative leaders in 2020. Recently we were joined by Rev. Dr. William Longgar, Principal of Christian Leadership Training College in Papua New Guinea. William gave us an update on many aspects of college life, including CLCTs role in resolving recent tribal violence in the area. Click below to watch the half hour Zoom chat.

23.01.2022 Fruitful collaboration is a wonderful thing and we recently witnessed this at St Paul's University (SPU) in Kenya. SPU have developed strong relationships with smaller affiliate colleges in their region. This is of great benefit to the whole network, as SPU can provide support, training and assistance to these smaller institutions, especially in times of crisis. Having decided to move forward with online learning during the pandemic, SPU did not want to leave any of the affil...iate colleges behind. This provided an opportunity for OCA and SPU to find a solution. Using funds raised through OCA's Shoulder to Shoulder Strategy, SPU were able to purchase laptops for 10 affiliate colleges and a dedicated server to boost their online learning capabilities. OCA Africa Consultant, Nancy Njagi, attended the recent ceremony where the laptops were presented to representatives from each affiliate college. Training was also provided so that the Principal's could gain proficiency in SPU's applications and management systems. "We are grateful and happy regarding our partnership with OCA. OCA responded in a timely manner and gave us the help that we needed. - Prof. Peter Ngure, SPU Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs. It's thrilling to work with such innovative leaders who raise up those around them to move forward and succeed.

21.01.2022 You don't have to be a boffin to appreciate these revealing statistical insights! Our partner OC USA did a survey recently of the 100 Bible colleges that they work with around the world. They came up with these interesting statistics. They give a snapshot of what 2020 has looked like: Immediate impact - March-June - About 20% of colleges closed completely, including no online classes. Only 6% of colleges continued their normal way of classes.... Current Situation - 32% of colleges now would describe their educational programs as fully recovered. 86% of colleges are now operating either fully online (43%) or partly online (also 43%). 14% are in-person only. Next academic term Only 6% of our colleges will be offering ONLY in-person classes; all others using some form of remote or online learning. Enrolment changes 34% of colleges are seeing no change. 30% are seeing decreased enrollment. 36% are seeing increased enrollment.

20.01.2022 You can still register! At our Annual Dinners you'll be inspired by stories of our partner colleges in the Majority World and how they have innovatively navigated 2020. We'd love for you to join us at our events in:... NSW - Central Coast, Sydney, Maitland, Wagga Wagga ACT - Canberra QLD - Brisbane WA - Perth If you haven't registered yet, there's still time! Head over to our website for all the info and to book your place: https://www.overseascouncil.com.au/late/annual-dinners-2020

18.01.2022 We're looking forward to hearing from three dynamic guest speakers at our upcoming Annual Dinner Series. Join us for dinner in NSW, QLD and WA and hear from: Rev. Simon Gillham, Head of the Department of Mission at Moore Theological College - CENTRAL COAST, SYDNEY & MAITLAND DINNERS... Rev. Dr. Peter Francis, Principal of Malyon Theological College - BRISBANE DINNER Rev. Dr. Ben Johnston, Senior Minister of Subiaco Church - PERTH DINNER If you haven't registered yet, check out all the details at: https://www.overseascouncil.com.au/late/annual-dinners-2020 All our events will abide by the COVIDSafe regulations in each state.

17.01.2022 Have you been wondering how our college partners in smaller countries have been coping during the pandemic? Last week we caught up on Zoom with Rev. Dr. CK Hrang Tiam, Principal of Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (MEGST) to hear about how the college is adapting during the current pandemic. During the 30 min chat, CK shares updates on the welfare of students and staff, as well as their successful shift to online learning.... Why not grab a cuppa and check out the video below.

17.01.2022 A huge thanks to our friends at Ridley College in Melbourne for their fundraising efforts to support OCA Student Sponsorships. Last week, the Ridley Student Association organised a silent auction to raise funds for Adil and Abishy, two students at Zarephath Bible Seminary in Pakistan. One of the auction items was, 'a pie in the face of the Ridley principal'.... Dr Brian Rosner (Principal) and Dr Graham Stanton (Dean of the Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry) both look pretty happy to have helped the cause! We are so grateful to everyone involved and congratulate the Student Association on raising around $4,000.

16.01.2022 It's interesting to see the similar questions that the church is considering globally in response to the pandemic. We're all wondering if there will be a 'new normal' post Covid-19. What does this look like outside of the Australian context? In this article, Elie Haddad, president of our partner college ABTS, reflects on how the church in Lebanon has responded to the pandemic and what will be the long lasting effects of the changes that have occurred.

15.01.2022 Please pray for our partner college MEGST in Myanmar at this time of political change. Pray that classes are not interrupted and people are safe.

13.01.2022 You're invited to join us on the 15th June to pray for our organisation, the individuals that are connected to it, and the work that we and our partners do. On the day, Rev Dr Stuart Brooking will host three 30 minute prayer meetings via Zoom at 7am, 12:30pm and 7pm. You can connect on your computer or dial in using your phone. Click the link below to get the details and read about our strategic prayer needs.... https://www.overseascouncil.com.au/latest-s/dayofprayer2021

11.01.2022 OCA's Winter Prayer Alert is out now! Learning how to do pastoral and church planting work requires so much more than intellectual competence with theology and Bible interpretation. It requires formation of the person. But, how can colleges support holistic pastoral formation when many students are now isolated and studying online? In this Prayer Alert you will get a glimpse of how our college partners have begun to think about, and solve the problem of online formation for m...inistry. Follow this link to our online edition: https://www.overseascouncil.com.au//OCA_Winter2021_Prayer_

11.01.2022 Our Zoom series continues as we catch up with Rev. Captain Patience Wanzala, Principal of Carlile College in Nairobi, Kenya. This half hour Zoom chat was recorded on 21st September 2020. Adaptation is key for Bible colleges around the globe right now and it's no different for Patience and her team as they find ways to continue teaching through lockdown. Please note that the audio quality from Kenya is poor, but the update from Patience is rich!

10.01.2022 What a great sight! Fibre optic cable has been installed at East Africa Christian College in Kigali, Rwanda. This critical infrastructure is possible because of contributions from OCA and OC Canada donors towards Project 1 of our Shoulder to Shoulder Strategy. The connectivity upgrade is essential for government accreditation of EACC's teaching. It's a privilege to partner with institutions like EACC who are innovatively moving forward with their programs during challenging ...circumstances. Find out more about the Shoulder to Shoulder Strategy here: https://www.overseascouncil.com.au//shoulder-to-shoulder-s

08.01.2022 MEET THE OCA TEAM Director for Western Australia, Robyn Coopes. My role involves promoting OCA's work in Perth and rural Western Australia. I’ve been in this role for around six years after multiple careers as a corporate tax accountant, Bible college student and at-home mum.... I’m married with 2 teenage children. In my downtime I like to go to the gym with my husband, go on family bike rides, watch Marvel and Star Wars movies with my son, and play frisbee or shoot goals with my daughter. OCA resonates with me for many reasons! It’s strategic; building-up key Christian leadership trainers in their countries and contexts who, in turn, impact others in that place. It’s also about humble service. We come to listen, learn and work together as friends and co-labourers in the gospel, to God’s glory. Our college partners (and not us!) are the ones who know the culture, language and needs of their own context. In God’s kindness, OCA is well known within the global evangelical theological network, so we're well-placed to make an impact. I also love the innovation and entrepreneurial nature of OCA and many of our partner colleges - always coming up with new ideas and projects! I’ve grown a lot as a Christian working for OCA. The role constantly challenges my ways of thinking and exposes my sin and prejudices. I particularly love the people I work with and get to meet. Our team of varied souls is great fun and a joy to share life with. It’s a great privilege being part of something needed and significant for God’s people. I’ve thought of doing all sorts of other things, especially when OCA pushes me out of my comfort zone. But I can’t think of anything better to do than this! To learn more about OCA, head to https://www.overseascouncil.com.au/

07.01.2022 Thank you for your prayers and support throughout 2020. The joy of raising up leaders for the global church continues despite major challenges this year. We are very grateful for the tenacity of our partner colleges in the Majority World. Their determination to innovate and recalibrate has ensured that many institutions have remained operational.... We invite you to read Rev. Dr. Stuart Brooking's Christmas letter (link below) and prayerfully consider supporting the projects that have been featured. OCA's operations will pause from Thursday 24th December 2020 and will recommence on Monday 4th January 2021. We pray you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed start to 2021. https://mcusercontent.com//EOY_2020_Fundraising_Sheet_Emai

04.01.2022 Setting up our strategic plans and goals for the next 12 24 months has been a joy for our staff this week. Each year in February our team takes time away together on retreat. It is a valuable time of discussion, reflection, planning and fellowship. Thankfully, most of us were able to meet in person, though Nancy Njagi in Kenya and Robyn Coopes in Perth were restricted to joining us via Zoom. We are inspired afresh by OCA’s partnerships with innovative and capable theologi...cal colleges in the developing world. We look forward to connecting with our Australian donors this year! There are many opportunities for you to support the training of effective Christian leaders around the world.

02.01.2022 An exciting opportunity now exists for an International Program Director to join our team. If you're interested, you can read about the position on Christian Jobs Australia: https://www.christianjobs.com.au//64435785-international-p Feel free to share this ad with people who have the skills we're looking for.

02.01.2022 Imagine trying to run a college whilst being stuck in lockdown in another country! Lal is the principal of Lanka Bible College in Sri Lanka. He was caught out in Europe at the start of the pandemic and had to run his college from a distance for months. Back now in Sri Lanka, on Monday night he updated us on the progress of LBC and its satellite campuses around the country.

02.01.2022 Lanka Bible College And Seminary have developed an innovative new system for teaching classes across Sri Lanka in response to pandemic restrictions. With several satellite campuses around the country, LBCS has used funds provided by OCA to upgrade the IT capacity at each of these sites. Consequently, students can now gather in small groups at these venues to watch online classes broadcast from the main campuses in Colombo and Kandy. Last week LBCS successfully broadcast thei...r first class for BA students in Sri Lankan Theology and Pastoral Care and Counselling, with a total of 38 students attending across the region. Praise God that the funds raised through our Shoulder to Shoulder Project 1 have been used so effectively by the competent team at LBCS!

01.01.2022 Thank you to all our supporters who contributed to the Beirut Emergency Appeal for our partner college Arab Baptist Theological Seminary - ABTS. After the tragic explosion in Beirut in August, ABTS stepped in to assist those in need by opening up their campus to accommodate families who found themselves homeless. OCA raised $39,000 to support ABTS in this endeavour. These funds assisted the college to prepare the dorm rooms and provide kitchenware, mini-fridges, air-con, micr...owaves, and internet access. These upgrades will also bless college students in the future when they return to the campus.

01.01.2022 The summer edition of Prayer Alert is now available! Highlighting our innovative and competent Bible college partners around the globe, this issue will update you on the progress of our Shoulder to Shoulder Strategy. Please join us to pray for college leaders, faculty and students as they face the challenges resulting from the global pandemic.... You can read the online version by clicking on the following link: https://www.overseascouncil.com.au//OCA_Summer_PA_2020_202