As part of the effort to expand to become Africa International University, NEGST has been planning to purchase and install software to automate functions such as the registrar’s office, class scheduling and teacher/student interactions. But the expense of the software programs has been prohibitive.

Steve, as part of his church mission team, recently visited NEGST with his wife Cindy. They were accompanying his pastor, Seth Rogers and his wife. Steve wasn’t sure what, if anything, he had to add to the trip. But he was going to listen and learn.

At dinner with our own Mark and Lois Shaw, long-time workers at NEGST, the conversation went something like this:

Mark: “So, what do you do Steve?”

Steve: “Well, I was a high school physics teacher, but right now I’m into computers. Kind of a geek, I guess.”

Mark: “Oh, any particular area of computers?”

Steve: “Software. Programming. My company does educational software.  We help schools and colleges set up programs for the registrar, scheduling for classes, allowing teachers to send, receive and grade assignments.”

Silence.  Mark glanced around the table.

Mark:  “So, uh, what’s the name of the software you use?”

Steve:  “Aspen.”

Mark cleared his throat and ran his finger around the inside of his shirt collar. “Yeah, I’ve been reading about that software. Very high approval ratings. I’m helping the school here research educational software for just those purposes. Kind of expensive stuff for any school, much less a school in Africa.”

Steve: “I think the basic package is around $28,000 per year.”

Mark: “I know.”

Silence. The meal continued. Dessert was served.

Steve looked thoughtful: “I think I could email my boss, Rick, and see if he would consider donating the software to AIU. He’s not a believer and probably would have lots of legal questions and concerns. But, well, I’ll ask.”

Mark: “That would be an incredible answer to our prayers and needs.”

Steve: “Do you have a computer in the house? I could do it right now.”

The table conversation stopped as Steve got up and went into the other room. Mark, Lois and Cindy all prayed while Steve sent the email. Twelve hours later the answer came: “No problem.”

Downloading, setting up systems and training filled the next days of Steve’s time here. A few late nights and missed meals, but Steve was determined to get things as ready and functional as possible. He promised to stay connected with us as our remote consultant—another gift.

No question, for NEGST and for Steve, this was an Esther 4:14 moment – “For such a time as this.”