“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

In very inauspicious surroundings, the angel announced a seemingly inauspicious message, “a Savior is born.” This message and this Savior continue to transform our lives and world two thousand years on.

We at NEGST are witnesses to that transformation; an on-going reality since NEGST was founded twenty six years ago. From the merry band of four students who registered in 1983, today there are over three hundred current students and almost one thousand alumni from all over the continent and beyond; agents of change and hope. For this we are thankful.

The NEGST transformation would not be possible without the wonderful people who continue to serve us with diligence. Among these are our staff –teaching and non-teaching, Governors, spouses and family members, donors, partners, and friends of NEGST. For this mosaic of dedicated and generous people we are thankful.

The gains over the years have been made in spite of perennial financial challenges. No doubt 2009 has been one of the most economically challenging years at NEGST; the result of a cocktail of difficult internal, national and global economic realities.

In the midst of the onslaught of the financial challenges, one is reminded of the words of the unknown author of the poem ‘footprints in the sand’. “Lord – you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life. There is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why you’d leave me when I need you most.” The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Because the Savior is born, we not only reflect on the times past with thankful hearts, we look forward to the year ahead with hopeful expectation. One key expectation is that we will in 2010 receive our university Charter and so fully transition into Africa International University! May AIU be truly an agent of renewal – renewal of God’s people and world.

A sincere and big THANK YOU to all of you who have played, and continue to play, a part in our great mission to equip Christian leaders for excellence in Africa and beyond. Thank your for your prayers, partnership, and service. May Christmas 2009 be a most meaningful and joyful event. May our living Savior be present with you throughout the New Year, and make 2010 a fulfilling year.

Warmly,

Dr. Douglas Carew