This post is part of a series of posts from our graduating third year students. Today’s post is from Walter Chuunga from Zambia. On 29 November 2014, he graduated with his Bachelor of Theology degree from African Christian College with a major in Counselling.
I first heard of ACC in 2000 when it was still Manzini Bible School. By then I had little or no interest in attending Manzini Bible School. A few years later, in 2011, I heard that Manzini Bible School had changed; it was now African Christian College.
Immediately, that caught my attention, and with a burning desire to know what had really changed at ACC, I had to visit the website. I was amazed to see how African Christian College had truly changed. It was now offering majors in counselling, leadership and ministry, apart from theology.
I could not resist the temptation of filling in the online application. Fortunately, I was accepted, and in January 2012 I began my studies.
Preferably, I just wanted to study counselling because I was not confident that I could study theology since I thought I was not good in theology. However, when I started learning, I realized that theology courses were also interesting and important to my counselling major.
I also realized that ACC was a unique place to be. What made ACC unique was its integration of the theology major with counselling, leadership and ministry. As a counselling major student, I have realized that studying counselling and theology at the same time is good, because they are interrelated. Hence, I have confidence since I have skills from both majors, and I am confident beyond doubt that the skills I have acquired here will always help me in my life and to influence and give hope to others.
One other thing that makes ACC a unique community is the faculty and students; they are all from different countries and have different cultures. In 2012, as soon as I started learning, my perception gradually started changing, too, because I started learning other cultures and how to relate with others in those cultures. Fortunately, this way of student life influenced me to reshape or restructure my worldview; during this period, my thoughts were challenged both practically and theoretically, in class and outside class.
My deep and heartfelt desire is to use the knowledge that I have acquired from ACC diligently — complementing the abilities that the Lord has given me. I pray that, whether in the pulpit or in the field, I will work diligently, honestly, and with integrity to share my knowledge.
In conclusion, I would like people to know that I am excited to leave. Though I am excited to leave, I’m also sad to separate with this loving family of God. I will dearly miss ACC but I also feel it’s better to leave. I am confident that I will do my part since ACC has done its part and makes me feel that I have a great task ahead to accomplish.
My sincere heartfelt gratitude goes to the ACC administration and community for letting me to be a part of their lives and more especially for sharing their life experiences which was a great part of my learning experience. I am now ready to go out like a commissioned officer to share what I have learned at ACC.
To God be the glory and may God bless ACC!!