Gregg Sneller: “Global Servants: The Chapmans

GlObAl SERvANtS

The Chapmans

by Gregg Sneller

Glen and Rita have been instrumental in transforming the Kikongo pastoral training school into the Baptist University of Congo (UNIBAC). Glen is vice-rector of UNIBAC, where he teaches Old Testament, Hebrew, and Baptist history. Rita runs the library, teaches English, and works with the wives of theology students. Glen and Rita are both very much immersed in the life of the community and the church through village ministry, transportation, and environmental ministries such as beekeeping, raising rabbits for agricultural training, and planting trees for reforestation, lumber, firewood, charcoal, and fruit.

In 1996-97 Glen and Rita were in Salem, OR. Before Glen left, we wrote a grant to the Mustard Seed Foundation and received seed money for a sawmill. Type into a search engine, “Glen Chapman Wood Mizer Sawmill” and you will hear an amazing story of how God used a sawmill and the creativity of God’s Spirit working through Glen in Kinshasa.

Glen and Rita Chapman will be leaving their home in Kinshasa. They will come to the United States and live in Redlands in April. An apartment has been found, in fact the same one they lived in before. They will continue working for International Ministries for several months. Be in prayer for Glen and Rita as they bring their ministry work in Kinshasa to a close this month and as they leave their home and friends since childhood behind. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, financial support and care you have offered to Glen and Rita for years. God has done amazing work through Glen and Rita and that work has been possible because of faithful partners like our church family.

MIllER - tRAYNER SCHOlARSHIP

Applications for the Miller-Trayhern Scholarship are now being accepted. Applications are available on the FBC Redlands website. The Miller-Trayhern Scholarship Fund was founded in 1969 by donations from the family of the late Phyllis Miller and Dr. Ward S. Miller. The Fund may be used for those pursuing an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree. Undergraduates may be attending a two-year community college or a four year college or university. Applicants may be in any year of their degree program this coming Fall term and it is not necessary that they be associated with The First Baptist Church of Redlands or a Baptist denomination. This scholarship is intended for applicants who have demonstrated their Christian commitment through active participation in/ or service to the church of which they have been a member; demonstrated serious regard for their academic studies, and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to applicants’ with interest in Christian ministry or churchrelated vocation.

Selection Criteria:

The following are criteria for selection in order of priority. 1. Awards are restricted to those typically 28 years of age or younger who have demonstrated their Christian commitment through active participation in and/or service to the church. 2. Preference will be given to those who have exhibited a serious regard for their studies as demonstrated in their scholastic record during the previous academic year. 3. Preference will be given to applicants who have been actively involved at the First Baptist Church of Redlands. 4. Finally, among applicants equally qualified in the foregoing respects, preference will be given to those applicants indicating an interest in Christian ministry or a church-related vocation. Completed application and required paperwork must be submitted orpostmarked by April 30. Please contact the church for more information.