David M. Howard, Jr.
11/1/99
ORADEA, TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
October 21-30, 1999
On my fourth trip to teach at the Emmanuel Bible Institute, I taught the following courses:
The first class was with a new group of entering students, and is the first of a five-course sequence that I will have with them. The second is the third course I have had with these students (they had OT Survey I & II last year). A group of eight extension students also took the Psalms course, and they were present for all 14 hours together. These students are working pastors and come to campus twice a year for courses. I had had them previously, but for the first time, they were scheduled for every hour that I taught, which was very good. Their presence contributed greatly to the classroom dynamic.
I especially enjoyed the first-year class. They are a bright, eager, appreciative and respectful group. It was a pleasure to teach them. On Thursday, some of them invited me to join their daily soccer ("football") pick-up game, which I did (as I'd played soccer in college), and we all had lots of fun.
The second-year class also went well. Many in this group have a good Bible background, and last year seemed a bit bored with the survey we did. This time, however, we were considering the Psalms in depth, and this held their attention much better.
EBI continues to take great strides in its development. The main building is close to being finished, so the women students have now been given their own wing in which to live. The presence year-round of John and Ann Lenton is a great boon, as well. John, an Englishman, is a former American Express executive who started EBI's business school last year. He has contributed greatly to a smoother administrative functioning and Ann has made things much more welcoming and comfortable for the constant flow of Western visitors that comes through (including people like me). Both are working on things that we in the West would call "student services," as well, which is needed.
In terms of personal pleasure and ease of adjustment, this was my best trip to date. I felt as though I was able to connect with students better than in previous trips, and I am treated as one of the team by the faculty and administration. As always, I thank The Timothy Project for funding this trip and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for releasing me to make the trip. I look forward to returning in the spring.