Official opening of Cedar College of Education for 2002
(click here to go to the CCE website)

"As the Father has sent me so send I you..."

Cedar College of Education at Kwasizabantu - Opening service by Rev Stegen, 5 February 2002

A special meeting to start the new year at CCE was held on 5 February at Cedar (read programme). The College Governing Body was introduced by Mr F.H. Stegen. The Rector of CCE, Mrs Kay Stegen, gave a a special welcome to everyone in her opening speech. The acting Rector, Mr Peet Botha, announced that the college now 70 students from 18 nations. A new advancement for CCE has been the opportunity to register "flexi-students" who can do an HED (Higher Education Diploma) on a part-time basis. This is done in conjunction with Potchefstroom University of Higher Christian Education and has been met with great excitement by local school teachers who seek to further their tertiary education.

The director of Kwasizabantu Mission, Rev Erlo Stegen, preached from God's Word, "As the Father sent me, so send I you." Reading from the third chapter of John's Gospel, Rev Stegen based his message on the meeting between Nicodemus and the Lord Jesus. This leading "teacher of Israel" (vs 10) had come at night to speak to the Lord, perhaps because of fear, perhaps to get Him alone for his deep questions. Nicodemus started by telling the Lord: "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God." This "we know" revealed the fact that many in the high council of the Jews knew that Jesus was from God. The Pharisees were known as teachers but, unfortunately, many of them were not true teachers. So too, the students of CCE need to be careful lest they become teachers in name only but it is not evident to others that they of God sent as Jesus was sent by the Father. Only Jesus could be the "teacher come from God" since He is the Messiah, but each one must be "of God" and show proof that they have been sent out by Christ.

"You can only be a real teacher if you follow your Master, your Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ who has commanded you and sent you." Never forget this truth as it will help you in the fiery trials that may lie ahead of you.

Let God be in everything you teach, even your Maths. Otherwise, you have no right to call yourself a teacher and the Day of Judgment will show you up for what you really are. You must always be a missionary in your heart with the purpose of bringing people to Christ.

"You cannot be a true teacher without Christ."

May the "Sanctus Deo" (CCE's motto, which means "holy unto the Lord") produce real teachers here at CCE.

Just as Nicodemus admitted that Jesus was a teacher "from God" may others recognise your commission - that you are a teacher sent by Jesus Christ.

If Jesus tarries may you go out and produce many more who are sent by the Lord.

(click here to read full list of 2002 CCE lecturers)