Mission Fest: Pastor John Nkambule (Lutheran Theological Seminary)
Pastor Nkambule related why he felt at home amongst the congregation; he grew up on the farm of Pastor Hiestermann’s parents and studied at Enhlanhleni, under Missionary Dr Wilhelm Weber Snr. Dr Weber being the grandfather of Pastor Thomas Beneke.
Pastor Nkambule spoke about the work at the Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) in Tshwane. There are 3 full-time lecturers and for other classes, the LTS engages specialist lecturers from America and Germany. The majority of the students are from across the northern borders of South Africa. Some students are from South Africa and the LCSA.
They teach 2 courses, namely the training of missionaries (6 years) and the training of deaconesses (3 years).
A requirement to study at the LTS is to have a Matric. Students who are not proficient in English are required to complete a bridging course before the commencement of the theological studies. The students receive some of the lectures at the University of
Pretoria. These include the language courses.
Financing the LTS: The LTS is struggling to finance the running of the seminary and made an appeal to FELSISA congregations to support them during this coming year.