NW Valley Times

Malawi students are expanding their knowledge and cultural horizons at Grand Canyon University's Theological Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. Among the first students at the new physical space of the seminary are individuals like Christina Kambewa, Emmanuel Malaidza, McXencioh Jossiah, Wendy Lukwa, and Innocent Nyambo, all hailing from Malawi.

Kambewa shared her experience of learning alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, stating, "But for us to be able to work together to have the Word – as I plan to do – based on Christianity, I need to understand that people grow into different things. They believe in different things, but we need to show them love based on the Bible."

Despite initial hesitations, Malaidza decided to pursue his studies at GCU, acknowledging that "God works in the ways that we cannot see." Nyambo and Jossiah also expressed their comfort and gratitude for the welcoming environment at the seminary, with Jossiah highlighting the importance of learning from new cultural perspectives.

The students emphasized the supportive community at GCU, with Kambewa praising the institution for providing intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and psychological assistance. The diversity within the student body has offered a unique educational experience, as Lukwa mentioned, "Just being in the same room with somebody from Vietnam and somebody from Sierra Leone, I'm reminded of how God's love is, like in different perspectives and different traditions."

Jossiah stressed the importance of breaking away from rigid views of Christianity, stating, "Being around new people who are culturally different from you helps you understand that it’s OK if not everything you know is going to be ultimately right."

The students have embraced GCU's motto of "Find Your Purpose," with Lukwa feeling called to help the wrongly convicted and Nyambo emphasizing the importance of spreading the Gospel to people of all ages.

As these students from Malawi immerse themselves in the academic and cultural experiences at GCU's Theological Seminary, they are not only expanding their knowledge but also fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives within Christianity.