| Two Years of Grace in Mauritius | It has been just over two years that the Alexander family have been serving in Mauritius by now. You may not know the providences used by Lord used to move us to Mauritius. After being asked to consider the opportunity in Mauritius while serving as Dean of Administration at the Cape Town Baptist Seminary, I prayerfully said: "Lord, you know I would follow you anywhere, but if this is your will for us, you have to persuade Lauren."
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I left the office to collect Lauren where she was working at Mowbray Maternity Hospital and mentioned the prospect of serving as missionaries in Mauritius to her, at which point she began to cry; something that I have come to learn is quite significant signal from Lauren. She cried for the longest time when I asked her to be my wife. Needless to say, it felt like an eternity waiting, ring in hand, trying to discern if it was a "Yes" or a "No" cry.
I asked her why she was so moved by this matter, to which she indicated that for a few weeks she had been prompted to pray that our Lord would make her less self-reliant. She was persuaded that these tidings were the answer to that prayer. Quite clearly, God was already at work in my wife’s heart to prepare her for what the Lord would call us to lay down. The last two years have, indeed, been an education in relying upon God and renouncing any attitude of self determination. Though it has been difficult, we thank God for his grace that has consistently proven to us that we are safer in his hands than we are in our own. We are growing in our knowledge of God's remedy and replacement for anxiety as well as his peace that guards and keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. |
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Pastor Kajuma and family returned to Kenya not long after I was appointed an Elder at Community Baptist Church (CBC). I may encourage caution for anyone facing a simlar prospect in future, since an Elder cannot diplomatically evade difficult matters.
Apart from missing friends, it has meant increased responsibilities in the context of a local Church that has been a real servant of the institution I serve, the Mauritian Bible Training Institute, as well as the broader Baptist family on the island. I have been glad to serve the Saints at CBC. |
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Lauren and Kids visited South Africa
In late November, Lauren, and the kids travel ahead of me to South Africa while I remain in Mauritius to secure our visas and residence permits. Since my work permit had not been renewed, and I was awaiting an outcome from the renewal application, we did not feel comfortable having me leave the country without those documents in hand. Unfortunately, I would only receive these documents in February 2025; a full nine months after the renewal application was submitted. This resulted in Lauren and the kids having to endure two months without me.
These tickets were paid for by MBTI, for which Lauren and I are deeply appreciative.
I thought I would make better use of the time alone in Mauritius, but it turns out I am actually useless to anyone without my wife. I respect the men who can; I cannot. Instead, I developed shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus often brought on by severe stress and depressed immunity.
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Missionaries from Baptist Union of Southern Africa In December 2024 and January 2025, the Baptist Association of Mauritius and the Mauritian Bible Training Institute welcomed missionaries from the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, in two trenches toward the re-establishment of rapport with Mauritius since it is the first time the Baptist Union of Southern Africa has missionaries on the island after the ministries of Rev Nelson Abraham and Rev Ed Moses with their respective families.
Another goal of these missionary delegations was to engage with local Churches that do not have pastors and provide the necessary support and training, including a Church Health Seminar for all interested Churches and Church Leaders in Mauritius.
The delegations included: Prof Credo Mangayi, Rapahel Kayamba, Shaun Aspelling, Ada Mukanya Dienga, Rachel Watshika Dienga, Jean Monzambe, Rev Angelo Scheepers, Naomi Scheepers.
It was a wonderful blessing to have people from home around and to be ministered to with some traditional koeksisters from the hand of Naomi.
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In February, MBTI had the privilege of hosting Dr. Pauline Golder from Australia in collaboration with one of our global partners, Local Leaders International, for training at MBTI toward the Development and Delivery of Hybrid Theological Training. This was the second in a series of courses, the former having been presented by Dr. Diane Hockridge and Dr. David Turnbull.
These engagements enable us as an institution go improve the quality and caliber of theological training programmes delivered at MBTI and aids us in our endeavour of building an ecosystem of indigenous academics and practitioners for the advancement of theological training that is focused on God glorifying service to Christ and his Church.
We are grateful to our partners and the incredible work they have been doing to develop capacity at MBTI and facilitate technological advancements toward our institutional objectives at MBTI. |
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Last year we commenced refurbishment of the Baptist Association of Mauritius building for the exclusive use of this facility by MBTI for teaching and learning. I am pleased to report that this building was opened at our in December 2024 and we have commenced classes at the facility.
It remains a work in prorgess, but he building is open and is hosting aspects of the MBTI academic programmes, including the hybrid theological training envisioned in the institutional objectives.
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Thank God with us for the partners in the gospel that have sacrificially given for the refurbishment of this facility and to furtherance of the ministry of MBTI through the same. A few noteworthy mentions include donations from Local Leaders International, The Good Shop, various Local Churches, and Individuals who I know would prefer not to be named. Nevertheless, we could not have come this far without the support of these organizations and individuals. There is much yet to do, but it is right for us to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how much God has done in so short a time. |
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| A Return to Medical Practice
Lauren received a call from C-Care Wellkin, a private healthcare facility within the C-Care group of hospitals. They wished to interview her and explore the possibility of her returning to practice at this hospital. Matters have progressed and Lauren has recently signed her employment contract and has advanced to the visa application process.
We are overjoyed that the Lord would provide an opportunity so significant for Lauren. It holds prospects for desperately needed visa security as well as additional financial support for the household, despite Mauritian doctors earning substantially less than South African doctors do. |
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As a religious worker, visa renewal is difficult at best. The government is aware of every religious worker on the island and actively works to keep those numbers within certain predefined parameters in order to maintain the religious demography of the island. Having a residence permit in Mauritius by virtue of Lauren's work visa, we anticipate much greater visa security on the island, although it comes at a steep premium of $400 per dependent.
Please pray for Lauren and this matter. It holds great potential for us but can also be thwarted at any stage of a very intricate process. Nevertheless, praise God with us. To date we still do not know exactly how Lauren’s CV crossed the right desk at the right time. |
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Growth at the Mauritian Bible Training Institute As an institution, we have made the determination that, among the many available metrics for evaluating the growth and development of the Institution, we will be monitoring the number of completions in our programmes as a key indicator of institutional expansion and impact.
To this end in 2024 MBTI graduated two students as opposed to only one in 2023. In 2025 we anticipate graduating at least five students in our various programs and Lord willing in 2026, we hope to graduate at least 10 students, including students enrolled in our recently introduced Bachelors Degree, offered through accredited partners like Cape Town Baptist Seminary, and the Baptist Theological College in South Africa.
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Did you know that Student Fees contribute no more than 10% in any financial year to the operational expenses of MBTI? We depend almost entirely upon the generosity of donors.
Our plans are ambitious by every estimation and we are not so naïve to think that we can achieve this on our own. MBTI makes no profit from any of its academic programmes. We run every programme at a loss. This should prove how serious MBTI is about serving the Church in Mauritius and beyond. But this also increases our dependence on the generosity of our donors.
If you are a Christian, concerned for the salvation of the nations through the proclamation of Christ as the only way, truth and life (Jn 14:6), then you understand the kingdom significance of MBTI succeeding in its mission, not just for this generation, but for many to come. We are trusting God for great things. With your help, we will attempt great things for God. MBTI must raise Rs2 000 000 ($44 500) for the 2025 Academic Year
You can support our work by making a monthly contribution to the ministry of MBTI. For more information on how to help MBTI Finanancially, please contact the Principal via email at principal@mbti.mu or visit the following link: |
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| Support the AlexandersOnMission Directly |
Partner With Us in Prayer
It goes without saying that an undertaking of this nature cannot be embarked upon without substantial support from our Denomination, Local Church, Family and Friends. You can support us by praying for Lauren, Isla, Iain, and I.
Share our Journey With Potential Partners
Another way you can support us is by sharing our journey with potential partners and supporters. Any contributions to the ministry of The Mauritian Bible Training Institute (MBTI) or support of us personally will serve to ensure the sustainability of the ministry and gospel presence on the island of Mauritius through the discipling and equipping of Christians for effective service to the Glory of God.
Support the Alexanders Financially in Mauritius You can also make a monthly financial contribution toward our work on the island. Even the smallest contribution could greatly enhance our ability to be sustained in Mauritius and advance the work to which the Lord has called us here.
Click on your preferred button below to make your financial contribution to the AlexandersOnMission. |
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Please contact us directly if you have any difficulties or need additional information.
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Join our Facebook Group #AlexandersOnMission | |
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