College’s oldest graduate ‘a bundle of energy’
TAURANGA, New Zealand — There’s almost always something cooking on the stove at Nancy “Nan” Raine’s home, said missionary Mary Nelson.
“There are not many women in their 70s who would invite teenagers over for dinner and then sit and talk to them about Christian living,” Nelson said.
Raine isn’t like most women. The 78-year-old, who has served as a Christian camp cook, Sunday school teacher and encourager, recently became the oldest graduate of South Pacific Bible College, a ministry training program in Tauranga that draws students from across the South Pacific. Raine completed a two-year Advanced Biblical Studies degree.
Baptized in 1969 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Raine is the fourth member of her family to graduate from the college. Son Steve graduated in 1984 and now serves as the school’s principal.
Another son, Barry, graduated in 2002, followed by granddaughter Rebecca in 2006. Barry and a third son, Michael, are ministers.
“We are so proud of Nan and the example she is of living an abundant life in Christ,” Nelson said.
“She has always been a bundle of energy and uses her gifts for the growth of the church here in New Zealand.”
Rebecca Raine and grandmother Nan Raine after Nan’s graduation from South Pacific Bible College in Tauranga, New Zealand.
“There are not many women in their 70s who would invite teenagers over for dinner and then sit and talk to them about Christian living,” Nelson said.
Raine isn’t like most women. The 78-year-old, who has served as a Christian camp cook, Sunday school teacher and encourager, recently became the oldest graduate of South Pacific Bible College, a ministry training program in Tauranga that draws students from across the South Pacific. Raine completed a two-year Advanced Biblical Studies degree.
Baptized in 1969 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Raine is the fourth member of her family to graduate from the college. Son Steve graduated in 1984 and now serves as the school’s principal.
Another son, Barry, graduated in 2002, followed by granddaughter Rebecca in 2006. Barry and a third son, Michael, are ministers.
“We are so proud of Nan and the example she is of living an abundant life in Christ,” Nelson said.
“She has always been a bundle of energy and uses her gifts for the growth of the church here in New Zealand.”
Rebecca Raine and grandmother Nan Raine after Nan’s graduation from South Pacific Bible College in Tauranga, New Zealand.
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