christian freedom international huai kalok bible institute · christian freedom international huai...

CHRISTIAN FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL HUAI KALOK BIBLE INSTITUTE HAUI KALOK, THAILAND

BACKGROUND Huai Kalo Bible Institute (HBI) is a ministry of Christian Freedom International (www.christianfreedom.org). Christian Freedom International (CFI) was established in 1983 to help reach the part of the Persecuted Church that is the most repressed, most cut off, and most isolated. Active in some of the most dangerous countries on earth, CFI is a recognized voice for persecuted Christians and works tirelessly to help save lives every day.

CFI’s ongoing work includes going into active war zones to deliver essential medicines, food, clothes, tools, and Bibles to believers cut off from all outside assistance. CFI also documents the atrocities committed against Christians in these isolated areas and speaks out on their behalf.

INTRODUCTION HBI functions under the authority of Growth and Opportunity Foundation of Thailand, a foundation established by CFI. What is now known as HBI was completed in 2004 and has been a beacon of hope for many refugees who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to gain the skills and education necessary to become productive citizens. The school has classroom space, a large all purpose room, separate residence halls for men and women, shower facilities, a library, office space, staff living quarters, and a separate cafeteria. There is a security fence and guard gate to insure safety for staff, students, and volunteers.

MISSION HBI’s motto is “Enter to learn; leave to serve.”

Formerly known as the CFI Vocational School, HBI’s mission is to train persecuted, indigenous men and women for service as pastors, teachers, and missionaries on the front lines of the Persecuted Church in Burma and isolated regions of Southeast Asia.

HBI’s four-year program will teach persecuted Karen refugees from Burma how to understand,

CHRISTIAN FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 1

apply, and communicate the truth of God’s Word, and will train young men and women for service on the front lines.

The Institute’s curriculum is specifically designed to increase the students’ knowledge of the Bible, to develop their ministry skills, and to enrich their Christian life -- all things which will help them reach out, not only to those who need to hear the lifesaving Gospel message, but to other persecuted believers throughout Burma or wherever else God may call them to serve.

HBI also provides students with educational opportunities to become “tentmakers.” This “hands-on” training will allow students to assimilate into the workforce and become self-supporting leaders among their own native people, even as they show others how to support themselves, their families, churches, and communities.

STRUCTURE The Director of the School is Nazir Akhtar, a native of Pakistan. Mr. Akhtar has a degree in Economics from Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan. Mr. Akhtar speaks Urdu, Punjabi and English and served as office Superintendent in the Federal Investigation Agency. He has the overall administrative responsibility of HBI and reports to CFI President Jim Jacobson who in turn reports to the CFI Board of Directors that has ultimate authority over HBI.

It is expected that all staff will perform duties as assigned under the supervision of Director Akhtar. In addition, Victoria Abram serves as Assistant Director for Finance and assists Mr. Akhtar with the day-to-day operations of HBI.

STAFF DUTIES In general, HBI staff is expected to:

• Prepare excellent courses taught from a Christian perspective;

• TrainstudentstoservetheLordintheirparticularfieldofstudy;

• SubscribetoandadvocateHBI’sStandardsofConduct;

• Serve as a Christian role model to students, including being regular inattendanceatchurch,chapel,andotherofficialfunctionsasrequired;

• Prepare lessons that are practical in application and experiential in nature that will make the student competent and prepared for his field;

HUAI KALOK BIBLE INSTITUTE STAFF HANDBOOK

PAGE 2

• ComplywithHBI’sguidelinesregardingdresscodesandrequirements;

• Participatewillinglyinstaffmeetings,committees,administrativeassignments, and chaperoning student events;

• TeachanassignedacademicandvocationalloadasdeterminedbyAdministration;

• Advisestudentsinacademic,ministry,andvocationalpursuits;

• Keepabreastofcurrenttrendsandadvancesinhisfield;

• Evaluatestudentachievementimpartially.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCTThe goal of HBI is that each facet of the Institute experience will contribute to the development of Christian maturity and Christ likeness. Christian maturity involves a commitment to the truth of God’s


PAGE 3

Word and adherence to explicit Biblical teachings, which govern personal behavior. The Bible contains both prohibitions (e.g., the Ten Commandments; warnings against drunkenness, sexual immorality, materialism, and an impure thought life), and prescriptions (e.g., to love one another, to assemble or worship, and to be helpful to the needy). A mark of spiritual growth is an increasing conformity to all biblical commands.

We draw special attention to the following practices which we believe expressly violate scriptural absolutes:

• Theuseorpossessionofmorallydegradingliteratureormedia;

• Improper sexual behavior;

• Dishonestyinanyform;

• Abusive behavior;

• Theftordestructionofproperty.

Yet, Christian maturity involves more than adherence to explicit scriptural statements of right and wrong. It involves a total commitment to the lordship of Christ, a life of dynamic discipleship, and a renunciation of self-centeredness. The mature Christian recognizes scriptural principles that govern conduct and applies these principles to attitude, conviction, and behavior.

The following biblical principles represent HBI’s emphasis on Christian maturity:

• ApersonalresponsibilitytoconductourselvesinamannerworthyofthegospelofChrist,doingallforHisglory(Rom.14:4-12;Phil.1:20-27;Col.3:23;ICor.10:31);

• Apersonaldesiretoabstainfromeveryformofevil(IThess.5:22).

• A recognition of the value placed on all persons as those created in God’simage(Gen.1:26-27;Col.3:10;Matt.22:39;Rom.13:8-10;andIJohn3:13-18);

• An understanding of the controlling principle of Christian love, resultinginagenuinedesiretopleaseourneighborforhisgood:(Rom.15:1-3);

• A thoughtful consideration of others lest, in the exercise of Christian liberty,abrotheriscausedtostumble.Awillingnesstoavoidthat which is inexpedient or imprudent because of its damaging consequences,eventhoughitmaynotbewronginandofitself(Rom.14:13-23;ICor.8:7-13;10:23-33;ITim.2:9);

• Adiscriminatingconcernforourinfluenceonthewholebodyof


PAGE 4

Christthatweserve,aswellasthecityorlargersocietyofwhichweareapart.AwillingnesstoavoidthatwhichisneedlesslydivisiveoroffensivetosignificantsegmentsoftheHBIcampusortotheprevalentsensitivitiesoftheevangelicalcommunityatlarge(ICor.10:32,33:9,22);

• AhumblerecognitionthatothersintheBodyofChristmaysincerelyhold differing convictions in areas of social behavior, and a willingnesstoaccepttheconvictionsofothersinanon-judgmentalmanner(Rom.14:3-6);

• AwillingsubmissiontoauthorityfortheLord’ssake.Thisincludesobedience to all governmental regulations to which a Christian can conformingoodconscience(Rom.13:1-7;Heb.13:17;IPet.2:13-17);

• An intelligent concern for the care and use of our bodies and our minds(ICor.6:19,20;Rom.12:1-2;Phil.4:8;IICor.10:5);

• Ahighstandardofethicsintheareaofseparationfromtheungodlyworldsystem(IICor.6:14-18;Eph.5:3-12;James1:27,4:4;IThess.2:15-18);

• Anawarenessthatconformitytoman-maderegulationswhichappearreligious,doesnotaloneguaranteespiritualmaturity.(Col.2:20-23).

The standards of conduct expected at HBI are based on the following biblical imperatives:

All activities of the Christian must be subordinated to the glory of God, Who indwells us (I Cor. 6:19–20). The Christian must endeavor to avoid


PAGE 5

practices that cause loss of sensitivity to the spiritual needs of the world (I Cor. 8:9,12–13; 10:32), and loss of the Christian’s physical, mental, or spiritual well-being (I Cor. 9:27).

In today’s society this includes avoiding such practices as gambling, profanity, obscenity, abuse of drugs, and the use of beetle nut, tobacco, and alcohol. Under no circumstances will pornography or inappropriate sexual behavior be tolerated. HBI believes that a Christian should demonstrate loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ in every area of his life. Jesus Christ is our example, and through His empowerment within, every staff member, volunteer, and student should bring his own behavior into conformity with Him.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE Each staff member is to attend one church service each week. Each staff member may have up to six absences each semester for illness, travel, or pressing obligations.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE HBI’s overarching goal is to teach students how to live. To help students experience long-term spiritual success, HBI staff must lead by example and apply biblical principles to practical daily living. As part of that, HBI desires that staff develop Christ-honoring friendships and enjoy a rich social life that enhances their overall school experience. Regulations regarding social life on and off campus assist in the academic, spiritual, and social development of staff. The regulations are designed for the following purposes:

• To ensure safety—StudentsafetyrequirestheInstitutetobeawareofstaff locations and activities so that staff can be alerted to danger andbecontactedeasilyincaseofemergencies;

• To promote purity—HBI wants staff to engage in wholesome socialactivitiesinsettingsthatprovideaccountabilityforbiblicalrequirementsofpurity;

• To build Christ-honoring relationships—The Institute desires that staffandstudentshaveopportunitiesforbuildingChrist-honoringrelationships;

To provide accountability—HBIrequiresstafftoexhibitmaturitybybeingaccountable or answerable for their activities


PAGE 6

PHYSICAL CONTACT On and off campus, physical contact between male staff with female students and female staff with male students is not allowed. A staff member should never be alone with a student in a room.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY At HBI we have a rich cultural environment, which includes people from many countries, ethnic backgrounds, and worldviews. We subscribe to the right of all to pursue their education without discrimination based on race or ethnicity. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this diverse environment and to learn about people and cultures different from their own, being intentional about becoming culturally sensitive. Our campus provides a wonderful opportunity to explore ethnic, cultural, and linguistic nuances, and rather than being afraid, critical, or rejecting these differences, our community should be one that embraces them—doing our best to learn about and respect them.

Becoming culturally sensitive within our world is our duty and demands a conscious effort on our part. We know that this is difficult and can be uncomfortable, but as we work together we can create an environment that is beneficial to everyone.

DRESS CODE We do not feel that “clothes make the person.” You will find that our emphasis at HBI is on the inward qualities of character. With this in mind, you will not need a large, expensive wardrobe.

Men -- All male staff are expected to wear casual pants (no jeans), collared shirts, and ties to all academic classes, chapel, and special services. Hair should be cut in such a way that it does not come over the ears, eyebrows, or collar.Sideburns should be no longer than the middle of the ear. Styles related to counterculture, such as hairstyle or color, clothing, and jewelry, are not acceptable. Belts should be worn with pants, which have belt loops. Women -- Dress and skirt lengths and slits should come no higher than the top of the kneecap when sitting and standing. Split skirts, and shorts should meet the skirt length standard. Dress necklines should be modest; no sundresses or spaghetti straps. Anything immodest, tight, formfitting, scant, backless, and low in the neckline is unacceptable


PAGE 7

INFORMAL DRESS Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, and shorts are acceptable wear for participation in vocational classes, recreational activities, and for work responsibilities where informal wear is appropriate. Staff and students should not wear sweatshirts or T-shirts to academic classes. In order to promote an esprit de corps, it is traditional at most colleges for students not to wear articles of clothing, which have names of high schools, other colleges, or schools attached. In keeping with this tradition, HBI staff and students may not wear jackets, sweaters, or any other articles of clothing, which are identified with other institutions or organizations. Denim-type articles of clothing may be worn only where casual attire is permitted. They may not be worn as class dress. Tennis shoes are appropriate for casual dress, vocational classes, and sports. Hats may be worn where casual wear is permitted. Hats may not be worn backward.

DISCIPLINE AND TERMINATION God places authorities over all of us. We should recognize authority as such and willingly submit to the authorities in our lives, whether it is the government, a parent, a pastor, or an institution.


PAGE 8

While you are at HBI the Institute’s Director, CFI’s President, and the CFI Board are responsible for your leadership and oversight. If a situation should arise requiring discipline, it will always be done out of love for the individual and a desire to see them reach their full potential in Christ (Proverbs 3:11-12). Biblical discipline is redemptive in that it seeks to warn, instruct, and correct the member of the community in a way that offers forgiveness and ushers the individual back into a restored relationship with the community. While forgiveness does not mean an absence of consequences, it does mean that the relationship is mended and restored. Consequences may include probation, dismissal, accountability groups, counseling, or whatever else the Director or the Discipline Committee deem necessary. All disciplinary decisions are made after careful consideration of what is best for the individual and the community. We also strive to maintain consistency in dealing with particular actions or situations.

DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE The Discipline Committee’s role is to supplement the disciplinary decision-making process of the Director. The Discipline Committee acts on behalf of the larger community to determine the nature and extent of discipline. The Committee is comprised of the Director, Assistant Director, and CFI President.


PAGE 9

LOVING CONFRONTATION As members of the HBI community, we all share the responsibility for maintaining a Christ-centered environment. Maintaining our community life values may also require that on occasion it is necessary to hold one another accountable through loving confrontation (Gal. 6:1, Matt. 18:15-17). Confrontation is difficult and uncomfortable, yet it serves to fulfill community responsibility and personal restoration, and it builds godly character for all involved.

Our process involves following the guidelines which are set forth in Matthew 18:15-17. This passage prescribes that the “concerned person” speaks with the “offender” on an individual level. If the offender fails to respond, the “concerned person” then takes another person with him or her to speak with the “offender” about the matter. Finally, if there is still no change in the “offender’s” actions or attitudes, the “concerned person” hands the situation over to the appropriate authority. It is our prayer that individual confrontation be the level at which matters are resolved. The goal in this is always restoration, and it should never be about bringing shame or punishment upon a brother or sister in Christ. If you are in a situation where you believe you need to confront a community member and are unsure about how to proceed, please seek counsel. The Director is always available to provide advice and support for students who are uncertain as to how they should proceed in confronting someone.


PAGE 10

christian freedom international huai kalok bible institute · christian freedom international huai...

Documents