Diversity Helps Transform Lives At LMS

Two Seniors From Swaziland Ready To Graduate

When Chris Cote of Ephrata learned that Swaziland natives Fekeveni Khulekani Dlamini and Mbongeni Sydney Bhembe, known now as Fika and Bo at Lancaster Mennonite School, both had a dream to become doctors and return to their country to serve their own people, he was touched. He wanted to help. After much prayer and deliberating, Fika and Bo said goodbye to their families in Swaziland and came to live with Chris in order to get the education they needed. Three years later, the teens are about to graduate from Lancaster Mennonite High School.

But getting to this point has not been easy. Cote struggled for six months to find a school that would accept the boys. Then, after the boys were happily settled in, there were the tuition payments, which were a challenge despite the patience and cooperation of Lancaster Mennonite through the process. Through it all, Cote, viewed now as the boys’ U.S. father, says it has been worth the difficulties.

In a newsletter produced by Project E.A.R.T.H. International, an Ephrata-based ministry for which Chris is international mission director, he wrote: “I’ve been so impressed and blessed by the (LMS) teachers and their dedication to education and their commitment to Christ. They have inspired Fika and Bo and challenged them to learn and grow. The mission statement at LMH is ‘Centered in Christ, Transforming Lives, Changing our World.’ I can respond with an enthusiastic ‘mission accomplished!’

“Lives are being transformed in and out of the classroom. The faculty at LMH is second to none. I would be here for days if I shared with you about those who have stood out during Fika and Bo’s three years there,” Cote continued.

Bo and Fika are well-liked by staff and students, who appreciate their musical gifts, leadership abilities, and sparkling personalities. Both boys were Paradise Rotary Students of the Month in March 2007. They participate in a leadership capacity in a student-led Bible study that meets Friday mornings at LMS. They also describe themselves as singers/songwriters, and they have been invited to perform at youth events and during worship services at various churches, including some in other states.

After they graduate from Lancaster Mennonite this month, Bo and Fika plan to continue their studies at Eastern Mennonite University, majoring in pre-med. Fika, with a cumulative GPA of 4.0, would also like to minor in political science, but his major goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon. Bo, with a GPA of 3.7, wants to minor in business administration and become a general surgeon.

Lancaster Mennonite School serves 1,513 students in prekindergarten through grade 12 at four campuses. A high school residence hall provides housing for 50 students, including international students who help prepare other LMS students to achieve success in a global society.

Registration is open for fall classes. For additional information or to register, interested readers may call the following: Kraybill campus, Pre-K through eighth grade, 653-5236; Lancaster campus, grades six to 12, 299-0436, ext. 311; Locust Grove campus, Pre-K through eighth grade, 394-7107; and New Danville campus, Pre-K through grade six, 872-2506. Applications are available at www.lancastermennonite.org.

Lancaster Mennonite students (from left) Fekeveni Khulekani Dlamini (Fika) and Mbongeni Sydney Bhembe (Bo), both Swaziland natives, are seniors at LMS. They are among other international students who add diversity to the campus and help their peers prepare for success in a global society.

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