Bible 101

Getting work started in Arua has been, well, interesting to say the least. And figuring out what youth ministry looks like here is more along the lines of frustrating. The time when we’re actually able to be on campus is really very limited, and it seems like something’s always “coming up” to interfere with our scheduled meetings with students. Some schools have been very receptive to True Love Waits, but other schools have been harder to get off the ground.

Latibo Secondary School is that school. Kelli and I have been on Latibo’s campus since January and have made some great relationships with students, but every attempt at a small group has fallen flat.

While Kelli was spending time with Lillian, one of the 4th-year students at Latibo, Lillian mentioned the fact that she wanted to read and study the Bible, but didn’t know where to start. That got us started thinking—why not start a Bible 101 class? Basic info about what the Bible is, why we should read it, and where to find help in it when we need it. Over six weeks, study involves a series of devotions through the Old and New Testaments, discussions, and Scripture memory. Students who successfully complete the course can earn a study Bible for their efforts.

Our first Bible 101 class met last Sunday at Latibo, and almost 40 students attended. We met with students again this past Sunday, with a smaller turnout, but still close to 30. Several students had completed all their devotions for the week, and more are continuing to work on them. (Another factor to consider in all this is the fact that 4th-year students began their final, national exams on Monday, which determine the courses of study students can continue in. The pressure is huge, and most of their time right now is spent studying.)

Please pray for the students attending Bible 101, that they would be diligent in their study and keep coming to the classes. We currently have 36 study Bibles, and would love to give them all away at the end of the course next month. We also hope to take Bible 101 to other campuses next year, if it continues to be well-received at Latibo. How exciting to get the Word into the hands of your people who have a real hunger for it!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to Your word.
Psalm 119:11