Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
1 Peter 2:13-14
Major Milestone: Inspection by National Counsel of Higher Education
We have been planning, raising funds, and working to gain official accreditation for Terebinth Bible College for the last 4 years. Our aim was shifted toward this when, in 2018, Rwanda passed Law 72, requiring faith-based institutions to meet 10 key standards, one major standard being that the leader must hold a degree in religious studies from a higher learning institution. Uganda has always tended to adopt the major policies of other nations, and this case is no different, with promises to implement similar laws. Many church leaders are rising to fight against the passing of a law restricting the practice of religious institutions. However, it would be a disservice to the church body, if we, though morally able to meet government standards, fail to provide them with the certification required if such a law were passed.
Since 2020, we have been busy building and preparing the Terebinth Bible School campus in Adak. Many of you lent your support for the construction of classrooms, dormitories, cafeteria, kitchen, and bathrooms. Because of great support from several groups, we were able to furnish a library of more than 6,000 books, as well as provide 20 laptops for the computer lab, both required amenities. Our team has worked hard to prepare the location as well as the organization of the ministry; we have hired consultants to guide us in the process, remodeled houses into offices, and expanded our staff.
On November 7th, the National Counsel of Higher Education (NCHE) came to inspect our facilities. They sent six experts of various educational fields to examine every aspect of the school, from the “software” (personnel, curriculum, history, and future plans etc.) to the “hardware” (quality of construction, physical capacity, and safety measures). This team was not sent to give or withhold the accreditation, but to write a report which they will submit to the Quality Assurance Counsel, who has the power to grant a provisional operational license. While they did give us a list of corrections to make, they were very impressed with our school, and thankful for the work we are doing for God’s kingdom in such a rural area. They were very optimistic about our qualifications for getting the license very soon, which would make Terebinth Bible College the first accredited Evangelical college in Northern Uganda. This would be a huge blessing as it will not only safeguard all of our students from unnecessary conflict with the government, but also increase our influence on the doctrine of the entire region!
In Christ,
Matt & Noelle & Family
