Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.1 CORINTHIANS 15:58

I sat down and wondered how time had gotten away from us, how we managed to let a whole month slip by without writing home and letting you know how we are and what has been happening. Looking at the list Matt wrote to help me; well, now I remember how time got away from us. So many things have happened that it will be hard to include most of them beyond just mentioning them. From the student’s triple wedding, the Terebinth graduation, preparing official college-level courses for the accreditation, to our school registrar lamentably breaking his back. Also starting men’s and women’s soccer leagues in Adak, helping a new friend get testing for a 7-year-long sickness, and Emma turning 10, along with receiving additional visitors, our dear friends the Schroetlins, who joined the visiting team from Rocky Mountain Calvary. Yes, it has been a very full time since you last heard from us, and I am excited to share a few of the highlights with you.Finally, after 3 years of sacrifice by students and their families, a week of studying hard every single month, hearing teaching after teaching, discussing, writing, practicing in real life, and ultimately maturing in the Word of God, 36 men graduated from our school. Ranging from their early 20’s up to late 60’s, these were senior pastors, church leaders, and earnest disciples striving to understand Scripture. Our entire team, both Ugandan and American, worked tirelessly to prepare and deliver sound biblical teachings, insightful workbooks, fair testing, organize the welfare of the students during class weeks, keep good records, and provide discipleship for all the students. The graduation was held at the campus in Adak. The students and teachers marched down the path from our own old house to the cheering crowd of family, friends and alumni awaiting at the school buildings. Emotions were strong as each man was joined by his wife and walked the carpet to receive his diploma, the sign of their achievement. Everyone was beaming. Everyone was jubilant. And everyone was sweating profusely. It was a beautiful day, and I was proud to share it with our visiting friends.

After the graduation and seeing off our visitors, we went right back to preparing curriculum. We had been pressing to begin the first accredited class in July, but pushed back the opening date after James, our school registrar, had an unfortunate motorcycle accident and suffered near-paralyzing back injuries. We were grateful for “Easter Monday”, which gave Matt the extra time off to visit him at the hospital in Kampala. He is slowly improving, regaining feeling in his lower body after a successful emergency surgery, another thing to praise God for! James’ spirits are high, his family is strong, and all of them are thankful.

I would love if you joined us in praising God for Emma’s 10 years of life! She is such a precious girl, and we are amazed at all that God continues to do in her. Please pray for her as she goes into these preteen years, that God would continue to work in her heart, that she would begin to stand on Christ for herself, and that she would be ruled by His peace as she follows Him.

Please pray for our new friend, Vivian, whom we have been trying to help since meeting her several months ago. She has suffered from a sickness yet to be determined for the past 7 years. Please pray that God would heal her, that He would encourage her, but most importantly that she would be saved, as it seems she does not yet understand salvation despite much knowledge of God and the church.

In Christ,
Matt & Noelle, Cynthia, Emma, Madeline, Noah, and Charlotte