Teaching in Uganda

The Opportunity

I first learned of the Uganda Baptist Seminary (UBS) when I travelled to Uganda in the Spring of 2013 for a mission trip. I lectured in two different pastors conferences and many of the attendees were students at the seminary. When I toured the seminary at the end of my trip, I learned that the majority of their professors are Americans that travel to Uganda for three weeks at a time to teach. I knew right away that I wanted to partner with UBS, but I thought it would be something to do later on in life. Then, my plans for further education changed and I realized I would have a free semester in the Spring of 2014. I contacted one of the professors at UBS and asked if there was a need for teachers in the Spring, and I offered him the months of January through May. Much to my surprise, he invited me to come to Uganda for the entire five months to teach as a visiting professor.

In December of 2013 I will graduate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a specialization in Islamic Studies. I will then travel to Uganda to teach at the Uganda Baptist Seminary from January 6th to May 24th. While there, I will teach courses in Islamic Studies, Christian theology, and Biblical studies.

Check out the seminary's website:   www.ugandabaptistseminary.org

The Need

Because the seminary is funded by a US mission agency, their opperating budget does not include funding for any professors outside of those that live permanently on the seminary campus. However, the seminary does provide housing and most meals. That means my only expenses are travel costs, food and miscellaneous expenses while in Uganda, some preparatory expenses before the trip, and things like my american health insurance that I won't cancel while in Uganda. Because I won't be receiving a paycheck, I need to have money in place to pay for these continuing expenses.

My church has graciously offered to pay my travel cost and provide me with expense money while in Uganda. However, there are still a variety of expenses before I make the trip and some while on the trip. That's why I need supporters!

Expenses between now and January include: prescription medications for the trip, clothing and supplies, luggage, Ugandan visa, etc.

Expenses while in Uganda include: current US health insurance, cell phone, etc.

How You Can Help

Give Financially: If you are able, please contribute to my fundraiser. Your contributions go straight to expenses for Uganda, nothing else. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns that you have. Transparency is important in this endeavor.

Pray: Whether or not you can give financially, please pray for me on this journey. It is exciting, but it is also a bit scary. Please pray that God would strengthen me and use me to train and equip the Ugandan pastors. Pray also for the seminary. There are few seminaries like it in the entire African continent.

Tell Others: If you know someone that might be interested in giving to this fundraiser, pass the word.

Follow the Journey

While in Uganda, I will blog regularly to post pictures and give updates on the experience. Regardless of whether or not you give to the fundraiser, please check out my blog to see/hear what I am doing. The site is: http://farmshane.wordpress.com

You can also follow me on Twitter: @farmshane