According to a July 2024 report from the Gatestone Institute, ISIS is making moves on Uganda.  Radical Islamic groups, notably “Allied Democratic Forces – National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU) and ISIS are targeting Christians and escalating safety concerns.   According to Open Doors, “ADF-NALU has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.  Meanwhile ISIS has also claimed responsibility for various attacks,” (Uganda: full country dossier, Open Doors, March 2024).

In addition to this growing threat, Muslims are now strategically moving into positions of power.  New legislative policies for regulating churches has emerged, and would require pastors to be trained by government-appointed institutions, and would be required to report to government organizations.  According to the International Centre for Religious Advocacy and Development (ICRAD) director, Wisdom Peter Katumba, “The proposed policy is intended to tighten oversight of the clergy and congregations by the government and bring religion under direct political control of the reigning president,” (Source: The Ugandan Monitor, May 2024)

Dr. Stephen Isaac, Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Fully Equipped Bible Institute, is on the ground now in Uganda.  He is meeting with pastors and Christian leaders, current students of the Bible Institute, and ministering at a conference, in churches, and in prisons while he is in country.  Please join with us in covering Dr. Steve in prayer for safety, wisdom, and for the Holy Spirit to flow through him in powerful ways to encourage and strengthen the courageous pastors and Christian leaders who are serving sacrificially in difficult and dangerous places in Uganda. 

There are a number of Ugandan pastors and Christian leaders and Christian leaders enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at the Fully Equipped Bible Institute.  There is grave concern that without bachelor’s degrees, the government will begin shutting down churches and potentially seize church property.   In class several weeks ago, one of our Ugandan students recounted how his home was burned down while he was at church.  Please pray for each of our students, as they face substantial challenges to access their online courses, and safety is always a concern.  

All of our Ugandan students have received academic scholarships in order to study for their bachelor’s degrees.  A bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university carries substantial weight in Africa, and can help prevent governmental abuse and most importantly, better equip our pastors and leaders for Kingdom service.  Training our students with sound biblical doctrine and practical ministry applications will impact their lives and then exponentially impact the faith communities where they are serving.   We are currently in need of funding for fifteen Ugandan students’ scholarships.  The funding pays our professors, provides curriculum/textbooks at no cost to our students, and in some instances helps cover internet access so they can attend their online classes.   Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of our Ugandan students?  It’s urgent, thank you, no gift is too small, and every dollar counts!  Go HERE for more information.

Tomorrow Dr. Steve will be ministering at a conference in Iganga, Uganda, about seventy miles southwest of Mbale where he is staying.  He will also be preaching at Call2Prayer Church in Mbale.  Please pray for safety as he travels, wisdom as he ministers, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to move through him as he preaches and teaches.

We truly covet your prayer coverage while Dr. Steve is traveling in Africa.  There is tremendous urgency to our mission, and it sometimes feels like racing ahead of a wildfire as both Islam and Communism encroach upon African nations.  We know God is faithful to protect and provide for His people, and are grateful to play a small role in fully equipping the pastors and ministry leaders who faithfully serve God’s people in very difficult circumstances.  

Updates will be posted daily, including videos, student interviews, and updates from Dr. Steve.  Please share a link to our news page with anyone who will add their prayers to ours!  Thank you for praying!