Books are good teachers
You can help Bible college principal Alpha Lugoley prepare leaders to faithfully serve a growing church.
When I was a secondary student, I sang in the school choir. One afternoon in 1997, we were invited to perform at an open-air meeting. As I listened to the preacher, I felt a change within me. The call to repent rang inside me. I gave my life to Jesus from that day onward.
I wanted a deeper understanding of the word of God so I could serve him better. After finishing secondary school, I decided to study theology. While studying for a diploma of theology, I read the words of Jesus in Matthew 28: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
I wanted to share what I had gained so that others could know God. I became a deacon in 2003 and a priest in 2004. I continued to study and at St John’s University I earned my Bachelor of Theology in 2013 and my Master of Theology in 2017.
From reading books, I learn good ideas and arguments, and many hidden things. Books have shaped my understanding of theology. Books help me solve questions students ask, and they help me interact with people of different faiths.
I want to shape the character and attitude of my students so that they will trust God in difficult circumstances. I encourage my students to read because books enable them to think critically about theology and the world, and apply the word of God in our context and situation. Reading will help them polish their understanding so they can preach clearly what they believe and avoid heresy. Books are good teachers: they keep information and do not forget.
SparkLit has supplied my college’s library with a wide range of titles. SparkLit also provides graduating students with books. They will take these books with them into their ministry. By providing books you enable our graduates to fulfil God’s good purpose in their ministry and spread the gospel.
Revd Canon Alpha Lugoley is the principal of Bunda Bible College in the Anglican Diocese of Mara, Tanzania.