Teaching the Vine: Transforming Lives Through Faith and Education
In a world fraught with displacement and hardship, Teaching the Vine stands as a beacon of hope…
Founded by Don Schrenk in 2019, this ministry is dedicated to providing comprehensive Bible training for pastors, church leaders, and children, particularly in U.N. refugee camps in Uganda. Initially starting with six schools, Teaching the Vine has expanded to 31 schools, impacting over 300 graduates and 375 current students.
Addressing Unique Challenges
Teaching the Vine operates in challenging environments where refugees face severe conditions, including reduced food supplies after 18 months of U.N. assistance. Despite these hardships, the ministry focuses on delivering biblical training that emphasizes a resilient faith rooted in the Word of God, rather than in material prosperity. This approach aims to build lasting spiritual support and relationships across borders.
Empowering Women and Children
A remarkable aspect of Teaching the Vine’s mission is its commitment to empowering women. Initially, only two women graduated from the first cycle of Bible training. However, responding to the women’s desire for their own classes, the ministry now includes dedicated women’s training sessions. Additionally, Teaching the Vine has established a children’s ministry, currently educating 275 children, who in turn enrich their families and communities with biblical knowledge
Cultural Impact and Translation Efforts
Teaching the Vine also focuses on cultural inclusivity by translating its teachings into local languages. For instance, a graduate is now teaching in Bari, a language spoken by about 6 million people, using Bari Bibles alongside the English BTCP curriculum. This initiative ensures that the message of faith is accessible to a broader audience, enhancing the ministry’s reach and impact.
A Testimony of Transformation
Simon Alamine, a refugee from South Sudan, shares his testimony of transformation through Teaching the Vine. Initially uncertain about preaching the Gospel, Simon found clarity and confidence in his pastoral role after receiving training. Now overseeing six churches, he plans to extend this program back to South Sudan, highlighting the far-reaching effects of the ministry’s work.
Conclusion + Update Email from Don
Teaching the Vine exemplifies the profound impact that faith and education can have, even in the most challenging circumstances. Through its dedicated efforts, the ministry not only provides biblical training but also fosters empowerment and cultural inclusivity, transforming lives and communities across refugee camps and beyond.
“The Lord continues to expand the ministry of Teaching The Vine. I may have sent you one earlier but attached the newsletter from April (working on Aug now) to catch you up as the Lord opened doors inside the camps to provide Bible Training for Children. We have 31 classes in 8 camps and close to 1,500 students at the moment taught by our graduates of the 2 year Seminary like Bible Training program. We have a trip planned in Oct if you know of anyone that may be interested is seeing what the Lord is doing.
Thank you for all you do.
God bless,
Don”
For more information, visit [Teaching the Vine](https://teachingthevine.org).
