How can I sponsor a student? 

The Global Sponsorship Programme at Belfast Bible College enables individuals and couples from overseas who would not otherwise have access to the theological training they need, to study at the college for a specific period of time, usually for one or two years. The cost of full-time study would be prohibitive for the majority of international students without the generous financial support of churches and individuals throughout Ireland. In recent years, students from across the globe have received much needed training and practical experience, enabling them to return to their countries to engage in mission and ministry with increased effectiveness. This has allowed many churches here in Ireland to be significant partners in the work of the church in other countries. Belfast Bible College regularly receives requests for assistance from all over the world.   

Gloria and Sebastian Forjan came to Belfast Bible College supported by the Global Sponsorship Programme  to study for a two year Diploma in the Bible and the Church's Mission. Their desire was to receive good quality biblical and theological training, currently unavailable in their home country of Slovenia to allow them to return there to work alongside the church in more effective ministry. Speaking of their time here, Gloria and Sebastian comment:

"God opened the door for us to study at Belfast Bible College. We learnt so much through our time there, enabling us to be much more effective in our current life and ministry. Our knowledge of the Bible is broader and our understanding of God is so much richer as a result. Having a church in Northern Ireland to sponsor and support us was such a blessing - we learnt so much from them and built lasting friendships. We are really so thankful to God for all that He did in and through our time at BBC."       

What are the costs involved? 

The Global Sponsorship Programme covers the cost of all travel, tuition, accommodation and food for overseas students. (Please contact us for up to date information on exact costs.) Contributions can be paid on an annual, or monthly basis. The programme is a very cost effective way of providing quality training for individuals before they return to their home country.   

What is the next step? 

We would be happy to chat through the possibilities with an individual or church leadership team who are interested in helping out in this way. We would then prayerfully 'partner’ a church with an appropriate student for the duration of their course. The student benefits from the prayerful and financial support of a church family during their time at BBC, but also has much to contribute through their involvement with the church. Lasting friendships between the student and the church are often developed, and lasting links forged with the student’s home congregation.

Churches who have been involved in the programme also testify to the lasting benefits the partnership has brought:   

“We have richly benefitted from having a student from Belfast Bible College through the Global Sponsorship Programme. Church life has been enriched and fruit grown that will last.” 
Gareth Williams Wellington Street Presbyterian, Ballymena

“I cannot recommend this scheme too highly. It has whetted the appetite of our congregation for mission and has developed very close, lasting links with the students concerned. The college has the prayerful expertise of connecting students to the right churches. Both our students have made a profound impact on our young people. Altogether it has been such an enriching, rewarding experience.”
Rev Charles McMullan West Church, Bangor