The Logos Project

- History -

The first impulse for this outreach came in early 2016, when Galen Reed, on his first trip back to Africa in 40 years, heard Bishop Joash Osiro’s plea for good Bible study software. Galen considered it and did some research, but there wasn’t movement until early 2021, when the Logos company announced a free version of their software. Galen had already been using Logos for 20 years that he was familiar with it, and recognized this as the answer to Joash’s request. On cautiously presenting it to first one African church leader, and then to another, it was very enthusiastically received. This continued, one by one, and in late 2021 it was provided to the teaching staff at a small, rural Ethiopian Bible school. One of the school’s overseers later commented that “We've been praying for digital resources, as there is no way we can get sufficient hard copy resources here”: this was a real answer to specific prayer. That the software can be fully downloaded and used without an internet connection is an extra “plus” for the African environment.

Installations, paired with training, have continued to the present, with most installations being to groups of leaders, and on occasion, in institutional settings. Spread over a growing geographical area, installations have included two sites in Ethiopia and five in Kenya, with other locations and countries currently under discussion for future activity.

Training is a required with the installation. Initially this was quite brief, but has expanded to two days: the initial training is one day, and a return visit several months later provides reinforcement training (the repeat session is needed given the power of the software - it’s too much to absorb in one day - and frequently, to strengthen theological and computer foundations as well).

Since June, 2022 there has been a board giving oversight and counsel, and formal non-profit status is being sought in the USA (summer, 2024): this will provide a formal record of governance and facilitate tax deductible contributions (currently, tax deductibility in the USA is available through a sponsoring congregation - please be in touch for details.). To date, funding has been private, though with anticipated growth additional support will be appreciated, and needed (to donate, please contact The Logos Project at the email address below). Recipients pay a very minimal fee; this assures serious interest, but is only a token of the actual costs.

On seeing Logos in operation, a Kenyan pastor’s words were: “Are you ready for the ‘fire’ you’ve lit?” It seems demand will soon exceed the capacity to meet it, that your prayers on The Logos Project’s behalf are most appreciated!

A Testimonial