In September, 2001, the very first Pentecostal Bible Institute started in and old run down building that should have been condemned.  We started the Institute with 18 students and an immeasurable amount of expectations.   The class was dingy and dark and we had little heat and electricity in the winter time. There were no books to read or study from, only paper and a pencil to use to take notes.  Everyone wore coats and you could see your breath as you spoke.  We ate bread and a little cheese or meat for lunch.  The students however were eager to learn. 

Georgian Teachers with Missionary David Swafford

My vision at the start was to go to Georgia and start a Bible institute and eventually staff it with Georgian teachers.  In September of 2003 we started the first pastor’s school with 35 pastors attending one week a month, nine months out of the year.  This past June, we graduated most of these pastors after 3 years of study.  Out of these pastors a group 10 men were selected to take additional courses and training to be the teachers for the GCTI and the “ Church Based Bible Schools.” 
 
In September of 2006 the vision of having a Georgian Bible Institute taught by Georgian teachers happened.  The 10 men that finished all the courses were assigned classes and presently are teaching Georgian students in the Georgian language.  Housed in a brand new facility with all the modern equipment that an institute needs these teachers are impacting their nation.   What an awesome thought and what an awesome accomplishment for the Kingdom of God.  May all the praise and glory go to our Savior and Lord.

Georgian graduates w/ Missionaries David & Shirley Swafford

I extend an enormous thank you to all at Global University for the help they have given in the past and for the warm welcome we have felt at the present.. 
 
We feel being a part of Global University expands our ministry to be a blessing in many countries in much the same way as we have in The Republic of Georgia. Working at Global we can Win the Lost and Train the Found. To teach other nations and provide Gospel training materials in their own language will have an impact on our world for the “Kingdom to come”! 
 
Serving Him Shoulder to Shoulder, Zep. 3:9 NIV