Langham Scholar Oboletswe Matlhaope met Malcolm McGregor in Cambridge last year during his stay at Tyndale House.
Langham Scholar Oboletswe Matlhaope is studying for a PhD at North West University, South Africa, and is from Botswana. From September to December last year, Oboletswe stayed at Tyndale House, Cambridge, in Langham’s dedicated bed-sitting study room.
He is so grateful for his time there, and has expressed his “deepest gratitude” for being able to study there, which has a world-renowned theological library. His PhD thesis (on pentecostal hermeneutics in an African context) has since been successful, and he is due to graduate in May. Oboletswe has been instrumental in writing the 20-year strategic plan for the Botswanan government.
He reports: “I was truly privileged to have been considered by Langham Partnership to stay at Tyndale House. I arrived on September 8th and stayed in ‘Room 10 for Langham Scholars’. The room had relevant materials on the topic of my research by Chris Wright and John Stott. The staff at Tyndale House staffs are such a dedicated and helpful team.
Focus on academic work
“With the abundant resources at my disposal, I managed to rework and enrich my PhD thesis. Since I had ample time, I was able to focus on my academic work. I incorporated comments and corrections from my supervisors into my final thesis well on time.
“I wrote and completed an article for publishing. The article has not yet been published though, waiting for my supervisors’ comments and approval. The title of the article is: A Biblical perspective on the church and the socio- economic- and political development – A Practical Theological Reflection.
“While at Tyndale House, I managed to write an introduction of a book related to my research study. I wish I could have had more time to continue writing and complete the book. I also attended a very helpful academic conference.
Privileged
Tyndale House library is one of the world’s finest collections for biblical research.
“On second Wednesday of every month, there is a Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (KLICE) programme at Tyndale House, which deals with Culture and Christ. I was privileged to attend two KLICE sessions, which exposed me to high level academic discussions that helped enhance my academic expressions. Some of the topics that the KLICE programme covers include scholarship in community, writing styles, and developing book ideas and proposals.
“I had visits from Langham Scholar Care Coordinators Malcolm McGregor and Bill Houston and Revd Dr Ian Randall and his wife Janice. I was also invited to visit Michael Shluter, founder of Jubilee Centre, at his house. These visits refreshed my heart, increased my knowledge and enlarged my thinking.
“I would like to thank Langham Partnership for such opportunities that are granted to Langham Scholars. They really add value to individual researchers.
Deepest gratitude
“I had wished that such an opportunity for an international study residency was given to me much earlier in my research. That would have certainly helped me produce a much better academic work because of the abundant resources at Tyndale House.
“Once more, to Langham Partnership and to entire staff, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation. May the Lord our God bless you.”
Oboletswe was mentioned in Tyndale House’s own Christmas newsletter as a “notable reader” who had stayed there.
Seedbed project
It costs £5,000 a year for Langham Scholars to provide a permanent study-room at Tyndale House, which is clearly incredibly helpful. Why not donate £100 to cover the cost of a Langham Scholar staying for a week at Tyndale House? You’ll also get a free book!
