Saturday, June 21, 2014

Reaching More Pastors and Leaders

This past week a new training group was launched through the Mua Buiti Garífuna seminary. Pastor Mark, from the U.S., who has helped with classes in the past, taught an overview of the gospels.

Pastor Mark teaching and Fernando translating 

 
Pastors José, Emilio, and Elvis, who graduated from the first series of BILD International training, led the BILD portion of classes. They are teaching the same materials they have studied and also used for discipling church members in their communities. Their experience helps new participants as they prepare to implement the same program in their churches, as well.

BILD training discussion groups


Alex and Wilber, the two young men who have been translating a more advanced BILD series into Garífuna and who are involved in the OneStory project, were among the participants. This was a great opportunity to learn more about God's Word and see how their translation work will be applied in similar trainings in the future.

Several leaders were a great help to Fernando with the preparation details. Elvis, a young assistant pastor in a Garífuna community a few hours from here, has been Fernando's right-hand man in the past few years, such as while we were in the U.S. on furlough last year. Elvis was responsible for inviting participants and providing them with information about classes. Deiby has helped as administrator, coordinating classroom and dormitory repairs, meals, and materials.
 
Pastor Mark will return in September, when the group will meet again to continue their studies. In the meantime, they will complete homework assignments and meet in small groups in their regions.



Thank you to all who have prayed for the Bible school and specifically for this new group of students. Please pray students and leaders, for commitment in their studies, for unity, and for wisdom and vision in applying what they learn in their various contexts.