Seminary Growth: Different than expected, but very good.
Seminario Bíblico William Carey (SBWC) was just three days away from a major conference in March 2020 and 3 weeks away from in-person classes when the Argentine government shut down the country. At the time we expected lockdown to only last a few weeks, but it quickly became clear that plans would have to change as the weeks turned to months.
Luciano, a scholarship student of SBWC, was left without work for the year and a half lockdown. He and his family were blessed with groceries from Crecer church, which helped them make it through many months without income.
Lautaro was studying at a local university when the pandemic interrupted his plans. He moved back home with his family during the lockdown and studied remotely.
Meanwhile, Seminario Carey developed new plans, including more online resources (even more than usual for a primarily online seminary!) as every gathering had to be virtual.
In Luciano's case, these materials allowed him to go deeper into his studies as he waited for work to resume.
For Lautaro, these expanded online options him to learn about SBWC and grow his interest in studying theology. He became a seminary student and intern in early 2021.
Argentina has started lifting restrictions and churches can meet again!
As Argentina has started lifting restrictions and allowing churches to meet again, both men have served their local congregations in new ways.
Luciano leads a study group, which began virtually and has now move to face-to-face. He has taken a leadership role in planning mission trips to the small church plant in La Rinconada to support the missionaries working there.
Lautaro has begun a ministry internship at Iglesia Crecer in Córdoba, putting his Seminary studies and internship training to use by serving as the youth director at another church plant in Jesus Maria.
Over the last two years, the Seminary's growth has been different than expected. It has created an even more significant virtual presence in the Spanish-speaking world, reaching new countries and continents. Yet, even though the pandemic is slowing down, the growth is not: next year, there will be even more degree options than this year, including a new Diploma in Christian Counseling. The new large classroom in the administrative building is booked solid. We have plans in place to thoroughly develop a robust theological library. The growing intern program is assisting with mission trips and ministry training.
These developments are exciting but come with their own challenges, including administrative costs, staffing additions, and ongoing construction needs.
You can be a part.
Any gift you give towards Seminario Carey goes to helping students just like these continue their studies and helps the seminary continue to expand in Spanish-speaking countries all over the world.