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Theological Education In Latin America Biblical Seminary of Colombia Medellín, Colombia

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law... - Psalm 119:18

Our mission is to play an integral part in the formation and training of Latin American Christian leaders within a contextualized and academically rigorous environment. !This training is critical in providing the biblical, theological and spiritual foundation for the growth of a healthy Latin American church that it might be a transformational and prophetic witness both within the church and society as well as a powerful force in the worldwide Christian missions movement.

The Need The evangelical church in Latin America suffers from a crisis of trained leadership, shallow discipleship and nominalism, a stifling legalism, theologically questionable church practices, as well as the rise of aberrant church movements. The work of the Biblical Seminary of Colombia (BSC) is critically important for providing a much needed biblical and theological foundation for the growing church in Colombia and Latin America. In addition, the church in Colombia is now

2 Timothy 2:15 15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. sufficiently large enough to support its own missionaries; however, this enthusiastic and brave core of believers must still possess a solid theological training for the work they will undertake in other parts of the world. The BSC's high academic standards, within a multi-cultural and multi-denominational environment is providing the needed training for many future missionaries.

The Opportunity Gustavo has been invited to join the New Testament department of the Biblical Seminary of Colombia. Currently, this department has only a few professors; none of whom hold doctoral degrees. Gustavo is being asked and encouraged to pursue doctoral studies as an investment into the future of the school as well as for the long-term development of theological education in Latin America.

PhD Studies Gustavo will begin formal studies in September, 2009 with the London School of Theology (LST) in pursuit of a Ph.D. in New Testament. This semi-residential program is jointly administered by Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and LST, allowing Gustavo to study while living in Boston.

John Contreras is one of the 150 full-time students studying for a Bachelors in Theology.

The challenge of equipping pastors with strong theological foundations is a major issue affecting the Church in Latin America today. Some leaders receive great training in traditional seminary settings; others take advantage of TEE programs (Theological Education by Extension), yet many pastors still don’t have access to quality training.

POPULATION

Statistics

Medellin Metro: 3.5 million

The Church in Colombia

Colombia: 45 million

% of Evangelicals: less than 5% % of Charismatics/Pentecostals: About 6 – 12% (Operation World places the Charismatic / Pentecostal figure at 17%, though it is disputed by Colombian

nationals who minister there. The figure is also much debated because it incorporates many movements of abberant theology and biblically questionable practices.)

The Ministry of Biblical Seminary of Colombia (BSC) The BSC is the only non-denominational undergraduate theology program in Colombia and one of only a handful in all of Latin America. In addition to an undergraduate degree in theology, the BSC offers the following programs: 1) Nationwide extension program of 5 courses to help prepare lay leaders for the church. 2) Medellín Institute of Ministry – Citywide extension program of 24 courses in: Bible and Christian Ministry, Old Testament or New Testament. 3) Network of Institutes – Network and resources to strengthen and help in the development of other national bible institutes and theological training schools.

4) Bellavista Prison Bible Institute – Sponsorship of one of the few Bible Institutes in the world that is administered within prison walls. 200 graduates since inception including 40 who are now full-time pastors. 5) Children’s Community Library Promotes literacy among children in under-resourced neighborhoods. 6) Jack Voelkel Center for Missions – Advances missiological research, creates national missions projects and provides formation and training to prospective missionaries. 7) Research and editorial unit Encourages the publication of academic books and journals by the university faculty.

BSC Facts: 2009 • 148 Full-time students of theology • 66 students in the ESL program • 100 students in the Medellin Institute of Ministry • 892 students in nationwide extension programs • 31 denominations represented within student body • 7 full-time faculty and 5 part-time • Accredited by the Colombia Ministry of Education • Member AETLA - Evangelical Assoc. of Theological Education in Latin America.

Personal Vision Of Work Our vision for training leaders for the church in Latin America is multi-faceted and incorporates the following aspects: 1)

An academically rigorous preparation in bible and contextualized theology within a multicultural and multi-denominational environment - This fosters critical thinking utilizing a robust biblical framework within a Christian community of diverse beliefs, customs and religious practices.

2)

Spiritual guidance and mentoring of students - This fosters the students’ devotion, character and calling to ministry. Studying theology should always lead to a greater vision of God and his work, to Christian maturity and greater clarity for what God intends for his servants.

3)

Development and oversight of practical ministry experiences - Theory and practice should never be divorced from the theological project. The needs of the church and society should always be at forefront of our learning objectives. !

Because professors, students and administrators live, work, minister and play together on campus, it aids in the fulfillment of this vision and allows for the growth of rich relationships, stimulating interactions and the modeling of a healthy Christian community. Our vision for training leaders will also include Gustavo becoming an active contributor to the theological discourse of the Spanish-speaking continent.! This includes research and writing, teaching in other theological institutions in Latin America as well as participating in regional conferences. Ultimately, our vision for the ministry of theological education is the formation of strong Christian leaders who passionately love God, have a servant spirit, and who will utilize the resources of their theological training to help transform their churches, societies and the world with the message of the gospel.

Projected Time Line Academic Year 2009 – 2010: Gustavo begins New Testament doctoral studies with London School of Theology. His dissertation will focus on leadership in the early church.

Academic Year 2010 – 2011: Gustavo to complete second year of research and writing of doctoral dissertation and to continue teaching with CUME.

Spring 2010: Gustavo to teach a class in New Testament at Gordon Conwell’s urban campus (CUME)

Early Summer 2011: Karakey family to relocate to Medellín.

Summer 2010: Gustavo to teach an intensive class in New Testament at BSC in Medellín, Colombia

Academic Years 2011 and 2012: Gustavo to teach part-time at BSC while finishing up dissertation part-time.

Missionary Family Profile Shortly after we married in October, 1996,

we felt a conviction to dedicate our lives to full time ministry. Given Gustavo’s passion and professional teaching experience as well as his bicultural and bilingual upbringing, we felt led to serve the Lord on the mission field in Latin America in the area of theological education and leadership development. Upon graduation from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in 2003, we were commissioned as Park Street Church missionaries serving with Latin America Mission (LAM) in Paraguay, South America. Following one year of language studies, Gustavo ministered as a professor at a bible institute for four years and as a pastor of a church in the interior for two years.

Wanting to have a greater impact on the development of the Latin American church and its theology, it became clear that advanced studies were required. Thus, Gustavo completed a Masters in Theology (Th.M.) as a prerequisite to his doctoral studies which are scheduled to begin Fall, 2009. We believe the Lord has gifted Gustavo with the ability to clearly communicate through teaching and writing, to counsel and mentor students and to assimilate effectively in different cultures. The Lord has given both Gustavo and Rochelle the desire to be used where resources are limited and the needs are great. We believe the opportunity to serve with the BSC is not only an answer to prayer but an excellent match for our gifting and desire. Gustavo, Rochelle and their children, Emilio (11), Caroline (9) and Natalie (7) are looking forward to continuing their missionary service in Medellín, Colombia beginning Summer, 2011.

How You Can Partner Latin America Mission Our Missions Agency (www.lam.org) "The Latin America Mission is an international community of men and women who, motivated by their love for the Lord Jesus Christ and in obedience to His commands, encourage, assist, and participate with the Latin American church in the task of building the church of Jesus Christ in the Latin world and beyond."

The LAM works directly with hundreds of churches and Christian agencies throughout Latin America by assigning qualified personnel to work with them in carrying out their ministry in the region, and to participate with them, at their invitation, in evangelism and discipleship.

Invest Financially We are inviting individuals and partnering churches to financially support our missionary work via charitable donations to the Latin America Mission.

Pray With Us A critical need in our ministry is for people to join us in prayer: * for this time of preparation * for BSC in Medellín and its students * for the Latin American church * for our transition to life in Medellín. If you would like to receive updates and prayer requests, please email us at [email protected].

Partnership We are seeking individuals and partnering churches to help us reach the goal of preparing for and serving as missionaries to BSC in Medellín, Colombia. Harvesting the fruit together

Summary We are in need of partners who will help us with the following financial obligations. * Salary & Benefits (health, life, FICA, retirement) * LAM Administrative Fee * Travel & Equipment expense * Educational Needs (PhD) * Initial Outgoing Expenses

Inception Date Our full-time missionary status with Latin America Mission (LAM) begins on September 1, 2009 when Gustavo begins his full-time PhD studies. Of particular importance is that our financial needs will also begin on September 1st, as Gustavo transitions from a salaried position at Park Street Church to that of a full-time PhD student. During this study leave, our monthly salary will comprise of the actual donations received by LAM on our behalf.

Partnering Goals

Ongoing Financial Needs Monthly = Gift

Annual Gift

$ 50 $100 $200 $400 $600 $800

$ 600 $1200 $2400 $4800 $7200 $9600

Number of Partners Needed 20 15 5 3 2 1

* Total donations needed to cover salary, benefits, children's education, LAM administrative fee and travel & equipment fund equals $6700 monthly.

Special Donations

* One time donations needed to cover PhD tuition equals $7500 annually for 3 years. * Outgoing Expenses for relocation and set-up estimated to be $24,000.

All donations are tax-deductible

How to Partner With Us: Complete the enclosed Pledge Form. To donate, choose one of the following options: 1) Use the enclosed Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form to set up an automatic donation 2) Make a donation online: https://www.lam.org/donate/ 3) Send a check to LAM along with the completed pledge form Please see partnership.karakey.com for complete details.

Theological Education in Latin America Biblical Seminary of Colombia Medellín, Colombia

Gustavo and Rochelle Karakey 35 Phillips St. Weymouth, MA 02188 617-516-7224 [email protected] www.karakey.com

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Brooks Adams American Historian