Update

The Seminary has our heart.  Founded by Dan Dunn and me in 2002, we are now in our 8^th year of operation and will have our second graduation in August, 2010.  The Seminary is a 6 year non-traditional undergraduate program granting the Bachelor of Theology (equivalent) degree.  We have over 100 students enrolled, most of which are pastors in Venezuela. A typical class will have 50 students and meet for 16 contact hours during one week.  Each week offer at least 2 classes, 6 times a year.  This ministry is having a huge impact on the church and country of Venezuela.

For example, two of our United Methodist student/pastors held services over the past weekend.  Pastor Thoby Ramirez is the pastor of Casa de Dios UMC (House of God) in the large city of Puerto Ordaz.  Pastors Alexander and Amaryllis of Ondas de Paz UMC (Waves of Peace) in Cabudare led the services for Pastor Thoby. On this past Sunday 50 persons made professions of faith! Another example of the impact of the Seminary:  Pastors Carlos and Dr. Maria Perona now have 8 congregations for which they are responsible including the largest UMC of Venezuela and a Chinese language service.

The next class is June 21-25 with professors Randy and Rachael Coleman.  They are some of the favorites of the students in the Seminary.  Dean David and Carol will host them for the week.

Coming up:  Dan and Nancy will move to Venezuela for a year while David and Carol are in the US.  Dan will be in charge of the Seminary operations. 

In  August, in addition to graduation, I will be leading a state-wide pastor’s conference, preaching to the 3^rd Annual Conference of the UMC of Venezuela, teaching a course in the Seminary, presiding at the graduation, and performing the wedding of Samuel (our ministry assistant) and Laura, all with Dan and David’s assistance through translation.

We welcome your involvement in and support of the Seminary.  It costs about $2500 a year to educate one student.  Any help you feel led to give will be greatly appreciated.  More importantly we covet your prayers.  This is a wonderful ministry, but this kind of ministry in Venezuela is not without significant challenges!  However, God provides each step of the way.

Contact us at Venezuela Now, Inc.  PO Box 1655, Duluth, GA  30096 or send your checks to Venezuela Now, Inc. at the same address.

In Christ,

Warren Lathem

President, Venezuela Now, Inc.

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  (ICorinthians 1:4)