March Seminary

March Seminary classes are underway with 54 students taking the Church Planting course being taught by Academic Dean David. Four of the students are new and four have not attended in a while due to difficulties of life in Venezuela. Carol has been consumed with hosting the class and making sure they have food, good water, clean sheets, comfortable beds and safe accommodations. None of this is easy in Venezuela! Ministry Assistant Samuel has been a life saver in assistance to them.

Why is a Church Planting course so important in Venezuela? First of all, 40% of the communities of Venezuela have no church of any kind. Secondly, planting new churches is one of the most effective ways to reach new people with the Gospel. This method was the method of the Apostle Paul, has been the primary vehicle of effective Christian movements in Africa, India, etc, and was the primary way the Methodists grew so rapidly in the US in the 19th century. Thirdly, and most importantly, people need the Lord! Venezuela is the most secular country in Latin America. It is one of the most politically troubled countries in the world. The Roman Catholic church in Venezuela is not advancing into the areas which do not currently have a Christian presence. Caracas has become the murder capital of the world. Again, people need the Lord!

Have our previous courses in Church Planting and Mission been effective? Take a look at the ministry of Pastor Carlos Perona who has since planted seven other churches and missions in and around Barquisimeto including a Chinese congregation. Consider Bishop Juvenal Perez of Punto Fijo who has started two other congregations in addition to the one he founded and pastors. Think of Pastor Yolanda Caicedo and the good folks at Lugar Altissimo who not only have the congregation there, but send mission teams into three surrounding communities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The work of the seminary is essential to the anvancement of the Kingdom in Venezuela. Is it working? The hungry are fed. The sick are healed. The lost are found. The imprisoned are visited. The homeless are sheltered. Jesus is glorified. 'Nuff said.

Due West Mission a Great Success

The Due West United Methodist Church of Marietta, GA sent a large mission team to Venezuela to support the work of United Methodists of Venezuela. They worked on the Seminario Weselyano de Venezuela, worked on an Orphanage at Lugar Altissimo UMC, preached, testified, loved and learned.

They were hosted by David and Carol and served by our Ministry Assistant Samuel, assisted by Yoey and Willie. Their work at the seminary included building a Security Wall, helping erect a large entrance gate, electrical work, painting, finishing tables and more.

Their work at the Orphanage included building the roof, building walls, finishing walls, vacation Bible School activities and worship services. Pastor Yolanda hosted them each day for lunch and helped with the construction (pictures to come later).

The work at the Seminary was a great partnership between the staff of the Seminary, the Due West Team and local United Methodists. Additonally, a team came from Upata, Venezuela (over 20 hours away by bus) and built the gate and worked alongside the Due West Team. Pastors Julio and Maritza are 2008 graduates of the seminary and took a week off from work to assist with this project. Julio is an accomplished welder and contactor in addition to his pastoral work.

This team had a great week and demonstrated the wonderful opportunity for churches in the US to partner with the work in Venezuela. They testify to having had a life changing experience on this mission trip. For this and all they contributed, we are most thankful to God. What a privilege to work with the wonderful Methodist leaders in Venezuela and partner with a wonderful church like Due West.

God has taken what each one has given and blessed it to be a blessing to the nation and the nations of the world. Bless his holy name!