Looking Ahead

As we look to the immediate future of what will be happening with the Seminario Wesleyano de Venezuela we are most excited and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done.  We have to immediately improve the security fence(wall) on the front side of the property.  There have been breaches in the security and that is unacceptable.  We must have a safe and secure place for the people who live on campus as well as the classes and groups that come to the Seminary on a regular basis. This will cost about $4000US plus labor.  Fortunately, we do not have to pay the labor costs since one of our alumns is planning to do the work at very little cost to the Semninary other than materials cost.

We are simultaneously improving the kitchen and dining hall. The women who cook for the Seminary have been washing dishes for 30 or more people, 3 times a day, in a sink that is about 4 inches deep and 14"X8".  We have purchased two deep stainless sinks and faucets and will build concrete counters into which the sinks will be installed. This will be a HUGE improvement.  We still need to add a 20'X20' kitchen addition with a 6' deep water cistern underneath it.  However, that is for another time or when God places it on someones' heart to provide that.  We are also tearing down the old dirty and rusting dropped ceiling in the Dining Hall and replacing it with rigid insulation and finished luan as well as adding new lights to replace the old rusted tubes and adding two new air conditioners. This will cost about $3,000 (not including the needed but delayed Kitchen/Cistern expansion).

There are many more improvements needed on the campus, but they will have to wait for additional resources.  Generally, the students are most understanding, even when sleeping without air-conditioning and lacking any furniture for resting or lounging as well as other needs.  Thank God for their humble, generous attitude.

In June we will have another week of Seminary.  During the next months we will host a variety of church groups.  Then in August we will host the 3rd annual conference of the United Methodist Church of Venezuela.  We will also have the August Seminary session, followed by our Second Graduation as 12 students receive their equivalent Bachelor of Theology degree.

All of this will happen through the hard work of many people in Venezuela and the US.  Obviously, most of the cost will have to be covered by giving in the US.  Therefore, we invite you to give generously to the Seminary at:
Venezuela Now, Inc.
PO Box 1655
Duluth, GA  30096

Husbands and Wives, Fathers and Mothers, and Sons and Daughters Learning Together

One of the remarkable things about teaching in the Seminario Wesleyano de Venezuela is how many couples and intergenerational students we have attending class.  Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, husbands and wives.  What a blessing to see a parent and child or husband and wife, both studying hard together to enhance their effectiveness in reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Pictures to follow - internet not being cooperative here.)

Our first Sunday back in Venezuela after a long absence we attended the Ondas de Paz UMC.  Alexander and Amarilys Commacho are the pastors.  I have already reported on what a great service we experienced there with several vibrant lay testimonies of being transformed though the grace of Jesus and several professions of faith.  People were standing outside in the doors and windows since the church was over-flowing.  The pastors are both students in the Seminary and it is such a joy to see them learning and then applying what they learn in their ministry together.

Last Sunday we worshiped at the Grace of God Church west of Barquisimeto.  Between 300 and 400 people were present.  We enjoyed such a great service and 15 people made a commitment to follow Jesus.  The pastor graciously invited me to preach and what a joy it was. The senior minister is Antonio Toloso, a student at the Seminary.  The pastor of small groups is Esley Toloso, his son - also a student in the seminary.We got to spend a morning with them this last week and saw the growth and maturity present in both their lives as they serve the Lord together diligently using what they have learned in their ministry for Christ.  It is so remarkable that the congregation speaks of the pastor's ministry "before" seminary and "after" seminary.

Today, God willing, we will attend worship at the Lugar Alitssimo UMC where Seminary graduate Yolanda Cacieda is the pastor.  He son, Alfonzo, has also been a student in the Seminary and they attended many classes together. We pray for a great worship service at Lugar. That church was built in memory of our son, Ray, and in honor of Jared and is the place where Jared and Lim were married.

Your giving to the Seminary through Venezuela Now, Inc. makes this and so much more possible. Teenagers and men in their seventies studying together.  In addition to parents and children and husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren are at the Seminary together.  This is changing lives and changing how the church functions in its effectiveness in reaching Venezuela for Christ.

Please prayerfully consider sending a gift for this ministry.  The address:
Venezuela Now, Inc.
PO Box 1655
Duluth, GA  30096