Shalom Teaching Ministry - Update
Central America
Dear friend in Christ,
Most pastors in the growing Latin American church support themselves by holding other jobs. Although they are often very motivated to learn, it is estimated that less than 30% have access to formal theological education. Their personal study is severely constrained because theological books in Spanish are expensive.
An emerging ministry is now being offered through the Shalom Community Church to help with this challenge. With support from The Outreach Foundation, Shalom is making the Latin American Contemporary Commentary of the Bible available to pastors throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, San Salvador, Guatemala, Cuba, and Ecuador. In addition to substantial theological studies on every book in the Bible, the Commentary includes 100 articles that apply Bible teaching to issues particularly relevant in Latin America. The topics include prison ministry, domestic violence, care of orphans, concern for people with disabilities, and political violence. A result of 12 years of work by the most respected Latino Christian scholars, the Contemporary Commentary of the Bible is the first of its kind because of both its rigorous nature and the attention that it gives to the cultural features and realities of the region. The Latin American Contemporary Commentary of the Bible, along with guidance from Shalom, can serve as a cornerstone for pastors’ theological development throughout Latin America.
Shalom’s pastor, Rev. Roy Soto, shared with us that he has seen pastors in tears upon receiving commentaries that the church donated. Roy wrote, “The more that we can put this amazing tool in the hands of pastors in Latin America, the healthier their preaching and teaching will be as they will have better arguments to defend sound doctrine against the confusion of prosperity theology that is all over the region.” Roy will oversee the distribution of additional commentaries that gifts through Outreach may be able to provide.
In early November Roy distributed the Contemporary Commentary to many of the 165 pastors that attended a gathering in Guatemala, including some from Cuba and El Salvador. The event was made possible with support received through The Outreach Foundation. He is anticipating holding a similar gathering in Venezuela in early 2020.
We are grateful for how this solid, kingdom-centered teaching is becoming available to many pastors who would otherwise not have access to it.
Sincerely,
Juan Sarmiento
Associate Director for Mission
Read more about Shalom Teaching Ministry HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $12,000 to assist with travel, materials, and food for four one-week teaching missions. Make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
