Mexico #4 - San Pablo Seminary - Challenges Spark Creativity
by Doug Nielson, Outreach Foundation trustee
On the third and final leg of our trip to México, we left the heights (7,349 feet to be exact 😊) of México City and descended to the steamy tropical lowlands of Yucatán. Our destination was the San Pablo Presbyterian Seminary located in the bustling commercial city of Mérida. We were blessed to spend a day and a half on campus with Rector Amós Cahuich Yam and his faculty and staff. San Pablo Seminary is a long-time partner of The Outreach Foundation and trains theology students from 20 Mexican states, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Chile, and Colombia. A number of their students are fluent in Mayan and will pastor churches that speak that language in Southern Mexico and Guatemala. San Pablo’s degree programs include B.A. in Theology, B.A. in Sacred Music, Diploma in Biblical Counseling, Masters of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry.
Not surprisingly our conversations with the faculty and staff focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic. Professor David discussed the challenges of trying to provide quality instruction in the Sacred Music program when students couldn’t come on campus to use pianos and other instruments. Alfonso the Chaplain also referenced the complexities of fostering quality relationships and community when chapel and small groups were limited to Zoom. Despite these difficulties, the San Pablo team has shown great resilience and creativity by launching new programs online including launching Saturday a practical theology course and a biblical counseling foundations program for lay leaders offered on Saturdays. (As the pandemic recedes, Rector Amós is hopeful that in-person classes can re-commence for the start of the spring semester in February.)
We were also blessed to spend time with Outreach Foundation Global Worker, Don Wehmeyer. He and his wife, Marta, have ministered in the state of Yucatán for many years. Don is currently a professor at San Pablo and the National Presbyterian Seminary in México City. He also pastors a church just outside Mérida. Our day concluded by meeting with the leadership of the Synod of Yucatán which provides oversight for San Pablo Seminary.
All through our eight days in México we were challenged and inspired by the energy and creativity our Mexican brothers and sisters bring to the challenge of reaching their country for Christ in practical ways. We look forward to coming alongside them as they continue to advance the kingdom in México.