Matanzas Evangelical Theological Seminary - July 2020 Update
Cuba
Being a religious institution whose social objective is the theological ecumenical training of church leaders and laypeople, Matanzas closed its doors on March 25 to comply with the measures established by the health authorities and the government. However, professors continued their courses with students via email, smartphone, WhatsApp, or other electronic means (distance learning). Those that could not do it this way will finish their courses intensively in September. Academic courses will recommence on the Matanzas campus on Monday, August 31.
The faculty is working on proposals to change class procedures and methodologies for our subjects. We need to reorganize our curricula and programs in light of the new digital opportunities in our countries – aware of the yet limited access – so that non-residential students will physically attend fewer courses, classes, or meetings. Moreover, we will have to do more with less, since some of the partners that support us have announced a reduction of funding.
The seminary has continued to serve the community, offering clean water and produce from our campus garden (as well as other food in some cases), and internet access. The rector`s offices, the economic department, and administrative personnel have remained actively working; transportation has been used sparingly. The historical archive office has done different activities during this period of inactivity; the public relations department has coordinated, among other things, repairing the purified water systems; the publications department has continued working, too, as well as security and gardening.
The seminary students have shown their gratitude to the School Board for the support they and their families have been offered. One example:
“I have been able to maintain emotional balance during this time by personal prayer and daily devotional and by reading the Scriptures. Great hopeful texts that bring the word of God are a gift, and they have sustained my faith and filled me with hope. Contact via electronic means or the telephone with the community where I do my pastoral practices and with its pastors has made us become a real church within the people and not just within the church walls. The challenge has been thinking and creating dynamics of unity and relationship through the social network, such as the creation of a WhatsApp group with the young people of the church who I have taught and accompanied for over a year. Even from my home, God continues using my life and I pray that he continues to do so. My family and I are grateful for the assistance and the efforts made by SET for the well-being of all its students.”
It is a pleasure for the seminary to know about the gratitude of students, which, at the same time makes us strive, much more, to give them a better quality of life despite the economic limitations. Likewise, we appreciate all the support and prayers our churches and partner organizations have given us.
We pray that the God of life continues guiding us and blessing us all so that we can also be a blessing for others.
Rev. Ham
Read more about Matanzas Evangelical Theological Seminary HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $40,000 for programs and scholarships SET. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.