February 2008 Ministry Update

Old Testament Survey I course nearing completion
For months we have been announcing the continuing development of the next course in the Theological Curriculum Program. As writing of Old Testament Survey I nears completion we can more confidently speak to its content and its potential impact for theological education. Like most survey courses, Old Testament Survey I is designed to introduce the Bible College student to the basic content and to the primary themes of the Old Testament. As the Old Testament provides foundational and doctrinal instruction in the person and works of God, the creation and fall of man, God’s calling of and dealings with the nation of Israel including covenants, promises, and prophecies, all of which are significant for New Testament and Gospel understanding, such an introductory study is essential to the adequate preparation of future pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers.

After a detailed introduction to the Old Testament in general is given, the course is laid out in two sections. The first deals with the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) and the second section deals with the twelve books that comprise the Historical Narrative (the books from Joshua to Esther). Each book is thoroughly investigated by examining its title, its author and date of composition, its purpose and scope, its literary structure that includes a detailed outline of the book’s content, and its treatment of special topics and themes that arise within the book’s teaching. In addition we are including many maps, charts, and diagrams that will help to illustrate the massive amount of historical, geographical, and cultural information. Finally, we add significant pedagogical aids for the instructor that will equip him to teach the class with knowledge and excellence.

After the course is written there is still a marathon of editorial, stylistic, and formatting steps. Please pray with us for the rapid completion of this course as there are five others currently being prepared close behind in the pipeline of development.


On the Road Again
Financial support issues are becoming a concern to our family and ministry. Over the last several years we have lost approximately 25% of our support. This loss is due both to our transition in ministry from Mexico to Editorial Bautista Independiente and to the increasingly difficult economic climate in the USA. This necessitates the raising of additional support. It is our prayer to raise these funds with little or no impact upon our present ministry. In other words, we hope to be able to raise most of the additional funds through local and regional trips on the weekend while continuing the production of materials and ministry throughout the week. If you know of potential churches looking for involvement in Hispanic theological and ministry preparation, please let us know.

At the same time we hope to revisit our supporting churches. It has been several years since we have reported to many and we are anxious to see you again and to report on all that God is doing! We plan to begin scheduling meetings toward the middle of this year, but if you are planning a conference and/or a special missionary meeting earlier and would like us to participate, please let us know.

Praises
1. Our oldest son, Jared, graduated from Baptist Bible College this past semester with a degree in pre-seminary studies! As we announced earlier, he is getting married to Janelle Halladay on March 29 of this year. It is their desire to serve the Lord together on the mission field, if God permits. We are grateful to the Lord’s working in the life of our children.
2. We just celebrated EBI’s annual board meeting. While such meetings are not typically described in celebratory language, we consider this annual event a highpoint on our calendar as EBI board members and staff members gather together in Sebring, FL for fellowship, reports on the state of the ministry, and future planning. We praise the Lord for our co-workers!
3. The Hispanic On-line M.A.B.S. program at Piedmont Baptist College was approved by all participating institutions. As you recall from our last prayer letter BMM and EBI are partnering together with Piedmont to help launch this innovative ministry. With a projected startup date of October 2008, the many details are beginning to fall into place…but there is still much to do. Please pray with us for wisdom.

Prayer
1. The Iglesia Bautista de Fe in Mexico City continues to prosper under the leadership of pastor Juan Matías. Growth is occurring, both in number of believers as well as in the church’s facilities. Those who have followed the tumultuous events of the church’s building program will rejoice with us in the progress that is now being made. In a recent phone call, Juan shared that the increasing cost of materials has slowed down construction activity. They are presently waiting for the Lord to supply the needed funds for exterior windows (approximately $4,000 US). Please pray with us that God would provide the resources so that construction can continue. If you would like to contribute the meet this need, please contact us directly or send funds to BMM marked “Mexico City Church project.”
2. Please pray for continued course development. Specifically I ask prayer for the completion of Old Testament Survey I, Bible Doctrines I and III, Christian Home, Evangelism & Discipleship, and Investigative Methods. Also pray for safety and effectiveness in travels to Latin America for teaching assignments. This year trips are already being planned to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and McAllen, TX.
3. We would ask special prayer for the details surrounding our son’s wedding in March. Also we request prayer for our daughter Lindsay as she makes plans for college this fall.
4. Please pray for our financial support needs and safety in travel.