December 2011 – Read the story of two Langham Scholars

July 2011 – Read about the Langham Preaching Project

Pastors receive copies of the ABC from Flying Mission. (Read more on the Flying Mission web site)

Margaret Russell, volunteer with Flying Mission, writes, ‘We at Flying Mission were delighted that [Langham Literature] was able to supply us with ABCs. We have gradually presented them to pastors…we never forgot about the huge contribution you made to the lives of pastors (and congregations)…The pastors are from a variety of denominations, but all passionate about preaching and discipleship! So a HUGE thank you to you all for all that you have made possible in Zambia and Botswana!’

Flying Mission reports that after one presentation of the ABC, one pastor, visibly moved, said, ‘Thank you so much! I’m thinking of John 13:1, and I’m feeling the extent of God’s love for me!’ Another pastor added, ‘Thanks to the Lord for his provision for me. I’m looking forward to researching the teaching on prayer!’

Langham Literature is thankful to partner with such ministries as Flying Mission to maximize the efforts to equp grassroots Bible teachers with much needed Christian resources. For more information on how you can support the Langham Literature program, visit http://www.langhampartnership.org/get-involved.

Langham Partnership Regional Council attendees in Quito, Ecuador

When people mention partnership with the Majority World, they most often think of this in light of the West providing funding for programs happening overseas. Langham Partnership International believes that true partnership is a two-way street and while the West may provide funding, the West should also receive the benefits that come from the Majority World.

This was very evident in the Langham Partnership International Regional Council meeting for Latin America held in Quito, Ecuador, this past November. The gathering brought 14 top Latin American leaders together to share how JSM is working in their countries and discuss how JSM can be of the most help in the future. Jorge Atiencia, from Colombia, said it best when he described the relationship between JSM and Latin America as “como anillo al dedo,” which means “like a ring fits on a finger.”

The most moving aspect of this gathering was when these 14 Latin American leaders gathered around the leadership of LPI to pray for the organization. This was truly inspiring. While LPI received wonderful encouragement and information, there were also offers to help with fundraising, as these leaders wanted to provide introductions to individuals and churches who they believe have an interest in the work of LPI.

LPRC participants Marcelo Vargas, Igor Amestegui, Carlos Pinto, and Nelsa Zolezzi

This council gathered at the Nazarene Seminary in Quito from November  15-17, 2008, with the following members present: Langham Scholar Daniel Salinas-Paraguay; Nelsa Zolezzi-Peru; Miguel Rivas-El Salvador; Igor Amestegui-Bolivia; David Bahena-Mexico; Langham Scholar Victor Morales-Mexico; Jorge Atiencia-Colombia; Carlos Pinto-Peru, (living in Ecuador); Humberto Fernando Bullon-Costa Rica; Langham Scholar Marcelo Vargas-Bolivia; Willfredo Weigandt-Argentina; Sadrac Meza-Costa Rica; Milton Acosta-teaches at seminary in Colombia; Ruth Padilla de Boorst-CRC World Mission on loan to FTLA, IFES Costa Rica and Ian Darke-with Letra Viva in Costa Rica.  The program directors for Langham Partnership International were also present along with several LPI staff members.

While there was much to discuss regarding the implementation and expansion of the preaching program, the beginning of the Latin America Bible Commentary project, Literature distribution, scholar selection and the Fellowship of Langham Scholars, the highlights were the reports from each country to update the work of Langham.   The following is a synopsis of these reports.

Langham Partnership Regional Council as they work through projects

Colombia
Milton Accosta reported that they would like to see younger students learn English and prepare for their PhDs.  They do have a few students in sight. On the Langham Literature program, Pieter Kwant reported that he was recently in Colombia and has set up the literature program in Colombia with CLC. Langham Preaching escuelitas are doing very well with the growth and lessons learned presented and discussed later.

Mexico
David Ruiz reported that There are several Langham Scholars in Mexico, but the Literature and Preaching programs still need to get underway.  There is hope to see the preaching program set up as entry program for all of the other Langham programs in Mexico. Pieter Kwant and Ian Darke will look into some options for the literature program.

Fernando Bullon reviews the Langham Literature catalog

Costa Rica
Fernando Bullon reported that there are two people supported as scholars, but that we have not promoted the program as we should. We need more coordination with seminaries.  The preaching program has some good possibilities to launch before too long.

Brazil
Daniel Santos reported that the scholars program has seen four scholars (Rodrico de Sousa, Hebert Campos, Daniel Santos, Cesar Lopez) working together at the same place with 40,000 students at the University in Sao Paulo. The idea of working together is very helpful. Perhaps we can be of help in future with preaching seminars. Chris Wright is putting plans in place for Langham Regional Council for the Portuguese world and it would be helpful to have Brazil represented. Langham Literature is beginning work on a commentary that includes authors from the whole of Latin America.  Brazil will be taking part in this project.

Bolivia

LPRC attendees Daniel Santos and Ken Perez

Marcelo Vargas reported that five years of preaching seminar have impacted church. Each year we have distributed two books to each attendee. On the scholars program, Marcelo is almost at point of finishing a doctorate and thinks he is the only Bolivian who has done this. There are a couple of candidates close to being granted scholarship.  Igor Amestegui reported that a group of preachers have been formed in La Paz and they meet each month. They have been given study books and to use as they prepare their sermons. We have started escuelitas in Cochabamba and several churches have started their own versions of the escuelitas. One of these is in a prison ministry. We have also started groups with university students as well.

Ecuador

Carlos Pinto reported that he sees ISEDET as an ideal place for Latin Americans to study and that this is a helpful example for  Ecuadorians. He encourage Langham to continue to pursue other locations in Latin America for doctoral studies, as language and family are an issue for many potential scholars. ISEDET opens its doors to Cuba as well.  In the literature he would like to see an Ecuadorian group embrace the program as CLC works through Colombia. The first preaching seminar will be offered next week.  We hope to expand to three locations in coming years.

LPRC participant Nelsa Zolezzi

Argentina
Willfredo Weigandt reported that there are three students studying at ISEDET in Buenos Aires.  One is Argentian, one Chilean and one Peruvian.  The preaching program has been growing since 2002 when John Stott came there, andthere has since been at least one workshop every year and two workshops in the last  two years.  In each of these workshops, we give away two books through Certeza or Editiones Kairos. The strength of the workshops on preaching is in being able to serve the pastors in the interior of Argentina. When John Stott came, there were 15 participants, but in the interior of Argentina we never have less than 60.  This is because of the surplus of resources in Buenos Aires, in contrast to the interior. Pentecostal and neo-Pentecostal, Baptist, and Nazarene participants are growing.

Peru
Nelsa Zolezzi reported that there are two Langham Scholars in Peru including the one currently studying at ISEDET.  Dario Lopez has graduated and is about to have his 10th book published and is invited to speak in many places. We have worked very hard so that the literature ministry could be born. Langham came at a crucial moment. Forty percent of seminaries are in the interior of Peru, and we have been able to provide good literature.  In the preaching program, approximately 100 pastors have participated in the Level 1 program, representing most the denominations and cities. We are seeking ways to help this program become an annual event. Currently there are 200 pastors in small groups (escuelitas) and each group has a tutor to motivate and guide them.  They meet at least monthly.  Other conferences have been held in between annual Langham Preaching seminar.  There are two pastors very committed to the program, they teach in different seminaries and provide direction and travel in interior. There are also several testimonies of well-prepared pastors, for example: one pastor mentioned he must ask Lord for forgiveness for the number of times he has gone into the pulpit without proper preparation, and now he gives 1-2 days retreat to prepare.

El Salvador
Miguel Rivas reported that the preaching program was born when Chris Wright came to El Salvador with approximately 150 participants and the idea of the ministry was developed from there. Escuelas de Expositorios Biblicas have been formed.  These were inspired by Colombia but contextualized for El Salvador. Every module lasts for three months. Modules are: 1) How to Understand Bible, 2) Hermeneutics, 3) Exegesis and the Practice of Exegesis [using the book, Word of God for the People of God]—also Textual Criticism, 4) Homiletics, 5) Liturgy.  So far 22 have graduated and 30 are in the process.  In the literature program, we are working with five editorial houses including Certeza, Kairos, and a Catholic house. We have distributed all the books of John Stott.  One popular pastor said that he had been too busy to do what we taught, but after the seminar he began to prepare his sermons in an expository way. His congregation then asked him to tape his sermons. Now he is a tutor for the program.

The editors and coordinators of the Latin American Bible Commentary (LABC) project met November 3-6 in Oxford, England for a bi-annual meeting. After a time of prayer and thanksgiving, René Padilla (general editor), Milton Acosta (editor – OT), Rosalee Velloso Ewell (editor – NT), Ian Darke (project coordinator), and Pieter Kwant (LPI representative) spent three intense days looking over charts, calendars, names and texts related to the project.

It was a very productive time, during which the editors pulled together many of the various details of the project, such as:
1. the final decision about contributors for articles and individual commentaries of biblical books;
2. deadlines for all the authors;
3. target dates for the first three major steps of the editorial process (revision of articles, first revision of shorter commentaries, first revision of longer commentaries);
4. the best way to provide research and study assistance to the writers of the commentaries.

The editors and coordinators in a planning session for the LABC

We rejoice in the fact that over 70% of those invited to participate in the project have already accepted the challenge.

Many contributors have begun their work of research and writing. Those who have been invited to write the longer commentaries have been encouraged to prepare for their communities sermons and Bible studies on portions of their work. This should serve as an aid to focus their efforts in making the LABC both accessible and relevant even to those who might be hearing the gospel news for the first time.

For more photos of the LABC planning session in Oxford, visit the Langham Partnership photo gallery.

In 2008, the first steps will be taken for the development of preaching training in some parts of the Russian Federation, including an initiative in Tatarstan for 30 local pastors and preachers.  In addition, pioneer activity will begin through the mekong Project, designed to equip small teams of trainers from countries such as Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.  We also hope to see the launch of a small pilot project for Chinese pastors, which will be hosted in Hong Kong.

In response to invitations from a number of Pacific Islands, Langham Preaching is launching the first Pacific training programme in fellowship with leaders in Vanuatu.  Plans are underway to invite over 50 pastors and lay preachers for a Level 1 seminar, to be held March 25-28, 2008.

Small delegations from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Tonga will join the event.  Our hope is that these delegations will with assistance from Langham Partnership Australia, be able to launch training initiatives on their own islands in due course. 

Langham Preaching is committed to work with national leaders in the development of indigenous preaching movements.  the conducting of various preaching programmes are steps in the wider strategy of providing support, encouragement and training for pastors and lay preachers country by country.  In addition to the three-level seminar programmes, in many countries small preachers clubs, regional networks, day workshops and provision of literature all support and encourage the commitment of pastors and lay preachers to Biblical preaching.

Facilitators for the 2008 event include David Cook, Principal of the sydney Missionary and Bible College, who is regularly involved in the training of preachers, and Dr Chris Wright, Internation director of Langham partnership International.  The event will be supported by Langham Australia, whose staff and Board members will also be closely linked to the developments in the Pacific in the years ahead.

For the future, it is our objective to secure programme leaders from Australia and New Zealand to roll out the preaching programme.  Langham Australia and Langham New Zealand will work in partnership to develo initiatives in other Pacific Island nations.  Langham Literature will support the programme, not only through the provision of literature that is appropriate for each of the seminar levels, but also through the support of indigenous writers and publishers.

Jonathan Lamb, International Programme Director Langham Preaching

Integrity – Leading with God Watching   

“In the academic catalogue of JETS, my attention was captured by this statement:

JETS understand its role in a number of ways: It is a school of renewal. It seeks to reform traditional theological education within the modern African setting. It is a service organization to the church of Jesus Christ. It provides basic theological training for both current and potential church leaders. JETS continuously seeks to identify areas of need in the church so as to provide the relevant theological training and services to meet such needs. In carrying out these functions JETS seeks to integrate biblical teaching , academic learning and practical ministry skills. It tries to develop graduates who will be able to continue their academic knowledge with the practical competencies, clear independent thinking which are needed for successful ministry.

“These laudable objectives naturally fit my present involvement in my immediate community. I was asked to plan a two-day economic conference, which featured the presentation of papers on various topics enable the association come up with policy guidelines for the commission. Thus, my committee created the suggested topics and presenters for the Economic Conference held September 7-8, 2007. The topics and presenters include the following:

1. An analysis of Kaura Local Government’s natural and human resources. This topic addressed the need for database information of the natural and human resources of the Local Government Area.

2. Repositioning Religion/Faith and Ethic for Sustainable Economic Transformation of Kaura Local Government. This topic addressed the question of how to re-instill character virtues such as honesty, truth-telling, trust, hard work, selfless service, moral rectitude, integrity, God-fearing, and patriotism. It also addressed the issue of the symbiotic relationship between faith and democracy.

3. The Role of Entrepreneurial Education in Economic Empowerment of Kaura Local Government Citizens. This topic saught to show our present educational concentration and what area(s) we need to pay more attention to. It will also address job-creation, attitudinal challenges and proffer solutions.

4. An Examination of the Agricultural Potentials of Kaura Local Government Area.

5. The role of youth in socioeconomic, socioethnic, and sociopolitical reconciliation in the society.

6. The role of civil society in a democratic setting. This topic addressed issues that include human rights, justice, the common good, social criticism, the political power of the electorate and the relationship between the electorate and the elected members of the community.

7. Economic Situation of Southern Kaduna: Its Challenges and Solution. This topic addressed the question of the causes of poverty and inequality in Kaura Local Government Area: Why are so many of our people poor? What are the causes of poverty and inequality in the community?

8. A SWOT Analysis of Health care system of Kaura Local Government. This topic included an ecological analysis of the area.

9. An examination of the physical security and infrastructure of Kaura Local Government Area.

10. Sustainable-Economic Empowerment. This topic addressed economic empowerment through micro-finance Bank and stress the significance of co-operative societies, particularly, how to create and sustain small and medium-size enterprises.

11. Export venture and what it entails: This topic addressed the need for networking with organizations that are involved in export and the ministry of commerce.

“I have since realized that the Gospel will not have deep roots in Africa if we do not start to address the problem of poverty in all its ramifications. That means that we need a balance theological and ethical perspective to ensure spiritual renewal in Nigeria. Holistic teaching and preaching ministry is desperately need in Nigeria.

“I want you to know that I would not have been able to do what I am presently doing without your prayer and support. So we are in this together. Thank you very much for upholding the cause of Christ and for partnering with us in doing what will deliver people from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Pray with us!”

Read the papers presented by Sunday Agang at the JETS Economic Conference:

Developing Christian Entrepreneurial Mindset in Kaura local government area

Repositioning Religion