Dear Friend of MB Seminary,
The Christmas story is full of plot twists: a sky full of angels, a virgin birth, an attempted murder, and much more!
Modern life is often like that, too. In my previous letter, we described a new Teaching Church partnership in Ethiopia, but there is a new plot twist. A signed agreement for next year’s pilot project was in place, but it has very recently become clear that there were different understandings of the necessary operational details. As such, and as is sometimes the nature of pilot projects, a decision has been made not to proceed with the Teaching Church in Ethiopia at this time.
Nevertheless, our existing Teaching Church partnerships are thriving. We expect to expand our education and equipping network in Canada next year, and we need your help to meet the growing need for trained pastors and leaders!
Pastors like Brad Sherk, for example, a new student who began his graduate studies at one of our Teaching Churches. I had the privilege of teaching Brad in his first course this past month called “Interpreting Scripture Today.” I asked him to reflect on the impact this course has had on him so far. He said,
“Being part of a learning environment through our Teaching Church partnership has reawakened my love for Scripture and my love for learning. It has given me the chance to really dive into Scripture in a new way. I feel I am truly growing in my relationship with Jesus through deeper insights into the story of God in the Bible. I am grateful for how this has brought me new excitement and love for the Bible, for teaching God’s Word, for the church, and the role I hold as a pastor.”
Your help is needed so that Brad, and other students like him, can continue to study and be equipped. Through what he is learning, Brad is better able to serve the congregation he helps to lead. In turn, the congregation is better able to engage with mission and ministry opportunities in their community.
Your commitment to training and equipping pastors will help to advance the Kingdom of God in Canada. All donations will be matched up to $50,000.
Mark Wessner, PhD
President, MB Seminary
P.S. Remember, all donations will be matched up $50,000.