Training Pastors from
Developing countries
A group of Canadians is making it pos- sible for pastors from the developing world to get the theological education they need – and the books they require
– for their ministries. Langham partnership
international (Lpi), founded by British author and theologian John stott, exists to facilitate the growth and mission of churches
in the developing world.
“pastors cannot preach without studying and they cannot study without books,”
says stott.
Canada is one of six national members of Lpi, along with australia, east asia,
new Zealand, ireland, the United kingdom and the United states (see www.
langhampartnership.ca).
stephen andrews of sault ste. marie,
ont., an anglican bishop, is chair of Lpi
Canada. He says it focuses on providing
evangelical books for pastors, theological
students and seminary libraries as well as
facilitating evangelical writing and publishing in the developing world.
Lpi grants scholarships to enable
younger evangelical teachers with academic
ability and leadership potential to study for
doctorates. week-long preaching seminars
held in the developing world bring quality
education and preaching practice directly
to the pastors who desire it.
“The church in the majority world [in
developing countries] has tremendous
needs as it expands exponentially,” andrews
explains, “and this puts huge pressure on
institutions that train church leadership. Lpi
helps to train the brightest and the best aca-
demics to world university standards so they
can go back and eventually be employed
by theological colleges so the development
of theology can happen in an indigenous
context. it’s a great vision.”
in the recent past, two Langham schol-
ars have studied in Canada with Lpi provid-
ing both financial and personal support. n
–MARY LOU HARRISON
“We’re so conditioned to seeing
fathers as taskmasters,” he says. “Our
prayer is that people would be surprised by the grace of God through
our story. God’s love is so much bigger than anything that’s thrown at
us in life. The Father just wants us to
trust His love.” –EMILY WIERENGA
women’s Rehab centre Dedicated
T
pHo To: CaRLos gRanados
(R to L) Teen Challenge national director george glover
with wife margot glover, mayor margaret Black, david
mainse, Lorna dueck, Ruth graham, centre director
garry Cox and intake co-ordinator Heather Cox.
and a volunteer on a motorbike who was
quick to offer water and bananas. a food
van drove ahead to prepare meals and a
karen wierenga, marge wierenga and
Jeannette Bosma, from neerlandia, alta.
school bus toted luggage.
“The tone of the ride set by the CBs district director was one of acceptance, grace,
encouragement and kindness,” says first-time participant Bill armstrong. “my wife
and i can’t wait for the next Bike for Bibles
opportunity.”
a total of $164,709 was raised by all
participating districts to produce new Tes-
taments, the gospel of mark and Book of
Hope youth magazines for handing out at
the 2010 Vancouver olympics.
“The olympics is a perfect venue for
sharing scriptures with thousands of people
visiting from all over the world,” says CBs
national director Ted seres. “CBs will be
there doing what we do best – sharing god’s
life-giving word.” –EMILY WIERENGA
