Prayer requests

We will make a trip to Ciudad Victoria. We made a re-encounter with students we had 25 years ago in January. They have participated in the workshop: "God's Big Picture: a summary of the theme of the Bible" and are interested in continuning their education. One of these pastors, Luis Jaramillo, is one of the most successful pastors I know. His church is a small ranch church. There is just one street there. Church attendance runs about 30. You may ask, how that that be sucess. Well, when he was there 17 years he had sent our 10 pastors to take care of other congregations in rural Mexico. Sucess is not just in having a big church, but in spreading the gospel to other places as well.

In March we attend National Camp, where students come from all over Mexico to study God's word, receive training on how to reach other students, do Bible studies, become disciples of Jesus, and evangelize. Jan and I will be doing workshops at the camp. The workshops are: "God's Big Picture: a summary of the theme of the Bible" and "Why Four Gospels". Be praying that the students who attend will catch the vision of Jesus and go back to their universities to be missionaries for Christ. Pray that the will become interested in seriously studing God's word and become leaders in their churches.

Stubborn Conviction

Kennington Kronicle, February 18, 2008

We are facing new challenges every day and are beginning to see positive results… This is very encouraging.

What am I talking specifically about?

Let me clarify. We are teaching missionaries. We have taught in many seminaries and Bible schools over the years. Ten years ago, when we were given the task of teaching the staff and students for Compa (University fellowship Ministry), we had difficulty reaching all the staff. We worked in the camps, but these were only twice a year. John could have traveled but there was no budget for that.

Four years ago an Australian missionary working with Compa in Mexico City showed us the Moore Theological College distance material. For a few years in the 1980`s, John taught a Bible introduction course using a book by Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel and Kingdom, Patternoster. So we thought this might be an excellent way to get theological education all over Mexico. (During this time Internet had been come the way to communicate.)

We are just beginning to see people finish. Now we are sending more the 5 exams every month. WHY? Because Mexicans are relational people. They need a teacher to encourage and guide them. (Last month an educator showed us her doctorate thesis that proved this.) Many have said they don’t feel confident to study on their own.

So why have we continued, if we are working against the cultural tendency? There remains the GREAT VOID of excellent Bible education. Even when those who have not finished the courses, are amazed at how much they have learned.

So we have stubbornly used every means possible to promote and teach the courses.

1: With Internet, we use chat, emails and Skype, AND a blog***

2: During the Compa camps we promote the program and encourage those taking classes.

3: On the way to and from camps, weddings and conferences outside our home town we visit students.

4. In Monterrey, where we live, we teach and visit groups.

5. John has made a power point presentation of 5 sessions called God’s Big Picture, which works as an introduction to the courses. We show these on Saturday night’s in our home AND John is presenting them in the youth meeting’s where we attend.

We know that if a few students finish a course they can help others do the same.

So that is what is happening. In Queretaro where we visit once or twice a year, Joram took the course but he did not take the exam. But in the last 6 months he has been leading a group and last week 7 took the exam and two are ready to take it.

In Guadalajara where a group of 9 started two years ago, two are finally ready to take the exam AND one of the students who has not finished is helping her church start a group.

In Monterrey, a student who got a low grade on his test three years ago has a group of two others. The three of them took the exam last week.

The Compa staff person took the first course three years ago, she has three ready to take the exam.

A woman who is taking her 6^th course has five students at different stages.

AND there are many more signs that show our “God directed stubbornness” is paying off.

IF you believe that understanding God’s Word, makes a difference: Please Pray for the students and us.

John and Jan Kennington

***Since John broke his foot in July he has been writing a blog in Spanish: http://renuevalamente.blogspot.com We know the blog is being read in Paraguay, Brazil, Honduras, Florida, Texas and all over Mexico. Be praying that the blog helps people to better understand the Bible.

This newsletter and allot more with pictures can be found on http://2timtwotwo.blogspot.com

Our History: a brief summary

In 1976-81 we came to Mexico. During the first years we taught at Calvary Ministerial Institute, El Carmen, Nuevo León.

In 1978 we moved into Monterrey, to aid in Student Ministries. Monterrey is one of the leading University centers in Mexico.

1978-83 we also began to teach at Berean Bible Institute in addition to our teaching in Calvary.

1979-91 Jan works in Sunday School at the Castle of the King Church.

1981-91 John began to teach at the John Wesley Seminary.

1983-86 John began to promote FLET a distance Bible school.

1986 John formed part of a local committee to support student ministry.

1987-98 John formed part of the national committee for student ministry.

1988-90 John taught in the King's Seminary.

1990-91 We attempted church planting in cooperation the the Covenant Church.

1991-1992 Doctoral studies in Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon

1993-94 Working with Armonia and the National Presbyterian Seminary in Mexico City.

1994- present we returned to Monterrey.

1995- John returns to Student ministries. Most of the students are now from pentecostal churchs.

1999- present Jan and John teach at the John Wesley Seminary.

2002- present, John returns to FLET seminary

2001 John graduates with a D. Missiology

2003 John starts to work with Moore Theological College's distance education in Spanish.

2007- present John and Jan begin teaching at the Nazarene Seminary in Monterrey