Teaching Others: 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.