Mo. Conference partners with UBL in Costa Rica
The Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (UBL) campus in San Jose, Costa Rica, is the headquarters of a seminary program with 19 study centers in 14 countries. The UBL is widely recognized as one of the main centers of theological education in Latin America and the Caribbean, training pastors and lay leaders for the growing Christian communities involved in witness and service throughout the region. The Missouri Conference has had a relationship with the UBL since 1998. Teams have traveled to the serene campus in San Jose, Costa Rica for the past 14 years to work on housing, the chapel, building furniture, repairing and updating books in the library and more. We now have the opportunity to be a part of the future growth of this wonderful institution.
The UBL has plans to expand its student family housing by building four housing units that will house 16 families. The General Board of Global Ministries Missionary to the UBL in Costa Rica, Becky Harrell, shares “At the present when the UBL receives students with families we have a total of 7 furnished small apartments where they can reside and they are not located on campus but 3 blocks away. These apartments are over 25 years old and have ground water issues which cannot be corrected without completely tearing down the units and rebuilding. In 2010 the UBL was blessed with the opportunity and funds to purchase adjoining land to the main campus therefore for the safety of our students with families we felt it important to construct units for them to reside while studying at the UBL. These students generally come for a minimum of 1 year to complete their degreed course (Biblical or Theological Sciences) and are from countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. While with us their children are enrolled in local public schools. The newly constructed units will also provide playground area for children which we do not currently have, and offer better security as it will be a part of the main campus which has security guard. Making student life better for these families is our goal as they complete their studies so they may return to their home countries and serve the Lord as pastors and laity in their churches and communities.”
The Missouri Conference will partner with the UBL to provide hands and funds for the construction of one of these units over the next 2-3 years. Our goal is to send at least 10 teams and $30,000 to assist with the construction of this unit. I will lead a team August 11-18 of 2012 to participate in this experience and am currently recruiting for this team.
Jesus says “When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there” Matthew 18:20 The Message. When we partner together in God’s name He works through us. I would like to challenge each Missouri Congregation to participate in this partnership in some way. Support a team leader, team member or an entire team. Provide financial support for the building project. And provide prayerful support for the success of this partnership and continued success of the UBL in its mission and ministry.
For more information on leading or joining a mission team please contact Audrey Phelps at the Office of Creative Ministries at phelps@umocm.com or 573-474- 7155. To donate to this project please mail checks to the Office of Creative Ministries, 3009 David Dr., Columbia, MO 65202 and write UBL in the memo portion of the check.
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