FACES. of the LATIN AMERICAN BIBLICAL UNIVERSITY, Number 41, May Albertina Quilamán

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1 FACES of the LATIN AMERICAN BIBLICAL UNIVERSITY, Number 41, May 2013 Albertina Quilamán Apdo , San José, Costa Rica Tel.: (+506) Fax: Edited by: Becky Harrell / Layout: Damaris Alvarez 2013

2 Albertina del Carmen Quilamán Albertina del Carmen Quilamán, from Chile, is seeking her licenciate degree in the UBL School of Theology with a dream of liberating women in the rural areas of her country. For the past 13 years she has faithfully served the region of Bio Bio, including the rural communities of Talcahuano and Dichato, through an organization formed by the Methodist Church of Chile called SEDEC (Servicio para el Desarrollo y la Educación Comunitaria). The programs of SEDEC have historically been supported by Mission 21 of Basel Switzerland, an agency of support for the UBL as well. Albertina s work with SEDEC is in Desarrollo Integral de Mujeres reaching both men and women in regions where government assistance and training cannot be found. Her leadership in these rural workshops, educating and supporting those at risk for domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, has brought her to the UBL in Costa Rica to receive theological training. Those she serves are from all denominational and religious backgrounds, some of which she has realized contribute to the difficulties of domestic violence in the home, lowering the value and self worth of women. As a member for the past 30 years of a rural congregation with Pentecostal roots, she is the first woman in her congregation to actually study theology. The support and prayers of her brothers and sisters in Christ give her the strength she needs for her studies and for living so far from those she loves. Her dream and plan is to return to her country and rural community, armed with Biblical formation so that she may further the work already being done by offering spiritual support through Bible studies, and guidance. Her esperanza or hope is that each of these women will be a voice for present and future generations in Chile, liberating women out of the reality of the bondage that so many are experiencing. The support and prayers of her brothers and sisters in Christ give her the strength she needs for her studies and for living so far from those she loves. 2

3 UBL Celebrating 90 Years in Ministry The Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana (Seminario Biblica Latioamericana) is celebrating 90 years in ministry in Latin America this year. The following is a look at the leadership of the seminary/ university over the years with a brief biography of each of those men and women who have been instrumental in leading this ministry. Our thanks to UBL Librarian, Alvaro Perez, for his help in providing both photos and bios. Harry and Susan Strachan Born in 1872 in Ontario, Canada, his parents returned to their home of Scotland when Harry Strachan was just 7. Susan was born in 1874 in Ireland to the Beamish family who attended the local Anglican Church, but in her youth she began to attend a Methodist congregation in Cork. In his youth Harry came to know a young Irish pastor, Henry Grattan Guinnes, who greatly influenced not only Harry but Susan as well. The two met while studying at the East London Training Institute for Home and Foreign Mission which was founded by Pastor Guinnes. Afterwards Susan traveled to Argentina and later Harry joined her, they were married in In 1918 the Strachans traveled to the U.S. seeking financial support and there encountered A.B. Winchester who showed interest in their plan to evangelize. On July 24, 1921 the Strachans met on the campus of Stony Brook School to establish the Latin American Evangelization Campaign, or later called Latin American Mission. In 1923 the Bible Institute in San Jose, Costa Rica was established and in 1941 transformed into the Latin American Biblical Seminary. Harry died in 1945 and Susan in In 1956 the seminary library was established in memory of Harry Strachan and the chapel in memory of Susan. Robert Kenneth Strachan Born in Argentina, Robert Kenneth Strachan graduated with a Bachelor s in Art from Wheaton in 1935 and went on to obtain his bachelor in Theology with honors from the Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Eventually he assumed the position of leadership within the Latin American Mission and served between 1945 and Robert founded Evangelism in Depth, a revolutionary approach to evangelism in Latin America. Robert K. Strachan died on Feb in Pasadena California where he spent his final years at Fuller Theological Seminary as a professor. 3

4 Dayton W. Roberts A missionary with the Latin American Mission for more than 60 years, he served as President of the Latin American Biblical Seminary between Dayton married the daughter of Susan and Harry Strachan, Grace, and published many books regarding the Latin American Mission, One Step Ahead: the innovative Strachans and the birth of the Latin American Mission (1996); Patching God s garment: environment and mission in the 21st century (1994); Running out: a compelling look at the current state of planet earth (1975); Strachan of Costa Rica: missionary insights and strategies (1972); Revolution in evangelism: the story of evangelismin-depth in Latin America (1967). Dayton Roberts died October 9, 2006 at 89 years of age. Wilton M. Nelson Harry Strachan Library, 1940 David Howard A graduate of Wheaton College, he joined the Latin American Mission in 1953 and arrived to serve in Costa Rica along with his wife Phyllis. As an important global leader in mission, David served as President of our institution between Rogelio Archilla P. Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, Pastor Rogelio Archilla served as a professor at the Latin American Biblical Seminary for 11 years and was President of the institution from He was the first Latin American to hold the post as President of the institution since its inception in He wrote many books about the Bible, history of the church and theology. He is author of Impresiones de la Cruz and Pueblo en Marcha: la Herencia. Born in Nebraska Nov 17, 1908, Wilton studied at Wheaton College, in Dallas Theological Seminary, the Baptist Seminary of the South, and the Princeton Theological Seminary. In his youth he played a trumpet in a quartet. He arrived to Costa Rica in 1936 and married Thelma Agnew in In his 42 years of service as a missionary he served as a professor of Church History in the Latin American Seminary and President between 1958 and He was pastor of the Templo Biblico between 1942 and 1945 and authored many books: Nuevo diccionario ilustrado de la Biblia (1998), Protestanism in Central American (1984), Historia del protestantismo en Costa Rica (1983). The board of Directors of the seminary declared him a Professor emeritus in He retired from the seminary in 1981 and died in

5 Edwin Mora (interim) 2013 UBL 5

6 Dr. Edwin Mora San José, May 6, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Warm greetings from the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (UBL) and the Asociación Seminario Bíblico Latinoamericano (ASBL), the legal representative of the UBL. We share this report with you as an official voice concerning various situations we have been facing as an institution in the past months and to let you know how we have been responding to these situations. Resignation of University Rector/President In a letter dated April 21, 2013, the Rector Dr. Nancy Cardoso wrote to the Board of the ASBL to announce her resignation, saying that she would leave her position May 1, She indicated that the reasons for her decision were principally philosophical and strategic differences with the faculty, according to her perception, among others. In this regard, the Assembly of professors proposed on two occasions a path of dialogue in order to understand her vision as Rector and together, to develop strategies for the development of the University in the light of current reality. Nevertheless, the Rectora expressed no interest in these proposals for dialogue and took the situation to the Board. The Board asked her for a written plan that would include her evaluation of the institution and her strategies for change, for the purpose of initiating a dialogue with the faculty. Instead of responding to this request, the Rectora presented her resignation in the letter referred to above. Concerning the educational model, UBL affirms its commitment to theological education in Latin America and the Caribbean. - UBL continues its project of Latin American, transformational, contextual theological education. Our theme, For Christ and an indigenous, afro, diverse Latin America, has never been more current and vital. It has been brought to fruition through ninety years of history and institutional decisions. Last year UBL began the process of moving toward online courses as a pedagogical strategy that will be offered in addition to current modalities of study. This process will require at least two and a half years due to the pedagogical, technological and economic implications, and the need for receiving approval from CONESUP. Once online education has been implemented and approved we will increase our presence throughout the region, in an effort to compensate for the limitations placed on us by CONESUP for educational programs outside Costa Rica. Finally, sisters and brothers, UBL is going through a difficult and complex time. But we, academic authorities, professors, administrative staff and Board of Directors, view this time as an opportunity to re-invent ourselves and face the challenges before us with hope, in history. In the midst of these situations, we reaffirm our commitment to carry forward, beginning with self-evaluation, in order to learn and continue to change. We express our gratitude to our partners in mission who have supported us through this time and for so many years. Thank you for your trust, your prayers, support, and accompaniment as we do the work of re-strategizing. Our house is your house, for many of you, your alma mater and for many more the crystallization of an ecumenical dream that transcends borders, seeking transformation and the construction of a more human and just world. We know that God has called us to a special task in Latin America and Caribbean. For ninety years we have given testimony to Christ and to God s option for the dispossessed and vulnerable. Today in the midst of tensions and uncertainties, we reaffirm that option. We put our faith in the God of Life, assured that UBL will be strengthened in this process. As we embark on this difficult journey, we are encouraged by the wisdom, peace, confidence, strength, creativity, solidarity and vigor that the Holy Spirit provides. Thank you for the messages of support and solidarity that have been received. I finish with a biblical promise we claim as ours: Latin American-Caribbean vision and internal functioning Faithful to the Latin American-Caribbean vision and founding principles of the University, and to the guiding values that are present in our work and ministry (equality of gender, culture, social condition, respect for diversity, struggle for justice, among others), we declare that: At this time we have a significant representation of international students from Haiti, Puerto Rico, Panama, Peru, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, El Salvador and Costa Rica, who come from diverse Protestant denominations and Catholic groups. The extension program accompanies students in their home countries through study modules. They will then spend time in Costa Rica to take additional courses, do the government required community service and finish their programs. He who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. II Corinthians 1,4-6 Amen! For Christ and Latin America, Indigenous, Afro y diverse:, Dr. Edwin José Mora Guevara Academic Vice-Rector Interim Rector edwin@ubila.net Rev. Eduardo Chinchilla G. President, Board of Directors Asociación Seminario Bíblico Latinoamericano eduardoenrique_69@msn.com 6

7 UBL Masters Program Students Defend Their Thesis Heidi Galarza defended her Masters in Bible thesis in April before a panel of UBL faculty (including Elsa Tamez via Skype) and the public. The theme of her thesis was EL ESTIGMA DE LA PUREZA. Cuerpos enfermos, cuerpos con VIH, cuerpos marcados: Raíces Bíblicas del estigma en los cuerpos diferentes (Diseased bodies, bodies with HIV, marked bodies: biblical roots of stigma on the bodies of those who are different. ). Moisés Israel Medrano Garay also defended his Masters in Theology thesis in April, Educación Teológica desde la realidad. El concepto de realidad del modelo de educación teológica por extensión de F. Ross Kinsler y sus aportes actuales (Theological Education from reality. The concept of reality in the model of Theological Education by Extension of F. Ross Kinsler and its current contribution).. International HIV-AIDS Symposium The International HIV-AIDS Symposium, sponsored by the Swedish Lutheran Church, was held in San Jose, Costa April 23-25, The Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana hosted Adamu Addissie of the University Addis Ababa, Ethopia and Daniel J. Louw from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa as they spoke regarding the theme Theology and HIV-AIDS in Africa. The program was the opening for the following days of the symposium with participation by the UBL, ISEDET, Pontificia Universidad de Javeriana and others. For more information on these programs visit www. teologiaysida.org 8

8 UBL BOOKSTORE The UBL bookstore is proudly displaying four new publications from SEBILA (Publishing department of the UBL) this year: Poder, diversidad y religion (Power, diversity and religion) by Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza. This compiles and amplifies Dr. Schussler Fiorenza s presentations at the 2012 Mackay Lecture Series. It is published simultaneously as a book and as Vol. 32, No. 2 of Vida y Pensamiento, the journal of the UBL that is published twice a year. Fe que mueve montañas. El discipulado en el Evangelio de Marcos. (Faith that moves mountains: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark) by Ched Myers. This study of Mark was originally published in English as Say to This Mountain, by Ched Myers, Marie Dennis, Joseph Nangle, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and Stuart Taylor. The Spanish version was translated by Edward Harry Horne and the editorial staff of SEBILA. In the words of Elsa Tamez, This book must be read personally and in community because, indirectly, from beginning to end, it is a call to commitment in solidarity with the poor and against the structures that produce poverty, discrimination, and social inequality. La retórica de la opresion en el discurso de Job. Un estudio socio-retórico de Job 24 (The rhetoric of oppression in Job s discourse. A social-rhetorical study of Job 24) by Elizabeth Guerra Primo. Adapted and edited by José Enrique Ramírez. Aportes Bíblicos, No. 16, This is a publication from the School of Biblical Studies that comes out twice a year, featuring the studies of professors and students of the UBL. Elizabeth is a Peruvian student who wrote this work for her Licentiate thesis. Para comprender el Nuevo Testamento (To understand the New Testament) by Juan Esteban Londoño. This is the longawaited complement to José Enrique Ramírez popular book, Para comprender el Antiguo Testamento (To understand the Old Testament). The author, former student and professor at the UBL, says of the book that it emphasizes the multiple functions that the biblical text has within an immense universe of literary, social and cultural texts... proposing connections with Latin American and Caribbean culture, Indigenous and African cultures, movies, music, and art in general... For information regarding the UBL Bookstore and ordering materials, visit our website at Day of the Book Celebrated at the UBL To help celebrate the Day of the Book, New Testament Professor, Dr. Daniel Gloor, moved his classrooms for the day to the UBL library. For more information regarding the UBL library visit 9

9 Giving Thanks for our Volunteers in Mission Ankeny Christian Church Mission Team-Iowa Mission Teams Stage 1 of our 4 phase project is almost complete, the 4 houses which will be rented to the public upon completion (possibly in August 2013) will help fund our scholarships and general funds. Phase II has been approved and plans are forthcoming. Phases II to IV are the construction of 4 buildings, each will have 4 apartments and each apartment will have 2 bedrooms. The apartments will be used to house our foreign students on scholarship who arrive for studies of 2 to 4 years and may bring their families. We ask your continued prayers over this project and our future students. At the moment we have only 3 work teams scheduled for 2014 and are in need of 12 to 15 more. If you or your congregation is interested in joining us in 2014, please contact Becky Harrell in the UBL DAP Office at becky.dap@gmail. com Eden Seminary Illinois Study Team to UBL Faith UMC Orland Park, Illinois First United Methodist Birmingham Michigan Gardening Mission Team 10

10 First United Methodist Church Youth Team Corpus Christi, Texas Paradise Valley United Methodist Church Arizona Gold Canyon UMC Arizona Rose City Parks United Methodist Church Oregon Individual Volunteers White s Chapel United Methodist Church-Texas 11

11 Monseñor Romero Remembered Valentine s Day Indigenous Program of the UBL Give to the UBL for Pastor and Laity training in Latin America and the Caribbean General Giving Online go to 12 Through the United Methodist Church Or Advance Special 10247B Student Scholarship Fund online at Advance Special 09139A Christian Education Support at Through the Presbyterian Church (USA) E PCUSA online donation page