Baptist Theological Seminary
Paraguay
Brief History
Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America. Paraguayans call it “el corazön de América,” the heart of America. Smaller than California, this country has a high rate of literacy. Because the people are very happy and easygoing Paraguay is considered by some “the world’s happiest place.” Despite this, Paraguay has a long history of battles with its neighboring countries in which many Paraguayans lost their lives and the country lost a large portion of its territory. Of the Paraguayan population, 89% consider themselves Catholic and 6% identify themselves as Evangelicals/Protestants. This indicates that Paraguayan Baptists have a serious challenge of leading their fellow citizens to an experience of salvation in Jesus Christ.
The Paraguayan Baptist Theological Seminary has been in existence since the early 1970’s when Dionisio Ortiz obtained his PhD at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and returned to his home country to serve as president of the Paraguayan Seminary. Last year Dr, Ortiz went to be with the Lord. Pastor Roberto Lugo has been elected as the new president of the seminary and he has a compelling vision for the growth and effectiveness of the Paraguayan Seminary.
Projects Involving a Champion Church/Partner
The pastors of Champion Churches could be involved in teaching intensive (week-long) courses and/or workshops for the students as well as pastors
Teams from the Champion Church could be involved in evangelism, disciplesip and ministry activities along with seminary students
Work teams from the Champion Church could be involved in renovation of classrooms and improvement of the classrooms
The Champion Church could provide scholarships for the professors of this seminary to enroll in online and virtual Masters and Doctoral programs that enable them to continue to teach while elevating their academic level
The Champion Church could provide financial resources for the seminary to hold workshops for the seminary professors and staff
Projects Related to Students
Due to economic limitations of students who come from areas of extremely limited resources a minimum of 10 students who could greatly benefit from scholarships to take courses in the Paraguayan Seminary
In light of the fact that many of the students in the outlying areas speak Guarani instead of Spanish and live in agricultural areas that are economically depressed, financial assistance for these students could greatly enhance theological education in Paraguay
Projects Related to the Campus
Expand their very limited library (for printed as well as digital books)
Set up a computer lab (with 6 computers) so students can do their research and writing
In collaboration with Southwestern Seminary, Trinity Academic can make available to this Seminary an electronic portal that will enable the seminary to offer online courses, virtual courses and an untold number of library resources to the students. A Champion Church can assist by providing the initial cost of installing this system and the very affordable cost to maintain thus saving the Seminary thousands of dollars in equipment and local personnel to maintain it.
Projects Related to the Seminary Extensions
This seminary now has 2 extensions which they are using to train people who cannot travel to the central campus to be trained.
Funds to help the seminary professors travel to and from the extensions could be very helpful
Roberto Lugo
President
Email: robertolug024@gmail.com