| “The most dangerous place in the world for ignorance is in the pulpit.” |
| I first heard this quote from my friend, Elwood Orr, of South Carolina; it really made an impression on me. So I decided to use it recently as we began the third lesson in our study of Systematic Theology at the Thomas Herrington Bible Institute. My hope was to encourage our pastors to seize every opportunity given them to continue their education and expand their knowledge of the Bible. |
| When I finished my introductory remarks, one of the pastors, Gregorio Avila, asked if he could share a few words with the group. Several years before, Gregorio was pastoring a small Baptist church in El Paraiso, Honduras. After some time, his church petitioned El Shaday Baptist Church of El Paraiso (a BMDMI church) to allow his small church membership to merge with El Shaday. In time, the two churches merged under the leadership of El Shaday’s pastor. No longer having a church to pastor, Gregorio began to study in the part-time modular program at the Thomas Herrington Bible Institute. And now Gregorio is enrolled in the advanced study program on Systematic Theology. When the pastor at El Shaday later stepped down, Gregorio stepped up and returned to the pastorate and now shepherds the flock at El Shaday. |
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“When the Lord called me to preach,” Gregorio shared, “I had no training or teaching of the Bible. Someone gave me a book and told me to just go and preach that book. It was not until I became a member of El Shaday Church and begin to study at the Thomas Herrington Bible Institute that I understood how ignorant I was and how much of what I had been teaching and preaching was not true or incorrect. I thank God for the Thomas Herrington Bible Institute because it is here that I have learned the truth of the Word and how to study the Word.” |
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| My pastor and friend, Dr. Steve Laufer, was here the first week of June to teach our third class of Systematic Theology. At times it is difficult for our pastors to leave their homes and families to come to the Bible Institute for four days of study. But, they are so faithful to do so. Of the 39 pastors enrolled in the program, 33 were able to attend this class! Please pray for our pastors and their families. |
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| “Forty angry pastors demolish chapel!” |
| In mid-June, 40 BMDMI pastors descended upon the Thomas Herrington Bible Institute with the purpose of demolishing the chapel left shattered by a storm this past April. They were not only saddened by the loss of a place that had become so dear to them, but they were angry too. Not angry with anyone, but just angry to see this “holy place” in such a state of destruction. They certainly had the opportunity to work out some of those frustrations as they pulled down the remaining debris! |
| I thank God for those who have given so generously toward the rebuilding of the chapel. We have received 49% of the funds necessary to rebuild the chapel. Thank you so very much for you kindness and generosity. Please continue to pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of more donors to give to this important project. |
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