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Recent Prayer Requests

Greetings from Costa Rica!

I want to give you a status update on the prayer requests that we recently sent out to you. We asked that you pray for a couple of very specific requests. First, the kid's school books were stuck in customs and awaiting the "proper" paperwork before they could be released. The Lord is good and we have received all but one box. The last box remains in customs and they continue to ask for information in a particular format, which we submit only to find out that one of details were missing or do not appear exactly to their liking. I re-submitted paperwork last week so we are hoping for some good news on this front this week. Please continue to pray for this last box!

We also asked that you pray for my Hebrew proficiency exam, which I took last week. Unfortunately, I did not pass the exam. I am disappointed but, in speaking with professors and friends, I am convinced that this is the Lord's guidance. As things now stand, I will remain at Columbia Biblical Seminary but I will switch to the Theological Studies program. I am not certain how, exactly, this will impact my dissertation topic but I trust that God will continue to guide my steps in this process. I thank you for your prayers and the results of this test are a clear answer to those prayers. 

New Role at ESEPA

     As you know, I have had the tremendous privilege of serving ESEPA as the Dean for the last four years. I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to assist the leadership of an education institution and I am very grateful for the opportunity. However, as ESEPA grows and changes, our needs change as well.

     Last week the Board of Directors voted to name me the Director (President) of the institution. I have agreed to the position and I take over in this new role today. While I am excited about this change, I also recognize that I have a steep learning curve ahead of me and significantly increased responsibility. Please pray that God would give wisdom for this new role and the ability to lead in humility.

     I think this might be a good time to share the general vision of ESEPA. Our desire is to be an institution that the Evangelical Church in Latin America chooses for the training and formation of her servants. While that vision may seem lofty, we know there is a need for theological training in Latin America and the need is far greater than the opportunities for people to access theological education. I hope to lead our institution forward, together with our faculty and staff, to provide quality theological education for as many pastors and lay people as we can.

     Please pray for ESEPA during this time of transition. I would also ask that you pray for me as I adjust to this new role. Finally, a number of important decisions are coming up this month, so please pray that God would give me wisdom to discern the right steps.

Thank you for your continued prayers, we so grateful for each of you!

Love,
Andrew, Julie, Ana and Bryan

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