Equipping Students in Argentina
By David Hoffman, vice president, John Stott Ministries
Stanley Clark holds up a copy of a commentary on Galatians.
Students at seminaries and Bible colleges in Argentina and across Latin America face a common problem: the cost of textbooks and study materials, an expense that could mean the difference between finishing a study program and abandoning their studies. Langham Literature is doing its part with programs that make resources available to Majority World theological institutions, their libraries, teaching staff, students and alumni and to pastors, preachers and scholars.
“Many of our students would simply not be able to complete their studies,” said Stanley Clark from the Baptist Seminary in Buenos Aires. “For example, in their first semester students take a course on Galatians. The Galatians books would cost a student $50, and with the John Stott Ministries subsidy program, it will only cost them $25. Without this program they would not be able to complete their studies.”
Certeza Bookstores in Argentina helps Langham Literature with the "subsidy program" that helps absorb some of the expense of resources for seminary students.
The Additional Book Program (ABP), known to Argentinean students simply as the “subsidy program,” is one of two literature programs that John Stott Ministries operates in Argentina through agent Beatriz Buono of Certeza bookstores. The second program is the Library Grants Program (LGP) that in Argentina is known as “regalos biblioteca,” or gifts for libraries. As a licensed book importer, Certeza is able to ensure that these two programs can be offered to over 50 seminaries and bible colleges throughout Argentina.
The Baptist Seminary is one example of how these Langham Literature programs are helping. With tough economic times, this school that was started by the Southern Baptist church now offers evening courses for approximately 180 students each semester and extension courses for another 100 students. Students can earn a two-year basic degree or a three-year advanced degree. All students at the seminary benefit as the library receives a gift of $200 each year through the LGP, and students studying the Bible can benefit from the ABP program when purchasing books related to these courses. The same story was repeated by the leaders at the Seminary for the Assemblies of God and the large ecumenical seminary, ISEDET University Institute.
“Our graduates become pastors or missionaries,” says Stanley Clark. “As missionaries they will serve mostly in Afganistan and Northern Africa as well as Latin America. Over the course of their two years of study, each student will take 10 courses related to the Bible. Thanks to John Stott Ministries, they will save $250, which for most students will be the difference they need to complete their studies.”
Visit the Langham Photo Gallery to see more pictures of schools in Argentina.
Visit the Langham Literature program page for more information on how you can help support the grant programs.