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160 National and Missionary Delegates from 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries, attended the 5th International Bible School Conference held February 16-19 at the Central Bible School facilities in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The conference was sponsored by the Bible School Resource and Advisory Center, headquartered in Panama City, Panama. Rod and Sherry Boyd serve as directors of the Center. The theme of the conference "Consecrated to Study, Fulfill and Teach the
Word" was taken from Ezra 7:10. Jesse Miranda--former superintendent of
the Pacific Latin District and now chair of the intercultural ministries
department at Vanguard University--was the keynote speaker and challenged the
group to personal devotion and ministerial training. There were a variety
of teaching methods used in the conference including general sessions,
workshops, forums and panel discussions that covered topics such as:
The Inspirational services in the evenings challenged participants to deeper learning and commitment.
In one service, the superintendent presented an urgent need to evacuate Venezuelan missionaries that were trapped in Haiti during the recent civil violence. One by one the delegates came to the front to present their offering to help. Nearly $1,000 in cash was given by the end of the service! An additional $600 came in the next day. The family was safely evacuated by small plane, arriving to the Bible school campus where we were within two days.
In addition, Larry and Dorothy Cederblom, missionaries in Panama and the Dominican Republic for more than 30 years and founders of the Resource Center, were honored in the closing banquet. Two hundred were present, including the Cederblom's son, Tim and their granddaughter, who made a special trip to Santo Domingo for the banquet.
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By
Rod and Sherry Boyd
Three
publishing houses and representatives from the various educational ministries of
the Assemblies of God including the Christian Training Network, Latin America
School of Theology and Global University had exhibitions and participated in a
panel discussion. 
God
moved in miraculous ways before and during the conference. Visas were
issued at the last minute so that two Cuban leaders were able to attend.
Some reported physical healings. Others were renewed in their call to
train ministers. 
Two
veteran missionaries were honored for the years of service. The Resource
Center and the Dominican Republic national church each presented Monroe David
Grams with a plaque in recognition of his decades of service in education in the
Assemblies of God in Latin America. Two of his children, Rocky and Mona,
were present to participate in the conference and honor their father.
Thank
you to all who have been praying for the ministry of the Bible School Resource
and Advisory Center. Please continue to pray for our staff who are working
in Panama while we are in the States. Pray for preparations that are
underway for a meeting of the Bible School Commission that will meet in
Guatemala in October. Pray for the meeting of country representatives and
missionaries that will take place in April 2005.