We received evaluations from more than 100 participants at the recent 5th International Bible School Conference held in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic in February.  Our staff at our office in Panama compiled the results from these evaluations.  We consider these to be very formative, helping shape the emphasis and direction of the Bible School Resource and Advisory Center (BSRAC).

The two most important questions asked were:

• What are the top necessities of your Bible School(s)?
• What are the most important services that the Resource and Advisory Center needs to offer?

The responses of the participants are included in the side panel.  Although there weren't any surprises, the observations are interesting and helpful.  They remind us that the Bible School Resource and Advisory Center provides a vital service to the Bible school--the educational system that trains pastors, evangelists, missionaries and teachers.

Training of professors is the top need identified and needs to be the top service offered by the BSRAC.  The most effective training is offered on the local level.  The BSRAC, working with the international committee appointed several months ago, is working on developing a teacher training program to provide orientation to new teachers as well as continuing training for all professors.  Our major emphasis will be to "train the trainers."

National and International conferences was identified as the second most important service offered.  Of course, these conferences provide for teacher training, especially the national conferences held.  Our desire is to increase the number of national conferences and to include key national leaders in these conferences.

The International Bible School Conference, held every two years in the even years, is part of the main strategy for the BSRAC.  In addition to this conference, the BSRAC hosts a Bible School Dialogue in Panama.  This is held every two years, but in the odd years.  A representative from each Latin American and Caribbean country is invited to participate along with a few missionaries invited who are actively involved Bible school ministry.  Representatives share reports on issues and trends.  The group identifies the top four or five issues for further consideration.  Small groups develop these topics.  The final part of the two-day dialogue is to begin preliminary planning of the International conference that occurs the following year.

Please be in prayer for the Bible School Dialogue that is coming up in April of 2005, shortly after we return to Panama.  Please pray for our staff that are providing support to Bible school leaders around the Latin America region.  Pray for us as we raise funds for this important ministry.

What are the top necessities of your Bible School(s) in order of priority (with "1" as the most important)?

What are the most important services that the Resource and Advisory Center needs to offer (with "1" as the most important service)?