Pentecostal economics

Going bankrupt in a Latin American Bible College is different. After meetings and investigations an email went out today announcing a reduction in discounts for staff accommodation. Taking drastic action just doesn’t seem to fit into a world where it’s sunny all day, and from your office you hear the birds and someone singing to a guitar. I guess mañana something will be done.

What has been remarkable has been the time given to prayer. Mornings have been spent in it. The Board of Directors divided its time to include chunks of intercession. Students have met during the 10 minute slots between classes. Belief in miracles is strong, and so everyone makes plans for the coming semester.

As an unbeliever in Pentecostal economics I shake my head, struggle to sleep at nights, but maybe the day of my conversion is coming.

Have a look at the latest YouTube on Medellín and see what a different world we live in. One of our Colombian lecturers is singing in the background: his theme – the greatness of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnnxrwSvQ6E
(If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste it into your browser)

We leave next week for a short break in the UK.

Photo: A child-like trust in God is what Jesus talked about and many latinos practice

Executioner's steps

Sunday’s Presidential elections were the most peaceful for 40 years. However, it’s still been a memorable week: we heard that the Seminary needs to be closed down or substantially downgraded. Today I saw a vulture strutting along the Seminary roof, its wings like black sackcloth.

We have bills of ₤40,000 to pay with only ₤2,000 in the Bank. The 30 staff are without salaries and reserves have evaporated. Last Christmas something similar happened, but to say it’s a financial crisis is misleading: the Seminary’s just not sustainable in its present form. Generous donations this month will simply waylay the executioner The Seminary board has emergency meetings.

Yet an email arrived from the Dean about exam arrangements in 12 months time, written as if all were normal. Olwen’s off this weekend to speak at a Pastors’ wives retreat. And God is, so things can change in unthought-of ways.

But it all leaves me shaken, nervous and in a fog. Jesus’ “of little faith” disciples perhaps felt the same.

Photo: Juan David - happy graduate and now a pastor