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September 21, 2005
September 2005
Dear friends
It almost Fall! Where did the summer go? It’s just ending and already a blur. I’m trying to think of why it was such a great summer and there are just too many things. Let’s see. We had those “sit on the deck and enjoy the sunset” moments. Those were spectacular. We had our “get together on Friday nights and have great time with the neighbors, some of whom don’t know Jesus” moments. Those were a kick. We saw a spectacular performance by the Master Artist as he molded and shaped hearts and minds in Alvin’s Sunday school class on the Minor Prophets, his online class on the Gospel of Mark and my Summer Series on “Who Am I Really? – Knowing Who God made us”. The ministry is the Lord’s. When we let Him work we see what He will do with a heart and how He transforms a mind. Alvin’s students all commented that they have learned to read the Gospel of Mark with new eyes and to better understand its message from God. They gained the wealth that is in this gospel. It was hard work but a great experience. What a joy and a privilege to watch Him work.
But not all of this Summer was carefree and easy. We worried over and cared for my Dad, who showed up at our door one morning in June with a broken leg. 79 years old and he fell, working out at the gym. (I hope I got his genes. Actually, my mom, 80, was working out with him. We taught. We studied. We’re thinking a vacation would be a good idea.
To update you on the Online Program, it is growing. This year we began with 8 students from 6 countries. With the inquiries we have received, we expect to begin 2006, in January, with 15-20 students including a student from Cuba. Last year, we beta tested the program, offering 3 classes, one each trimester. Next year, January, 2006, for the official launch, we hope to be offering 12 classes. Online classes of this type are so interactive that they require on an average 125% of the time it takes to prepare for and teach a regular class. This calls for a great deal of planning and communication. So, it looks like a challenge lies ahead for next year.
Fortunately, to kick off this new challenge we were able to be in Guatemala in July. Alvin attended many meetings and was able to work out a lot of details for the coming year. At the same time, we had the privilege of assisting a team from Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, CA that served at SETECA. Wow! You would not believe all that they did to serve those on campus. Jeanie, the dental hygienist, dedicated 7 hours a day to caring for the students’ and workers’ dental health. Ted and Maria, the chefs and food scientists, with the help of Maricela’s translation, gave seminars on nutrition, food preparation, presentation and just about anything else you’d ever want to know about food. Tim and Glen refurbished 4 bathrooms and countless other details. And Betsy organized everyone and spent countless hours helping with the Promotion Department. All of this, not to mention the curtains and the mural they brought for the dorms, the clothes and small appliances to be given as gifts. Rarely have we seen such an enthusiastic outburst of grateful appreciation as we did for the services they rendered.
The Fall brings new challenges and opportunities to see the Master work. The following is a list of prayer requests:
• A great deal of preparation needs to go into the official launch of the Online Program. Pray for the Academic Committee of SETECA, for guidance and alacrity in the decisions that need to be made.
• Pray for wisdom, patience and perseverance for Alvin as he prepares for the launch.
• Pray for wisdom, creativity and perseverance for Laurie as she teaches 1 & 2 Timothy, finishes developing the study and prepares the leaders for the Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study at church.
• As always, pray for our support level.
Thank you for partnering with us to develop leaders who will reach the Spanish-speaking world.
Alvin & Laurie
Please note our new email addresses:
Alvin@alvinthompson.org
Laurie@alvinthompson.org
General notes: alnlaurie@adelphia.net
For information about our master’s program in Spanish, please visit us at www.seteca-maestria.org or write to us at setecamaestria@adelphia.net
Comments
Hi Grammi & Poppi! Sounds like your summer was pretty exciting. Liam and I had a good time visiting you this summer and seeing your house and camping out in your backyard. Can we come back to visit you again?
Posted by: Stefen Thompson at September 22, 2005 08:17 AM
