In 2015 there are several opportunities that the Lord has opened up for HeartCry missionaries to be involved in the preparation of pastors and church planters in Latin America. Please join us in praying specifically for these opportunities, that they might all be useful in raising up strong, Christ-centered churches across the region, led by men who are rooted and grounded in the Scriptures. We recognize that all of these efforts are futile, apart from God graciously granting power and effectiveness to the teaching and application of His Word. Please ask that He would grant lasting fruit in each of these opportunities.

Lima Bible Academy with David Barnes

HeartCry continues to partner with the Bible Academy founded by veteran missionary David Barnes. The Bible Academy is designed to offer further theological and pastoral preparation for men who are currently serving as pastors or teachers in the local church. By God’s grace, David hopes to begin expanding the Academy to more pastors in Lima and throughout Peru, wherever the Lord opens doors. Since the Academy is conducted in a module format, consisting of one-week sessions of intensive courses, it is very mobile and can be carried out in any town or village where pastors are able to meet.

Though there are a large number of churches established in Peru, in many cases the pastors have little or no formal theological preparation. Many pastors and leaders are hungry to grow in their knowledge of the Word and be more effective in their respective ministries. Please pray that the Lord would grant David wisdom as he seeks to discern how to move forward with the Academy. Pray that the Lord would open the necessary doors and bring the Academy into contact with those pastors who would desire further preparation.

Pastoral Training in Northern Peru

In 2015, there will also be increased efforts in the preparation of pastors in northern Peru, primarily in Pacaipampa and Morropón, two mountain regions near the border with Ecuador. HeartCry missionaries Javier Carhuapoma, Jose Luis Siancas, and Carlos Garcia have headed up these efforts, and will participate in a portion of the teaching. The rest of the teaching will be carried out by American teachers and other Latin American pastors. There will be modules offered every two months for current pastors, beginning in January. Lord willing, a total of around 45 pastors will participate in these training modules. During these weeklong modules, three courses will be taught throughout the day, from morning to evening. For many of the pastors, this will likely be the first formal theological training they have ever received. Pray that the Lord would raise up faithful teachers for these courses, and that the teaching would be filled with power from on high, producing God-honoring fruit in the lives of the pastors and their churches.

Beginning to Train Missionaries in Rosario, Argentina

HeartCry missionaries Esteban Toloza and Nicolas Serrano, both pastoring the church Familia de Gracia in Rosaio, Argentina, have begun training Ariel Umaño, a church planter from Buenos Aires. After beginning a church plant in Buenos Aires a few years ago, Ariel and his wife decided to spend either one or two years in Rosario, while he serves as an intern under the discipleship and instruction of Esteban and Nicolas. Throughout his time there, he will be helping in the teaching and preaching, while also receiving intensive theological instruction.

The church in Rosario hopes to become a training and sending base for many missionaries to Argentina, and this seems to be the first step in that process. Pray that the Lord would grant grace and wisdom to Esteban and Nicolas as they seek to further prepare Ariel for church planting, and that Ariel’s time there would prove profitable for eternity. Pray also that the Lord might grant direction to the two pastors as they seek to discern how the Lord might be leading them in the future training of pastors and missionaries in Argentina.