Berea Presbyterian Theological Seminary - March 2020 Update

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace.*

At least 240,000 people speak the Ch'ol language in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The Outreach Foundation has had the privilege of coming alongside the work of Christian witnesses in the region by promoting the development of ministries that respectfully address the cultural features of the Ch'ol people, who are direct descendants of the Mayan civilization.

Our partner in Palenque, Chiapas, the Berea Presbyterian Theological Seminary, places a high value on the development of pastors and worship leaders who speak the Ch'ol language. Its staff and graduates have played an essential role in the editing of materials that can be used by Ch'ol speaking congregations in Chiapas and other states.

On February 5, people from the four presbyteries that are part of the Ch'ol Synod of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico gathered on the campus of Berea Seminary to hold a worship service for the dedication of the Ch'ol hymnal. The momentous occasion came as a result of thirty years of work. While some of the beloved songs were initially written in Ch'ol, others are from English and Spanish origin. You can hear one of the tunes included during the service in the video above.

In collaboration with the Bible Societies, a new version of the New Testament in Ch’ol was released last year, and the completion of the Ch’ol Old Testament is anticipated for 2021. In a true display of the unity of God's people in mission, South Korean Presbyterians have been strong allies in these initiatives.

The careful efforts of Ch'ol Christians in translating the message of Christ in their language is complemented by a mission vision that leads them to send and support missionaries to serve in other parts of Mexico. Increasingly, they are also sending some of their families to minister among speakers of other languages in different regions of Mexico. Eventually, they hope to be able to send missionaries to places like Cuba, Bolivia, and even other continents.

Last July, Outreach coordinated a visit by Dr. Elaine Vaden, who serves as a theological educator with the Antioch Partners, to the Berea Presbyterian Theological Seminary campus. The seminary welcomes those who would like to visit and become more familiar with how they work to carry out Christ's mission. Opportunities to teach intensive courses can also be arranged.

Dr. Lamin Sanneh, former professor of Missions and World Christianity at Yale Divinity School, once stated that "translation is the original language of Christianity." We have much to learn from our Ch'ol sisters and brothers. They model to us how to take seriously the roots and dynamic expression of our shared faith in the world. Their commitment shows us how, in Christ Jesus, God approaches the cultures of this world in dignified and redemptive ways. You and I have the privilege of being part of that ongoing translation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad,
The honors of Thy name*

Grateful for your partnership,

Juan Sarmiento
Associate Director for Mission

*From "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," a hymn by John Wesley

Read more about Berea Presbyterian Theological Seminary HERE.

THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $10,000 for scholarships and books for the library. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.