2023 April Newsletter

AFTER RIGOROUS EXAMINATION, THREE SRL GRADUATES WERE ORDAINED AS PASTORS

SRL celebrates the ordination of three of its seminary graduates into the pastorate. The ordination ceremony of Pastors Leonel Cruz Hernández, William Gutiérrez, and Diego Niño took place in Facatativá, Colombia. Pastor Hernández plans pursuing his D. Min. through SRL. God has already provided new churches for them. The ordination of these three native pastors is the fulfillment of SRL’s objective—to biblically equip nationals to proclaim the Doctrines of Grace. Please pray that these pastors will fulfill their ministry calling.

13TH SRL CONVENTION IN MEDELLIN FROM JUNE 22-24, 2023 “KNOWING GOD/DIOS ES”

Dr. Burk Parsons, Senior Pastor of St. Andrew’s Chapel, Dr. Peter Lillback, President of Westminster Seminary, Dr. Sam Waldron, President of Covenant Baptist Seminary, Dr. Sugel Michelén, Pastor of IBSJ, and Dr. Del Belcher, Director of SRL’s Doctoral program, are among the speakers. Dr. Steven Lawson will participate via a video message. Attendees come from throughout Latin America to grow in their understanding of Theology Proper: the study of the works, character, and attributes of God. SRL has been privileged to host this convention for the last twelve years and to witness its growth into becoming the largest of its kind in Latin America. You are cordially invited to attend. http://tiny.cc/qly5vz. Simultaneous earphone translation is provided. The cost is $100.00 for registration only. Payment can be sent to SRL with “Medellin Convention” on the memo line. Click here to register online: https://bit.ly/srlcon2023. You may also contact Mr. Bill Elshoff at 321-262-5049 or belshoff@srlseminary.org for any assistance or travel arrangements. First class hotels and air travel are inexpensive.

SRL is delighted to introduce a new member to the ministry team—Bill Elshoff, Director of Development. Bill has been a supporter of SRL for many years and brings a heart for the Gospel Truth to be taught and exclaimed especially in the Americas. Bill and his wife Nina are both originally from Panama. He is highly conversant in Spanish and brings an in-depth familiarity of the Hispanic culture SRL serves. Bill has a career in education, with his most recent position being an academic dean at a FL state college. His focus will be to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to clearly communicate the mission of SRL and to increase the ministry’s visibility, impact, and financial resources.

As with so many of God’s workings through SRL, there is a story leading up to this point. I was in serious conversation with Bill over three years ago regarding such a role. He shared that although his position at the college was fulfilling, he wanted to serve the Lord in missions. I encouraged him to keep his job because I was not sure if SRL could pay his salary, even though he was willing to take a significant cut. Fast forward to this February, and unknown to me, Bill had already decided last year to transition from his job. He noticed that the February SRL newsletter mentioned this position and he let me know that he will soon be a “free bird.” We are excited that God has opened the window of opportunity for Bill to fly into! Bill will be reaching out to many supporters to seek your input on the ministry—what inspires you— and for your suggestions on what can be improved. Please feel free to communicate with Bill.

SRL AND WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE TO PROVIDE THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN LATIN AMERICA

SRL and Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS) are working toward an alliance for SRL students to take basic courses to prepare to begin their Master’s degrees. WTS and SRL will provide partial scholarships for 20 students. WTS will honor SRL’s Bachelor degrees and courses towards the Master’s program for qualified students. We are grateful to Dr. David Garner, Dean of WTS, and Pastor Aris Sanchez, WTS Global, for their efforts to create this cooperative study program. It is an honor to have Dr. Peter Lillback, President of WTS, visiting SRL Seminary in Medellin while he participates in the Convention in June.

REFORMED PASTORS & SRL STUDENTS TRAVELED FROM ACROSS CHILE TO HEAR DR. PARSONS

The two conferences last month in Argentina and Chile opened doors for the Reformation and for many to study at SRL. We thank all the speakers who donated their time as presenters. In Chile, we were invited to speak on a radio program that covers the entire country. Many who called in with a desire to attend the conference were disappointed that it was sold-out! Dr. Parsons held a special meeting with pastors only to encourage them regarding expository preaching and the proper use of hermeneutics, exegesis, and other tools.

IN MAY 2023 SRL INAUGURATES A NEW SITE IN QUEENS, N.Y.

By God’s grace, after almost a year of preparations, SRL will open a site in New York City to train future ministers of the Gospel. The largest population in Queens are Hispanics. A student enrollment drive is being spearheaded by our Hispanic Reformed church partner who will host the seminary, with the intention that the Doctrines of Grace will spread to many churches and through them to the over half-million Hispanics living in Queens, N.Y.

FROM 6/29 TO 7/1/23 SRL PARTICIPATES IN AN ECCLESIOLOGY CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate with Dr. Voddie Baucham, Justin Peters, J.W. Norman, Dr. Julio Benitez, Jeremy Colon, and other theologians who trust the work of SRL among the Hispanic community.

We could not be more excited about the future of SRL as God spreads the Doctrines of Grace throughout Latin America. I am so thankful for your support as SRL grows and responds to new opportunities to present the Gospel. With so many requests to provide theological education, we plead for your help. Please become an SRL monthly partner. There is no better way to make an investment in the Kingdom of God in Latin America.

For donations of any size, please send your contribution to the SRL PO Box, use this link (https://www.srlseminary.org/give), or scan this QR Code.

The Lord is risen indeed, (Luke 24:34a)

Dr. Noé S. Acosta, CEO & Chancellor

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1 Cor. 15:17 (NKJV)