2023 June Newsletter

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18 (NKJV)

NEW SRL LOGO – CALVIN’S GENEVA ACADEMY

This newsletter unveils the new SRL logo! Though the SRL logo has a more modern look that works well in our digital world, it stays true to its initial concept bearing the red and gold colors of Geneva, Switzerland, where John Calvin established the 16th century Geneva Academy. This academy catapulted the Reformation by training men and sending them throughout Europe. The graduates’ theological diploma also served as their death certificate! They all knew they faced martyrdom for taking the Reformation to their nations. SRL has become the 21st century Calvin’s Geneva Academy of Latin America by training individuals from many countries and sending them back to flood their nations with the Doctrines of Grace.

SRL SITE REPORT—SUNCHALES, ARGENTINA

Pastor Ramon Vargas, a bi-vocational pastor, searched extensively for instruction that is faithful to the Doctrines of Grace. Believing that it was impossible to receive such training in Argentina, he concluded that he would need to attend a Reformed seminary in the United States. But by God’s mercy, he discovered SRL and was overjoyed to learn that we would come and establish a site in his country.

Pastor Vargas earnestly promotes SRL classes and God graciously blesses his efforts. The SRL Sunchales site has enrolled 48 degree-seeking students, with 30 more students auditing classes. They differ in backgrounds and denominations, with most working during the day, or studying at the local university. Courses are taught by the visiting professor once a month on weekday evenings, and then a half-day on Saturday. Some participants join via Zoom from distant regions, including Paraguay! Instruction and assignments then continue with an SRL facilitating instructor.

An estimated 30% of the students are new to Reformed theology and often face opposition and expulsion from their churches for attending SRL classes. In God’s providence, classmates and instructors at SRL become a new family for them. They encourage each other in their Reformed biblical stand and help each other to plant faithful churches.

SRL Sunchales joins existing sites in Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Cuba in bringing the light of the True Gospel to illuminate God’s people and, by His grace, to reform the churches. Please pray for Pastor Vargas, his church, and his team to be successful in spreading the Doctrines of Grace throughout Argentina.

YOUR HELP IS ESSENTIAL FOR THESE URGENT MINISTRY NEEDS

1. SRL is blessed with 22 full and part-time employees in Latin America who serve all sites throughout the continent. These highly-skilled, talented professionals are committed to work for the Lord and are vital to the daily operations of the ministry. SRL needs $40,000 to help retain these essential employees. This amount will help provide competitive wages for now and for the foreseeable future. The US dollar fluctuation and the high inflation rate in Latin America increase the prices of their families’ daily necessities.

2. The Virtual Program is growing and the current video lectures must be updated. This requires new recording and editing equipment, as well as contracted technical services. In order to achieve this objective, SRL needs $10,000. This will ensure continuity of quality instruction for our online learners.

3. God utilized SRL to initiate two prolife centers in Medellín and Bogotá under the foundation name of Adonai Life and Dignity. Since its inception, Adonai has provided assistance, counseling, and education to 1,901 women. Also, 5,307 informational brochures have been distributed. Thanks to God, 29 babies have been saved as of today. Because SRL is an educational ministry, Adonai must be independent from SRL. Therefore, we are seeking someone who can lead Adonai’s management, promotion, and fundraising in the USA. This life-saving mission can be operated from any place in the United States. Anyone interested should contact SRL for more information. Visit this link to watch a video about Adonai's operations: https://bit.ly/FAVD2023

SRL SUCCESSFULLY OPENED A SITE IN QUEENS, NEW YORK

It is a joy to report that SRL officially opened a site in Queens, NY. After a three-day lecture series attended by pastors and prospective students, SRL identified a dynamic Reformed Pastor, Nestor Diaz, who will serve as the site coordinator. A church has provided a superb facility at no cost to SRL. Scheduling of courses and registration of students have already begun!

13th ANNUAL SRL REFORMATION CONFERENCE IN MEDELLIN – JUNE 22 TO 24, 2023

The auditorium is almost full! If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. If you are not able to attend but would like to listen to the English-speakers’ lectures, recordings will be made available in July. SRL is grateful to Mr. Chris Larson, President of Ligonier Ministries, and Mr. Emanuel Betances, Ligonier Ministries’ Senior Field Manager in Latin America, for their participation and donation of hundreds of books that will be provided to those attending. Our gratitude also extends to the following speakers and lecturers:

Sincerely in Christ,

Dr. Noé S. Acosta

SRL Chancellor