LIKE GOING HOME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2008

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"Like going home." Those are the words Richard Elligson, Assistant Professor of Missions at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF), used to describe his recent mission trip to the city of Cururupu in Northeast Brazil. Elligson and his family served as IMB missionaries to that same region before returning to the States in 2006 to teach at BCF. This was Elligson's first time back to the country, and for him it was an emotional event. "We love the Northeast of Brazil," he said, "the people, the language, the food, the culture. It was a privilege to live and serve in the region before, and to have the opportunity to go back was such a blessing. It really did feel like going home."

Elligson's trip was not simply to visit, but to teach a course as part of a partnership the college formed with Linc-Up Missions. The goal of the partnership is to provide quality theological education and practical training to Brazilian pastors and church leaders in that region. "Training church leaders has always been a problem in the interior areas of Brazil," Elligson stated. "Until now, the only option for potential church leaders was to leave their homes and move to one of the larger cities to study. That's simply too expensive and impractical for the majority of people. And besides that, those who complete their education in the big city seldom return to their rural homes to serve. The solution is to offer quality training on the field, where it is needed. The week-long modular courses we offer are doing just that."

The forty Brazilian students who have been participating in the training over the last two years eagerly agree. They arrive from small towns all around the area, go to class every day, complete assignments, participate in group projects, and take exams. So far, BCF professors and other partners have taught nine modules, with topics ranging from Old and New Testament Survey, to the Spirit-Led Life, Basic Theology, Preaching, Church Administration and more. Elligson's topic was "Missions, Evangelism and Church Planting." The final modul - The Gospel of John - will be offered in October, with a graduation planned for November.

"Our objective is to provide more than just a theological education," Elligson said. "Every class is designed to give practical training that not only strengthens the existing church, but ultimately leads to the planting of new, culturally appropriate, reproducing congregations."

And it's working. Over the last few years, the First Baptist Church of Cururupu has seen at least six new congregations started in the area - all of which are led by course participants - with more on the way. As one student put it, "Our goal is not to plant a church; it"s to reach our people."

For Elligson, the trip was a double-blessing. "I was able to spend time enjoying the people I love. But more importantly, I was able to witness their commitment to 'Changing the World Through the Unchanging Word.®' I am ready to go back!"