Equipping Pastors International -- Matthew Burt
equippingpastors.com
The Reformation is alive and growing in the Spanish-speaking world and we have the privilege of being a part of what God is doing! Twenty-four professors traveled to Latin American in July and August teaching twenty-four courses to prospective pastors and church-planters in the many teaching sites operated by Reformed Seminary of Latin America (including Cuba!). In August the Colombian government approved student visas for three students to come to Medellin from Equatorial Guinea, the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa. Their goal is not only to receive a theological education for themselves, but to make a way for a new SRL teaching site in their country. I look forward to meeting them when I return to Medellin.
Interest has been expressed in Spain for theological training in the country where the Reformation has never taken root. In March I will take part in a Conference that includes Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Reeves, and Steven Lawson—all Ligonier Fellows, to kick off a new SRL work in Barcelona. In Honduras, one of my first students, Samuel Bustillo, has joined his father in gathering pastors together for teaching and training that they have never had the opportunity to receive. They have had fifty men at a time for these sessions. Samuel is using what he learned in Medellin to strengthen the Church in his home country. It is exciting and humbling to see what God is doing in these countries and many others besides. Let me encourage you to sign up to receive the monthly SRL newsletter that gives more up to date information. www.srlseminary.org
This has been a busy year for me and my teaching for the Seminary. I have traveled to Medellin four times (February, April, June, and August). It was wonderful to be able to be with the same group of students so often in that timeframe. I taught Theology, Philosophy, and Medieval and Reformation Church History. I also went to Orlando in June and July teaching “Introduction to Theology” to twenty-seven students representing seven countries. In October, I will be in San Diego again to teach Medieval Church History I am so grateful for the way that God has prepared me and allowed me to continue to learn and work.
And continue to work is what I want to do, and what I am able to do with the help of my many partners. In 2025, I am already scheduled to be in Medellin, Barcelona, Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Orlando. My work at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah helps offset some of my expenses as well. Reg and I will prayerfully consider other opportunities if they are presented to us. I want to take advantage of these opportunities wisely. Reg is an invaluable part of this work, encouraging, advising, and accompanying me when she can. A part of the reason she goes with me is to show our students a ministry marriage at work, something that we have been told is helpful for our students, both those who are married and unmarried.
As always, I am thankful for your partnership in this work. I could not do it without your prayers and support. Pray that I will have energy, mental acuity, safety in travel, and wisdom in decision-making. Pray too, for the men who serve as translators when I teach. They are wonderful servants of God and make my work possible. Pray also for the hundreds of students enrolled in SRL that they will be quick and eager learners ready to serve our Lord in His work.
