During our missionary orientation, we were warned that our job description on paper might not match our job description in reality when we arrived in our host country.This was true for us.Asked to come and craft a theological program for the Convention of Baptist Churches in Southern Baja, Mexico, we have spent the last two years waiting to see this vision unfold.But often there is wisdom in waiting.Because while we waited, God was working in people's hearts, laying the groundwork to implement the vision.

And so, earlier this year when a family of the First Baptist Church of La Paz donated land to build a seminary, we saw the vision begin.We had held theological workshops and seminars in the churches, but we noticed that when people realized a seminary building program was taking shape, attitudes changed.People began to say, "Oh, this will be something permanent, long-term.I can count on this."And perhaps even more important, if we read between the lines, people were saying, "I can count on you.You really have come to partner with us in a long-term project.You will not abandon us."

The first week in October the land was cleared.Now convention members are volunteering time to dig holes and begin the foundation work.A work group from FBC of Fairbury, Illinois arrives on October 10th to begin laying cement block for the walls.It is the hope that by the end of the year, two classrooms and an office will be constructed.Eventually, more classrooms, bathrooms, and a dormitory are planned.Work groups from FBC of Littleton, MA and FBC of Bethlehem, PA are coming next February and March to continue the project.

The seminary is being funded by pledged support from members of the convention as well as specific gifts from ABC churches in the United States.Your mission dollars are making the vision of a theological education program in La Paz become a reality!Thank you for sharing Jesus in such a tangible way, for lifting burdens in Mexico.

In Christ,

David and Joyce Reed