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Ecuadorian Seminary Educating Leaders

The Latin American Intercultural Seminary (SEMILA) in Ecuador, South America, is a Church of God educational institution with Associate Missionaries Nestor and Donata Duque serving as president.

The majority of the recent graduates (52) encompassed all degree levels (Bachelor’s and Certificate) and are Quichua pastors and church leaders, all of whom will return to their communities in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador to build God’s kingdom among the poor and most needy.

Kelly Vargas, an Afro-Ecuadorian woman finished her Bachelor in Pastoral Studies and has planted a new church near the border of Peru. She traveled at least seven hours to attend classes.
Fransisco Asitimbay, a well-known Quichua worship singer in Ecuador, received a call to pastoring while studying at SEMILA. Completing his education, he will pastor a church in the Quichua community of Quisapincha. His wife and son also graduated with him.

Dr. David Ramirez, assistant general overseer for the Church of God and executive liaison to the Division of Education stated, “SEMILA is committed to equipping Christian leaders by providing biblical, theological, missiological, and practical education.” SEMILA received its certification as a Church of God Level III Granting institution in 2015.

President Nestor Duque says: “As missionary educators, we give God all the glory and honor, and are thankful to be part of this mission story among the Quichua people group and low-income pastors.”

To support SEMILA, please contact Church of God World Missions (cogwm.org) and reference project #102-9034.

(Source: Church of God World Missions)