Leaving on an Airplane
I am writing this article on a plane headed to Cuba. Drs. Bruce Corley, Adlin Cotto, Mr. Robert Cotto and myself are going to Carroll’s first graduation on the island. Carroll Institute has been equipping a cohort of students for the past seven years with over 12 trips from the states to bring accredited theological education to over 60 church leaders there. We will graduate 22 students with the Master of Arts in Theology degree and present 176 certificates of training.
Traveling with us are Greg and Gayle Boyd who have been partners with Carroll to equip church leaders in Cuba since the beginning. Their participation as members, and with resources from Park Cities Baptist Church, have made our efforts possible. Doug Rees, the son of Buddy Rees, who was instrumental in Carroll’s presence on the island, is also traveling with us. Buddy went home to be with the Lord in 2009, and in appreciation of Buddy’s tireless work, we will establish The Buddy Rees School of Ministry in the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Camagüey. Buddy’s widow, Faye Rees, the Rees family, friends and co-workers with Buddy have provided the funds to establish and support the school of ministry in the church. Please consider contributing to our continuing efforts and the new Buddy Rees School of Ministry.
While we are in Cuba, Dr. Sam Carmack, a Carroll Governor and Resident Fellow, is in St. Petersburg, Russia teaching and participating in the graduation of four students who have earned the Master of Arts in Theology degree through our partnership with the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. Dr. Jim Spivey has been instrumental in providing instruction and resources for over 20 students there.
These two events demonstrate our commitment to deliver accredited theological education to Christ-centered leaders in their contexts through a network of ministry partners.
Speaking of partners, I was privileged with Dr. Stan Moore, a Carroll Senior Fellow, to serve with Carroll Resident Fellows, Drs. Jimmy Dorrell and Tomi Grover, in the “No Need Among You” conference held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin, TX, this month. Students Larry and Megan Key along with others attended a course and conference which focused on ministry in urban settings.
Before you think all I notice is our unique settings for delivering accessible, affordable, achievable theological education, 295 readers and students are enrolled in Carroll courses online, in our Teaching Churches, and in our global sites this fall.
The legacy of our namesake who began equipping pastors in his study continues, and I hope you will join us for the celebration of B. H. Carroll’s life, legacy and vision on November 10 and 11. Please read the information in this newsletter and make your reservation to be part of this historic event.
As we move to the end of the year, please prayerfully consider giving a financial gift to support the work of Carroll as we equip missional leaders here and around the world.
My prayer for you is that of Boaz to Ruth for her kindness: May the Lord reward your work and may a full reward be given to you from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you came to take refuge.
Ruth 2:12
Serving with you,
