Learning the whole Bible to take the gospel around the world

By Josh Parsley and Diego Herrera | Ecuador in South America

The first MOCLAM study group.

Eunice is one of the few second-generation Christians in Loja, Ecuador, and a deaconess at her church, Mustard Seed. She always believed that the whole Bible pointed to Jesus, but she didn’t quite understand how, apart from a few verses in Isaiah.

She confessed, “I really never understood what the Old Testament was about and how it connected with the New Testament.” Thanks to Moore College Latin America (MOCLAM), a new ministry initiative of SIM Ecuador’s Words of Hope ministry, she can now explain from cover to cover how the entire Bible points to Jesus and God’s redemptive plan.

MOCLAM is an undergraduate training programme of Sydney, Australia’s Moore College but customised for different parts of the world. The focus of the course is to provide accessible theological education.

SIM Ecuador team member Diego Herrera said, “MOCLAM has a Christocentric focus, meaning all the subjects have been developed to show how Jesus and his work is the centre of the biblical narrative. This, I think, makes MOCLAM fitting for our context because, in my judgment, this is what the Latin American church needs the most.”

The first study group formed in September and will last a year, covering various classes. The goal is that men and women grasp a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the Bible and be equipped to share that story in places where Christ is not known.

Another participant, Weston, said, “MOCLAM has encouraged me in multiple ways, such as showing me the need for biblical training in the church, starting with myself, and how vast and amazing God’s Word is. That makes me want to share it with others.” 

Because the first study group represents various local churches, several congregations in Loja are being impacted. As believers like Eunice and Weston grow in their knowledge of scripture, the SIM Ecuador team trusts God will use this to extend the good news of Christ to least-reached communities.

Serve with us

Words of Hope is looking to start more MOCLAM groups like this and needs group leaders. There is a growing desire among churches to equip believers with in-depth teaching, but few who are available to lead. Is God calling you to walk alongside the church in Loja? Contact us today.

Pray with us

• Pray for the current participants to remain steadfast in the programme.

• Pray for God to provide more leaders to teach new groups.

• Pray that Words of Hope has clarity in serving the local church well, as many training opportunities abound.