Jacinto Perez graduation

Nov 5, 2011

Today was the Graduation for Jorai (the Bible institute in Cotzal). Only one student graduated from the Diplomado Program this year. Jacinto Perez, the pastor of a Methodist Church in Cotzal, completed his third year of studies and earned a Diplomado Degree. Twelve individuals completed their second year and fourteen individuals completed their first year. The day started with a devotional time for all the students, teachers and staff of the program. This was a time of speeches and a sermon, prayer and thanks. We had the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of WIND and extended our congratulations from all of the supporters of the program.

I would like to put a few things into perspective here as it relates to what WIND is supporting at Jorai. Jacinto Perez has been the pastor of the Methodist Church for six years. He is a married man with six children. Every Sunday and Wednesday, in front of 50 – 60 of his flock, he preaches a sermon at his church. He is a man of very little education whose only requirement for acceptance into the program at Jorai was the ability to read (some) and write (some). His education the last three years at Jorai is the only formal education he has ever had. The degree he received, the Diplomado, is the equivalent to a sixth grade education. The Diplomado program offers very basic fill-in-the-blank Bible teaching. It is provided to pastors and individuals in the church who wish to obtain a greater understanding of the Bible. It does not offer any deep theological training. For Jacinto, the past three years has opened his eyes to the Bible which he has been teaching. By any standards of man, he is under prepared to lead his growing congregation. He remains hungry to learn more, but his economic situation does not make this possible. Through WIND, he was able to get some initial training and has a strong desire to continue if finances make it possible in the future. He sends his deepest appreciation to all the WIND supporters, and as he looked at us with emotion of the day written on his face he said, “You are an answer to my prayers.”

Jacinto was so very proud of his degree. His family and friends packed his church for the graduation ceremony. He held the diploma in his hands as if it were the greatest treasure ever received. At one point during the ceremony, his emotions got the best of him and he covered his eyes  as tears streaked down his face. He gave thanks to God for his education. Perhaps today Jacinto is a little more enlightened to the truth of God’s Word. It was a most amazing day and a great celebration.