THIRD SEMESTER COMPLETED

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2, ESV).

Last Friday we finished the third semester of classes with the Colombia Baptist Seminary since we moved to Tenjo. I had a few weeks where I wondered how God would help me finish everything he was calling me to do, but he was faithful! Here are a few highlights from the semester:

üOur theme was “Perseverance” and the students were challenged to persevere under all circumstances.

üTeaching Expository Preaching was a blessing. Two of my students preached in churches yesterday, applying what we learned in class.

üTeaching Romans was a challenge, but for being the first time I’ve taught the course in 17 years it went well.

üHolly taught three days of English class with one of my groups. I’m excited about how she can contribute more in the future.

Please pray for a good group of incoming students for 2026!

The Third-Year Students after Finishing Romans

SEMINARY MISSIONS TRIP

As I mentioned in our last prayer letter, Holly and I will be leading (for the first time) the seminary missions trip. Lord-willing we’ll leave this Friday and return on the following Thursday (Nov. 28 – Dec. 4).  We’ll be traveling to Sibaté, a town southwest of Bogota, and to Fusagasugá, a small city farther down the mountain. These trips are designed to give our students ministry exposure in different parts of the country. Pray that God would use us to share the gospel with many people, and that he would also move in the students’ hearts for future ministry.

Graduation Banquet

Prayer update: Thanks for praying for the missions conference in Santa Marta and for the couples’ retreat. The church was excited to have their first missions conference and to meet their missionary (Ever). Also, I was preaching at a church in Bogota last month, and a couple came up to Holly and me to tell us that God had used the couples’ retreat in a powerful way in their lives. They are not believers yet, but the pastor has begun a Bible study with them. To God be the glory!

Church plant news: We continue to see God work in the church plant in Tabio. A young couple from church, Miguel Angel and Daniela, are planning on beginning their studies at the seminary in 2026, and Nicolas, my friend from the book club in Tabio, has begun to attend a Story of Hope Bible study we have on Tuesdays.

CULTURAL NOTE

Most Colombian schools start their school year at the end of January and finish at the beginning of December. This gives them a “summer break” in December and January. Tenjo has a number of bilingual schools, and it’s not uncommon for students to travel an hour or more from Bogota to attend classes. (photo from Gimnasio Campestre Reino Británico)

KIDS’ CORNER

Jason continues to play chess, and he won a tournament for his age that was held to celebrate the 16th anniversary of his club in Bogota. We’re excited that Lucas and Clarissa are planning on visiting us in December.

Yours for Colombia and the gospel,

Jonathan, Holly, Marcos, and Jason Boyd

Prayer Requests

-For the salvation of Roberto and Olga, and Nicolas

 

-For the seminary missions trip

 

-For a good group of incoming students for 2026