There are two Bible Schools in Central America, at the end of each year, one in Costa Rica and one in El Salvador. Each year, on an alternating basis, one of the two countries hosts a larger, international school, inviting brothers and sisters from neighboring countries to participate, while the other does a smaller school, mainly for the members of that country. This year it was El Salvador’s turn to host the smaller Bible School.

It was once again a joy to be with the brothers, sisters and young people at the school. There were a few visitors from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the US, so including the Salvadorans there were more than 80 of us in attendance.

The young people’s classes were given by Bre. Cristian Mamani and Sami Borja, both from La Paz, Bolivia. Their topic was “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”, dealing with themes such as social media, career choices, appropriate friendships and the importance of finding partners in the Truth. As one might imagine there was plenty of interaction during these sessions!  There are some pictures he sent us from one of his classes.  The kids were in discussion groups – then each group chose someone to report on what they talked about.

The younger children did the life of Joseph, immersing themselves wholeheartedly in the drama of the story.

The main adult classes were given by Salvadoran brethren on the theme “Not losing our first love.” The men’s class was on the importance of the family in the ecclesial structure, while the women focussed on the passage in the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus tells us, “Leave your gift before the altar, and go: first be reconciled to your brother.”

Other activities included sports for the young folk and Bible bingo for the less agile. In the evenings there were the daily readings, the traditional Bible quiz and skits by the children and young people, one being a modern rendition of the Prodigal Son. A group of girls entertained us with Jewish dancing, then later everyone gathered around the traditional bonfire until midnight.

For our members and young people scattered around Latin America, gatherings such as this play a critical role in establishing and maintaining some degree of the widespread fellowship and friendships we enjoy in North America. All are very grateful to the CBMA for making these events possible.