The past week has been another week of firsts, not only for the Asunción Bible Academy, but for me, as well. Students at the ABA finished their first quarter of studies in their two-year program a week ago. This past week they had their first short course, which gave them a taste of how intensive a study can be, receiving an entire course in just one week. It was also my first time to teach Bible Geography.
For the students' part, they are surviving quite well. And that is impressive, given the fact that we only had four days for the class because of my schedule. That meant our class ran from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. On Thursday we finished at 3:00 p.m. only because they had one more class they had to finish after that! They seemed genuinely interested and engaged in the study and we had a good time together. For my part, I enjoyed the class, too. It's a very interesting subject that I would not mind developing further.
Earlier, I had reported that one of the students, our only female student, in fact (Karen), has been diagnosed with Dengue Fever. I learned further that not only she, but her mother also contracted the fever. Her mother was hospitalized, but Karen has not been, so far. She is, at this time, some improved. Apparently, the fever has been worse so far this year. Several of the members of the Sacramento Ave. congregation have contracted it so far this year. Thankfully, this week was much cooler which kept the mosquitos subdued and I only saw a few and was not bitten.
As I write this short report, I am on my way home to Denver. I have only a few short days before heading to Honduras for the graduation of the students of the Honduras Bible Institute, but it will be good to be home for a bit.
Thank you for your interest in this great work! God bless,
Donnie Bates