In a large Austrian city, God is at work in the hearts of a group of Iranian Christians, who have come together around a common vision: to have a Persian speaking Bible school for Europe.With its established track record in training Iranian believers, it wasn’t long before they approached Elam College for assistance. In response to their request, Elam established their first extension school. In the two years since, eight Iranian students have completed 14 books of the programme, and a further three students joined the extension programme this year.
The teaching programme requires a student to study books and DVD’s in their own time, which is supported by regular three day group seminars and times of prayer with Elam lecturers every six weeks. We have been extremely impressed by the calibre and the spiritual development of the students on the programme. Fantastic times of prayer and worship have been had by all, and the students have been taking more active roles in their local congregations.
The scheme has proved to be an excellent means of uniting often divided Iranian Fellowships. Indeed the three leaders of key Iranian churches in the country, (affectionally dubbed the Trinity by one member of Elam staff), have all come together to embrace the programme. Each of the students enrolled on the course is also required to disciple five other would-be students in preparation for starting the extension programme themselves. Thus individuals are equipped not only with the head-knowledge, but also practical experience of dealing with pastoral issues. It is also hoped that this structure will increase the number receiving training as the programme continues.
After a recent seminar programme where the eleven students studied the book of Revelation and the Gospel of Luke from early morning until late at night, the Elam staff returned greatly encouraged by all they saw. Plans are underway to launch a programme in Germany, more material is being prepared for DVD and we hope to roll similar extension centres out across the globe in the years to come.
Please pray for our extension course students and staff, for the plans for new centres and the production of new audio/visual material.