For many years the Bible Society of Costa Rica and other evangelical participants have been producing a radio program called “God Speaks Today” which touches on many diverse topics from a Biblical perspective. Many of the most recognized Latin American theologians have been interviewed on the program and for that reason the program is highly relevant to the church and its mission.
On June 8, 2012, an agreement was signed between the Bible Society of Costa Rica (SBCR) and the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS), which began with a conversation between Francisco Zuniga (the producer and announcer of the radio program “God Speaks Today”) and Rev. Franlym Pena (the Coordinator of Undergraduate programs at SENDAS) that the program be available online so that it could be heard by the evangelical community by podcast. The podcast webpage will be developed and ready very soon.
Mayra Ugalde, the General Director of SBCR, says this about this alliance, “It seems to me that making this agreement is an excellent contribution for the students of Latin America in that they can learn more about the Bible. The Nazarene Seminary has been characterized as an institution that emphasizes the Word of God and that has contributed to the leadership of the continent. This agreement does not have any financial aspects since its purpose is to contribute to the development and expanding of the Kingdom of God and the better preparing leaders. If in having this agreement we can contribute, we will do so.”
Dr. Ruben Fernandez, SENDAS President, says, “In this time, one of the challenges for theological education is ‘How can we provide quality training using today’s tools, that will be attractive and easy to use?’ ‘How can we reach those who desire to prepare themselves to serve but who are very busy and who are physically very far from a study center?’ This audio material will help to give more depth to what the professor is teaching and will serve as a consultation resource for the students of the Nazarene Seminary, to enrich their learning. The Bible is the center of all that we do. I am a defender of the Bible. This relationship between SENDAS and SBCR is a win-win situation and the most important part is that, above all else, it will advance the Kingdom of God.”
Those participating in the signing of the agreement for the Bible Society of Costa Rica included Mayra Ugalde, Alberto Reyes and Francisco Zuniga. For the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas, the document was signed by Dr. Ruben Fernandez, President; Dr. Jorge Banos, Vice President for Academics; Mary Anais Rojas, Vice President for Administration; and Esdras Jimenez, Coordinator for Online Education.