On October 24, SENDAS celebrated the annual Assembly. During this time the Seminary President, Dr. Ruben Fernandez, presented a general report about the advances gained this year, and he shared with the members of the administrative team the achievements of the institution in the areas of Institutional, Academic and Administrative Development. Just after, the Vice Presidents reports were given which showed evidence of much progress in both the quantitative and qualitative levels.
This year these leaders were present: the Regional Director for Mesoamerica, Dr. Carlos Saenz, who presided over the meeting; the Regional Director for South America, Dr. Christian Sarmiento; the Regional Coordinator for South America, Dr. Jorge Julca; the District Superintendent for Costa Rica and the Secretary, Rev. Johnny Calvo; Pastor on the Costa Rica Central District and the Treasurer, Rev. Sirlene Bustos; the Superintendent of the Central District of Nicaragua and member at large, Rev. Maria Antonia Ponce; and university professor and member at large from Mexico, Blanca Patricia Rubio de Rodriguez.
According to the data for the last academic year, there were 167 professors who taught a total of 207 courses in 107 theological centers to 914 students (which indicates a 20% growth). Also, it should be highlighted that 90% of the students belong to the Church of the Nazarene and of that number, 48% are pastors or have a defined pastoral call. During the year, SENDAS has continued to offer courses on campuses, but also the programs have been strengthened by the use of technology. A total of 26 students graduated this academic year.
We give thanks to God because we know that it is God who has allowed us to reach these goals, and our prayer is to be able to continue training with the highest excellence the largest number of ministers possible for the extension of the Kingdom.