Hugo Azevedo, from Portugal, has been studying at the Martin Bucer Seminary in Portugal.  He writes:

My studies have been going very well. I am in the final year of my theology course at Martin Bucer Seminary. It was supposed to be completed this semester, but a heart attack I suffered at the end of last year has caused a slight delay in its conclusion. I am studying full-time.

The reason for taking this course was to refine my theology so that I might serve the local church with greater excellence. So far, it has been a fantastic experience, not only on a theological level but also on a personal level. The quality of education provided by the seminary is excellent, as are the professors, both in their academic expertise and in their personal and pastoral care.

My plans for the future involve either planting a new church or revitalising an existing one – only God knows. We have some ideas, but nothing too concrete yet. We are waiting to understand the Lord’s will so that we may continue serving in his work, contributing to the advancement of God's kingdom in Portugal.

I want to thank EMF once again for all the support and love with which you care for me and my family. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be able to complete a theology degree, and I am only doing so thanks to you. I am deeply grateful to God for all your support.

Andrea Becciolini (Italy) has been studying remotely with the London Seminary.

After 3 years of full-time gospel ministry with GBU (the Italian branch of IFES) in Florence, I was prompted to think and pray about the possibility of doing some further theological training. London Seminary was suggested, and I came to the conclusion that doing their Pastoral Training course, at a distance and part-time, would give me great opportunities to better serve God's people in Italy; both in the student ministry I'm currently involved with, and in possible future opportunities to help plant or revitalise a church. 

I always thank God for the wonderful opportunity to study at the London Seminary. Many lectures directly impacted my ministry. For example, the lectures on Roman Catholicism really helped in navigating the sad instance of a student leader going back to RC; studying Church History gave a very useful insight into old heresies[VB2] / wrong beliefs which are still very alive nowadays as I train and evangelise students; biblical languages helped in slowing down in the reading / studying of God's word, both for personal devotion and preaching. Moreover, the meetings with the tutor were a real blessing in navigating some issues in ministry and in discerning my vocation.

Although following lectures online is not ideal, it really granted me the opportunity to receive excellent theological training while I was still working in full time gospel ministry in a needy city like Florence. I am very grateful for the Lord's provision in this - through EMF - and am praying for God to give wisdom and discernment to apply in the Italian context what he taught me, for Christ's glory.

Plans for the future are not totally clear: although my wife and I can see the need of gospel-centred churches in Florence, I am still praying to discern whether this is the right time to embark upon either planting or revitalising a church.  For at least the next couple of years I would love to continue in full-time gospel ministry with GBU, not only on the Florentin campuses but also developing the national movement. The studies at the London Seminary will enormously help inleading others in and from the Bible, for the glory of Christ alone.

To find out more about our training fund, and the students we support, go to: Students

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