Friends of IDEAL - News and Information
Hispanic Initiatives Starts Fall Classes after Record Year
On the morning of Saturday, September 12th, IDEAL launched its fall classes with a flood of new students. Exceeding expectations, 87 new students started the Plan Básico and attended
Denver Seminary’s Institute for the Development and Training of Leaders (IDEAL) had a record year in 2008-2009. The number of Hispanic students involved in lay-level Bible and theology classes swelled from 60 at the end of 2008 to 130 at the end of 2009. In addition, a team of 28 volunteers was formed to help promote IDEAL, set-up for classes, bring food, and provide pastoral care to students. Pablo González, a student in the Plan Básico, said of his experience, “Through what I have learned, I experienced significant changes as a Christian. My studies at IDEAL have made a great impact on my life and also in the lives of others in the body of Christ outside of Denver Seminary.”
Students of the Plan Ministerial also spoke highly of their studies at IDEAL. Alma Rincón, a Plan Ministerial student, said, “For me IDEAL has been a great teaching tool in Christian education… Three classes in particular--Pedagogy, A Responsible Life, and Stewardship--have left in me a great desire to serve the Lord.”
In addition to IDEAL, two new initiatives were birthed in 2008: Oasis and “Against the Flow.” Oasis is a women’s training program started by Vioneth Ramírez. Meeting bimonthly for group studies and conferences, Oasis grew from 25 participants in the Spring of 2009 to over 70 this past summer. In addition, Wilmer and Vioneth Ramirez launched a radio program entitled “Against the Flow.” The purpose of the program is to stimulate personal and spiritual growth through engaging Bible teaching. Broadcasted every Wednesday from 11:30am-12:00pm on 810 El Camino, the program is reaching over 15,000 people in
If you are interested in registering for IDEAL or attending a class, please contact Wilmer Ramirez at . IDEAL classes take place in the Simpson Leadership Center one Saturday morning a month from 8:00am to 12:00pm (the next class is October 10th). If you are interested in registering for Oasis, please contact Vioneth Ramirez at .
