Q: What role did Christian education play in cultural
change?
A: Over the years, the work of World Gospel Mission in
Honduras has been instrumental in the establishment of
over 260 churches in the country. Over half of these churches
are pastored by students who have studied at El Sembrador.
It’s safe to say that Christian education has had a significant
impact on the culture in which the students have lived and
continues to do so where these churches exist.
We must remember that these pastors have families who
are being impacted by the Gospel the pastors received when
they were children. They, in turn, continue to impact their
families and the generations that succeed them. We have
also had a significant impact on government education in
the area. The standard of education causes a competitive
atmosphere within the government’s educational system.
People are amazed by the cleanliness of our facilities as well.
I am convinced that when the Gospel causes a cleanliness of
heart, it will show externally.
Q: How has Christian education impacted you personally?
A: Christian education was very instrumental in making
me who I am today. I saw the effects the Gospel had on the
students at El Sembrador. Then, as I enrolled in boarding
school in another Christian institution, I saw and heard daily
what Christ could do in my life. It was here that I gave my
life to the Lord. Since my parents were missionaries, I should
have known better, but I always assumed that because they
were faithful, I would get to heaven because I was their son.
During a chapel, I understood that my relationship with
Jesus Christ had to be personal. I had to make a commit-
ment in obedience to Him and ask Him to rule my life.
Q: You have served in missions for many years. What
would be some stories or facts of how Christian education
aids missions in its outreach?
A: One story that comes to mind is of a young man who
came to El Sembrador at the age of 10. He was being raised
by people other than his parents. He didn’t give his heart to
Jesus while at El Sembrador but did so after attending high
school when he was studying at the University. It was here
he had an experience in which he remembered all the seeds
that were planted at El Sembrador.
Later on, he began to have a passion for helping children
on the street. These were children who had been abandoned
by their parents and were on the street using drugs, selling
themselves, not understanding the value God placed on
their lives and the price Jesus paid for their salvation. Jorge
became passionate about rescuing them from the streets
and providing a place where they would be able to hear
the Gospel, fill their stomachs, and have a warm place to
live. Today the Manuelito Project is about ten years old. It
has helped countless youth realize the saving power of the
Gospel and improve their lives. Some of the very children
who were rescued from the streets are now teaching at that
same institution.
Q: In your opinion, how is giving children a Christian
worldview beneficial in any culture?
A: Christian education at an early age provides the lens
through which children can see the world. This is called
worldview. When a young child is able to understand they
are created in God’s image, have value in God’s eyes and
have a purpose, it empowers them to not only understand
God’s love for them but also to understand their life should
be devoted to God. This devotion will cause them to serve
the people around them and demonstrate God’s love. While
it is the parent’s responsibility to teach children about the
love of God, in today’s world many are abdicating this role.
It is very important that Christian schools exist and fill the
vacuum left in these children.
Education does impact culture. Education affects how
children view this world. That is why Christian education
is so vitally important in our world today. Whether in
America, Honduras or any other country, to view the world
as God does is most important! Christ must be at the center
of everything—including education—for Christ transforms
culture.
For more information on El Sebrador visit escuelaelsembrador.org.
Janene Dubbeld is a freelance writer from Moneta, VA, where
she resides with her husband and three of five children—her
two oldest sons being married. She has written many devotion-
als, articles, children’s stories and books, VBS curriculum, greet-
ing cards for Dayspring, poetry, and numerous songs, with
one being nominated for a Dove Award. She travels with her
husband and family singing gospel music full-time and writ-
ing 98% of the songs they sing (MJDubbeld.com). Janene recently co-published a
children’s musical entitled, “Festival of Praise” with Guardian Angel Press. She and
her daughter currently publish a blog entitled, “Breathing Room for the Soul” (Breath-
ingRoomForTheSoul.com). She has been a contributing writer for Absolutely Gospel
and The Renewanation Review. Her desire is to write for God’s glory and to inspire
and encourage others with the gift He has given.
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