A collaborative effort between Brazil Nazarene Theological Seminary (BNTS) on the South America Region and Cape Verde Nazarene Bible College on the Africa Region has resulted in the first BNTS graduation ceremony for Cape Verde pastors. On August 16, 2008, in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, 39 pastors received the Bachelor’s (Licenciate) Degree in Theology, and two pastors were awarded the Diploma in Theology.

Dr. Jerry D. Porter, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Africa Region, who participated in the graduation ceremonies, called this joint venture “a creative and inspiring partnership.”  The degree programs facilitated by Brazil Nazarene Theological Seminary built upon the degrees these candidates had earlier earned through Cape Verde Nazarene Bible College.
 
This graduation was the culmination of five intensive seasons of study for these pastors during the past year. The ceremony was guided by Fr. Eduardo R. de Silva, academic dean of BNTS, and Dr. Gerardo Nunes Filho, rector of BNTS, who brought an inspiring message to the graduates. Dr. Jorge de Barros was honored during the ceremony as the patron of this first class to complete this extended program. Barros expressed his congratulations and challenged these graduates in their future life and ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.

Dr. J. K. Warrick, jurisdictional general superintendent for the South America Region; Dr. Christian Sarmiento, South America Region director; Dr. Eugenio Duarte, Africa Region director; Dr. Jorge Julca; and Dr. Aguiar Valvassoura also played intricate roles in facilitating this partnership between Brazil and the South America Region with Cape Verde and the Africa Region.

“I look forward to hearing how God develops the church as these leaders apply the lessons they have learned and as they confidently move on to a greater knowledge of the Bible and the applications of ministry,” said Dr. Louie Bustle, World Mission director. “As we equip pastors, we grow and strengthen the Church.”

Some of these graduates may now consider working on a master's degree through the Seminario Nazareno de las Américas (SENDAS) in Costa Rica. Other educational partnerships between the South America and Africa regions have resulted in the first Equatorial Guinean Nazarene minister to receive formal theological training beginning his studies earlier this year at the Seminario Teologico Nazareno del Cono Sur in Pilar, Argentina. Additional collaborative efforts between BNTS and Portuguese-speaking Bible colleges on the Africa Region are being considered.
 
Partnerships between the South America and Africa regions are not limited to the field of education. “Brazil and Argentina have sent some of their best sons and daughters to serve as missionaries in Africa, and these missionaries have been models in commitment and servanthood,” said Dr. Eugenio Duarte. “We are grateful to the South American church and her leadership for their vision and engagement in making Christlike disciples in Africa.”

Dr. Porter added, “I celebrate this cross-regional team effort to make this theological education available to these candidates without requiring them to travel to Brazil or other country. God bless all who made this dream a reality!”