MISSION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT INTERNATIONAL SEMINARY IN PRAGUE

The International Baptist Theological Seminary is moving from Ruschilikon, Switzerland, to Prague, Czech Republic. Plans are underway to begin classes in Prague in the fall, 1995.

You recall the history of the seminary. It was founded in 1949 under the joint sponsorship of European Baptist unions and the Southern Baptist Convention. In 45 years, over 1,200 students have graduated and are involved in ministry in more than 60 countries.

In the early 1990s, the SBC quit supporting the seminary in Ruschilikon. This occurred just as the Cold War was ending and many barriers were removed to the spread of the gospel in Eastern Europe. This “breach of faith” on the part of Southern Baptist leaders was a primary motivating factor in Keith Parks leaving the Foreign Mission Board.

The relocation of the seminary to Prague will mean lower operating costs, more students, and more accessibility to Eastern Europe. The relocation project is being led by J.R. Ford, a Baptists Committed member and a member of Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio. J.R. is also a native of San Angelo.

The seminary needs mission teams to stay two weeks and assist with the renovation of their historic property in Prague. Over the next three years renovation must be done to provide classroom space, student apartments, dining facilities, a library and a chapel.

We hope that Texas Baptists will participate in this mission opportunity. North Carolina Baptist Men are heading up the project in coordinating mission teams from the United States. Bill Gray, Partnership Missions Director with the BGCT, is assisting in recruitment of Texas volunteers.

If you as an individual or your church is interested in participating in this mission effort, please contact Bill Gray at 214-828-5184.

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