At the beginning of the Bible school year, I was interviewing new students with the dean of Instituto Bíblico Apostolico de Argentina, Adán Espinoza. The next applicant was a young man we will call Juan, who came from the country’s interior. He filled in the application correctly and indicated his desire to be a pastor.
As Juan sat down for his interview, I asked him how he was doing. It was then that the problem became painfully apparent. It took Juan almost a minute to simply say “Bien” (good) because he had a severe stutter. Brother Espinoza and I looked at each other, and then at Juan. The question had to be asked, “Juan, do you really feel called to preach and pastor?” Tears filled Juan’s eyes as he said, “I know I have trouble talking, but I want to preach so badly. Please let me try.” We approved his application and gave him a partial Mothers Memorial scholarship for studying.
Even though we were concerned, Juan managed to complete the first year. His second year was more concerning as it was the year Homiletics was taught, a required class for graduation. It was certainly challenging for him, especially in the oral classes, but everyone was pulling for him. Each student was required to preach a twenty-minute sermon as a final test.
Juan asked me at the beginning of the year, “What am I going to do?” How am I going to accomplish it?” I replied, “Juan, I don’t know, but I think between now and your final test, you can spend time praying and fasting about it, and we’ll see what the Lord will do.” And Juan did just that, fasting and praying for God to give him strength and help.
The day for Juan’s final message arrived. Everyone in the classroom, including me, was tense. We all wanted Juan to make it but we knew it would be more than difficult. I called his name, and he gathered his Bible and notes. He walked to the pulpit in the classroom with his head bowed, set his Bible and notes down, took a deep breath, and said as clearly, “Praise the Lord, everyone. Please open your Bibles to John 14:1. I’m going to talk to you about fear.” For the next twenty minutes, Juan preached a powerfully anointed message that put everyone on their faces before the Lord. God not only anointed Juan, but He also healed him!
Today Juan is the pastor of a growing church in Argentina. Every time I visit the country and see him, I am amazed, excited, and grateful for the power of God and the anointing of God in Juan’s ministry.
We thank Ladies Ministries for Bible school student support. Juan is one of many students who have benefited from this program and are bearing fruit because of those who sacrificed.
