"Please pray for my writing projects. I am working on a coauthored book on hermeneutics and contextualization. I am also editing and writing a book with other Latin American Langham/ScholarLeaders scholars, and writing a chapter on New Testament Theology."
Dr. Nelson Morales in Guatemala
Dear Friends,

This week, we invite prayers for Dr. Nelson Morales in Guatemala.


 
Located just south of Mexico, Guatemala is celebrated for its mountainous landscape, adorned with volcanoes, biodiverse rainforests, and Maya heritage sites. Of the country’s 17 million people, 47% are Catholic, 40% Protestant, and 12% irreligious. Thirteen years after the 1996 peace accords that ended its 36-year-long civil war, which left more than 200,000 dead and over one million displaced, Guatemala continues to endure high rates of poverty and gang violence, political instability, and the ongoing effects of trauma. 
 

Nelson serves as Professor of New Testament at Central American Theological Seminary or SETECA (Spanish acronym), where his wife Xenia also works. Located in the capital of Guatemala City, SETECA is one of the largest and most strategic seminaries in Latin America, with programs that range from diploma training for pastors to doctoral studies for theological educators. Each year, SETECA trains around 1,500 students from nearly 30 countries through its residential and online programs, and at its satellite campuses. SETECA’s 3,000+ alumni serve the Church throughout the world. ScholarLeaders supported Nelson for his PhD in New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (USA) and also works with SETECA through the Vital SustainAbility Initiative.
 
Nelson’s 2015 dissertation was entitled, “Poor and Rich in James: A Relevance Theory Approach to James’s Use of the Old Testament.” In a context where poverty, violence, and drug addiction are a part of everyday life, many Guatemalans long for hope in a God who is mighty to save. Through their teaching ministries, Nelson and Xenia equip pastors and missionaries to confront the dual problems of syncretism (which mixes Christian teachings with Maya religious practices) and the prosperity gospel. Their church also addresses gang violence through prevention programs. Read Bible Study Magazine’s 2015 feature on Nelson’s ministry: Finding Faith in Guatemala. 
 
Nelson shares the following message:

Hi,
 
I am Nelson Morales, a Chilean working at the Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala. I am married to a Salvadorian, Xenia. We have been working at the seminary since 1996. Currently, I am a full-time Research Professor in New Testament and Hermeneutics. My wife works in Church History and Old Testament. 
 
Please pray for my writing projects. I am working on a coauthored book on hermeneutics and contextualization. I am also editing and writing a book with other Latin American Langham/ScholarLeaders scholars, and writing a chapter on New Testament Theology. 
 
Pray also for God’s provision for my trip in July. I will present a paper at the Society of Biblical Literature’s (SBL) International Meeting in Rome and also at the SBL Annual Conference in San Diego this November. 
 
Pray also for our seminary. This year, we are undergoing transitions under a new president. 
 
Blessings, 
 
Nelson Morales
If you would like to send a message to Nelson, please respond to this e-mail.
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