St. Davids, PA: – Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University recently celebrated a historic milestone, launching its first-ever cohort in Matanzas, Cuba for the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) in Latino/a Ministries. From August 19-23, 2024, 20 students—10 women and 10 men—gathered for orientation at Evangelical Seminary, marking the beginning of a transformative educational pathway.
Students from all provinces in Cuba convened for a week of fellowship and training, establishing a new community of learners and leaders committed to experiencing the new ways God will be at work in their lives and their churches, bringing hope and renewed faith on their academic journeys. This group was Palmer’s 26th cohort.
Dr. Mayra Picos-Lee, Director of the MTS Latino/a Ministries Program at Palmer, expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone. “The joy and hope among our students are palpable. This program is an answer to their prayers and a beacon of hope for the Cuban people and churches. We are excited to see how this new community of learners will develop and serve God in profound ways.”
This program highlights Palmer’s commitment to its motto: “The whole gospel, for the whole world, through whole persons,” and is a result of a significant partnership between Palmer Theological Seminary, International Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA (IM), and the Federation of Baptist Churches in Cuba (FIBAC).
“These master’s degree studies are allowing our students to enhance their biblical and theological training so that they are able to develop a service of excellence as it is good to our God,” says Rev. Coralia Blanco Elissalde, President of FIBAC. “The training that students in Cuba are receiving is critical to their present and future work in our churches, denominations, and ecumenical organizations. We feel deeply honored to have Palmer’s support, contributions, and generosity, which feed and renew our commitment to serve.”
Palmer’s new Cuba cohort is part of a broader commitment to expanding access to theological education in Hispanic communities. In addition to Cuba, Palmer has successful MTS cohorts in locations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and among latinx communities in the USA. The seminary continues to live out its mission of preparing leaders for ministry in diverse cultural contexts around the world.
Dr. Tim Long, Adjunct Faculty, Administrative Coordinator, and Program Academic Advisor at Palmer shares: “What an appreciative, attentive, and welcoming group of 20 students who have prayerfully waited many years for this day! We are grateful for the collaboration that has brought this vision to life.”