In many rural communities, their relationships revolve around those involved in the Church. Many communities have both a Catholic Church and a Protestant one, with much separation between the two. Part of CEPAD’s Pastoral Training Program is to bring together these two congregations to work together and build relationships.

One aspect of the Pastoral Training Program is teaching church leaders how to lead Bible studies using study modules. Aura is just one of the 47 study teachers across the country.

Aura is currently leading a small group through a study module on how to be good stewards of creation.

It’s the first time I’ve experienced this level of organization in our community, and teaching others, especially on this topic. I feel as though the participants of the study have been more conscientious about how we treat the Earth. 

In the public spaces of the community (schools, churches, and community meetings), we share a small talk on the importance of keeping our community clean, so that we can benefit from a healthy community. I’ve enjoyed working through the program with families in my community. This new knowledge is for everyone!

As Aura continues through the program, she will also be leading small groups on other study modules, such as: Deaconry Development, the History of the Reformation, and reading the Bible in context, among others.

Aura, along with the other facilitators across Nicaragua, have a total of 425 students in Bible studies across the country.