Meet a Seminary Student

Studying to be a pastor presents great challenges, as well as wonderful blessings. I recently spoke with Jorge Briones, the newest student in the Mexican Lutheran Seminary. He began studying in January of this year. Here's some more information about Jorge and his studies.

Jorge Briones entered the Mexican Lutheran Seminary in Torreon in January 2007. He is originally from the town Huamantla, located in the state of Tlaxcala. Huamantla is 18 hours away from Torreon by bus. His mother and sister still live there. Before studying to be a pastor, Jorge had a job to support his family. His mother and sister still depend economically on him. Part of the scholarship that Jorge receives for studying in the seminary is used to look after them.

Mexicans often enjoy close-knit families, and Jorge is no exception. Perhaps the greatest challenge he faces is being so far away from his mother and sister. Although Jorge misses his family, he takes comfort in knowing that God is with them. He confides, "Even though I'm not there (in Huamantla), I know that God is watching over my sister and mother. He is taking care of them."

A typical day for Jorge begins with seminary classes in the morning. He then does homework in the afternoon and evening. He also spends time in Zaragosa Sur, an area of town where mission work recently began. He helps teach Bible studies and participates in the evangelism efforts there.

These activities keep Jorge busy, but it is time well-spent. He considers his greatest blessing to be the chance to learn more about God's Word every day. This strengthens him and prepares him for his future as a full-time pastor. Then he will be doing what he loves most - "sharing the Word with others."

In his spare time, Jorge enjoys cooking. His favorite meal to make is chicken breasts in cream sauce with chipotle (a smoked jalepeño pepper). Yum!

Keep Jorge in your prayers. Ask God to grant him strength and perseverance while he studies. By his grace, in four years Jorge will become a full-time pastor in the Mexican Lutheran Church.