Latin American Bible Institute in San Antonio, Texas, is not the
largest campus, even though most of the standard college basics are
here — dorms, a cafeteria, a library, offices, faculty and students.
But size is not deterring the Spirit of God from changing lives in
a big way.
"Our spiritual emphasis this spring was a turning point for
the school," spring 2000 graduate Carla Jimenez says. "The
whole school feels it. God enlarged our vision regarding the school,
ministry and our relationship with Him."
President
James Plata says God did enlarge his vision. "All week, I witnessed
God working with the students. God impressed upon me that we need
a stronger emphasis on discipleship. I believe in what we are doing
here at LABI, even more than before. I pray that our students become
disciples first, then ministers."
In the concluding spiritual emphasis services, students ministered
alongside evangelists and pastors to reach out to the community, praying
for addicts who were delivered and with many hurting people who turned
their lives over to Christ.
"God has done awesome things in my life," says student
Noelia Balderas. "Everything He’s done here is life-changing."
"LABI is like a big family," says Christian Castro, a spring
2000 graduate from Brazil. "I didn’t have family here. The
students and the faculty became my family. When I first came from
Brazil, I had never worn a tie. I didn’t have any ties, but I
needed to wear one. I told one friend. All of a sudden, I had 13 ties.
Several of the guys each brought me one."
"Brother" and "Sister" is heard more often than
any other greeting on campus. The student population of about 65 means
most know everyone. Even if they don’t, they make it known that
on this campus people are committed to their brothers and sisters
in Christ. Many faculty and campus workers live on campus, opening
their lives and ministry to students.
"Here, everybody knows what your life is, your background and
what your dreams are. That makes a whole lot of difference,"
student Elizabeth Medina says.
Students get involved in each other’s lives and set high campus
standards. Before classes begin, students voluntarily meet in the
chapel for prayer and devotions. Tuesday is a day for prayer and fasting,
and women from area churches join the campus prayer times. A student
dress code is embraced. Chapel is a time to focus on God, emphasized
by the women seated together and the men seated together. "That’s
the students’ own thing," President Plata says.
This generation of LABI students is building on a spiritual heritage
while making their own mark in the kingdom of God. The traveling choir
is one group that reaches beyond the campus into churches and communities.
"I’ll always remember what one of our former teachers told
me when the choir visited his church," President Plata says.
"He told me, ‘There is something about the students. The
presence of the Lord is very real. Don’t allow that to be lost
at LABI.’ That hit me as a great challenge."
Classes in both the English and Spanish tracks begin with prayer,
and students lay hands on one another for needs to be answered.
LABI is nestled in a peaceful, unassuming setting. The graciousness
of the students, the servant attitudes of faculty and administrators,
and the rich spiritual life are uplifting.
Speaking from experience, Carla Jimenez says, "At LABI, your
life is changed from the inside out."
Next fall LABI will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Testimonies from
graduates serving God around the world will echo in the hearts of
this generation of students.
— Melinda Booze
