If missionaries Don and Elda Rose Bowen could have seen 65 years into the future, they would have said, “It is more than we could ask or imagine.”

In 1956, missionaries Don and Elda Rose Bowen founded the Free Methodist Seminary in Brazil. Hundreds of men and women who studied there have served the church with dedication and diligence as pastors, teachers, missionaries and evangelists in Brazil and other countries.

Unfortunately, attendance had tapered off to eight students by 2019. Dan and I moved to São Paulo to assist in revitalizing the school. Things did not go according to our plans. In March 2020, the school was shut down due to pandemic restrictions. But God’s plans were much better. In April, Dan felt led to offer one confessional class (Theology of Wesley) online and was astounded when 50 students from all over Brazil registered. It wasn’t just the number but their dedication that was impressive. I had taught the course for 30 years and had never seen a more enthusiastic and responsive group. Their homework assignments showed heartfelt responses to Wesley’s sermons and often included written prayers for God to do deeper work in their lives.

With a revamped curriculum and a small group of faithful teachers, all classes went online in 2020. With each successive year, we received students with hearts hungry for God. On March 15, 2024, we held the long-awaited graduation of the first group to join our live online classes. Forty-four students, whom we had only met via ZOOM, traveled to São Paulo from all over Brazil for the occasion. Meeting them face-to-face and celebrating their hard work over the past three years was a joy.

The seminary continues to grow. We now have 145 students from eight states in Brazil and two countries (Paraguay and Angola), ranging in age from 18 to 74. Due to the convenience of online classes, many married couples can study with us, and more women are also able to access the classes than when classes were in-person, late-night and in downtown São Paulo.

We are overwhelmed by the work God is doing in our midst. By His grace, He will continue to help these men and women grow in their faith and in their understanding of the Scriptures, so they can go and make disciples of all nations. May God continue to do more than we can ask or imagine!