Fifty students, their family and friends joined the administrators and faculty at the Adventist University of Chile on March 24, 2015, to inaugurate the first Diploma in Evangelism and Health Promotion. This is the first course of it´s kind offered by a faculty of theology, and is a very significant step to blending the gospel ministry with the healing ministry of Jesus. All openings were filled within 3 weeks. More than half of the students are already studying theology the remaining students come from other courses such as nursing and psychology. The course has a duration of one academic year and is offered after normal class hours, three evenings per week. It consists of 4 modules:
1-Principles of a healthy lifestyle
2-Mission to the big cities
3-Management of Centers of Influence
4-Practical projects (Health Expo, etc).
Organizers believe that this course will contribute to a more wholesome ministry, following the pattern of Jesus. “The 50 students were profoundly motivated to see this experience as something that will truly bless their lives and enable them to live the gospel”, says Dr Walter Alaña, Dean of the Faculty of Theology. The Health Ministries Department of the General Conference is partnering with Adventist University of Chile in this exciting and much needed project which, according to Dr Peter Landless, Director of the Health Ministries Department of the General Conference “will help prepare pastors for the essential component of Comprehensive Health Ministry as we proclaim the grace and love of our soon to return Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”