2022 TMS Annual Report

A NNUA L REP ORT 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 6

Chancellor Letter

FROM SURGEON TO SEMINARIAN:

Meet Karl Geier

8

TMS Financials

10

TMS By the Numbers

12

FACULT Y SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Nathan LeMaster

14

Recent TMS Publications

18

MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching

20

Spanish Department Overview

22

2022 Graduates Stats & Highlights

24

Alumni Impact

26

SPANISH ALUMNI TESTIMONY

José Martínez

A LETTER FROM OUR CHANCELLOR The Lord Jesus commissioned His followers to go into the world and make disciples. At The Master’s Seminary, we train men to do that very thing. They come through the seminary to be equipped and trained, and then they go into the world to preach and lead.

The convictions that undergird our training are clear. The Lord Jesus is the head of the church and we submit to His lordship. His Word is the authority for what we teach and how we live.

And His gospel is the only message that saves sinners. Armed with these truths, our graduates are evangelizing and faithfully shepherding God’s people and standing with courage and resolve.

The result is global impact. Though impossible to fully measure, the fruit of that impact can be seen both at home and abroad. At home, the Lord continues to bring us students from all around the world. Additionally, our Spanish-language programs continue to strengthen and grow. The pages that follow will highlight the way in which God continues to bless our enrollment efforts at TMS. Abroad, TMS graduates are currently training thousands of national pastors in dozens of countries through our partnership with The Master’s Academy International. TMAI recently informed us of the need for many more men from TMS. Some 50 additional nations desire to start a training center in their own region. We are in the process of preparing the men needed, so they can be sent to accomplish the work.

The Lord has uniquely positioned the seminary for global impact. The church, both in North America and around the world, is in desperate need of qualified and trained pastors, who will faithfully preach God’s Word. Never has the need been more apparent. Never has the opportunity been so great.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of The Master’s Seminary. Thank you, also, for your generous support. One day soon our Lord will return, and all the world will bow the knee before Him. Until then, we will continue to send out workers into the harvest, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to shepherd His church.

Yours for the Master,

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 5

FROM SURGEON TO SEMINARIAN Meet Karl Geier

It doesn’t take much interaction with Karl Geier to notice that he has a passion for helping people. That desire is what led him to study medicine and become a surgeon. But as Karl devoted himself to the medical field, God was simultaneously developing a resolute desire in his heart to teach God’s Word. He wanted to not only have the skills to tend to the body, but also the soul. So, to equip himself for the ministry—to point people to the One who can heal the brokenhearted (Ps. 147:3)—he came to The Master’s Seminary this past January.

Karl grew up in Paderborn, Germany. His father and mother were not believers at his birth, but God graciously saved them when he was ten years old. The family immediately began attending a small church in town, a change which Karl remembers as sudden and drastic. He explained how almost overnight his family went from being socially progressive to striving to live in accordance with God’s Word.

For Karl, however, salvation did not come until several years later. Weekly church attendance established his belief in God, but he still didn’t fully understand the gospel. Two extremes are pervasive throughout churches in Germany: liberalism and legalism. Karl experienced more of the later. For years he equated the means of salvation with external works. It wasn’t until his 6

early twenties that God used the influence of Christian books, believing friends, and personal time in God’s Word to show him the beauty of the true gospel. His burdens were lifted as he understood God’s grace on the cross.

After conversion, Karl enrolled in medical school and eventually became a trauma surgeon. He enjoyed helping those who have experienced severe physical injuries. But many times, patients would tell him about personal issues that went far beyond physical ailments. In those moments, his medical training had limited value because the gospel was what these men and women needed most. As he explained the gospel to patients and led a Bible study at his church through the book of Romans, he watched God transform lives. This cultivated an even greater love for the Bible and a passion to teach it. Karl wanted to help others escape the theological confusion that he, like so many others in his country, experienced.

He knew he needed more training.

While finishing up medical school, Karl had the opportunity to study part-time under TMS alumni at European Bible Training Center, The Master’s Academy International’s training center in Germany.

This exposed Karl to the rich training he could receive through seminary, and he began to dream of studying at TMS. Last year he applied and was accepted, but he knew that logistical and financial obstacles could still keep him from moving to Los Angeles. If that was going to happen, the Lord would have to provide abundantly.

In the coming days, Karl watched the providence of God unfold, paving a way for him to study full-time at TMS. Because of the generosity of our ministry partners, Karl received a scholarship that covered his tuition. Like hundreds of other men at the seminary, he is overwhelmed with gratitude for our donors.

Although he knows he will likely never meet them this side of heaven, he views his calling to a life of ministry as a stewardship of the investment God’s people have made in him.

KARL GEIER STANDS FAR RIGHT WITH OTHER SPRING 2022 NEW STUDENTS

providence in bringing him to TMS to share. But in addition to receiving the scholarship, there is one story he feels summarizes them all. On the morning he needed to purchase his flight to LAX, Karl knew the ticket would require over $1,000. Although he had the money, he knew there were countless other expenses ahead as he began seminary. Karl prayed for the Lord’s help, trusting that if this indeed was God’s will, then God would provide. Throughout that day, several people gave Karl financial gifts, not even aware of his need to buy airfare.

By the time he went to finally purchase his ticket, he only paid $30 out of pocket.

This first semester in seminary has been “a dream come true” for Karl. While it’s not always easy living thousands of miles away from home, he knows TMS is where he needs to be. He is overwhelmed at the privilege of being able to “study under men who not only teach God’s Word, but faithfully live it out.” His professors have become his pastors, equipping him and shepherding him for a life of ministry.

In thinking about the future, Karl is open to ministering wherever the Lord sees fit. For now, he is just focused on being a diligent student and churchman. As a surgeon who spent years in medical school, he is well-acquainted with the importance of being properly trained in order to effectively help others. His time at TMS is providing the necessary training and tools to accomplish that at the highest level.

Karly says there are too many stories of God’s miraculous

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 7

TMS FINANCIALS GOD CONTINUES TO SUSTAIN THE WORK OF THE MASTER’S SEMINARY THROUGH

Total Donations to TMS Annual Fund:

2.91M 2.25M 2021

2022

THE GENEROSIT Y AND PRAYERS OF OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS. THE NEED FOR FAITHFUL PASTORS IS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

1.59M 2.008M

2021 Total Scholarship Awarded 2022 Total Scholarship Awarded

OFTEN, OUR PLACEMENT OFFICE RECEIVES OVER 10 INQUIRIES A WEEK FROM NEW CHURCHES

Specific Scholarships Awarded: SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

2021 FISCAL YEAR TOTALS

# OF STUDENTS IMPACTED

Spanish Scholarships

$219,673

179

The Master’s Academy International Scholarship

$187,629

30

PULPITS WITH FAITHFUL

Dr. Irv Busenitz Scholarship

$154,725

14

PREACHERS AND

Project Timothy

$128,650

53

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

2022 FISCAL YEAR TOTALS*

# OF STUDENTS IMPACTED

The Master’s Academy International Scholarship

$408,542

41

MacArthur Trust Scholarship

$348,405

53

Spanish Scholarships

$264,913

222

Dr. Irv Busenitz Scholarship

$162,410

15

Project Timothy

$126,480

63

LOOKING FOR PASTORS. OUR ABILIT Y TO FILL

SHEPHERDS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR INVESTMENT. THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO TRAIN MEN FOR GOSPEL MINISTRY.

*A S O F S PR I N G 2022

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“I am so thankful for the provision of this timely and generous scholarship. My wife transitioned from her corporate job which reduced our funds significantly. This transition happened while I was in the middle of my Ph.D. and without the scholarship, I do not know if we could afford for me to continue pursuing it. The Lord is using this scholarship to provide the necessary funds to continue the program in a time of uncertain financial times for us as a family.”

JASON BEALS

“My scholarship is the reason I have been able to get a “head start” on my seminary training. I am so thankful for this because this is a crucial time when solid, biblical teaching is essential. I am excited that God is training me to be a warrior in the fight for Truth while I am young so that, Lord willing, I will have an effective ministry for Him in the future.”

CADEN COLSON

“The Lord used my scholarship to give me concrete evidence that I belong at TMS. For many years I have wrestled with when I ought to go to seminary. Even after applying this past summer, I was uncertain if this was the right time because of the concerns surrounding COVID. But upon being awarded the scholarship, my mind was at peace; the Lord had finally answered my decade-long prayer” KEITH FONG

“Without my scholarship, I would not be able to commit as much focus to my education and training for ministry. It also demonstrates the Lord’s faithful provision. I was not entirely sure how to cover the cost of seminary in addition to the cost of living in Los Angeles. By the grace of God and the generosity of the donors, I was afforded the opportunity to study full-time at The Master’s Seminary. I am very grateful for this gift, and I want to honor the Lord and the donors by stewarding it well.”

JASON TOKOS

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 9

Current Students by Degree MASTER OF DIVINITY (M.DIV.) ∙ 344 MASTER OF THEOLOGY (TH.M.) ∙ 25 MASTER OF BIBLICAL MINISTRY (M.M.B.) ∙ 143 BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (B.TH.) ∙ 54 DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY (DIP.TH.) ∙ 16 DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (D.MIN.) ∙ 98 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.) ∙ 7

M.Div./B.Th./Dip.Th. Students

by Locations:

224 93 69

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LOS ANGELES DISTANCE LOCATIONS ONLINE

Distance Location Students ANCHORAGE, AK ∙ 7 CENTRAL VALLEY, CA ∙ 12 WASHINGTON D.C. ∙ 17 BOZEMAN, MT ∙ 3

Students Currently Enrolled ∙ 687

SPOKANE, WA ∙ 15

Number of 2022 Graduates ∙ 104

WALNUT CREEK, CA ∙ 16

DALLAS, TX ∙ 17

(NEW) MURRIETA, CA ∙ 6

In 2021, we had over 1.1 million users visit our website As of March 2022, we have over 87.4k subscribers on YouTube 417,445 visits to blog.tms.edu in 2021 119,388 views on the TMS Church Finder page since July 1, 2021 In 2021, our Facebook reach grew 42.7% In 2021, our Instagram reach grew 287.5% ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 11

Faculty Spotlight with

DR. NATHAN LeMASTER HOW D I D T HE LOR D SAV E YOU?

I am thankful for my parents, who were themselves saved in college, and began going to a community church in Colorado. It was at that community church that I was saved, at a Vacation Bible School summer program, when I was eight. The Lord worked through my family and the church to show me my need for Him. My salvation bore fruit in my life, especially in my desire to study God’s word.

AT W HAT PO I N T DI D YOU DE V E LOP A DESI R E FOR PASTO RA L M I N I STRY ? HOW DI D THAT DESI R E BRING YO U TO T M S ?

My desire for pastoral ministry developed when I was young. I was influenced by associate pastors at my church who would meet with me and consistently talk with me about theology and church ministry. Before finishing

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high school, I knew that I wanted to go into pastoral ministry. I decided to complete an undergraduate degree in linguistics, knowing that I was going to look for an M.Div. program that valued God’s word. What brought me to TMS was the high view of God’s word demonstrated in consistent, faithful preaching and teaching in the local church.

YOU S ERVED AS A PASTOR IN COLORADO AN D KURDISTAN. HOW DID YOUR TRAINING AT TMS EQUIP YOU FOR MINISTRY ?

Before going to seminary, God was teaching me the importance of the local church. I moved away from home for my undergraduate degree and learned at that time the importance of serving in the local church. As I have moved several places in my life, I have always looked for a strong church in which I can serve. This is true of

my time in Colorado right after I finished my M.Div. and also in many other places including Kurdistan, where I served a local church as an interim pastor.

A F T ER G RA D UATI NG F ROM TM S, YOU STUDI E D AT S E V E RA L OTHE R I NSTI TUTI ONS, I N C LUDI N G CA M B R I D G E FOR DOCTORAL STUDI ES. TE L L US A B I T A B O UT YO U R STUDI ES AF TE R TM S.

God has blessed me with many opportunities for study. After receiving my doctrinal and ecclesiological foundation at TMS, I worked toward and completed an M.A. in Education from Arizona State University.

This was while I was helping out at my home church in Colorado. After this, I moved to Jerusalem to complete an M.A. in Comparative Semitic Languages at Hebrew University. After marrying my wonderful wife in 2017, we moved to the United Kingdom to complete my Ph.D. in Hebrew linguistics at Cambridge University.

S I N C E 2 0 1 7 , YO U HAV E OVE RSE E N DI STANC E ED U CAT I O N AT TM S. CAN YOU PROVI DE A FE W UPDAT ES ABOUT I NI TI ATI V ES F ROM THAT D E PA RT M EN T ?

Distance education holds a special place in my heart.

TMS rightly values the relationship between the local church and seminary education. The distance education department at TMS has sought to serve our TMS alumni while still maintaining that important distinction. Each one of our distance locations spread all over the United States does a fantastic job equipping men within the local church context. In addition, we are also excited about our Mentor Model program which was developed to serve our TMS alumni. This program continues the vision of distance education at TMS by allowing a student to be guided through the M.Div. curriculum under the mentorship of his TMS alumni pastor.

W HAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS TMS ’ GREATEST STRENGTH?

The greatest strength of TMS is their adherence to a right view of Scripture. More and more we see institutions that are theologically disintegrating because of a desire to acquiesce to the culture. Every faculty member and administrator at TMS believes that the Bible is the authority over man, not the other way around. That means the Bible is our sole rule for faith and practice. TMS’ adherence to inerrancy and the sufficiency of Scripture means that the church can trust this institution to train up men ready for ministry in a world that is quickly revealing its true colors.

HOW CAN P EOP LE P RAY FOR OUR FACULT Y ?

The faculty is privileged to teach the men who will be leading the church. Faithfulness to the Scripture and to the local church is critical. Pray that the faculty would continue to be faithful and wise in how they interact with the changing times. The ever-changing landscape of America demands keen insight and wisdom to be able to not only teach the truths of the Scripture to the students but also to model kindness, faithfulness, and perseverance to all who are watching.

I N A D D I T I O N TO YOUR ROL E I N DI STANC E ED U CAT I O N , YO U R EC E NTLY BECAM E A PROF ES S OR AT T M S. W HAT L E D YOU TO THAT DEC I SI ON ? WHAT EXC I T ES YO U ABOUT YOUR N E W ROL E ?

I value not only implementing the philosophy of education of TMS in an administrative role, but also practically in the classroom setting. Both Hebrew and Greek are my passion, and I love sparking that passion in my students. The vast wealth that is contained in the Scriptures rightly demands time and attention. And I enjoy spending that time with my students delving into the riches of God’s word.

DR. NATHAN Le MASTER serves as Assistant

Professor of Old Testament at The Master’s Seminary. Since 2012, he has experienced a wide range of ministry and academic opportunities, including pastoral ministry stints in his native Colorado and Iraq, and linguistic studies at Arizona State University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and Cambridge, where he completed his Ph.D. in linguistics in 2021. He and his wife Erin married in 2017, and he joined the staff at The Master’s Seminary, overseeing distance education. Currently, Dr. LeMaster teaches Advanced Hebrew Readings and Greek Exegesis, and he continues to oversee the seminary’s distance education .

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 13

RECENT TMS PUBLICATIONS

CALLED TO PREACH: Fulfilling the High Calling of Expository Preaching Steve Lawson Through in-depth biblical analysis and inspiring examples from church history, Steve Lawson paints a picture of God’s glory magnified through faithful preaching, reclaiming the high ground of biblical preaching for the next generation. With helpful advice and practical guidance gleaned from 50 years in ministry, Lawson helps aspiring preachers know if they are called to preach; understand the qualifications for ministry; and develop, improve, and deliver strong expository sermons that illuminate the Word of God in a dark world.

GOD VS. GOVERNMENT: Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide Nathan Busenitz & James Coates God vs. Government follows two churches’ courageous decisions to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic despite orders to remain closed. Guided by the command in Hebrews 10:25 that churches not forsake meeting together, pastors John MacArthur and James Coates led their congregations to return to in-person meetings—and were swiftly met by unsympathetic governing authorities ready to shut them down again. The ensuing legal battles raised important questions about religious freedom, and more importantly, illuminated what it looks like to take a stand when Christ and compliance collide.

REPROBATION AND GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY: Recovering a Biblical Doctrine Peter Sammons The doctrine of reprobation—that is, the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect—is frequently misconstrued in both pastoral and theological literature. In Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty, Peter Sammons reintroduces this oft-misunderstood doctrine, revealing its relationship to divine sovereignty. With Romans 9 as a guiding text, Sammons presents a thoroughly researched defense of reprobation as an essential part in a Reformed theology that magnifies God and encourages believers to trust in him.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 15

THE HEART OF THE BIBLE: Explore the Power of Key Bible Passages John MacArthur All of Scripture is important and meaningful, but there are certain passages that are most helpful for becoming grounded in God’s truth.

In The Heart of the Bible, Pastor John MacArthur shares a selection of verses that he believes are most significant—the ones he considers the heart of the Bible. Written in a devotional style, each verse is followed

by John MacArthur’s thoughts and comments, giving you a deeper understanding of the passages and their importance to Christians. The verses focus on the nature of the Bible, God, salvation, and discipleship, and are categorized topically.

40 LIVES IN 40 DAYS: Experiencing God’s Grace Through the Bible’s Most Compelling Characters John MacArthur Have you ever wondered why God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work and to spread the good news? Join bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur as he takes a closer look at the everyday lives of the men and women that God trusted to carry His message and lead His people. (July 2022)

LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE (LSB) The Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) is a translation that—at its core— seeks to be a window into the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

By translating individual words as consistently as possible within their various nuances, it allows the reader to discern what God originally wrote and know the author’s intent. In this way, the LSB seeks to be an improvement upon the NASB, while simultaneously preserving its faithful legacy.

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RECENT PUBLICATIONS FROM OUR CHANCELLOR

The MacArthur Center Podcast is currently the primary source of outreach for the Center.

This documentary-style podcast tells the compelling story of how John MacArthur became synonymous with expository preaching. It was created to encourage, educate, and equip expositors around the globe to faithfully preach the word.

Q U OT E S F R O M L I ST E N E R S

“This podcast is phenomenal! Hearing the story of John MacArthur is wonderful, but the insight this podcast brings to the world of ministry and the importance of the Word of God is invaluable.”

“Thank you for making him even more accessible to the coming generations.”

TOTA L P L AYS

500,000+

99.8%

AV E R AG E CONSUMPTION

R E AC H

100+ countries TO P FO U R C I T I E S

SEA | LA | NYC | DEN TO P T WO E P I S O D E S

Quest for Cool (48k) The Cellar of Affliction (37k) A P P L E R AT I N G

4.9

R E V I E WS

710

TO P A P P L E R A N K

27

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 19

TMS SPANISH DEPARTMENT THRIVES

137 current students in the M.M.B. Program

20

CO U N T R I E S represented by students graduating in May

OVER 80 VIDEOS RECORDED FOR THE SERIES

“90 Seconds of Theology”

22

STUDENTS in the on-campus Spanish M.Div.

20,000 OVER

Members on the Expositor’s Institute (IDEX) Platform

20

PA S TO R A L C A R E

On average, the Dean of Students for Spanish Education meets with 16 students each week to help them with the challenges of preparing for pastoral ministry.

FACULTY INVOLVEMENT

Our professors participate in more than 20 conferences during the year, both nationally and internationally, to strengthen and support the ministry of our students and graduates that are serving in the Spanishspeaking world. With every conference, there is an opportunity to model biblical preaching and expand the impact of TMS Spanish programs.

VIDEO PROJECTS

“Faithful to the Master” is a new project in development, which includes a series of interviews with our students and graduates around the world highlighting the impact of their training in TMS.

PUBLICATIONS

Our faculty continue to write for the edification of the church in the Spanish-speaking world. Two recent publications are En ti confiaré (vol.

2) and El orgullo. Three upcoming publications are El rol de la mujer, El dominio propio, and El Mesías en el Pentateuco.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 21

104 M . DI V. M . M . B .

D. M I N .

B .T H .

T H . M .

DI P.T H .

PH . D.

26 23

22

Total Graduates

35 32 20 4 9 1 3

Countries Represented States Represented

EMMANUEL PAUL PATINGO M.Div., 2022

“Being in the M.Div. program has allowed me to truly grow in my love and understanding, both in life and ministry, the meaning of 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out

by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” I prayerfully hope that I may continually apply all that I have learned from seminary in life as a believer and in ministry as a preacher and shepherd. ”

K ENN Y K AUFFMAN Th.M., 2022

“The Th.M. at TMS has been an invaluable experience for me. The program has helped me to think more deeply about God and truth. Furthermore, the program has enabled me to communicate the truths of Scripture more effectively. The personal development that I have undergone while pursuing my Th.M. spills over into my family, ministry, and every area of life. I thank God for leading me to study at TMS.”

MIK E SCIARR A D.Min., 2022

“The ministry and mentoring that I received from The Master’s Seminary in the Doctor of Ministry program in expositional preaching has been invaluable. It has blessed our church and helped me be further equipped for effective ministry for the glory of God.”

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 23

WHAT CHURCH MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT TMS ALUMNI “It is reassuring to look back over my life and see the purposeful journey that reflects God’s pathway for my life. Several years ago, unbiblical decisions were made by the general assembly in our family church, and my husband and I decided to leave. After searching on our own, we could not find a church that we both agreed on. I decided to pray and ask God for His direction. I received an immediate response with an invitation in the mail. Pastor Dave and the church were welcoming the community to attend their services. I went that Sunday, and my husband and I continue to experience the growth of faith shared by all that come. Pastor Dave’s leadership of foundational truths are building disciples for God’s witness throughout the community. I have never experienced such depth and understanding of the Bible that expository preaching gives. Pastor Dave is always well-prepared, giving bold truth with accuracy of inspired scripture. He encourages us all to examine our lives continually and to live with an eternal perspective.”

K AREN , Virginia 24

“Pastor Manny is one of the finest Bible teachers I have ever had the privilege to sit under. He weaves sound doctrinal teaching with a shepherd’s heart. It’s the kind of teaching that changes lives and brings glory to Christ. What makes Manny’s teaching great is that he makes much of Christ in his sermons.

One who sits under his teaching knows, without a doubt, that it is Christ-centered preaching. It’s obvious, too, that he spends much time studying because he unpacks great biblical truths that are only to be found by those who spend much time, not only studying the passage, but also in meditating on the passage of Scripture. In addition to his excellent teaching, members of his congregation learn how to pray by his example. When he prays, it’s from the intellect and heart. I personally have heard few people who have prayed and blended the intellect with emotions of the heart. I know that my own prayer life has become much richer because of Manny’s public prayers.”

DAVID , California

“An arduous year-long search allowed our search committee to become familiar with Caleb when he initially submitted an application, and as God worked through His plan, He graciously allowed Caleb to be considered for the senior pastor position. In fact, he became the clear and only choice. It became obvious in a short amount of time that his credentials, his training, and his biblical knowledge were an ideal fit for our congregation. This was a man trained to preach God’s Word. His expository style is very refreshing and the conviction which he preaches bring God’s Word to life. We attribute his biblical understanding to the solid teaching and instruction he received from The Master’s Seminary.”

MEL ANIE , Wisconsin “We thank God for The Master’s Seminary and for our Pastor Terry and his commitment to proclaim and defend the divine truth of the Bible. My husband and I moved to town several years ago to care for my father in his later years. We started attending the church after listening to sermons on the church website before we had moved. It is God’s church, with a love for Jesus Christ and His Holy Word. We have had many opportunities to sit and talk with Pastor Terry personally. He is compassionate and humble, with a true servant’s heart. We know we can follow him as he follows Christ. Pastor Terry preaches the Scripture with true conviction and clarity. In the providence of God, he is here in our area to minister to the needs of young and old and everyone in between. He continually challenges us to “hear, believe and obey”. We thank God for our pastor and his willingness to follow God’s call and be here among us, preaching with boldness God’s truth which is so needed.”

DIANNE , New Hampshire ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 25

ALUMNI TESTIMONY Featuring José Martínez

In His goodness, God saved me in my adolescence by showing me the futility of a complacent life. He then put in me a desire to know Him better, and He allowed me to study at the Word of Grace Bible Seminary, a training center through The Master’s Academy International in Mexico City. I studied there for six years under the instruction of Luis Contreras, a Grace Community Church missionary.

Under his instruction, as I benefited from his teaching as well as the opportunity to see his life consecrated to God, my desire to study at TMS became unwavering. God allowed me to graduate from Grace Bible Seminary in 2006. I left desiring to pursue a master’s degree at TMS and then return as a missionary to my country. However, God’s plans were different.

In my plans, God was going to open opportunities for me to travel right away to California to study under great men of the faith—Trevor Craigen, Keith Essex, Robert Thomas, William Barrick, and Michael Grisanti. But due to economic circumstances and a language barrier, my desire to receive TMS training had to be postponed for more than a decade. But in this waiting time, God taught me the most important thing is not to possess gifts or to have a public ministry. The most important thing is to be faithful. Regardless of whether I received theological training at TMS or not, God showed me to be faithful to Him wherever He calls me to serve. Because of this, once I did arrive at TMS, I came with a proper perspective.

By God’s grace, I was granted the most loving wife

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in the world; a woman with a heart given to God. When I had the opportunity to study at TMS in the Spanish program, I asked her what she thought about moving to California for me to study at TMS. She said, “I am with you, wherever you go.”

My teachers at TMS heavily influenced my training. They taught me that the seminary is only a parenthesis in the life of a pastor; once he concludes his training, it is necessary to return to his church and use his gifts and training for the good of God’s people. Undoubtedly, this is what I can appreciate in our church today. in Nezahualcóyotl.

TMS taught me to have a high view of Scripture.

It seems to me that all churches are limping on the same leg: a lack of knowledge and disbelief in the claims of Scripture. We are confessional and memorize many Bible verses, but we still doubt the veracity, sufficiency, and authority of Scripture.

In this aspect, I believe the training I received was foundational in that it taught me to always go to the Bible. I longed to ultimately know what God says, not other authors or scholars, because as God instructed Moses, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Deut. 8:3) After almost seven years in California, we have returned to our beloved Mexico. We returned to the same church we came from. Two of our elders, Gabriel Martinez and Luis Martinez, are also TMS graduates.

What the world needs is not business strategies, motivational talks, music that stimulates the senses, or meetings that satisfy its selfish desires. What the world needs is the Word of God. The Word is what transforms, sustains, comforts, encourages, protects, sanctifies, and prepares us for eternity.

I am so thankful for my time at TMS because it immersed me in the Word of God. Finally, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF OUR BELOVED CHILDREN: JOCHEBED, ELIJAH, RUTH, KEREN AND AVIGAIL .

PRAY ALSO THAT GOD WILL USE US AS A FAMILY TO DEMONSTRATE GOD’S MERCY AND GOODNESS, BOTH IN THE CHURCH AND IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Teamwork is challenging but has tremendous dividends. By God’s grace, we have worked in unity as a church for many years. After serving in the Hispanic ministry at Grace Community Church and seeing firsthand how the pastors are committed to God and His Word, we returned trained with a desire to serve. Although our church is still developing, we are confident that the teaching we received, both in the seminary and in the church, will contribute to the edification of the local church

PRAY THAT GOD WILL USE US AS INSTRUMENTS FOR THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF OUR REDEEMER JESUS CHRIST. PRAY THAT WE WILL BE FAITHFUL TO THE CALL GOD HAS GIVEN US. PLEASE PRAY THAT THE WORD OF GOD WILL BRING THE ELECT TO REPENTANCE.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 — 27