Seven Charleston-area students have received certificates in Christian ministry as the first graduates of the AGAPE Hispanic Bible Institute.
Seven graduates, representing six different nationalities, have successfully completed three years of study in the Bible Institute. From left are Jos? Araujo (Mexico), Denise Becerra (salutatorian, Argentina), Hector Cruz (Honduras), Janeth Jones (Bolivia), Marioly Ortiz (Bolivia), Oliver Osorio (El Salvador), and Charles Warlick (valedictorian, U.S.). At far right is Skip Martin, director of AGAPE.Donald “Skip” Martin, former missionary to Guatemala and current chairman of the religion department at Charleston Southern University, founded the institute in August 2003. Martin is also the pastor of Iglesia Evangelica La Luz Del Mundo (Light of the World Evangelical Church) in the West Ashley area.
The students, who represent six different nationalities, completed eight academic courses to earn their certificates.
“AGAPE’s purpose is to train believers to communicate effectively the message of the scriptures and to serve as productive leaders in the local church,” Martin said.
AGAPE has been in existence for nearly three years and operates at no financial cost to the student. The institute will also offer a diploma in Christian ministry and an advanced diploma in Christian ministry.
Janeth Jones from Bolivia was among the graduates.
“I am very grateful for the classes and the time given by Dr. Martin,” Jones said. “Although the course of study was difficult for me, I am very satisfied with the results.?Thanks to the Lord and my experience in AGAPE, I can now respond with great confidence to questions about the Bible.”
Hector Cruz, a native of Honduras and pastor of Iglesia Evang?lica Luz y Verdad on James Island, agreed.
“In my search to know the deep truths of God and in my formation as a minister of the Lord, my time in the AGAPE Bible Institute has been my greatest experience,” Cruz said. “I thank the Lord for Dr. Donald Martin, who has been my best teacher, guide, and example of dedication to the ministry and to the Lord.”