By Jennifer Taylor
Jim and Cheryl Green launched Conosur Christian Ministries in 1996 to oversee their work in Chile and planted a new church””Iglesia Cristiana Ciudad Satélite””during their eight years as missionaries there.
Now the nonprofit ministry, based in Palmdale, California, where the Greens currently live, plans to build a Christian K-12 school to expand its mission.
“The church began with a vision for reaching the emerging middle class in Chile, with an emphasis on future leaders who can influence a society becoming more secular,” says Jim.
This focus on education was part of the Greens” work from the early days of their ministry in the country.
“In the past, Chilean churches have had a bad reputation for secrecy and dictatorial pastors, and we wanted to model something different,” he says. “We started several projects for adults, but over time I felt God was calling us to help young people.”
The new project will provide an alternative to public schools for children who have high academic and leadership potential. Unlike the country”s other semiprivate schools, CCM”s new school will accept a cross-section of students and welcome anyone who wants to attend.
“At the same time, we will focus on academically rigorous course work, Christian teaching, and discipline,” Jim says. “We want to produce leaders for the community.”
Conosur is currently gathering funds for the building and hopes to support many students with scholarships from individuals and churches. The scholarships will average $50 to $75 per month; parents of the students and the Chilean voucher system will cover the remaining costs. Find more information at http://ccmchile.org.
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Jennifer Taylor, one of Christian Standard”s contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Read her blog at www. christianstandard.com.
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