With believers so few and scattered in most Arab countries, local churches mostly cannot afford to send their pastors or young leaders away for theological education.
Often the only alternative for Arab pastors who desire continued theological education is for them to study in the U.S. or Europe. Sadly, these students do not always return, or if they do, their training may not be suited to their cultural context.
Therefore, it is vital that students receive scholarship assistance to attend a seminary that is regionally based and encourages long-term ministry within the region.
Of graduates at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), more than 80% continue to serve in full-time ministry, pastoring churches and starting church-planting ministries in the Arab world.
A new campus, currently under construction, will allow JETS to expand its enrolment to several hundred students.
During their time at JETS, the students take an active role in ministry. Many serve in full-time pastoring positions. Others have a passion for personal evangelism, and, as a result, they are able to plant small churches during their time at JETS.
This outreach also gives them hands-on ministry experience that greatly benefits them when they return home.
WorldShare has been working with JETS since 1997. Many of the pastors serving in Iraq today were trained at JETS with scholarships from WorldShare's supporters.
One Iraqi pastor, Karabet, says, "At JETS, I discovered many things I did not know before about the Bible, learning much from the faculty and students.
"In the Personal Development course, I discovered my spiritual gifts, how to discern the gifts of others, and how to encourage them to develop and use them to build the Church. Thus as a pastor, I am giving two brothers in the church who have the gift of teaching opportunities to practice their gifts.
"As a result, I feel there is spiritual growth in my congregation and I am multiplying my training to others."
This 2010/2011 academic year, WorldShare hopes to provide scholarships and living stipends for 8 students to attend JETS. The cost for each student is £1750 per year.
