The Eurasian Consultation on the Development of Non-Formal Theological Education was held in Almaty

We are very grateful to the Lord that He blessed the events of the Theological Evangelical Association of Eurasia (TEAE), which took place from April 23 to 26. During these days the city of Almaty hosted the TEAE General Meeting and the Euro-Asian Consultation on the Development of Non-Formal Education in Central Asia. Participants from Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, South Korea, Australia, USA, Germany, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, New Zealand, Holland presented programs and educational institutions of formal education. But an important feature of the consultation was the participants who presented various programs from the sphere of non-formal education.

The roster of educational programs on the TEAE website was presented, which is designed to help better know one another. It currently has 21 non-formal education programs listed. The registry will be improved and updated to become a tool for educational development in the region.

The certification procedures in TEAE were also presented, both from the ReForma organization and from TEAE. Certification of non-formal educational programs in TEAE is not only a quality assessment, but also an opportunity for graduates of non-formal programs to receive credits that will be counted when continuing their studies at diploma and bachelor programs.

Many participants remembered the Bible hours with Chris Wright, who recorded video messages for TEAE. The deep thoughts encouraged reflection and understanding of God’s leading during this challenging time. The consultation featured an exhibition of resources and meetings by region and different areas of education. In the final session, Peter Penner addressed the participants with an exhortation from the Epistle to the Ephesians, helping them to see the role and responsibility of those whom God has called to educate for the building up of the Church.

All participants left inspired to serve the Lord more diligently. God encouraged, brought us closer together, opened opportunities for collaboration, and showed directions for the association’s growth in the years to come. Glory to Him!