tion. We represent the Central Amer ican Mission here on the West Coast, too, while they do the same for us in their areas of operation.
eign missions. Many schools today are requiring this type of practical training for their missions’ majors. Academic credit is sometimes offered for those who successfully complete these courses. Those interested could write to u s : Practical Missionary Training, Box 628, Fullerton, Cali fornia 92632. M r . C ook : Out of the 65 percent who go to the mission field as a result of your training, how many last? M r . B em is : A 20-year survey shows that 98 percent of them are still on the field today. The “fall out” rate can be for health or other reasons but it is very small. The secret we feel is getting them while they’re still in college. Still impres sionable and pliable, any personality hindrances can be corrected. These trainees know what to expect even before they finish their education. M r . C ook : Where is most of your training done? M r . B em is : Right now in Central America and Mexico. We cooperate with evangelical missionary societies in those countries. Very few of them, however, end up in these areas, rela tively speaking. They’re serving in about 35 different countries. As the trainees go out for the summer, we try to place them in missionary homes according to their respective interests. If one is interested in medicine, as an example, he will be put in with someone working in a clinic or in a related medical work. Seminars are conducted at the Cen tral American Bible Institute. The insight they’ve received makes them extremely practical tools at home in the missionary cause for Christ. We don’t consider these to be casualties. M r . C ook : Do you have any af filiation ? M r . B em is : Yes, recently Practi cal Missionary Training went under the auspices of Central American Mission. While P.M.T. is a separate corporation we do enjoy this affilia
Retiring Biola President, Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, was honored in a special Chapel Program in May. Presentations were made to him by Mr. Paul W. Schwepker (lower left). Vice Pres, and Treasurer of Biola, and Mr. Sylvester Marshburn, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
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