THE MILLION WOMEN

As we're learning a bit more about the history of the UBL (Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana/ Latin American Biblical University), we have been amazed by a project that was called in Spanish, "A million names of women building our dream." The seminary itself began in 1923 as a place where women could go to learn the bible. It has transformed with time as different needs have arisen. Men from neighboring countries were in need of theological training, so the seminary expanded its horizons, and even a form of extension ministry was established in the 1930's. In the 1950's the seminary stepped up to university level and the Pastoral Biblical Institute was established in 1997 to help train pastors that do not have secondary education.

So, with all the changes, the institution was in need of a new campus. In the mid-late 1990's, the project of the million women took place. The thought was that if one million women each gave a single dollar, they would have the funds needed to build the new campus. The statue to the right is titled "Ella" and was carved from a single piece of wood in honor of all of these women. There is also a building that is dedicated to these women and the outside reads "La Casa del Millon de Mujeres," or "The House of the Million Women." I guess the lesson is to never underestimate the value of a single dollar!

                   

                       The back of "Ella." Check out her huge braid!