Donation Stories
Felipe Silva '15
I heard about PRTS through a friend who was also interested in coming to PRTS; he also happened to be my teacher in seminary in Brazil. I also heard that the president of the seminary was coming to Brazil to speak at a conference hosted by my denomination.
What brought you to PRTS?
I heard about PRTS through a friend who was also interested in coming to PRTS; he also happened to be my teacher in seminary in Brazil. I also heard that the president of the seminary was coming to Brazil to speak at a conference hosted by my denomination. I traveled a long distance just to hear him preach because I wanted to know what kind of person this school has as president. I believe that the leaders of an institution reflect largely the kind of institution they are leading. I liked the conference and Dr. Beeke’s message a lot; I became more interested in the school, and especially so after talking with Dr. Beeke at the conference about attending PRTS. When I asked others what they thought of the seminary, most of the people that I spoke with gave me great feedback so I decided to apply. The scholarship I received from the seminary made it possible to attend; without it I don’t think I would have been able to come.
Where is your home country? Can you tell us a bit about your family?
My home country is Brazil. I was born and raised in the southeast, in a city called Governador Valadares, which is a particularly hot city (much different from Michigan). My wife’s home country is South Korea, and she grew up in Seoul (capital city). We met on a Christian ship called Doulos whose purpose is to bring knowledge, help, and hope to the nations. We got married in Korea and also in Brazil (since both of our families wanted a wedding), so we had the unusual and blessed experience of having two marriage celebrations in a thirteen-day period! We also have a baby girl (Sara, born in December 2012) who fills our hearts with joy. Our bundle of joy manages to make our home feel better, happier, and so much more tired all at the same time.
"I believe that the leaders of an institution reflect largely the kind of institution they are leading."
What do you plan to do with your PRTS education?
I would like to pursue a PhD in Systematic Theology and eventually do mission work in an unreached country. That has been our goal even before we were married. Our intention is basically to follow the example of Ashbel Green Simonton (founder of the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, a North-American Presbyterian missionary). With the Spirit’s help, we hope to plant a church where there are virtually no churches; our hearts are often inclined to Arabic countries.
What has been the most di cult aspect to adapting to US culture?
The school system is different, and the simple fact that we don’t know many people already has its challenges. However, this is normal since we have never lived here. Still, we must say that adapting to our new surroundings has been quite easy (no real major issues). Our transcultural experience in the Doulos and the amount of new countries that we have visited also makes it easier for us to adapt to new places. The support from our PRTS friends during our arrival and settling in also made our adaptation much easier.
Consider giving an online gift to PRTS.