Billy Graham Scholars are a perfect example of Wheaton's motto, "For Christ and His Kingdom". To date, 1175 Billy Graham Scholar alumni implement the tools and training gained from their Wheaton education serving Christ in approximately 115 countries around the world.
Latin America
Gustavo Ochoa '23
Ecuador
While working in Egypt, Gustavo was challenged by the devotion of a Muslim believer. This led him to enroll in seminary and at graduation was invited to teach. He taught for six years at the oldest Biblical Seminary in Ecuador, Seminario Biblico Alianza. He is currently director of the Academia de Predicación Qohelet (a preaching academy). Wheaton's Biblical exegesis training will greatly enhance his teaching and training ministry.
Cesar Rodriguez '23
Costa Rica to Panama
A gospel presentation after a volleyball match led to his introduction to and growth in Christ. Subsequently, through SportQuest Ministries Inc., he has coached, trained leaders and parents, and inspired others to live with adventurous faith as they impact Latin American communities.
Ben Lewis '22
U.S. to Peru
Ben s a medical missionary pediatrician sharing the gospel of Jesus in word and deed with patients and their families. He mentors and disciples Peruvian medical students. Ben seeks to grow in his understanding of missiology, to be able to teach at a local seminary, and to be a church leader who furthers the mission of God. He is married with three children
Liliana Astrid Ramos Rodriguez '22
Colombia
Lili’s biblical & theological teaching and leadership contributions intersect between the Medellin Ministerial Institute associated with the University Foundation Biblical Seminary of Colombia, the Langham local preacher’s group and the Movimento Misionero Mundial church denomination. With this Wheaton education, she’ll be even more equipped to teach with skill and contextualize lessons for and from Latin America.
Lisa Anderson-Umana ’92
Honduras
“I am rejoicing at having been a part of Christian Camping International, Latin America (CCI/LA) for 31 of its 50 years!." CCI/LA celebrated its 50th anniversary in October, 2014. "My gratefulness inspires me to want to continue serving the Lord in CCI/LA for as long as He gives me breath. Were it not for the scholarship BGC award provided by Wheaton, I never would have been able to aspire to a Graduate degree.”
Luis Velasco Silva ’16
Brazil
“I only have words to say thank you, many times. To have the opportunity to complete this program was simply a dream coming true.
- In 1989 I started my studies at a seminary in Brazil and started dreaming to study at Wheaton.
- In 1999 I had the opportunity to walk around Wheaton College and the dream became alive again.
- In 2009 I was awarded with the scholarship. Isn’t it amazing?
So, I thank God for his grace and the donors of Billy Graham Center for their vision and generosity. Certainly they have no idea how big is the impact they have been causing for Christ around the world. Without this award it was simply impossible to me to reach this point in my ministry.
So, I pray God keep all of you faithful to this purpose to equip leaders around the world. For Christ and His Kingdom.”