Dear friends, family, and faithful supporters,
We’re excited to share an important update regarding the leadership and future vision of Calvary Chapel Bible College Peru.
For the past year and a half, John Bonner and Manolo Matos have prayerfully been preparing for this transition—a new season that marks both change and continued faithfulness to the calling God has placed on their lives.
Passing the Baton: A Leadership Transition
John Bonner, who has faithfully served as the director of the Bible college, has officially announced that this will be his final semester teaching as director. Taking up this role with passion and a deep love for the ministry is Manolo Matos, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Lima and a graduate of the Bible college himself.
For John and his wife Pilar, this next chapter means returning to Mexico, the place where their ministry journey began over 40 years ago. While they are stepping out of the director role, they are far from stepping out of ministry. John will continue to serve as the President of the U.S.-based nonprofit, Friends of Calvary Chapel Bible College Peru, as well as the International Director of Development, advocating for the college, teaching occasionally, and supporting its growth from afar. Additionally, John will continue to write, teach online courses, and lead biblical tours in the Holy Land.
As John shared in the video, “We’re not retiring—ministry is a lifelong calling, and we plan to keep serving as long as the Lord gives us breath.”
Continuing the Vision: Raising Up New Generations
For Manolo, stepping into this leadership role is both humbling and exciting. Having experienced firsthand the life-shaping impact of the Bible college as a student, Manolo’s heart is to see the next generation fall in love with God’s Word, discover their unique giftings, and be equipped for Gospel ministry in Peru and throughout Latin America.
“The Lord has made it very clear to me that raising up new generations is one of the most important things we can do as leaders,” Manolo shared. His vision is to carry forward the legacy of the Bible college as a place where students can grow in their knowledge of Scripture, their love for Jesus, and their preparation for ministry.
New Leadership on Campus
As part of this transition, Alex Vargas—also a graduate of the Bible college and a key leader at Calvary Chapel Lima—will be stepping in as the new on-site director of the college, alongside his wife, Nicole. Newly married and full of faith, they are making a courageous move to Cajamarca, leaving their jobs to lead the daily operations and shepherd the student body.
Alex and Nicole’s story is a beautiful example of the fruit of this ministry. Alex came to faith at Calvary Chapel Lima, studied at the Bible college, and has been faithfully serving ever since. Now, he and Nicole are stepping into this new role, continuing the mission to equip students for Gospel work.
Continuing the Mission Together
While leadership is changing, the mission remains the same—and so does the need for support. This next season brings exciting opportunities for growth, including:
- Scholarships for National Students: Many students, like Manolo once was, rely on scholarships to attend Bible college. Your generosity has made it possible for national leaders to be trained and sent into ministry across Peru and Latin America.
- Support for New Leadership: As Alex and Nicole step into their new roles, there is a need for ongoing financial support to sustain their work and the daily operations of the college.
- Growing the Student Body: With John continuing to share about the college internationally, the hope is to welcome more students and see the ministry expand. Enroll in Spring 2025 here.
How You Can Be Involved
- Pray: Please continue to pray for the leadership transition, for Manolo, Alex, and Nicole, and for the students God will bring in this next season.
- Give: Your financial support helps provide scholarships, cover operational needs, and empower national leaders to be trained for ministry.
- Share: Help spread the word about what God is doing at Calvary Chapel Bible College Peru. Invite others to join in supporting this vital work. Instagram, Facebook.
As John shared in the closing of the video, “Your investments have produced tremendous fruit here in Peru and beyond—and that fruit will continue to multiply.”
Thank you for standing with us in this season of transition and multiplication. Together, we can continue to see lives transformed by the power of God’s Word.
To support the mission of CCBC Peru or learn more about the college, click here.
