Internship Program Standard and Policy

Our Vision at CCBC-Peru is to facilitate the Lord’s Great Commission. We act as a bridge for those desiring to go into the mission field of Peru to make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you are one of those that have a desire to participate with us in this growing, wide-ranging ministry to the people of South America, we’d like to extend to you a hearty Bienvenido ~ Welcome! If you are already sensing a missionary call upon your life, this may be just the place for you to get your feet wet and see what the Lord has for you. If you are not sure, then CCBC-Peru is still a great place to experience missionary life and seek the Lord for His direction in your life.

Our Goal at CCBC-Peru is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ through in-depth teaching of God’s Word and through practical application of the Word in daily life. We take both the study and the ministry of God’s Word seriously. At CCBC-Peru, you will find a variety of ministry opportunities, and we will ensure that you have time to give yourself to the Lord in His service to these ministries. The balance of study and service puts feet to our faith. Because you are serving at a foreign mission field Bible College, you will experience many challenges. Living in another culture is an adjustment, and we are here to help you adjust so that your experience here will be rich and full of what God has for you.

Our Plan at CCBC-Peru is to provide you with the most beneficial environment conducive to your growth of faith in the Lord; to facilitate God’s work on your behalf; to encourage you to utilize the grace gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you. We believe that the instruction of God’s Word and your practical application of the Word in ministry will facilitate the Lord’s leading and direction for your life.We seek to acknowledge the vital provision and presence of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as unto the Lord and in who we are as witnesses unto the Lord through the fruit of the Spirit and His gifts. We deeply desire that the Holy Spirit lead every aspect of His ministry that we may truly co-labor with Christ and glorify Him. We do not believe that there is another alternate means by which the Lord desires to fulfill His purpose for His church. Our Practical Missions class is designed to give you maximum exposure to the mission field ministry. We are excited for you and anticipate the Lord working greatly in your life.

Our Hope at CCBC-Peru is simply the Lord Jesus Christ! It is by God’s grace given to each of us through faith that we are called saints, and by His grace we have been given the glorious ministry of reconciliation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe wholeheartedly that the grace of God provides all we need to do all that He calls us to. Many Interns who have served at CCBC-Peru have come to discover the Lord’s calling in their lives and have gone into full time ministry. Because of God’s foreknowledge and wisdom, we anticipate this for you too, and are privileged to share in His blessings with you. None of us think ourselves worthy to serve the Lord, except that by God’s sovereign will He chose us, the weak, the base, and the despised, to bear witness to the glory of His grace.

Our Statement of Faith:

The Bible: We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired, without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice.

God: We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – equal in power and glory; this Triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all.

God the Father: We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayers; and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ; in His virgin birth; in His sinless life; in His miracles; in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father; and in His personal return in power and glory.

The Holy Spirit: We believe in the Deity and unique personality of the Holy Spirit.

Sin and Salvation: We believe that all people are sinners by nature and choice and therefore are under condemnation; that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential, and that repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God.

The Work of the Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer who is in Jesus Christ and that He is our abiding Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe that Jesus Christ baptizes the seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and empowers the believers for service, often subsequent to regeneration. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all the Biblical gifts of the Holy Spirit. We believe His purpose is to glorify Christ through filling us with His fruit and gifts. We emphasize His means and His purpose in our lives as defined by the Scriptures as the only legitimate and authentic reason for our faith and our practices. We believe that the work of the ministry – to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower, are all in and of the Holy Spirit.

The Church: We believe in the universal Church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head, and all regenerated persons are members. We believe that Jesus committed two ordinances to the Church:

1. Water Baptism
2. The Lord’s Supper

The Return of Jesus Christ: We believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church; in the personal, visual, and pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ to the earth, and the establishing of His kingdom; in the resurrection of the body; in the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.

CCBC-Peru Faculty:

Senior Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California, is founder of Calvary Chapel and is the president of Calvary Chapel Bible College and all its extension campuses.

Pastor/Missionary John Bonner is overseer of both Spanish and English programs of CCBC-Peru. Pastor John is from Calvary Chapel San Diego. John teaches in both the Spanish and English programs of the Bible College. John also pastors Iglesia Cristiana Calvary Chapel, Lima. John, his wife Pilar, and their three children, Michelle, Jason and Joshua, served as missionaries in México before they came to Peru in 1999 to establish the present ongoing work.

Missionary John Buchan directs the English program of CCBC-Peru and teaches and oversees the intern program. John, his wife Karen, and their daughter Grace, are from Calvary Chapel Tallahassee, Florida. John and Karen attended three semesters at CCBC extension campus in Austria before moving to Spain to support the ministry of Calvary Chapel of Jerez de la Frontera. After serving in Spain for a year and a half, the Buchan’s arrived in Peru in support of the Bible College ministry in August of 2002.

Passports:

If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently own a U.S. passport, you will need to apply for one as quickly as possible. The processing of a passport application could take six weeks. If you do have a passport, please check the expiration date. If your passport expires within the 6 months of your stay in Peru, you need to renew it as soon as possible. For information on how to obtain or renew a U.S. passport, please go to www.travel.state.gov/passport

Visas:

If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you will be given a visa form during your flight to Peru. In the area where you are asked what the purpose of your visit is, check “tourist”. When you arrive at the airport your visa and passport will be stamped with a 30, 60, or 90-day designation. This designation tells you how many days you may remain in the country before you have to go to the Peruvian Immigration office in Lima to renew this visa. The customs officer in the Lima airport will place your visa (a passport size piece of white paper) inside your passport. DO NOT LOSE IT! Keep it in your passport; you’ll need it later for the renewal of your visa and to exit the country. We will assist you in renewing your visa during the semester.

Medical Care and Insurance:

Calvary Chapel Bible College of Lima Peru does not offer medical insurance, but all interns must have medical insurance. You may purchase affordable insurance here in Peru upon your arrival. If you need dental care and your insurance policy doesn’t cover dental care you will find affordable dental care here in Lima.

Standard of Behavior

The Basics

This is an important emphasis of CCBC-Peru Intern Program that is found throughout the pages of scripture. Therefore, the Word of God is our basis for the particular standard of behavior that we adhere to at CCBC-Peru. Two fundamental factors determine our policy:

First, as God’s children, we have received an invaluable blessing from God’s grace. Therefore, we deeply desire that Christ’s work on our behalf not be in vain. We believe that our being forgiven of our sins by the work of Christ on the cross compels us to live godly lives, and that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do just that. Please understand that we do believe that where sin abounds God’s grace super abounds, but we place our emphasis upon transforming power of God’s grace that enables us to overcome sin in the flesh. We believe that God’s grace is given freely in all of our need for the purpose of enabling us to live holy lives, by which God purposes to bring glory to His name. Behavior unbecoming of a Christian accompanied with an attitude of unrepentance will not be condoned.

Second, our lives are very conspicuous to the nationals that we desire to see come to a true knowledge of who Jesus is for them personally and for them to grow strong in his grace. Unbelievers may not know the Lord, but they may know His character through our Spirit- filled example. We seek to give the utmost care to not bring a reproach to the name of Christ by our speech and behavior. We also believe that God has a great purpose for your own personal life while you are here in Peru, and we deeply desire all that God has for you too. Who we are, not what we do, will have the greatest impact upon others. The difference our life makes is directly proportionate to our humble, obedient submission to His Word and His wisdom as the Holy Spirit faithfully teaches, rebukes, corrects and instructs us.

Romance

For the reasons just stated, we ask you not to pursue romantic involvement with another. Interns are not allowed to have any romantic involvement with students. We ask that you purpose in your heart to fall deeply in love with Jesus. Having said this, we understand that feelings are unavoidable, but please know that we will hold you accountable for your behavior. We expect the highest standard from you; that your behavior toward the opposite sex be upright, honorable, above reproach, and without any appearance of evil. It’s helpful to remember why the Lord brought you to CCBC Peru– to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Our desire is that your relationship with the Lord grows more profound. We deeply care about godly relationships in Christ, and simply want to encourage you toward godliness and holy living. We do not forbid you to have a godly relationship if that should happen. God’s Word especially instructs us regarding our attitudes and motives that lead to our actions and behavior in relationships. We are exhorted in the Word not to walk according to the pattern of the world nor its wisdom. Therefore, we do not condone worldly dating practices common in our secular world. As you closely follow the standard set forth in God’s Word, you may be assured of being in God’s will and you may also be assured that your relationship is pleasing to the Lord. We are very serious about this subject!

Prohibited Conduct

The specific activities enclosed in the box below are prohibited while you are at CCBC or elsewhere in Peru while representing CCBC-Peru. Participation in these activities inside or outside the campus of CCBC-Peru may lead to your dismissal from the internship program.

Ø Fornication, kissing, brothers & sisters touching one another, hugging, holding hands, any and all playful contact between sexes is prohibited.

Ø Any male and female who have romantic feelings for each other are prohibited from praying together alone, but not from praying for each other apart.

Ø Interns are prohibited from entering dorm rooms of other students of the opposite sex or from being on the balcony or entryway of the dorm rooms of the opposite sex.

Ø Interns of the opposite sex are prohibited from being together in a private or enclosed area, (with the door shut) without a third person.

Ø Two interns of the opposite sex are prohibited from being alone together off campus. There must be a third person present. (The third person is not a chaperon).

Ø Immodest exposure of skin, i.e. legs and upper torso, and tight fitting clothing is prohibited.

Ø Exposing underwear for reasons of style or lack of a belt is prohibited in public.

Ø Wearing pajamas or any clothing used for sleepwear in public is prohibited.

Ø It’s prohibited for male interns to remove their shirts except when at the beach.

Ø It’s prohibited for interns to remove their shoes on campus, except for in their dorm rooms.

Ø Swimwear is prohibited except for at the beach, and must be modest (No Speedo’s or bikinis).

Ø Language that is abusive, crude, derogatory, or disrespectful is prohibited.

Ø Language that cuts down or makes fun of others or crude jokes are prohibited.

Ø Belligerence or stubbornness toward the leadership or an unwillingness to receive counsel and/or to repent of any specific sins or continuous disciplinary problems without change will not be tolerated and is prohibited.

Ø Drug use, smoking, or alcohol use or possession of any of these or any other illicit drug is prohibited. We ask you to refrain from purchasing mate de coca unless it is prepackaged in a tea bag form.

Ø Going to bars, nightclubs, casinos and dancing is prohibited.

Ø Watching any movie that contains any sexual situations, any profane language or any theme that promotes worldliness or carnality is prohibited.

Ø Listening to music with worldly lyrics or having possession of this music while you’re here with us is prohibited.

Ø Looking at pornographic websites or any other such material is prohibited. “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes” Psalm 101:3.

Ø Receiving body piercing or tattoos while you’re here is prohibited.

Ø If your ears are pierced and you are a woman you may wear “modest” earrings only. Please refrain from wearing a lot of jewelry.

Ø Braiding of hair for male interns is prohibited.

Ø Unnatural coloration of hair is prohibited for both sexes.

Ø Lying, stealing, cheating, manipulating others, or committing any unlawful act contrary to the Peruvian government is prohibited.

Discipline

The word “disciple” implies disciplined behavior or training. It is the Holy Spirit who is at work in us both to will and to do what is God’s good pleasure. We are not disciplinarians, we are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and we aspire to allow the Holy Spirit complete sovereignty in our lives that we might be conformed into the image of Christ. Jesus also learned obedience to His Father and walked in freedom for the debilitating effects of sin. Therefore, our policy is set to reflect God’s Word and His utmost concern for our spiritual growth and life.

As a staff we have a great responsibility before God to live by His Word and also to address any sin issues that might arise, for the spiritual health of the body of Christ. Jesus said “Those who continue in My words shall know the truth and the truth shall set them free!” It is the deep desire of God for his children that we are free from the sinfulness of the flesh and that we walk in the liberty of the Spirit that is abundantly provided for us. Our staff depends upon the council of God’s Word and we depend upon God’s Word in the ministry of reconciliation.

We believe that a repentant Christian shows a higher regard and understanding for the grace of God than does a Christian who lives in sin while professing that God’s grace abounds. Of course we are all sinners and we all sin at times, but an attitude of repentance demonstrates a correct Biblical understanding of our being new creations in Christ. True repentance equals change in behavior. We are all in the process of growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and we trust that God’s counsel is for the utmost benefit for us and for those with whom we counsel with. God’s purpose in discipline is not for evil but for our good.

CCBC Peru Perspective

Our policy is strict and we believe that personal holiness is a strong and often neglected aspect of God’s grace. Please understand that if your views and convictions on moral standards differ from ours, we may very well acknowledge your views. Nevertheless our policy is based upon our conviction that as a staff, we are accountable to God to live in obedience to the Word of truth.

Male Interns

Please consider yourselves as “brothers” in Christ toward your sisters at all times. We ask that you purpose in your hearts to always let your speech and actions toward your sisters reflect the highest regard for their spiritual well being. Leading a sister to believe that you have feelings for her without having a resolve of commitment to follow through with those feelings is manipulative and deceitful. For this reason, we ask that you guard your hearts and your words with your sisters. Self-centered behavior comes forth from inordinate affections of the flesh and is never edifying for others and always self-destructive. On the other hand, godly character is built into our lives as we patiently and consistently submit to the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God’s Word. Here at CCBC-Peru you will have great opportunity to put into practice this valuable aspect of Christian living. We do not discourage relationships, but they must be “godly” as defined by God’s Word. An honest and pure heart before God in relationships results in actions that are above reproach without any appearance of evil. The male leadership at CCBC Peru understands the challenges facing single Christian young men. Male interns are held accountable with one another and with their overseer. Purity of heart and life are essential for Christian maturity and spiritual leadership within the body of Christ.

Female Interns

1. We regard you as daughters of the Lord and sisters in Christ. We desire that you be esteemed very highly as women of sincere faith in the Lord. Your manner of dress, speech, and behavior, all reflect your knowledge and faith in the Lord. Your sincerity of faith and chaste behavior is a tremendous encouragement to your brothers in Christ to be the men of God that they esteem to be. We ask you to purpose in your heart not to settle for anything less than the very highest moral standard in relation to your brothers in Christ. If you respond favorably to ungodliness in others, you will be sacrificing God’s standard for you and encouraging others to do the same. The consequences are never the Lord’s best. On the other hand, if you hold God’s standard in your heart with the highest esteem for yourself and for your brothers, God will take care of your life, hopes and dreams, and you will experience the fruit of righteousness. We expect you to abstain from speech, dress, or playful mannerisms that are flirtatious or that tempt your brothers to have inordinate affections for you. God desires that young Christian men honor and esteem you by protecting your purity and by being concerned first and foremost with your spiritual well being. Let your beauty be inward, of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious and valuable to the Lord.

Encourage One Another & Be Encouraged

As we pursue our high calling in Christ, we undoubtedly experience some inconsistency as we are being transformed into the image of Christ. This is to be expected because we are all sinners, howbeit, saved by grace. As a staff we depend upon the riches of God’s grace and His great mercy in our weakness. Therefore, if your speech or behavior is inconsistent with the Word of God, we will council with you. We all have need of patient continuance in well doing and perseverance, and we expect the same of you. We trust in the mercy and grace and power of God to help us all to overcome the flesh and to mature in our walks with the Lord. Overcoming peer pressure, the world and the flesh are characteristics befitting of God’s dear children. Maturity is simply consistently walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God on a daily basis. Please know that through it all God is at work in us, helping us to know what is His good, acceptable and perfect will. He is making us into the men and women of God that will bring honor to His name and to your name too.