Nov. 2—President Alan Cureton, Ph.D., recently traveled to Quito, Ecuador to participate in the ceremony marking the graduation of eight students from the Christian Center of Communication, a Northwestern degree site operated in partnership with HCJB Global.

While in Ecuador, Cureton shared some thoughts on missions and Christians in media with Ralph Kurtenbach of HCJB Global. Here are some excerpts from that conversation.

Q: As we continue to train communicators here in Latin America, how important do you see it for followers of Christ to work in media (both secular and Christian)?

Cureton: What’s really important is to always remember that the media shapes the message…. So it’s very important, I believe, that we have people who are God-honoring leaders who understand a biblical worldview—to be filtering, articulating and promoting the message they want to project whether it be in print or on the airwaves, across the Internet or even on TV.

Q: Your institution began more than a century ago with seven students when it was a Bible and missionary training institute. Do you see journalists and communicators—people in the media—as missionaries?

Cureton: Oh yes! I see us all as missionaries to be honest with you. No matter what we’re called to, no matter what path God leads us on, we’re all here to fulfill the Great Commission. And we’re all here to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. And to be Christ with everyone we meet.

Q: Is there one word in your opinion that describes Latin American youth? In your interchange here, and other years that you’ve been here, is there one word to summarize it?

Cureton: It would be “passionate.” When I listen to the heartbeat of the students, they have a sincere desire to impact the world for the kingdom of God—the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The entire interview is available on the HCJB Global website.