Publicaciones Alianza (Alliance Publications) is an editorial entity dedicated primarily to writing and producing Sunday School materials in Spanish. The editorial and administrative offices are located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From here, books and materials are shipped to distributors in thirteen Spanish speaking countries. PA was founded in 1990 by David and Betty Constance, missionaries with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, in response to the need for contextualized materials for teaching the Bible to children and young people. Betty describes this process in these words:

 

“Beginning in 1964, shortly after we arrived in Argentina, I became the director of the Christian Education program in the Buenos Aires Bible Institute. My goal was to prepare men and women who could effectively teach the Word of God. However I found that there were few adequate materials for teaching the Bible so I encouraged my students to write their own materials. I found that I was working with very capable and creative people. But in the ensuing years, after these students had graduated and begun church ministries, I would visit them and they always had the same response: “I would like to write my own materials but I don´t have time to do it. What can I do?

In 1980 my husband and I moved to the south of Argentina, an area known as the Patagonia, to begin a new church. In this remote section of the country, I soon found that S.S. materials were almost non-existent or, if they could be found, were translated from English. So I began writing my own lessons for use in our small beginning church. I had the privilege of observing the children being taught by my helpers and seeing if my lessons were effective in transmitting the truths of the Word of God into their lives. I soon learned about the dysfunctional elements these children were facing, most of whom came from non-Christian homes. I began centering my lessons on the reality of these situations. Teachers from other churches in the area soon heard about these lessons and requested copies. To respond to that need, in 1990 my husband founded PA and in the ensuing years we have seen the how this publishing house has had great effectiveness in producing and distributing Sunday School materials in Latin America.”

The mission of Publicaciones Alianza is to honor God through the publication of books that will make it possible for the teacher to impact the lives of children and young people with the Scriptures, and to do so by selling these materials at an economical price. Although the Constances are now retired and living in Florida, a dedicated staff of gifted Argentine people continues this ministry.

 

What does PUBLICACIONES ALIANZA sell?

Manuals for teaching the Bible

PA´s main emphasis is Sunday School materials which are sold under the banner “Vivir la Biblia” (Live the Bible). These are books intended as tools for any person teaching the Bible to children and young people. The phrase “Live the Bible” represents the particular emphasis of these materials, which is the application of the truths of the Bible to the reality of a child´s life.

What distinguishes these materials from others?

• They are practical, meaning they are easy to use. In the teacher´s manual is found everything necessary for the teaching of the lesson, clearly explained, and with special instructions and activities related to the application of the biblical truth to life.
• They are realistic, meaning that they deal with the problems that children face in their lives, such as divorce of their parents, abandonment, mistreatment, societal pressures, danger and violence, and different forms of abuse.
• They are biblical, meaning that each lesson is based on a specific portion of  the Word of God, giving the child the opportunity to know the contents of the Bible as well as its effect on his or her life.
• They are dynamic, meaning that the lessons are designed to be participatory, making the child the protagonist in the teaching/learning process. All the lessons are illustrated with full color drawings, both for the Bible story and the application activities. They include games, songs, group activities, and a handcraft activity.
• They are undated and non-denominational. These materials can be used in any order (although there is a chronological order to the books) and are adequate for use by any denomination.

How are the materials organized in terms of age groups?

Pre-school: Each book covers a period of 12 to 14 weeks and can be used in any order. Each book deals with topics that are relevant to small children (their body, their family, creation, relating to others, etc.).

School age: These books are divided into two age groups: from 6 to 8 and from 9 to 12. They incorporate up-to-date teaching methods for making the lesson interesting and participatory. They also include in the introduction to the book a commentary on the historical and biblical background of the lessons.

Adolescents and youth: These materials are designed for young people from the ages of 13 to 18. They contain the manual for the teacher and a work page for the student. There are detailed instructions for the teaching of each lesson, which are designed to include the student in a participatory process.

Devotional Books

PA also publishes a series of small devotional books for children called “RECREO” (The title is a play on words in Spanish meaning “recess” and “I believe”). These are devotional guides, beautifully illustrated, to be used individually by the child. They contain a Scripture passage, questions, games and a handcraft activity. Each book covers a 30 day period and is undated.

 

Leadership Books – CUMBRE

PA also publishes a number of books for pastors and church leaders, under the series title of  “Cumbre” (Mountain Top). These books are designed for personal growth, spiritual stimulation, and the development of leaders in the church. Each is written by a recognized author in various fields of endeavor, principally theology and church growth. There stated purpose is to provide resources for pastors and church leaders. Each book contains a leader´s guide and questions for use in group study or a classroom setting.

NOTE: All of  these books and materials are written only in Spanish. A Spanish-language catalog is available with further information.

 

YOU CAN HELP US IN THIS MINISTRY!

The demand for Sunday School teaching aids is greater than our ability to produce them. This is largely due to the fact that we operate on a limited budget and the books are sold just over cost. Although PA operates as part of the ministries of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, many denominations are benefited by our materials. We only have limited funds for the production and printing of new materials, always sought for by our customers.

How can you help? By your donations, small or large. These can be sent to:
The Christian and Missionary Alliance, P. O. Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500. Designate your gift for the “Sunday School Materials Project”, Latin America Regional Office. You will receive a tax deductible receipt from the C&MA.

If  you would like to receive a brochure which further explains the ministry of PA, contact: David Constance, 707 Sans Souci Court, Deland, FL 32720. Telephone: 386-736-4341. Or write: davidconstance@gmail.com.