Latin American Bible Institute, California facts for kids
| Motto | Equipping the next generation of Latino leaders. |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | Established in 1926, LABI College is one of the oldest Hispanic Bible Colleges in the country. |
| Affiliation | Assemblies of God USA |
| President | Dr. Marty Harris |
|
Academic staff
|
22 |
|
Administrative staff
|
15 |
| Students | 92 |
| Location |
La Puente
,
,
34°1′53″N 117°59′21″W / 34.03139°N 117.98917°W |
| Campus | Urban 3.3 acres (1.3 ha) |
| Colors | Maroon Gold |
| Mascot | Lion |
LABI College, California (Latin American Bible Institute) is a private college in the Avocado Heights district of La Puente, California. It was started in 1926. In 1950, the college moved to its current home in La Puente. LABI College is one of the oldest Hispanic Bible Colleges in the country.
Contents
College History
LABI College has a special place in history. It is one of the oldest schools in the United States that helps the Hispanic community. It began on October 1, 1926.
A missionary named Miss Alice E. Luce started it. She worked with Ralph and Richard Williams. They called it the Latin American Bible Institute.
Miss Luce really wanted to create a Bible school for the Hispanic community. This goal has helped LABI-CA succeed for many years. The school moved two times as it grew. In 1935, it moved from San Diego to La Mesa, California. Then, in 1941, LABI moved again to Los Angeles. This was because more students wanted to train for ministry.
More students meant the college needed a bigger space. So, the institute bought land in La Puente, California. This is where the campus is today. In 1950, LABI College celebrated its first graduation at this new location. This was a very important moment for the school.
Learning and Recognition
LABI College is recognized by important groups. Since 2020, it has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). This means the school meets high standards for its programs.
Also since 2020, the U.S. Department of Education has allowed LABI College to offer Federal Financial Aid. This aid, called Title IV, helps students pay for college.
Since 2018, the State of California has approved LABI College to operate. This approval comes from the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Since 2015, LABI has been fully endorsed by the Alliance of Higher Education. This Alliance is a group of accredited Bible colleges and universities. They are all connected with the Assemblies of God.
Who Runs the College?
Alice E. Luce, who founded LABI College, started the school. Later, Simon Franco became the first Hispanic president of the college. Alice Luce and H.C. Ball worked together to run LABI College in its early days. Books like "Latino Pentecostals in America" and "Latino Pentecostal Identity" talk about H.C. Ball's important role. He helped the early Assemblies of God Latino movement and Bible schools grow.
Here are some of the people who have been president of LABI College:
- Dr. Marty Harris (2014-current)
- Dr. John Perea (interim)
- Dr. Tommy Casarez (2010-2014)
- Dr. Sergio Navarrete (interim)
- Dr. Victor M. Mendez (2006-2009)
- Dr. Isaac Canales (2000-2006)
- Dr. Simon Melendres (1988-2000)
- Dr. David Guajardo (1982-1987)
- Dr. Victor De Leon (1980-1982)
- Dr. Jesse Miranda (1979-1980)
- Dr. Joel Torres (1967-1978)
- Dr. Theodore Bueno (1952-1967)
- Rev. Simon Franco (1939-1951)
Special Programs
LABI College has special centers for learning:
- Dr. Grace Women’s Leadership Institute: This program helps women become leaders.
- Dr. Isaac Canales Preaching Center: This center focuses on teaching how to preach.
- Hispanic Institute of Pentecostal Studies: This institute studies Pentecostal beliefs and history.
Campus Location
LABI College is located in La Puente, California. This city is in Los Angeles County.
