TABLE OF
CONTENTS 3 | When Things Fall Apart Dr. Rene Chanco
5 | Loving Your Neighbor Dr. Athena Gorospe
9 | A Missional Seminary in Pandemic Rev. Timoteo D. Gener, Ph.D.
11 | Experience the Uniqueness of ATS Online! Dr. Joanna Feliciano-Soberano
12 | Hearts Beat for the World ATS Graduates 2020
18 | How to Move Forward? Raniel M. Gallardo, M.Div. CE
20 | On My Knees: Chaplain Amidst the Pandemic Dr. Stan D. Kruis
21 | Hope and COVID-19: A Reflection on Jeremiah 29 Dr. George N. Capaque
ATS Mission To glorify God by providing quality theological education to prepare leaders who will effect Biblical transformation in the Church and societies in Asia and beyond.
ATS Vision To become the leading Evangelical Seminary in Asia that produces outstanding servant leaders.
Message from the
CHANCELLOR We are still in the thick of the COVID19 pandemic, and the end is not yet in sight. There is no sugar-coating this reality. The economy is adversely affected, governments are struggling to keep their countries afloat. Anxiety and fear can easily overwhelm us. To feel afraid is normal. It is a feeling that we should acknowledge and not deny. But the Christian difference is that we can choose faith over fear. By the grace of God, we can go beyond fear into faith. Faith means trusting in God’s character; that as our Heavenly Father, God keeps His promises and hears our prayers. In faith, we believe that circumstances do not define what’s ultimate and real in our lives. Rather, it is the God of the Scriptures who does! God’s word reveals the Lord is our shepherd; we have everything we need. The Lord is with us; therefore, we will not be afraid (Psalm 23:1, 4). And there is more. God also promises to be the light to show us the way when we are in doubt, or when we need comfort and joy in facing the darkness. Psalm 27:1 declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Let’s choose faith over fear… Let’s go beyond fear to faith, and God will carry the day for us. For ATS's calling is God’s mission in Christ: training God’s people for the harvest!
Timoteo D. Gener, Ph.D. Chancellor Asian Theological Seminary
InTouch Staff Chancellor Rev. Timoteo D. Gener, Ph.D. Editorial Staff Ella Abigail Santos-Aramburo Ma. Adelaida A. Mongoso Fe. G. Ellana Contributors Dr. Rene Chanco Dr. Athena E. Gorospe Dr. Joanna Feliciano-Soberano Raniel Gallardo Dr. Stan D. Kruis Dr. George N. Capaque 2020 ATS Graduates Layout Artist Eugene Lillian B. Pascual
ATS Board of Trustees Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro Chairman Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan III Vice Chairman Ptr. Noel P. Pabiona Secretary Dr. Reynaldo Avante Treasurer Other Members of the Board Ptr. James Q. Aberin Bishop Noel Pantoja Rev. Russel E. Simmons Dr. Peter Tan-Chi Ptr. Vincent Ferrer Ptr. Rodel Catuy Dr. Anastacio A. Escosar, Jr. Dr. Jay E. Hallowell Mr. Wyden R. King
When Things
Dr. Rene Chanco
One of the most memorable moments in the ministry of Jesus with His disciples was when they got into a boat after a long day of ministry (Mark 4). Jesus was dog tired. Finding a cushion on the stern he was fast asleep. For a while the boat rocked gently, but then it started to sway uncomfortably. In the middle of crashing waves, Jesus was in dreamland. He put his life in the hands of these professional boatmen. There was nothing to worry about. For the disciples, though, it was a different story. They were caught off guard by an unexpected intensity of the storm. And what a storm we have found ourselves in these days! Like the disciples, we are confused and disoriented. Surely for the fishermen in the boat this is not the first time they have encountered such a tempest. But this one feels like storm signal “Because he, more number five! Pandemonium ensued. They panicked than anyone, cares and quite readily issued a distress signal: “We are about us. Indeed, perishing” (v. 38).
once they have called on him, he saves his disciples from their deepest fears.”
The disciples wondered about Jesus’ indifference “Do you not care?” That is a strong charge against Jesus. I remember feeling hurt the most when one of my kids would blurt out in childish sentimentality: “Do you not care about me?” It is a phrase that can wound any father’s heart. It would have shaken Jesus too. Because he, more than anyone, cares about us. Indeed, once they have called on him, he saves his disciples from their deepest fears. The Sea of Galilee is vulnerable to frequent storms such as this one. Jesus’ miracle did not end the squalls forever over that
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s Fall Apart
body of water. He did not eliminate this once and for all so that all the forthcoming boat trips would be safe and sound. Intead He has taught us his disciples to “ride with the wave”, so to speak. The story is for us today, so we don’t break down when things fall apart. This reminded me of what Pema Chodron wrote, “Things falling apart is a kind of testing and a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” In other words, we need to embrace each moment of sorrow, of provision, of helplessness, and even cherish “The healing comes the sliver of happiness we encounter in these strange times. from letting there be
room for all of this
Let me conclude with this heartfelt to happen: room for biblical benediction offered by a world grief, for relief, for leader from another Christian tradition, Pope Francis: misery, for joy.” “May God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak, and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, ‘cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us’” (cf. 1 Pet 5:7).
Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Ludolf Backhuysen
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Loving Your Neighbor By Dr. Athena Gorospe The great commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength” is followed by the injunction “love your neighbor as yourself ” (Mark 12:30-31). Here, Jesus shows that love for one’s neighbor is a natural outflow of one’s love for God. In Luke’s account, a lawyer, trying to escape responsibility, asks, “and who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds by telling the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:2937). The point that Jesus makes is that the neighbor is not someone who belongs to your group or those who share your religious views. The neighbor is the vulnerable other—the one who needs your help. What is required is not an extended discussion of identifying the neighbor, but to express one’s love for God by “being a neighbor”—that is to show active compassion to the “other” who is in need. So, we took the initiative to help our own neighbors within “It helped them our community at the onslaught of the pandemic through the ATS Community Project 2020. A handful of the remember that they faculty, staff, and students lent a hand in gathering and are not forgotten—and packing health kits, which contained alcohol, Vitamin that God and other C, laundry soap, recyclable masks, and bath soaps. It people still care for was a one and ½ months journey in which, through the them.” ATS Community’s support through various donations and prayers, we were able to make an impact in controlling and mitigating the virus’ effects in the Quezon City Male Jail in Kamuning and the NCR Covid-19 Isolation Center in Payatas. This project encouraged the frontliners who have been on lockdown with the PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty) and brought smiles on the faces of the jail inmates. It helped them remember that they are not forgotten—and that God and other people still care for them. In a time of great insecurity and risk, it is easy to become inward and just think of one’s personal needs and those of one’s family. But Jesus’s words challenge us to reach out to the vulnerable other by doing for them what we would do for our own families. Just as we exert effort to have food for our families, to protect them from disease and keep them safe, we extend the same to others.
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PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for defensively asking, “Who is my neighbor?” excusing ourselves from responsibility. May your love truly flow through us to others so that we will genuinely be good neighbors to all, especially to those around us in need. In Christ’s name. Amen. Athena E. Gorospe, Associate Professor, Biblical Studies (Chair), Director of PhD in Contextual Theology Program, Asian Theological Seminary, Manila, Philippines is one of 30 Old Testament / Hebrew Bible Scholars to Read and Follow according to the Crux Sola: Formed by Scripture to Live Like Christ blog on the Patheos website. Some of her works include Judges for the Asia Bible Commentary, How Long, O Lord?: The Challenge and Promise of Reconciliation and Peace, and Narrative and Identity: An Ethical Reading of Exodus 4. Gupta, N. (2020, October 14). Athena E. Gorospe (Asian Theological Seminary): 30 OT/HB Scholars to Read and Follow. Retrieved from https://www.patheos.com/blogs/cruxsola/2020/10/athena-e-gorospe-asian-theological-seminary-30-ot-hb-scholars-toread-and-follow/.
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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
Graduate Diploma | Master of Arts | Master of Divinity Biblical Studies Christian Education Counseling Intercultural & Urban Studies Pastoral Studies Theology Transformational Urban Leadership
STRATEGIC LEADER DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SLDC) MBA in Biblical Stewardship and Christian Management Master of Ministries Certificate in Professional Organization Management Certificate in Professional Christian Fundraising Certificate in Professional Office Administration Extension Certificate Program Certificate in Biblical Interpretation Certificate in Biblical Preaching Certificate in Christian Counseling Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Certificate in Transformational Urban Leadership
PHD IN CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY Biblical Studies and Culture Concentration
Theology and Culture Concentration
CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES (CGLI) Certificate in Bible Interpretation (Hermeneutics) Certificate in Lay Counseling Certificate in Message Preparation (Homiletics) Certificate in Inter-Cultural Missions Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Certificate in Bible Study Methods and Small Group Leadership
ONLINE PROGRAMS
Graduate Diploma in Christian Education Hybrid Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Companioning MBA in Biblical Stewardship and Christian Management
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In big and small ways, and especially in these trying times, God comes to us as Immanuel, God with us, to advance His mission in the world (Matthew 1:21; 28:18-20). As a seminary, we felt this in concrete ways during this pandemic.
A MISSIO IN P
Timot
but we praise God for ministry partners (local and internaLooking back, the whole of Luzon was put in tional) who remain channels of God’s an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) last March 15, 2020. Little did we know that the unrelenting love and faithfulness to the seminary! entire world would be on a standstill because of the COVID19 pandemic. We were all taken off Even if the community was hurting in many ways, guard by the major disruption this has caused our I was encouraged and moved in the way ATS as lives—to our families, our work, our classes, and a community took the initiative to generously our studies. By God’s grace and mercies, we have extend help, through cash gifts and groceries, experienced the LORD’s guidance and provisions to those who need it the most. Through the anew as we navigated through the trying waters of initiative of the student council (ATSSA) and the the pandemic. Student Ministries office, we identified those who are most needy and provided relief goods. Our Disorienting Months In the beginning months of the lockdown, Counseling Department extended their help by the emotional and mental stress of what was offering free online Psychospiritual Support to happening—and what might happen next—left those who were affected by the COVID19 everyone (including faculty and students) with pandemic and lockdown. In the same way, little energy to do course work. In this situation, the Pastoral Studies Department offered their concerns of family, congregations, and outreach online spiritual chaplaincy services primarily, communities took priority over finishing one’s but not limited to, pastors and church workers studies. who struggled with unique ministry challenges Initially, I felt disoriented with the new setup the brought about by the Enhanced Community ECQ demanded, as there was a need to ensure Quarantine. that our administrative, financial, academic, communications, and chaplaincy divisions were Beyond providing help within the ATS community, still well enough to continue what God has the Lord prompted members of our faculty to called us to do. Although providing support and extend neighborly care by supplying health oversight to all these was quite a challenge, the kits to prisoners in the cramped quarters of Lord continued to amaze us with His faithfulness, Quezon City Male Jail as well as in the QC/NCR provisions, and all-sufficient grace as the Good Jail COVID Isolation Center in Payatas. Dubbed as #ATSLoveThyNeighbor campaign, the whole Shepherd who tends and cares for ATS. community rallied to give to this project. Even ministry partners and friends from overseas (e.g., God’s Protection, Provision, and Care Thankfully, we had the Lord’s protection and care as far as from Australia and Canada) were touched by this effort to reach out to the community. This surrounding us at every turn. While we had to unique campaign was a stirring testament to the implement salary cuts and reduced work day load Spirit’s prompting and God’s generosity through to keep our operations stable and functional, the the ATS community; that while experiencing “a Lord has remained faithful in providing for the severe test of affliction… abundance of generosity salaries of faculty and staff, even in the midst of overflowed” to reach people who are often an economy in decline. We struggle financially, neglected by society (cf. 2 Cor. 8:2).
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ONAL SEMINARY PANDEMIC
Around the end of March, the ATS Board unanimously approved to provide added infrastructure for web conferencing for the faculty and administrative staff to address the need for face-to-face meetings for our online courses, as well as for staff oversight. Praise the Lord for His wisdom to our Board and His Shifting to Fully Online Our key response to restricted gatherings brought provision to acquire valuable tools for online about by the pandemic was to keep doing our learning! mission of equipping God’s workers by maximizing Empowered for God’s Call online learning in pastoral and contextual ways. We have been, indeed, in a difficult and trying By now, we are still maximizing the technology situation, but this is a season that is still within the available to us so we could connect, learn from, ambit of God’s care, wisdom, and guidance. God and minister to each other within ATS and in our knew beforehand that this was going to happen, churches. The church never stops and will never and He continues to equip us to do what He has be quelled by this pandemic. I appreciate our called us to do for such a time as this (cf. Esther faculty and students for doing their best in 4:14). shifting to online learning for their courses despite the challenges. I am reminded of 2 Timothy 1:6-7, which says: “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame The Lord is gracious because, despite the the gift of God, which is in you through the laying challenge of abrupt forced shift to fully online on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does learning in the middle of the semester, we still sent not make us timid, but gives us power, love and off 44 graduates with a virtual Commissioning self-discipline.” and Conferment of Degrees last June 30, 2020, which was followed by a Zoom Fellowship We tend to emphasize v. 7 for application, but with the graduates, faculty, staff, and board the connection with v. 6 is crucial. Paul’s charge members. This has been a great encouragement to Timothy to not be afraid is directly connected for the ATS community, seeing it as a testament to practicing God’s gift. By extension, God has to how we can still work to glorify God amidst given us gifts (also our talents, professions, difficult times. callings, roles, and responsibilities) to do what the
teo D. Gener, PhD
Shifting to online learning for the new school year has been important in fulfilling our calling as a school. Understandably, teachers and students struggled with adjusting to fully online learning. Since many students lack adequate internet access, doing synchronized classes was not entirely feasible. There were challenges, too, with accessing resources that were otherwise available through the campus library. ATS utilized Moodle, along with email and various social media platforms, including Facebook and Messenger, to facilitate the teaching of current courses. Indeed, online learning during the pandemic was not the ideal, but the teachers and students continued planning and completing activities that were flexible and doable enough to meet the requirements of the courses.
Lord called us to do in this season we are in.
The Holy Spirit does not make us timid or fearful. Rather, as we exercise God’s gifts in fulfillment of His mission, we are given the power to do what God called us to do, the love that goes with exercising them as well as redeemed, saved minds to live for Christ in this difficult season. May the Lord sustain ATS with His divine power and intervention. May God continue to sustain us with all His grace and mercy for the sake of Christ and His mission and call. The One who called [us] is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! 1 Thessalonians 5:24, The Message
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Experien of
Joann
Vice
Last November 2019, I wrote about ATS Moving Forward: New and Innovative Programs in 2020. The changing landscape of the 21st Century has propelled us to dream of new ways of doing theological education. But little did we know that the actual setting in 2020 will actually initiate the RE-SET button for formal and non-formal education. And the COVID19 pandemic has posed a foreboding challenge to the long-held ministerial training methods of theological education. ATS is definitely moving forward! The “harvest is plentiful,” says Jesus, “but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). The pandemic has given ATS so many opportunities in ministerial training. This is our kairos moment!
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All our programs are now ONLINE!
The online platform provides more accessibility to our courses! Prospective students can access our courses and programs anywhere in the world! We are doing our best to address both faculty and student challenges in this new learning modality. We are strengthening both synchronous and asynchronous platforms. Students and faculty are provided with maximum training to thrive in this new modality.
Our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program has begun using the ONLINE platform.
We praise God for many pastors and organization leaders who have signified interest and have registered for the program. We believe that this program will provide further equipping and ministry qualification for Christian workers entrusted with leadership positions. The ATS website provides the necessary information for those who are interested.
nce the Uniqueness f ATS Online!
na Feliciano-Soberano, PhD
e Chancellor for Academic Affairs
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ONLINE teaching ushers so much flexibility in course-delivery.
The Moodle is our asynchronous platform which can be accessed by students using their mobile phones! Course content and learning tasks are provided in Moodle. Zoom provides the “face and voice of the learning community” for prayers, sharing, discussion and further learning.
ONLINE modality allows us to enrich our international faculty roster!
Last Summer 2020 and this First Semester 2020-21, we have Visiting Faculty members from Canada, USA, UK, Colombia, Germany, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. Aside from the global perspective, the inclusion of international faculty provides more learning, coaching and mentoring opportunities for students!
ONLINE learning opens the door for partnerships with local churches and organizations in training Christian workers!
We want to be a step ahead in responding to the need to train more lay workers. We have entered a partnership with CCF for the training of their pastors. Our Master in Ministry and Certificate programs are now being tailored to meet the training needs of many Christian workers.
Indeed, we don’t want to “waste a good crisis.” At this juncture, I so believe that God has opened doors of opportunities in theological education. This is now the time for a more intentional re-thinking of ministerial training. We have an open and vast space for creativity and multiple modalities in effectively fulfilling the Mission and Vision of ATS for the glory of God!
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Herbert Krisanto Samosir
Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies It is a privilege to have the chance to write for this Online Publication of ATS’s InTouch 2020 Issue as part of Hearts Beat for the Word Batch 2020. Actually, I had been a graduating student since 2017 when my family and I left the Philippines for Indonesia, but I was unable to finish my studies before 2020 for a few personal reasons. Asian Theological Seminary is a house of learning
From the first day I stepped onto ATS's grounds up to now, I witnessed how God graciously directed my steps to the path He wants me to take. From choosing the most suitable program to take up, to dealing with my daily obstacles, with the help of many people, especially my professors/mentors, I explored, experienced, and was directed to opportunities that I never imagined possible to me as a young Christian. I am able to teach those who are older than me, converse and learn from people that I look up to, go and share what I have learned at different events, and more. ATS even furthered my dreams of becoming an effective educator and made it more meaningful. The degree that I gained is just a bonus compared to the training I received, which helped me hone my leadership abilities, set my adaptability skills, widen my empathic perception, and sharpen my critical thinking. The theological perspectives and biblical teachings I learned encouraged me to go out of the norm and see the world from a different perspective. Even the simple command of ‘love your God and love your neighbor’ became something complex yet more significant that it gives our work more value every day.
for me. I am so blessed to be a part of the ATS community. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to study in ATS for I have learned a lot from it. ATS taught me the biblical, theological, and pastoral bases. I have been equipped in the knowledge, skill, and spiritual formation to serve God, the church, and people in a proper, relevant, and contextual way. As a Biblical Studies’ student I have been trained in exegeting the Old and New Testament properly with respect to the Word of God. I have learned also from our professors, staff, and others who were my role models in being a leader, pastor, theologian, and scholar with a heart of a servant. Thank you so much, ATS, for this precious learning. May God bless ATS abundantly and use ATS continuously to produce scholars and pastors who has a servant heart.
A pastor friend from another church once remarked ATS as a ‘writing seminary.’ He meant that the requirements in ATS are extra laborious because of paperwork. I will concur with that comment. My ATS life was an extremely arduous three-year-journey of late-night sleep, faith-shaking questions, constant stepping out of my comfort zone, numerous requirements and papers, but at the same time, it’s the most important and meaningful decision that I have made in my 26 years of existence. Now that I graduated, I am even asking myself why it ended so fast, and I seek more. I am more than grateful for the experiences that transformed my life into what seems to be a never-ending process of communal learning and faith for God’s glory.
Stephanie Grace Reloj
Master of Arts in Christian Education
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Gospel, Ministry, and Spirituality – ATS has greatly expanded what these mean for me. Learning about the Gospel as Good News to the poor confronted my lifestyle, values, and current priorities. It challenged me to actively participate in God’s salvific work, and intentionally construct a lifestyle that is mindful and sensitive to the needs of others. Salvation then had a broader meaning for me, which did not stop with spiritual salvation of the individual self, but also the physical, material salvation, and restoration of the Other. It was thus during my stay in ATS that I began to engage with and advocate for marginalized groups like children in conflict with the law (CICL), persons deprived of liberty (PDL), and the homeless. ATS equipped me to provide psychosocial support to these groups, and even engage in research work in an effort to contribute to existing programs and policies particularly for CICL. Not only were these efforts academic for me, but more so ministerial in intention, and spiritual in nature – as it gave me an avenue to experience Christ and share in His incarnation, especially to the least among us. It was ATS that developed in me the sensibilities and sensitivities to pursue such a ministry – one that attempted to echo the life and work of Christ, which entailed being a nurturing presence to
the other, seeking to redeem individuals from in dire, destitute life conditions, and confronting systemic, socio-political issues for a glimpse of a just, humane, and radically new state of affairs. Because of my theological and vocational training in ATS, I am currently part of groups that provide psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals, as well as a Bible school that reaches out to leaders from urban poor communities. ATS has also planted a desire in my heart to pursue further academic work and research for CICL and PDL. My hope and prayer in all of these endeavors is that the kingdom of God would advance and be truly in our midst.
Angeline D. Rodriguez
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
“has a monopoly of the truth”.2 My training in ATS taught me that everyone matters to God, especially those who are considered unimportant and vulnerable in the community. Jesus incredibly valued everyone. ATS brought fire into my heart to give importance to people whom Jesus loves. It inspired me to care and get involved on what is happening around me, which I was not aware of before entering ATS.
Gerden J. Que
Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies Studying in ATS widened and deepened my perspective of the concept of “ministry”. My ATS journey did not just develop my intellect and skills but also my heart. It taught me that ministry is not just limited to the four corners of the church building, like singing worship songs, dancing, praying, giving tithes and offering, evangelism, discipleship, preaching, teaching and more. Rather, ministry should also address the specific needs of the people in the community, especially those who are in need and hopeless.1 In other words, as someone said, the church should not be isolated from the real and present issues of a community or even a nation. I also learned that there is no uniform structure for serving God and people. Thus, no religion whether it is a sectarian organization or an ecclesiastical tradition,
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Hence, ministry should be seen and felt in tangible ways. It can be done through many forms like “feeding the poor, social reform, translation of Scripture, supporting online communities.”3 Though, “what makes it ‘spiritual’ is not so much the type of work done, but the attitude, heart, and intention behind it.”4 Those conversations in the classroom, library, canteen and dormitory had been God’s channel to sharpen my understanding of the Scripture and molded my heart not just for the church matters but also about the issues of the nation as well.5 My Testimony, ATS Send-Off Fellowship 2020. Craig Blomberg, The Unity, and Diversity of Scripture: In New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2000) 64. 3 Giovanni Dienstmann, What Spirituality – A Guide to Spiritual Disciplines and Development. http://liveanddare.com/what-is-spirituality. May 15, 2017. 4 Ibid. 5 My Testimony, ATS Send-Off Fellowship 2020. 1 2
Asian Theological Seminary was a staple in my personal life for much of the last five years. It has brought about various learnings on the sheer discipline of being a bearer of God’s Word. In addition to this, it has broadened my perception of how a follower of Jesus serves in this broken world. This new mindset extends to being able to see the marginalized and afflicted in society to which no opportunity is given to them, nor are they given a voice to be heard. My seminary education has taught me to keep asking the difficult questions, two of which are the why’s and how’s of the social system. For me to find the answers to WHY groups of people are oppressed, it entails reaching a level of empathy which helps to explain what having the heart of God feels like. This is to be compassionate, kind, and sympathetic, following the example Jesus Christ set during his earthly ministry. For us to reach this kind of sensibility, we have to constantly go back to our relationship and love for the Lord in order to hear the constant cries for alleviation. Next is finding out the HOW to impact real change in response to these cries. I found out that the general answer to that is through community transformation. This only happens when we, as
Edna Andaya Te
Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership I believe myself to possess quite a rich learning experience as a result of my studies at the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS). I started as one of the many recipients of its non-formal training called ATS Center for Continuing Studies, then I eventually enrolled in the Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership Program. Through this formal education in the seminary, I was able to learn practical ministry skills for my community, as well as a new paradigm of integral mission. The integral mission helped me see the need for churches to branch out and open their doors to their respective communities. The church should be welcoming to anyone and everyone, and especially to those who are in need. Through this integral mission, I realized that my role as a pastor was not limited to teaching, preaching, and saving souls, but also included advocating
God’s linemen, get to immerse ourselves into the depths of society experiencing the very illnesses that plague the common citizen. And after engaging with the problems of every community, it is about giving oneself into the fight for real change and transformation by confronting the root of these social issues. In all of this, I have learned that what we do out of love for our communities does not have to always go noticed or be revered by the public. The goal, at the end of it all, is to be able to give the glory back to God by becoming the catalyst for change which we have been called for when we said, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
Justin Lawrence Uy
Master of Divinity in Intercultural and Urban Studies
for social justice. Evangelism is not simply limited to sharing the gospel but also doing what ought to be done as bearers of the gospel. (Dr. Tim Dickau- Building Christian Communities) Christians should not just announce that Jesus has overcome the powers of sin, oppression, and evil, but also bear witness to the reality of this new life and power. We must practice loving our neighbors, just as Jesus said and did by participating in the shared life of His community and seeking the welfare of others. My formal education at ATS humbled me. Through courses, correct Bible interpretations, and interactions with my professors and peers, I gradually unlearned previously-held beliefs and assumptions which I later discovered to be simply false. I used to think that I had the proper concept of God based on my previous knowledge and understanding, and I judged other people in their faith traditions and beliefs. Moreover, because my program allowed me to engage with other communities through immersion experiences, I was able to observe how lessons from seminary were slowly being practiced and adapted in other congregations. I was also privileged to visit with parachurch and non-government organizations and compare notes with them. These experiences allowed me countless opportunities to marry theory and practice. Thanks to my ATS family!
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Luz Consuelo S. Swinton
Master in Business Administration
Although I had always felt called to ‘ministry’, I always felt unprepared for this. The MBA in Biblical Stewardship and Christian Management provided me with the learning and resources that prepared me to better meet my role of helping Simply Mobilizing International in Butuan City develop the Center’s administrative structure to meet the growing demand from its international Mobilizers. Although that was a short-term commitment that ended early last 2020, my timely learning in specific areas of management gave me the confidence to build an effective team. Beyond this, the courses clarified my passion for helping God’s people, at work, at church, in whatever field, to grow into what God had designed them to be, beginning with the recognition that all are engaged in God-honouring ministry. As someone who struggles to understand poverty, oppression, and marginalization in God’s world, the courses opened my eyes to what His Word says about all these things and our role in the redemption of His full creation. This includes the realignment of my understanding of transformation and the role of social development that is relevant to the context of all engaged in the process. The work required to write my MBA paper opened my eyes to understand God’s word more fully as I digested the writings of many godly individuals who had already walked the paths of reflecting on why we are on this earth – individually and collectively, in our churches. This crystalized my calling to be a Mobilizer for missional churches! But none of these would have been possible for me, if the fully online program had not become available! On the whole, the ATS program challenged me to understand God’s world from the perspective of those gifted with the wisdom of the ages. It stretched my faith to embrace new vistas as I reflected on true stewardship of all that I am and have been gifted with. It pushed me deeper into God’s word, humbling me and leaving me in awe of the great God we serve, who I can call Abba, Father!
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BATCH 2020 WITH HONORS Master of Arts CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Paolo G. Go Lyra Arabella A. Malabuyoc Stephanie Grace Reloj PASTORAL COUNSELING Blesscille Guerra Termulo Elisha Benjamin S. Ngo Angeline D. Rodriguez TRANSFORMATIONAL URBAN LEADERSHIP Edna Andaya Te
Master of Divinity PASTORAL COUNSELING Johan Andreas Santoso INTERCULTURAL AND URBAN STUDIES Emmanuel C. Lao Justin Lawrence P. Uy
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Ramon Luis Guevara Rafonzel Pabunag Luz Consuelo S. Swinton (Online Learning MBA)
Student Leadership Award Blesscille Guerra Termulo Student Council (ATSSA) President and Representative for the School Year 2019-2020
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“HOW TO MOVE FORWARD?” ATS Online Learning Experiences
Raniel M. Gallardo, M. Div. CE
This is one of the main concerns that were raised by the students, faculty, and staff, especially when the restrictions brought about by the community quarantine drastically limited the accessibility of the seminary while the 2nd semester of AY 2019-2020 is ongoing. This challenge was compounded by the fact that almost all (if not all) of the members of the ATS community have to do everything at home – work, ministry, studies – on top of taking care of the family’s well-being. Furthermore, the challenges brought about by internet connectivity problems and unfamiliarity with the available educational technology added to the burden. Taking the challenges into account, the ATS administration, in consultation with the student body, the faculty, and the staff, came up with various ways to help the ATS community navigate the realm of online learning in time of the pandemic without disregarding the well-being of each ATS community member. Here are some of the main steps undertaken, particularly in the area of online learning:
Formation of a technical working group for the enhancement of the ATS online learning programs during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond Among others, the technical working group collated feedback from faculty and students concerning their experiences in time of the pandemic; proposed the use of Zoom as the main synchronous learning platform for all classes and as a supplement to Moodle, the existing Learning Management System of the seminary; and provided online pedagogical and learning principles for the faculty to consider.
Faculty development in terms of online course design and pedagogy Despite their respective challenges, the faculty members managed to gradually adjust their pedagogy and learning tasks in ways that are conducive to learning online. We are thankful for the timely partnership with Horizon, the seminary’s Moodle service provider, that provides workshop and much needed technical support.
Capacity-building for ATS staff for online faculty and student support roles We are deeply thankful to the ATS staff, who in spite of having their respective administrative tasks, decided to undergo a series of orientations and training to help the faculty and students by serving as either online faculty or student support.
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The steps undertaken in light of the challenges proved to be beneficial to the students, somehow. Here are some themes that emerged from the most recent course and faculty evaluation:
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“Online learning provides safe spaces for asking questions.”
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“Online learning allows for a balanced combination of self-study and class discussions.”
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“The learning resources and tasks are practical, real-life, and thought-provoking.”
4 “Many of the professors are very approachable, accommodating, caring, and considerate.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, despite the numerous difficulties it has caused, paved the way for theological educational institutions to rethink and innovate their ways of doing theological education. ATS is blessed to have a supportive community, which made navigating the online learning platform quite bearable. Our experiences showed that as we continue moving forward, we move as a community.
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O Chaplain On March 9, 2020, President Duterte declared a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus. The next day, classes were suspended on all levels. I was appointed to serve as OIC Head Chaplain for March, April, and May. So, I initiated a prayer time during the usual Wednesday chapel hour on March 11. About 30 ATS staff and faculty attended, praying unitedly and intensely that God would intervene to overcome this crisis. Even now, at the end of 2020, the ATS campus is still closed, while all courses continue fully online. Feeling at a loss with how to minister to the seminary community in this crisis, I spent much time on my knees. Arranging for the usual chapel services didn’t seem realistic. With Chancellor Tim Gener and the Chaplains Team, we began posting short devotionals on the ATS Facebook page three “The Lord lifted times a week, and often a longer one for the weekend my spirits by the email blast.
report of one international student, who was translating the devotionals and sending them to his church members in India, who were very encouraged by it.”
Looking back, I count 17 devotionals that I authored, and other faculty members also contributed. Though time consuming, it became a good discipline for me – to speak relevantly to the ATS community through biblically sound reflections within 275 words! The Lord lifted my spirits by the report of one international student, who was translating the devotionals and sending them to his church members in India, who were very encouraged by it. As teachers, we struggled with the limitations of fully online teaching and how to serve our students, many of whom were stressed out. A Messenger chat group for full-time ATS Faculty was formed to share our challenges and recommendations. Thankfully, the Lord had given us a head-start through years of online teaching blended with face-to-face classes.
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On my Knees: Amidst the Pandemic Dr. Stan D. Kruis
I had several productive live online classes with my 14 students in the Major World Religions course. But I found it more effective to use online discussion forums on Moodle and to give the students work they could do on their own with minimal assistance from me. In May and June, I participated in two masteral thesis defenses and one doctoral dissertation defense, with all passing. These were glorious encouragements for me! We discovered one advantage to fully online classes – being able to have professors teaching from remote locations. For my World Missions course “These were glorious this first semester, I have two co-teachers – one in the encouragements for me! We discovered USA and one in Cambodia!
one advantage to fully online classes – being able to have professors teaching from remote locations.”
Sadly, we were shocked by several deaths in our ATS community, first, of ATS alumnus Pastor Ver Tapao, who had COVID-19-like symptoms, but did not get tested. Then in May, we were all shocked by the sudden death of ATS student Pastor Rich Medrano from a heart attack. On May 15, the ATS community held an online service for his family, with Prof. Noli Mendoza giving the message. Others have since lost loved ones: some due to COVID-19, most due to other causes. The limitations caused by the pandemic has made the grieving process heart-breaking.
In April, with others I coordinated an ATS community wide prayer vigil, which was held the Wednesday of Holy Week. Prayer concerns were sent out to the community, and at least 60 persons participated in the vigil by committing themselves to a prayer time slot. Later, we compiled prayer concerns of faculty members, ATS staff, students, and board members – filling four pages that were sent out to the entire community on April 25.
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My wife Bessie and I have been serving as associate chaplains for ATS International Students (IS), so we were especially concerned about their welfare. In mid-March I emailed each of them separately, and heard that they were all doing ok. We rejoiced to see 7 of our IS graduate online on June 30 – Ester Bontoro (Indonesia), Jaw Lum Htu (Myanmar), Uju Benedicta Ibeagha (Nigeria), Johan Andreas Santoso (Indonesia), Ham Youngmin (Korea), Herbert Krisanto Samosir (Indonesia), and Umesh Bishunke (Nepal). Many of our IS struggled with difficult decisions about whether to return home or stay. Some who wanted to go home were stymied by flight cancellations and quarantine requirements. Two students who arrived in Myanmar posted on Facebook that they received good food and accommodations in their quarantine facility, praising God that they decided to go home. One particular student, Umesh Bishunke, needed to get home, but his flights kept getting cancelled. One day, he told me that the Nepalese government was suddenly arranging a rescue flight the very next day! That morning he got tested for COVID-19 and packed for departure. While we enjoyed a farewell supper at Max’s, he kept checking his phone for the test result. Thankfully, it came at about 10 p.m. – negative! The next morning, our ATS driver Ronald Zonio brought Umesh to the airport. Upon his arrival in Nepal, Umesh had to be quarantined, but then was joyfully reunited with his family. Praise God!
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Before the lockdown, I had started a spiritual companioning group with four of our students from Myanmar. These young men really struggled with deciding on whether to return to Myanmar or stay in the Philippines. They also faced many stresses with their studies – struggling with the language barriers in understanding teachers and fellow students in online sessions, and dealing with weak internet connections. One of the four was able to go home, but we all continued the group even after he left, through a Facebook chat group. Bessie and I hosted Zoom sessions several times with our International Students, especially to say farewell to those who were leaving. These definitely were not like the faceto-face fellowships we normally had, with lots of food and fun, but they were still meaningful times of fellowship. Praise God because we could still have food delivered to their places to say farewell and express our love to them. We thank God for our ATS IS because they have enriched our lives, and hopefully their lives were transformed in Christ while studying at ATS.
“During this difficult season, the Psalms of lament took on fresh meaning for many of us. I found myself on my knees writing my own prayer of lament to express During this difficult season, the Psalms of lament took on my struggle with fresh meaning for many of us. I found myself on my knees the Lord.” writing my own prayer of lament to express my struggle with the Lord. We join many believers through the ages in echoing the words of Psalm 13:1-2, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” May God soon deliver us all from this pandemic!
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Hope and C
A Reflection o
By Dr. George
J
eremiah 29 is a favorite passage of many Christians. They often quote v. 11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Let us remember though that this promise primarily applies to the exiles in Babylon. But it does have something to say to our time and situation. The outbreak of COVID-19 is an exile-like situation. Just like the exile, it is an uncertain and abnormal time. But in this uncertain time, hope in God shines brightest. Walter Brueggemann says, “The suffering of exile is for the OT the matrix in which the hope of God is most powerfully and characteristically at work.” Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles offers hope in the midst of darkness. We need hope in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
How do we live with and in hope at this time?
1. We affirm life with all its realities
Jeremiah tells the exiles to “build houses, settle down, plant, marry and have children” (5, 6). These are activities one
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carries out in normal times. In a situation of uncertainty and displacement, they are to live as normally as possible. It does not mean business as usual. It means life goes on. COVID-19 disrupts our normal activities. Even if we are confined (quarantined) in our homes, life goes on. We can still do the activities of life, albeit in a limited way. Some things we can do more like family bonding and catching up with our readings. A bunker mentality, panic, and hoarding go against a life of hope. The exiles are not only to accept the reality of their situation, but they are also to embrace it too. Embracing their situation does not mean passively resigning to it. They are to hold in tension the exile as both God’s judgment and a realm of God’s blessing and power. In God’s sovereignty, the exile was not a product of Babylon’s military might, but God’s working. God himself carried them into exile (4, 7). In the midst of negativity, it is still possible to experience the blessing of God. We live affirming life with all its realities - both good and evil. We live in the tension of living in a fallen world and a world that God has begun to redeem in Jesus Christ.
COVID-19:
on Jeremiah 29
e N. Capaque
2. We seek the shalom of the world we live in
Seeking the shalom of Babylon seems radical for the exiles. But praying for it is downright unthinkable. Jeremiah tells them that their well-being depends on the well-being of Babylon just as we share in the well-being of our world. Praying for the world changes our perceptions and actions. So, we pray and cooperate with the government in its action to contain COVID-19. We take all the necessary precautions. This is not inconsistent with living life with hope.
Note how exile (5-9) and the powerful purpose of the Lord (restoration, 10-14) are held together in tension. We should learn to live between the times. Between this present evil age and the age to come. Between suffering and hope.
The hope of the exiles lies in God and his plan of hope and a future. They need only to call on, come, and “The hope of the pray to him (12). It was their that brought exiles lies in God unfaithfulness them to exile. It will be their and his plan of covenant-faithfulness that hope and a future. will bring them restoration, hope, and a future. This is They need only to a time to call on God. To call on, come and repent and seek his mercy and forgiveness (cf. Lk 13: pray to him.” 1-5).
3. We live life at the center
We live with hope and a future. The center of this hope and future is God. God is our hope. When we embrace our realities, we embrace the God who is sovereign and greater than all; God who loves us and is full of mercy. See Psalm 93.
In Jesus Christ, the future and hope that God has for this world has begun. We still await its full consummation. His long-term resolve is salvation, shalom, prosperity, and wholeness. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Seventy years seem long but it is limited and has an end. This outbreak will soon pass over. In the face of evil, God works out his purpose of good (Rom. 8:28).
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EQUIP. LEAD. TRANSFORM.
Asian Theological Seminary (ATS) is an evangelical, interdenominational, multicultural theological institution that honors God and serves the needs of the Asian church and beyond by training and equiping Christian men and women to be competent, Spirit-filled servant-leaders who will, by the Spirit of God, effect Biblical tranformation in society and the world.
It equips students with the following core distinctives: Excellent international faculty and students. Global curriculum with global outreach and impact. Demonstrates the intercultural character of the body of Christ. Encourages students to serve God in their home country, thus helping impact Asia and the world. Equips students while remaining in ministry, thus learning is relevant and contextualized. Encourages students to reflect critically and dynamically in the midst of an active ministry. Bible-based framework. Integrates personal holiness, evangelism, and social responsibility. Engages students in social issues and the development of one’s own community and nation. Trans-denominational, enriched by different traditions. Allows freedom to express personal beliefs. Various denominations represented in the ATS student body are all committed to the Bible as the Word of God, and yet recognize diversity as an expression of their freedom in Christ.
Asian Theological Seminary 54 Scout Madriñan, South Triangle, Quezon City 1103, Philippines Mailing Address: QCCPO Box 1454 Tel: (632) 8928-6717, 8928-6709, 8928-5105 Fax: (632) 8928-5114 (local nos. 120/134-Admissions, 112-Registrar, 108-Finance Office) E-mail: info@mail.ats.ph | admissions@mail.ats.ph | registrar@mail.ats.ph Website: www.ats.ph | facebook/ats.ph | twitter.com/atsph