Biblical Studies Department
Newsletter
AIIAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
INSPIRATION
"Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as when he confessed, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in." Those who today occupy positions of trust should seek to learn the lesson taught by Solomon's prayer The higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility that he has to bear, the wider will be the influence that he exerts and the greater his need of dependence on God Ever should he remember that with the call to work comes the call to walk circumspectly before his fellow men. He is to stand before God in the attitude of a learner "
E White, Prophets and Kings, 30
Department Spiritual Retreat
The Biblical Studies Department community joyfully celebrated its annual spiritual retreat on Saturday April 26, 2025 This enriching event, coordinated by the BiSSA officers, brought together students, faculty members, and their families in the welcoming atmosphere of the Seminary chapel
The retreat featured an exceptional program of seminars presented by distinguished guest speakers Dr Youssry Guirguis delivered an insightful seminar on "Academics and Spiritual Life," while Dr Samuel Gaikwad presented "Academics and Family Life " A particularly appreciated session on "Spouses' Support in Academic Life" was thoughtfully presented by faculty spouses Mrs. Bileidis Martin, Mrs. Beverly Nunes, Mrs. Marianne Bergland, and Mrs. Cecilia Correa, who shared their valuable perspectives and experiences.
The spiritual program was further enhanced by a lesson review led by Seminary Dean Dr. Ricardo González and an inspiring sermon delivered by Dr. Francisco Gayoba. Special recognition goes to Andrianjafimbeloarijaona Daniel, BiSSA spiritual coordinator, whose dedicated leadership was instrumental in organizing the event and engaging students and families as activity leaders and game organizers
Participants enjoyed uplifting moments of worship through inspiring music and meaningful times of prayer, creating an atmosphere of spiritual reflection and community bonding
The retreat concluded with a delightful international potluck, coordinated by Mrs Yun Xia
This gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to savor diverse culinary traditions from our international community while extending the spirit of fellowship that defines our department
The event served as a beautiful reminder of the strong bonds that unite our Biblical Studies Department family in both academic pursuit and spiritual growth
STUDENTS CONTRIBUTE TO BRI DICTIONARY PROJECT
The Biblical Studies Department is proud to announce its significant involvement in a major scholarly initiative of the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) of the General Conference The BRI is currently developing the Seventh-day Adventist International BiblicalTheological Dictionary, a comprehensive reference work that will serve as an invaluable resource for the global church All BSD faculty members have contributed with one or more entries to this important project
Several months ago, Dr Daniel Bediako approached the BSD chair with an invitation to extend student participation in this prestigious undertaking. The response from our student body has been overwhelmingly positive. All PhD students and the majority of MA-R students have committed to writing entries for the dictionary, with several students from other departments also joining this collaborative effort
T pport our students in this endeavor, the department zedaspecializedworkshoptitled"Howtowriteanentryfora reference work" as part of the Research and Academic session held on May 21 This valuable training session nated by Zandritiana Lovanomena, and the presenters Dr. Kenneth Bergland, Dr. Leonardo Nunes, and Dr. Teofilo , who shared practical insights from their experience in micwriting rkshopfeaturedpresentationsofsampleentrieswrittenby culty presenters themselves, providing students with te examples of scholarly writing The session also included eractive component where faculty members addressed c questions and concerns from participating students, ngtheyfeelwell-equippedfortheircontributions
ollaborative project exemplifies the BSD's commitment to ing biblical scholarship and demonstrates how our miccommunitycontinuestomakemeaningfulcontributions e broader Seventh-day Adventist educational mission wide
Larry Windewany & Kenroy Campbell: PhD in Religion (Old Tetsament)
uyishime Hatekimana Innocent & Munyamashara Etienne: MA-R in New Testament
109th GRADUATION CEREMONY May 23-25, 2025
NewBiSSA Officersforthe NewSchool Year2025-26
The Biblical Studies Department held a meeting on June 10 with its general assembly to elect the new Biblical Studies Students Association (BiSSA) officers for the 2025-2026 academic year. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Nunes, who was serving as Acting Chair at that time, and the election process was conducted in full accordance with the BiSSA bylaws
These dedicated officers have already begun their important work by developing comprehensive plans for activities throughout the entire academic year. On August 9, 2025, the new leadership team held a strategic planning meeting with the Department chair to organize their first major activity a welcome program for new students.
The BiSSA officers welcome input from our entire department community. If you have suggestions for activities you would like to see implemented during this academic year, we encourage you to approach the respective director and share your suggestions Your participation and feedback are invaluable in making this year meaningful and engaging for all students
As our new officers navigate this period of transition and take on their leadership responsibilities, we ask that you keep them in your prayers Their commitment to serving our department community deserves our support and encouragement as they work to enhance the academic, spiritual, and social experience for all BSD students.
JemmyC.Najoan,BiSSAPresident
MordecaiN.Dwomoh(SpiritualAffairs))
FrancisDoroy(AcademicAffairs)
KianCablinda(SocialAffairs)
GRATITUDE TO FORMER BISSA OFFICERS
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding BiSSA officers of 2024-25, for their exceptional leadership Their efforts have significantly enriched our department community throughout this past academic year
President Epimaque Niyonizigiye served excellently in his dual role as BiSSA President and Department Committee member, creating a crucial liaison between students and faculty while coordinating numerous community activities.
Zandritiana Lovanomena made invaluable contributions in organizing and supporting our academic initiatives, particularly the department colloquia and Research and Academic Writing (RAW) sessions.
Xia Yun played an exceptional role in fostering our social and fellowship activities, creating meaningful times of recreation that strengthened bonds within our department family
Daniel Malalasoa provided excellent spiritual leadership through his coordination of morning prayer sessions and the memorable department retreat.
As they transition their responsibilities, these former officers have demonstrated remarkable commitment by participating in planning meetings with the incoming leadership team. Their comprehensive reports and insights have been instrumental in helping the new officers develop their yearly plans. We are deeply appreciative that the Department provides an environment that nurtures not only academic growth but also leadership development These experiences prepare our students for diverse positions of service in their future ministries, embodying the holistic educational mission that defines our community
Department Potluck Welcome New Students
Join us for a special BSD community potluck on Saturday, August 23, immediately following the divine service. The gathering will take place at the Seminary Hall.
We invite all faculty, students, and families to bring your best dishes to share as we extend a warm welcome to our new students and celebrate the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year together.
See you there!
WELCOME TO BSD, NEW STUDENTS!
This week marks an exciting milestone as AIIAS officially launches the 2025-26 academic year on August 12 We extend our heartfelt best wishes to all our current students as they advance in their academic programs, with special encouragement to those entering the final writing stage of their studies a significant achievement that represents years of dedicated work.
The beginning of each academic year provides us with the wonderful opportunity to welcome new members into our Biblical Studies Department family We are delighted to introduce our newest students who have recently embarked on their academic journeys with us:
To our new students and their families, please know that our prayers accompany you as you begin this transformative chapter of your lives We are confident that the Lord will provide both the resources and abilities necessary for your success at every stage of your academic journey The BSD community looks forward to the fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and scholarly contributions that each of you will bring to our department We encourage you to engage fully in both the academic and spiritual life of our community, knowing that you have the full support of faculty, staff, and fellow students
May this academic year be marked by intellectual growth, spiritual development, and meaningful fellowship within our department family
The Newsletter is a publication produced by the Biblical Studies Department (BSD)
The BSD is part of the AIIAS Seminary, located in the city of Silang, Cavite, Philippines
More information at <https://www aiias edu/academics/departments/biblical-studies-dept/>
Newsletter Editors: Zandritiana Lovanomena & Teófilo Correa
BSD Faculty & Staff: Diana Razmerita, Hector Martin, Kenneth Bergland, Leonardo Nunes, Teófilo Correa, and Ivy Ambat
BSD Club Officers: Jemmy Najoan, Francis Doroy, Kian Cablinda, Mordecai Dwomoh
any comments or suggestions, feel free to contact: <tcorrea@aiias
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