Spotlight on Asia

June 2011

 

Spotlight on Asia SAIACS, India CTS, Sri Lanka BBS, Thailand CES, Taiwan AGST, Philippines

Ashish has been working with many organizations and churches in Asia, committed to caring for and focusing on holistic child development. He attended a conference with these partners and is excited about this commitment, as it was a focus that emerged out of an Institute for Excellence a few years ago. He’s also worked with the seminaries in Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia) lately, trying to help them understand what seminary training should look like in their contexts. In their strong tribal contexts, they have many unique advantages and challenges in the area of being relevant to the churches.

CTS, Sri Lanka
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“My aim is to make disciples who obey the Word of God. As a youth leader, I am involved in planning and conducting weekly youth meetings, taking the discipleship group forward and counseling the youth. I also conduct Bible studies at home cells and outside our church….[After graduating], I would like to start my teaching ministry…. I want to be a part of helping rebuild broken relationships and families….I have a deep passion within me for others to receive the deliverance and love of Jesus….I know that the God who called me is all-loving, faithful and will guide me.”

Jei Suthagar Nesharajah, Bachelor of Theology student, Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS), Sri Lanka
BBS, Thailand
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“I serve as the Director of the Chantamit Organization, and our aim is to be a true friend to those afflicted with leprosy. We want to see their families be an equal part of society, able to function cheerfully in society physically, mentally and spiritually….I am able to give myself in service to the Lord in answer to His call on my life...for the past 17 years, especially among the [oppressed] in society. I praise God that He has enabled me to do this work…and to help patients in a holistic way – health, soul, mind and spirit….We see our patients being accepted and helped in their community. Their children are able to receive an education, and every community that our organization has entered now has a local church and a pastor….The number of leprosy patients is decreasing, and our emphasis is on the quality and life of the existing patients and their families, that they would truly be a light and blessing in their communities.”

Yupa Pinata, Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity graduate, Bangkok Bible
Seminary (BBS), Thailand

Yupa (right) ministering to a patient

AGST, Philippines
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Dr. Orillaza (in white shirt) working
with street children

“The classes that required doing theology through field immersions in the communities of the poor (needy people), oppressed (women in prostitution) and depressed (street children) have impacted me a lot. As Academic Dean and professor of Manila Bible Seminary (MBS), I began to offer courses…[that would] engage and immerse [students] with the communities of the poor, oppressed and depressed. In addition, MBS decided to partner with Action Philippines in order to help children on the street….Instead of merely writing a research paper,…the senior MBS students appreciated the benefit and reward of transformational and holistic ministries. Most of our graduates have seen of the impact of transformative ministries to their communities. Their roles as pastors and church workers have become more exciting, engaging and life-changing. AGST has not only had an impact on me as a student but also on the school, MBS, where I teach.”

Dr. Jonathan De Mesa Orillaza, PhD in Theological Studies, Asia Graduate School
of Theology (AGST), Philippines
CES, Taiwan
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“[Through my courses], I not only learn more about Scripture but also how to practice my ministry….I preach one to two times a month and lead worship….Each week, I also visit one to two college students to study the Bible with them….[After graduating], I’ll go back to my home church to serve the youth group….The most urgent calling from God to me is leading more young students to know Him, building the spiritual house of Jesus Christ and bringing about new and better changes in our lives.”

Chen Wen Lun, Master of Divinity student, China Evangelical Seminary (CES), Taiwan

SAIACS, India
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The school reports, “It was a thrill for Ian to be present at the India Missions Association (IMA) National Leadership Conference recently when Dexter John, an alumnus from 2002, was given an IMA ‘Innovative Younger CEO Award.’ Dexter leads Christian Outreach Uplifting New Tribes (COUNT). COUNT has about 150 churches, looks after 2,000 orphans in 30 locations and run several schools in Andhra Pradesh. Dexter said, ‘I remember the words on [one of] my SAIACS classrooms: ‘Be modest. A lot has been achieved before you were born.’”

Dr. Ian Payne, Principal, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), India

Regional prayer requests and praises
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Please join Overseas Council in prayer and praise for Asia:

  • For continued provisions for students while they are studying and continued professional development for faculty as they invest in these students
  • For discernment and wisdom for leadership as they navigate challenges, including sustainability and organizational change
  • For His special protection for students, faculty and graduates as they minister in Asia
  • For the Lord’s continual provision at partner schools in the midst of tough economic times
  • For the ministry of our Regional Director, Ashish Chrispal, as he continues to serve the seminary leaders in this region

 
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