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ASCM's 32nd Commencement Exercises
By Shing Saracin

On March 28, 2007 ASCM held its 32 nd Commencement Exercises at the Word for the World Sanctuary. A total of 22 graduates (from Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Christian Education, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, and Master of Divinity) marched down the aisles, and received their diploma from Dr. Scott C. Rains and his wife, Carol. In addition, 5 students from Noveleta received their Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) and 17 students from Word for the World finished their Certificate in Basic Christian Training. This year, ASCM also graduated 2 Doctor of Ministry students under the AGST Consortium.

This year’s Graduation Committee was headed by Dr. Ayuk A. Ayuk. On the day of graduation, a Baccalaureate luncheon was prepared for the graduates and their parents/guardians. The passing of the Key of Responsibility from the graduating students to the incoming seniors was also held during the Baccalaureate Service. Dr. John C. Ray, ASCM’s Academic Dean, addressed the graduates during this celebration.

Dates to Note:

• Enrolment May 28-June 1
• Opening of Classes June 4, 2007

Living the Seminary Life
By Kenneth Bane

I have been in the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries for almost three years. Upon entering ASCM, the first thing that caught my attention was that most of the students are in the library. I don’t know exactly what they are doing there, but for a “newbie” who has been in a secular college in and is used to cramming in order to pass, seeing most of the students spending their time in the library made me think “It must be difficult studying here.” I thought that this was a boot camp, a place where officers say, “I’m gonna make sure that your life will be like living hell, private!”

During breaks I would rush to the Student’s Lounge like mad to line up & play billiards with the other students. When freshmen and new students first come to ASCM and ask what course we are taking, with a poker face, we usually reply: Masters Degree in Billiards. It never fails to take them by surprise!

Seriously speaking, the student’s lounge is a blessing to us, the students. It is here where not only your skills in darts, billiards and table tennis are honed but most importantly, it is a place where friendships develop. Here you can talk to your friends, laugh with them, eat their food, exchange opinions, ask for help, pray for each other, and unload frustrations and stress caused by some tyrannical instructors.

As I look back at the things that I’ve experienced in my stay in this seminary, I wonder “How on earth I was able to survive all these conditions along with my classmates and still be able to minister to my church, my family, to laugh, crack jokes, and watch movies from time to time. All these after being harassed by practicing music pieces, reading book requirements, beating paper deadlines, submitting countless assignments, and all these academic stuff. Are we able to cope because of billiards and table tennis? Because of the fun-loving and friendly professors and staff? Or is it because ASCM is only a ride away from the mall? Friends and fellow seminarians, the answer is none of the above.

It is only because of HIS GRACE… Yes! Friends are there to cheer you up and lend you a helping hand. Playing sports eases away stress. But how are we able to do extra-ordinary things for God in the midst of the mundane and ordinary of seminary life? Is it because of our intellectual prowess and talents? No! It is because we have an extra-ordinary God, who, by His mercy, grace and sovereign will has placed a special call in each of us, a call which may look impossible from a human perspective.

I clearly remember the words of youth pastor: “God will not call you into a place in where He cannot sustain you.” I can proudly say that being in seminary is all about Him. His faithfulness, love, grace and mercy are the reasons why life here in ASCM has become bearable and fruitful.

If you ask me if I like being in ASCM, my answer would be… Yes!

It's a Birthday!
By Shing Saracin

Guess who celebrated his birthday on April 12? Our President Dr. Scott C. Rains. The staff and full-time faculty, with the help of his wife, Carol, arranged a surprise birthday party for him, complete with cake, a lunch fellowship, and of course, big red balloons.