Quality Graduate Education—an AIIAS Essential

The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), an institution of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC) located in the Philippines is a world-renowned institution for graduate programs as evidenced by the continued approval of its offerings by the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA) of the Seventh-day Adventist world church. The recent on-site visit of a team, June 29-July 30, appointed by the AAA, again penned a five-year term of accreditation to end in 2013.

The team, led by Dr John M Fowler, associate education director for the Seventh-day Adventist world church, took a careful look at every program to ferret out its strengths and weaknesses that could generate objective recommendations to make the offerings more responsive to the needs of the academic community. Among the various areas under scrutiny besides academic programs were the strength of the institution’s faculty and students.

“The strength of a school lies in the reputation of its faculty,” remarked Dr Woodrow Whidden II, a professor of historical and systematic theology at the AIIAS theological seminary. “And the quality of its students, too!” added Dr John Anderson, vice president for academic affairs at Oakwood University and a member of the visiting team.

“Indeed, both statements cannot be farther from the reality at AIIAS! This tertiary institution enjoys the scholastic strength of its faculty, many of whom were esteemed scholars and authors in their academic fields. The rich cultural diversity on the campus is manifested in the student population that represents 45 countries and five world regions of the church. This special blend of scholarship and culture crafts an academic flavor that makes AIIAS a quintessential community of higher learning!” observers were heard saying.

Of special notice was the new PhD program in Business designed to strengthen the church’s financial and business management. This offering provides fresh options for the church financiers, business leaders and practitioners to enhance and strengthen their commerce and economic acumen, and likewise benefit from the wealth of opportunities of keeping abreast with the latest trends and advancements in the world of business and finance.

The AIIAS Division of Online Learning impressed the members of the team with its innovative approach to meeting the needs of those who were unable to come to the school campus for graduate-level education. Established in March 2001, the AIIAS’ online learning program allows students access to quality Adventist graduate training through the use of technology and Internet. AIIAS offers three online degree programs: Master in Public Health (MPH), Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), with emphasis in Leadership , and Master of Divinity (MDiv), and the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program.

An overall assessment shows AIIAS excelling in all its offerings and warranting a five-year accreditation status.

With Dr Fowler in the team were Dr Mike M. Lekic, education director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD); Dr Anderson; Dr. Lawrence L. Domingo, SSD associate education director; Ruth Fabella, librarian of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP); Dr Denis Fortin, dean of the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University; Ms Daisy J. Orion, GC associate treasurer; Dr Richard Osborn, president of Pacific Union College; and Dr. Choi Byung Soon, professor of health at the Sahmyook Health Institution in Seoul, Korea. [Lawrence Domingo/AND]

Happy Family—Still Life’s Greatest Need

Happiness is a key to a family’s survival. Obtaining it, though, must be intentioned. About 60 people came nightly to a seminar that provided guidance for a family to experience that joy. They came to Purok Fortaleza, Baranggay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, in search for this life’s greatest needs—a happy family.

Joel Habaradas, Philanthropic Services director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), took a few days from his regular office functions to conduct the Happy Family Seminar, July 6-12. He was assisted by Pastor Heber A. Bacolod, communication and legal services director for the church in Negros Occidental, for the doctrinal presentations.

Before these presentations, lay leaders Ramon Bobo and Federico Fortaleza Jr of the Vibrant Life Ministry led out in Bible study, house visitations, and other essential activities. Church members also participated in the field preparation by distributing literature, conducting vacation Bible schools, and inviting people to these meetings.

“The presentations were highly stimulating to all members of the families that came to these meetings,” said Cleto Refendor, pastor of the area where the meetings were held. “The baptism of 32 at the end of the series was proof to the people’s longing for a better family life in Jesus,” he added.

The Vibrant Life Ministries, which was founded by Ms Myrna Pallasa-Castillo, provided the place for the said seminar. A church building will soon stand in this place after Ms Pallasa donated it to the church organization.

Also, through the help of Habaradas, five new baptized families were beneficiaries of a livelihood program that provided five tri-sikads (three-wheeled public transport) to start a better life. “We appreciate very much Mr. Habaradas’s services, not only with his down-to-earth messages but also through his philanthropic services that enabled new members to improve their ways of living,” said Pastor Jimmy Quijote Jr., director of Sabbath School/Personal Ministries, ACS, and ADRA for Negros Occidental.

On July 13, a medical outreach was conducted as a joint effort of Bacolod Adventist Medical Center (BAMC) spearheaded by Dr. Antonio De Villa, vice president for Medical Affairs; Negros Occidental Conference; and the Vibrant Life Ministry Inc. A total of 132 patients availed of the free clinic. [Heber A Bacolod]

Heavy Rain, Noise—Just Part of the Fun!

There is no greater joy than spending time with children and young people in a camp of fun and recreation! This feeling outweighed the worries parent showed before this activity.

Forty children, aged 5-22, and members of the Adventurer and Pathfinders classes intiated by the Orion Pathfinder Club of the Maranatha SDA Church, in Singapore, joined the camp meeting at the Changi Ferry Park on June 30-July 2.

Themed “Faith on Fire,” the camp meeting was aimed at training children and young people to be independent, more responsible and careful of themselves besides learning skills that help them live a happy life in easy and hard times. It was also a way the adults inculcate to the young spiritual values through daily devotions, singing songs, short Bible-based stories and seasons of prayer.

Heavy rain soaked the campers tents ensuing sleepless nights; terrible noise caused by taking-off and landing airplanes at the nearby Changi Airport did not dampen the campers’ spirit. Joys emanating from the young people’s face proved the camp meeting was successful and worth repeating. [Anneke Wagiran]

[More Pictures HERE]

Training Prepares Launching of New Indonesian Programs

Adventist World Radio (AWR) is the mission radio arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that effectively broadcasts the good news in 70 languages throughout the world. Indonesia has one language program broadcast daily through the short wave (SW) facilities of the AWR station in Guam.

Two other languages were planned for production as announced by Pastor Jonathan Wagiran, director for the AWR Asia Pacific region. These two new planned programs were the Sundanese and Javanese languages as these belong to the two biggest tribes in Indonesia. Wagiran, however, said that other languages may also be produced should local leadership indicates interests.

The launching of the two new programs necessitated the holding of broadcast training for would-be producers, speakers and editors from all fields of west Indonesia. This was held June 30-July 4 at the church’s headquarters in West Indonesia (WIUM). The 5-day training program was attended by 20 participants representing the regional church headquarters, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java fields, including Bandung Adventist Hospital.

Trainers during the event besides Wagiran were Ray Allen, Global Training director for AWR, and Anniston Matthews, program director for AWR Asia-Pacific region. The comprehensive training covered technical instructions, scriptwriting, sound engineering, and a lot more. Part of the exercises required participants to put in practice what they have learned in the sessions.

Responding to questions why AWR goes into SW broadcasts, Matthews explained that Short Wave transmissions reach far locations hardly reachable by missionaries and that AWR goes directly into peoples’ homes and villages, defying geographic barriers and government restrictions and bringing the hope of salvation to them.

Certificates were given to the successful trainees indicating completion for the requirement of AWR FPP1000 Foundation Program Production. Jahotner Manulang, communication director for WIUM, expressed his gratitude to the management of AWR for “this valuable training that would go a long way in producing programs that will reach millions of people in Indonesia and elsewhere in the world where Indonesians reside.”

On Sunday and Monday, July 7-8, the AWR personnel accompanied by the WIUM communication team went to Bandung for the installation of studio equipment for Bandung Adventist Hospital. [Franklin Hutabarat]

Health Expo Generates On-Line Health Study Takers

A good way to being introduced to healthy lifestyle through the Klang Valley Health Expo 2008 was learning more of it through the Internet. The first-time exposure was done at Sunway Pyramid, an upmarket shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 6-7.

The honorable senior executive councilor of Selangor, Y B Teresa Kok, who is also a state assemblywoman for Kinrara, officiated the opening ceremony of the Expo. She commended the organizers for having conceived such an idea that will benefit her constituents in particular and the Malaysian people in general.

The number of the health expo takers was beyond expectation as there were 573 who registered and attended. The on-line health study sessions had 190 enrollees, and the health expo generated 77 interests.

Each participant took part in the series of health screening such as BMI, body fat analysis, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol test, where all data were computer-generated and followed by health counseling done by doctors and nurses who were members of the team.

The eight treasures of healthy living, namely: nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust in divine power (NEWSTART) took center stage in the one and half days affair. Demonstrations on vegan cooking, hydrotherapy and exercise, as well as exhibitions on the effects of smoking and alcohol, were conducted. A 3-minute step tests was also made available to participants who wanted to know their fitness level that was followed by a relaxing massage.

“The children were also given their own corner with varied health activities and crafts which were enjoyed by them,” said organizers.

“As the event was winding up, a follow-up program was already planned for every church within the Klang Valley area in the near future,” organizers were heard saying.

“We give honor and glory to God for allowing us to hold this event which we believe will go a long way in opening avenues for spiritual enlightenment and Bible study,” organizers exclaimed. “We recognize very much the support and encouragement of Pastor Abraham Carpena, health director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the southern Asia-Pacific region, and Pastor Gration Perrera, director for the field in southeast Asia. Also the many volunteers who made the event beneficial and rewarding to every participant,” they concluded. (Jane Yap/AND)

Adventist College in Southern Philippines Gets Fresh Accreditation

All administrators and teachers holding postgraduate degrees of South Philippine Adventist College in Davao del Sur, except non-academic teachers who were completing post-graduate degrees, received commendation for an academically strong faculty line-up.

“Our teachers are highly qualified, teach us well, and show concern of our intellectual pursuit,” responded students when asked about their faculty. “We like them. They are very approachable and helpful. They embody Christianity in their lifestyle and teaching,” they added.

Records show that the ratio of academically qualified faculty to students indicates that students are exposed to qualified teachers at any given time of their academic work at SPAC.

The college got a fresh three-year accreditation status to end in 2011 from the members of the evaluating team representing the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).

“College enrolment this year recorded an increase from last year’s,” said Chliejvferwyn C Catolico, SPAC president. “This was so because the students campaigned for more students in their hometown. They were our best advertisers. And we thank them,” added Dr Catolico.

Dr Jared Maratas, director for external services, said pastors and district leaders of Davao Mission “were very helpful in promoting our programs to their constituents. Our faculty and staff, also, have done much to improve the image of our school.”

Five degree programs were given accreditation. These were the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Bachelor of Secondary (BSE) and Elementary (BSED) Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Office Management, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

The nursing degree program (BSN) at SPAC was an extension program of the Adventist University of the Philippines. It has the most number of enrollees. The team commended the school for having made a good start by providing impressive classroom building, “mock” hospital, and affiliate hospital for the students. This prompted the team to recommend to the administration to take immediate steps in fulfilling the documentary requirements of the International Board of Education (IBE) of the Adventist Church so that as soon as the moratorium is lifted as imposed by the government’s commission on higher education to open nursing schools, SPAC can assume ownership of the program.

Representing AAA were Dr John M Fowler, associate education director for the Adventist world church (GC), as chairman; Dr Mike M Lekic, education director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD); Dr Jonathan C Catolico, SSD communication director; Ms Daisy F Orion, GC associate treasurer; Dr Ildefonso F Faigmani, education director for southern Philippines; Ms Juvylene Rosario, librarian of Mountain View College.

“It is good to be visited by evaluation team members because it helps us to introduce improvements into our curriculum and activities besides physical development. This will continue to bring about achieving our goal for academic excellence in the context of Christian teaching,” concluded Dr Jimmy F Faderogaya, SPAC dean for academic affairs. [AND Staff]

Bangladesh College Gets 3-Year Accreditation

The last two years saw Bangladesh Adventist College and Seminary (BASC) moved toward gaining re-accreditation status by fulfilling recommendations asked of them by the evaluation committee that visited the college in 2005.

“Based on existing documents and what appears on site, the college has done tremendous physical growth during the last two years,” said Ms Daisy F Orion, associate treasurer for the Seventh-day Adventist world church (GC) and one of the 2008 evaluation team members.

Commendations were abundant regarding physical facilities that were constructed recently on the campus through the efforts of Dr Myun Jung Lee, president of BASC. During the three-day on-site visit by the team, four projects were inaugurated. Two of these projects dealt with making prominent the philosophy, mission and objectives of the college as inscribed in marbles that were constructed in front of the administration building. The other two were the inauguration and blessing of the fish pond project and two faculty homes.

The visiting team members representing the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA) were John M Fowler, GC associate education director, as chairman; Mike M Lekic, education director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD); Ms Orion; Jonathan C Catolico, SSD communication director; Isaac P Bairagee, ministerial director of the church in Bangladesh (BAUM); Rontgen P Bala, BAUM education director; and M J Prakasam, president of Lowry Adventist College in Bangalore, India.

Eleven areas of the school program were examined and evaluated. The team members saw evidences of accomplishment and improvement warranting three years of accreditation status to end in 2011. [AND Staff]

Youths Pledge to Resist Social Pressures

Aimed at strengthening young people against social pressures, the Soteria Youth Camp, a Singapore-wide activity, gathered together 50 Adventist youths at the San Yu High School, June 8-11.

The participants came from Thomson Chinese SDA Church, Balestier SDA Church, Maranatha SDA Church, Jurong SDA Church, SDACC (SDA Community Church)and Chuan Hoe SDA Church.

This four-day camp meeting became an enriching retreat enabling young people to take part in the presentations given by pastors and lay leaders. Delving on the theme, “Wake Up Watchmen,” Alistair Houng, who is taking his practicum in Singapore to complete an education degree at Ouchita Hills College in America, enjoined the youth into becoming vigilant sentinels against societal influences.

Spearheading these camp meetings were youth leaders Karen Seng from Balestier Church and Thomas Ang from the Thomson Chinese Church.

Other topics presented were: Spiritual Gifts, Christian Amusement, Heaven’s Lifestyle Today, How to Study the Bible, and How to Share Christ with Unbelievers. Asked to comment on the presentations, one participant said they “proved very interesting and heart searching among us young people.”

One highlight of the event was the Sabbath afternoon distribution of hundreds of tracts and flyers by the participants. This hands-on missionary experience drew exultation from the young people themselves as evidenced by their joy and enthusiasm shown at reporting time in church. “Another inspiring highlight was the response of five young people to recommit unreservedly to the Lord, pledging to prepare themselves for baptism,” commented the organizers. [Diana David]