Conservative Baptist Seminary - Asia - In and Out of CBS-Asia

In and Out of CBS-Asia

Rev. Joya leading a Hermeneutics class for the leaders of Fairview Christian Fellowship. From among the various RTC's, God is calling some people to enter full-time ministry.

There’s a lot going on in and out of the classroom of Conservative Baptist Seminary – Asia (CBS-Asia).A homemaker and pastor’s mom, Nanay Upeng Pasquin of Dasmarinas, Cavite, raises her hand in a CBS-Asia classroom to join a discussion about the will of God. Her son, Pastor Rico Pasquin smiles as her mom clearly explains her point. Dentist-mom Dr. Gigit Sales goes to the CBS-Asia library one morning to borrow books for her assignment in the Hermeneutics class she attends. Working-mom Jo Garcia of Calamba, Laguna talks to her professor to ask what quizzes she missed in the entire semester.

Two church members in Naga City, Bicol, who are attending a CBS-Asia class talks to their professor about full time ministry. A young man who is now in the US and once attended CBS-Asia classes writes, “Pastor, the course I had with you increased my yearning to study God’s words more…Learning from his word in such an awesome activity. I’ve been praying…to go to full-time ministry…I’ll enter the seminary January next year. To be honest of pastor, I’m quite excited about studying.

A CBS-Asia classroom becomes the place to hear veteran church workers talk about their experiences with God, like Nanay Upeng. It is also the place where professionals who are committed church workers rekindle their passion for God’s word. They approach it with mature discipline, like Dr. Gigit. Some students like Sis. Jo, persevere despite the struggle of meeting up the semester’s requirements. Yet some men get a deep sense of calling as they study God’s word.

(clockwise from top): Eric Intong, Ricky Torculas, Danilo Dalisay, and Joel del Rosario

Outside the classroom they reflect and meditate. Some students tell their spouses and invite them to come to class. Be it in fast-paced Quezon City or relaxed Calamba, couples are a regular feature in CBS-Asiaclasses. Outside the classroom, God speaks to people who are asking Him about His will. Our letter-sender from the US has decided to enter seminary. The two professionals in Naga City were serious about their full-time concern. Often, there is more spiritual activity outside the classroom than within.

These students represent the changes taking place in the seminary landscape. Gone are the days when the seminary is the place for only pastors and would-be pastors. Although some men decide to enter the pastorate while in a CBS-Asia class, many of them decide to remain committed to their jobs. They are professionals who populate the secular world with their expertise but they are committed church workers. The Lord has given them ministries like preaching, teaching, counseling, etc. They are the new kind of church workers—willing and able to learn, passionate to serve God and His people. Their expectation of learning and growth embraces a life of discipline and commitment.

Take the example of Pastor Danny Feliciano. While a student of CBS-Asia, Kuya Danny was an employee of Meralco. He says that the CBS-Asia classes were very timely for him and his church. He is a typical church worker with regular preaching assignments and weekly Bible studies.

In the midst of all these trainings and of getting ministry experience, Kuya Danny told his wife that he senses God’s call for him to go into full-time ministry. Ate Au was very supportive, as well as all three grown up daughters. Kuya Danny, then became Pastor Danny! He applied for an early retirement and now pastors Dasmariñas Conservative Baptist Church. His next move is to enroll in the Pastoral Ministries Program of CBS-Asia where he will get intensive training in the area of pastoral leadership, administration, counseling, among others.

We here at CBS-Asia thank God for the growing confidence that CBAP constituents continue to give CBS-Asia. We pray that God will carry on to bless the seminary so that it will go on to be a blessing to its students. The four men are all lay leaders of different churches. They are seen here practicing their preaching skills in their Homiletics class at the North Manila RTC. These leaders now preach regularly in their churches.

We want our students to continue their ministerial training with CBS-Asia and complete it without any liability. Your partnership will enable us to accomplish this. May we challenge you to trust God to give toward the ministry preparation of Christian leaders in the Philippines? In addition, please pray with us for more individuals and group who would commit to donate regularly to this cause.

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Apr May 2008 Jun