November - March 2011
The official newsletter of the Asian Theological Seminary
The 3C's of Our ATS Education
For a person who needs to be equipped for
full time or workplace ministry, there are
important considerations when choosing a
place to go for academic development and
spiritual growth. Let me take you to my own
list of considerations and why I’m blessed to
have chosen ATS. This is the Three C’s of
Christian formation I find in ATS.
1. Christ-Centered. ATS provides a very
good learning environment to deepen our
relationship with Jesus Christ. Insights
learned from lectures and classroom
discussions enable students to see how
Christ must and can become the center of
Inside >>>
CAMPUS NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
ATS Celebrates The Green Life
ATS Gives Thanks To Faithful
Partners
LIFE @ ATS: Student Testimonies
Back >>>
FACULTY UPDATES
Longest Serving Faculty Retires
Three Visiting Professors Join...
Russ Passed From Life To LIFE
Contributors: Alvin Molito, Junette Nacion,
Aldrin Theresa and Leonardo Alfonso Jr.
ASIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Equipping leaders for Biblical transformation
our lives. The diversity and wealth of
backgrounds, traditions and experiences
within the ATS community help us
understand and appreciate the unity we
have in Christ that’s way beyond what we’re
accustomed to.
2. Community-Based. The genuine
support and care from the ATS community
encourage students to continue amid trials
and problems that come our way. During
my first year, I sustained an injury from
playing basketball that kept me away from
classes for weeks. It would have been
impossible for me to get back on track if
not for the inspiring messages and
supportive smiles I received from the ATS
family. At ATS we are taught that the Bible
has a lot to say about Christianity’s
communal ethic. Experiencing it is another
thing. Inside ATS we have both.
3. Culture-Focused. ATS prepares students
for ministry after seminary. We are trained
in recognizing the societal impact of our
Christian service as part and parcel of
making disciple of all nations and being
good stewards of God’s creation. ATS
imbibes in us that there is more to faith
and worship than knowing one’s doctrine
and singing songs. True change starts by
At ATS,
“ we’re privileged
to be able
to begin Biblical
transformation “
right here
and now.
taking care of our family, our church and
eventually our country and then the whole
world.
ATS’ mission is to glorify God by providing
quality theological education for Christian
leaders to effect Biblical transformation in
the Church and society in Asia and beyond.
As an ATS student, this has translated to
my spiritual formation of becoming Christ-
centered, community-based and culture-
focused. At ATS, we’re privileged to be
able to begin Biblical transformation right
here and now.
Rev. Zuriel C. Bernardino is the lead
pastor of Heroes Church
(www.heroeschurch.ph), a Christ-
centered community in Global City. He is
also a senior student of ATS taking up
Masters of Divinity in Biblical Studies.
In the recent 2011 Inter-Seminary Sports Fest, “Z” coached
the ATS Men’s Basketball Team to the championship.
MESSAGE
From the Editor
Reflecting at the turn of the year on ATS’
journey with God, two words come to
mind: GRATEFUL and HOPEFUL. There
are numerous reasons to thank God for in
2010 but let me mention a few:
God’s provision. God’s greatest blessing to
ATS this year is people. This school year
we have 116 new residential students
enrolled in various fields of study. God also
provided us with personnel to replace and
augment our staff and faculty team. God
also send us faithful partners who daily
pray and support our ministry with their
time and money so that the material needs
of ATS and our students are met.
God’s protection. Like the Israelites, God
is our cloud by day and pillar of fire by
night. We are grateful for God’s protection
over our campus, students, staff, faculty,
board of trustees and partners. We also
thank God for the new chapel and admin
building roofs to protect us from sun and
rain.
God’s favor. In September 2010, the
Philippine Commission for Higher
Education finally granted recognition to
the ATS Master of Arts degrees in
Intercultural Ministries, Pastoral
Counseling and Theology. These are in
addition to our M.A. in Christian
Education and all Master of Divinity
programs ATS currently offers. This
government recognition will open more
avenues of ministry for ATS graduates.
For all of God’s faithfulness in the past, we
are hopeful in 2011. ATS will continue to
journey with God with perseverance,
courage and without fear. As the old hymn
goes, so is my prayer for all of us this new
year:
HOW good is the God we adore,
Our faithful unchangeable Friend:
Whose love is as great as His power,
And knows neither measure nor end!
'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that's to come.
-Joseph Hart (1712-1768)
Dr. Jojo Manzano
Editor, In Touch
CAMPUS NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
ATS CELEBRATES THE
GREEN LIFE
Green symbolizes life and fruitfulness. It’s
also the theme color of ATS. Last semester,
green took on a new significance when a
special gig tagged as “Green Life Day in ATS”
was held on campus to celebrate God’s
wonderful creation.
Hosted by the ATS Student Association and
“Friends of Life” care group, students, faculty
and staff gathered informally all in an
ATS GIVES THANKS TO
FAITHFUL PARTNERS
One way to show appreciation to ATS
partners, an evening during the open campus
week last November was organized. Although
only a few were able to attend the Partners’
Evening, it provided opportunities for
interaction, sharing of information and
testimonies about what God has been doing
in and through ATS, our students, faculty and
staff.
Asian Theological Seminary will never be
complete without our partners. God designed
ATS to have people who will faithfully pray,
voluntarily and sacrificially share their time
and resources so that the rest of us can
effectively do our part of the ministry. ATS
partners are individuals, churches and
organizations from all over the world who
share in pursuing the ATS vision, mission and
values. Partners are co-owners. Albeit mostly
behind the scene, ATS partners are equally
called by God just like our Board of Trustees,
faculty, staff and students. ATS started this
way and it is how it must continue.
We want to do more to show appreciation and
minister to our ATS partners but we know
this is not easy because many live and work in
other parts of the Philippines and the world.
Our best effort at present is to share news and
information through the internet—email,
facebook, twitter and website (our chapel
messages are available on podcast). ATS also
sponsors forums, seminars and conferences
where partners are welcome to attend. We
atmosphere a la Starbucks (actually better
because brewed coffee was bottomless!). It was
an afternoon of viewing painting and photo
exhibits, listening to songs, poetry and
reflecting on some portions from the book of
Psalms.
The event was aimed to create an awareness
of our Christian responsibility to be good
stewards of God’s creation especially with the
impending global warming crisis caused by
pollution and the abuse of the environment.
Everyone was challenged to preserve and
protect the environment by at least keeping
our immediate surroundings clean, planting
and nurturing plants and trees. This call is
not only for ATS but for every man and
woman mandated by God to be “fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue
it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the birds of the heavens, and over
every living thing that moveth upon the
earth.” (Genesis 1:28)
hope that through these mediums, we can
connect to our partners and get them involved
in the ministry of the seminary. To further
encourage ATS partners from Metro Manila
to visit the campus, we can offer you 10%
discount at the Evangelical Outreach
bookstore at ATS.
Opportunity for Partnership
During the Partners’ Evening, Bishop Ef
Tendero, ATS Board Chairman and OIC,
noted that there’s a clamor from ATS alumni
and others overseas to establish ATS
extensions in the Middle East and other
strategic places. In order to do this, ATS must
strengthen the Sct. Madriñan campus
operations. Stabilizing our center’s operations
would enable us to use our resources in
expanding our ministries to other locations.
One way to strengthen this is by subsidizing
the total cost of education which most of our
students cannot afford. Students’ tuition fee
covers only 30% of the cost. We invite
partners to invest in ATS students by
subsidizing the other 70%. We believe that
this is a worthwhile investment in building
God’s kingdom.
 LIFE @ ATS: Student Testimonies Theological Forum Trivia
JOHN KINGAL 1. What was the title of the 2nd Theological
Forum?
[Papua New Guinea], M.Div. Theology a. Doing Theology in the Philippine
“A friend of mine encouraged me to study here at ATS... I never Context
b. Naming the Unknown God
thought that ATS would be the best place I can ever be, a place c. Principalities and Power
where I can build myself up. I really feel part of this family. The d. The Church and Poverty in Asia
faculty members are very good. That’s so wonderful. They are 2. Where was the Theological Forum usually
professionals who are highly trained in their respective fields… the professors are very held?
good.” a. Greenhills Chrisian Fellowship
b. Victory Christian Fellowship
THOMAS POTTER c. Union Church of Manila
[Canada], M.Div. Intercultural and Urban Studies d. Bread of Life

“There are three reasons why I came to ATS: First, ministry. ATS is 3. How many people attended the 4th
Theological forum?
the only place I have found that offers a Master level program in a. around 600
Intercultural and Urban Studies. Second, strong academics. ATS b. almost 800
has a great roster of faculty who give lectures that are of good quality c. more than 900
and theologically sound. Lastly, community. ATS did not just welcome me as d. about 1200
student but also my wife and three children as part of an extended ATS community.” 4. From what forum was this poster used?

VA VACHNA
a. 2nd
[Cambodia] M.Div. Pastoral Studies b. 3rd
“What I really appreciate about ATS are the people who are very, c. 4th
d. 5th
very friendly. I didn’t see ATS purely as an academic institution but
a community of individuals who are very caring. I may not be able
to use everything I learnt here when I go back to Cambodia.
However, I hope to have a better grasp of how my people can know God better
through me. That’s my goal and that’s why I am here at ATS… for God to shape my
life in accordance to His will.” Answers:
TAISHI KINUTA
[Japan] M.A. Intercultural Ministries 1. b. Naming the Unknown God. Attendees
of this forum learned how to minister to people
“I like ATS because of its strategic location among other Asian from other religions and to those who are not
countries. With Asia as its focus, the training I get here prepares me yet ready to join the Christian Church.
for my future ministry when I go back to Japan. I believe I can apply 2. c. Union Church of Manila hosted five
the theology I learnt at ATS because it’s Asian. I also appreciate theological forums already. They are located at
ATS professors and theologians. It’s a privilege to learn from them because they the heart of the Makati Central Business
District.
come from diverse background. It trains me to think critically, helping me derive at
my own understanding of the Scriptures. This greatly benefits my ministry as I 3. c. more than 900. This was a record
breaking attendance that time as the venue was
become more effective in interpreting Scriptures in our context.” filled with hundreds of urban poor workers,
BERNICE PIÑOL pastors and theologians.
[Philippines] M.A. Theology 4. d. 5th. This was held on February 12-13,
2009 with the theme, “The earth is the Lord’s
“The best thing about Asian Theological Seminary is that it not and everything in it: reflections on stewardship
only equips people in full time ministry but also those in the in the Asian context”.
marketplace. And I believe that wherever God takes me, be it in
politics or Church ministry I think I’ll be able to withstand all the In the tradition of the Annual
trials and difficulties because I’ve been grounded in the Word of God. I think that Theological Forum, Asian
the most important part about studying theology and studying here at ATS is that Theological Seminary will
host this year a Ministry
you’re grounded in the Word of God.” Consultation Forum on
Money, Sex, and Power to
2011 Inter-Seminary be held at the Asian
Sports Fellowship Seminary of Christian
Ministries (ASCM)/Word
“Congrats to our Men's for the World Christian
Fellowship in Makati on
Basketball Team for February 17 & 18, 2011.
For more information
winning the championship in visit www.ats.ph
the 2011 ISSF!”
FACULTY UPDATES
Longest Serving Faculty Retires
“If you think of milestones in ATS in
terms of people, Dr. Josue Ganibe is one
of them,” said Dr. Adonis Gorospe
during the chapel service in November
last year. Described by many as “warm,
loving, and pastoral” ATS was blessed to
have Dr. Ganibe as one of its faculty
members. After faithfully serving ATS for
32 years Dr. Ganibe retired last
December.
Gentle and unassuming, Dr. Ganibe will
be remembered for his contribution as
one of the first chaplains of ATS. He was
the longest serving professor of Pastoral
Studies department and helped in
developing the ATS spiritual care
programs and handled personal
formation classes. Dr. Ganibe also served
as Dean of Faculty from 2003 to 2010
except for 2005 when he served as Acting
Dean.
To many students
that he mentored, he
will be remembered
as very insightful so
much so that when
he prays, they said
“it’s like the heavens open”. He is also
one who is not afraid to try new things.
Dean Gorospe also recalls that even when
Dr. Ganibe was in his fifties, he took
tambourine lessons and performed a
recital at ATS. He did it to prove that
learning has nothing to do with age.
After ending his long career at ATS, Dr.
Ganibe returns to the Wesleyan Church,
his home church, where he will continue
to mentor young pastors. After all, you
can’t put a good man down.
Visitors were definitely in for a treat when
they attended the ATS open campus last
November. Entitled “Add a Spark to your
life” those who came did not only enjoy
checking out the academic department
booths but also, they were able to tour the
campus, sit-in at classes, have coffee with
students, faculty and staff members and
attend the chapel hour. While moving
around, they were serenaded with live
music rendered by talented ATS students.
Anyone considering obtaining formal
education as a way to prepare themselves
to fulfill God’s call should not miss the
chance to attend the next year’s open
campus. The Open Campus week offers
first-hand experience of ATS and its
commitment to providing quality
theological education. We guarantee a
fun-filled and meaningful week. Hasta la
vista!

Dr. Stapleton: From life to LIFE

ATS Programs
Lynn Stapleton writes: “Russ passed from life to LIFE, from disease
to healing, from suffering to rejoicing the morning of Jan 2, Certificate Program
Manila time.”  Pastoral Ministry
· Professional Christian Fundraising
Last January 14, 2011, a memorial service was held at ATS where · Managing Non-profit Organizations
Dr. Russell Stapleton served for thirteen years. Over 200 people Graduate Diploma
attended and shared tears and smiles as they remembered Russ. Pray for Lynn and (1-year program)
· Counseling
children Nathan, Katie and Chris, and Russ’ parents for comfort and peace. · Biblical Languages
· Christian Education
· Intercultural and Urban Studies
Three Visiting Professors Join ATS Faculty · Advance Pastoral Studies
· Transformational Urban Leadership
As an international seminary, ATS endeavors to maintain a good mix of international · Theology
faculty team. While lately this composition has not been easy to attain, this school year Master of Arts
we are delighted to welcome three new visiting faculty members from overseas: (2-year program)
Ÿ Christian Education
Drs. Udo Goebel, Irene Alexander and Robert Suderman. Ÿ Intercultural Ministries
Ÿ Pastoral Counseling
Dr. Udo Goebel from Germany presently teaches in various theological Ÿ Theology
schools. A graduate of Liberty University and Gordon-Conwell Ÿ Transformational Urban Leadership
Theological Seminary in the USA and Loyola School of Theology in Master of Divinity
Manila, he has extensive multi-cultural experience. At ATS he teaches (3-year program)
Church History. Dr. Udo is married to Martha Joy and they have three Ÿ Biblical Studies
Ÿ Christian Education
young children. Ÿ Counseling
Ÿ Intercultural and Urban Studies
Dr. Irene Alexander is a professional psychologist from Australia. She has Ÿ Pastoral Studies
a wide range of teaching, counseling and administrative experiences in Ÿ Theology
various countries and organizations including Youth With A Mission. A
graduate of Auckland University in New Zealand and University of
Queensland, Dr. Alexander has two adult children. ASIAN
Dr. Robert Suderman is Canadian and a member of the Mennonite THEOLOGICAL
Church. A graduate of U. Winnipeg, U. Manitoba, Mennonite Biblical SEMINARY
Seminary and Universidad Pontificia Javeriana, Dr. Suderman teaches a 54 Scout Madriñan St., South Triangle
Quezon City 1103, Philippines
course on Peace Theology. In cooperation with the Mennonite Church, Trunklines: (632) 928-6717, 928-6709, 928-5105
ATS is currently developing a peace theology program which is hoped to Fax: (632) 928-5114
be offered in the near future. He is married to Irene. Email: info@ats.ph
Website: www.ats.ph, www.facebook/ats.ph