HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007
PHILIPPINES - We each taught two courses at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary to students from many countries throughout Asia Pacific region and even one from Africa. It was thrilling to see God's law of sowing and reaping in action. One of our former students is now pastoring a church in a crowded market area, where he reaches out to street children who survive by selling and carrying bags for marketers. We also walked a mountain trail to preach the 3rd anniversary of a church planted by another former student. That church is now mothering 3 daughter churches!
ROMANIA - We taught at the Eastern European Bible College in Oradea, Romania. The director was our student at Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium. He showed us a precious book hand-typed with six carbons during communist rule — the only way books were available. We team-preached a Ladies' Day service. Even though Evelyn is an ordained minister, women cannot preach alone behind the pulpit!
MONGOLIA - For the first time we ministered in Mongolia—the country of Genghis Khan, their national hero. The culture is unique, due to harsh, long winters. We were there at the end of summer. It was fun to ride a camel. Many people live in round tent-like structures, even in the city. It can be dismantled and moved when necessary to find grazing for horses and sheep. It can be winterized with hides or carpets. Buddhism mixed with animism is the major religion. People pay a high price to become a Christian as they are blamed for anything bad that happens to the family. The church is young, but making an impact. Many young people are studying in the Bible college. They inspired us with their zeal. Everett also did a pastors' seminar on Signs and Wonders in Ministry.
MYANMAR - We taught a Master's level extension, finishing just as the first demonstrations started. What a sad situation there—Buddhism is strong with ornate temples everywhere and a very repressive government. There are 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar that have little or no knowledge of the gospel. Students in the Missions Perspectives class recommitted to reaching them. We met with former student Dora who pastors a good church, has a home for needy girls, and is planting churches throughout the country.
SINGAPORE - Yes, we do occasionally spend some time in Singapore. We taught at the Assemblies of God Bible College, which is our "home" address. There we visited our "2-story house" which consists of 4 file cabinets and another cabinet on top of them for storage of cold-weather clothes. Our library is on separate shelves in the school's library (those on left in photo). We stayed in a small room in the school; it has one small bed and a mattress on the floor—cozy and comfortable. Not only did we enjoy the classes with eager students, but we enjoyed eating with them—in this case it was fish-head curry. Very good!
INDIA - Over 250 students are preparing to help finish the unfinished task at Southern Asia Bible College in Bangalore, India. It is exciting to see a chapel full of young people eager to do their part to reach the unreached.
We taught Church Administration and Teaching Techniques.
SAMOA - 28 years ago, Brother Tavita was our student at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Manila, where he completed a Bachelor's degree. After many years of ministry, he returned and was the first to complete the Doctor of Ministry degree at APTS. He is now the General Superintendent of the A/G of Samoa and pastors a missions-minded church. It was our privilege to teach at Harvest Bible College in his country. Everett had 3 other General Council Executives in his class. In Tavita's church we met little Everett and little Evelyn, named for us after we were here for meetings in 2001.