Helping the Church in Asia Mature

By Bob & Esther Howder

For 15 years GRBSEP/ABTS (Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary Program and Asian Theological Baptist Seminary) has offered quality master's level courses, enabling pastors, church leaders, Bible women, Bible college faculty, Christian school teachers, and missionaries from Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, the Philippines, and Hong Kong to continue their ministries as well as their education. Studying and growing through seminars and cassettes, 93 men and women have received master's degrees.

Shaping the theology of Asia is the all-important task today, because the maturing Asian church will be tomorrow's leaders. One student said, "The accredited degree at low cost attracted me to this program, but after three classes, it is the theological position that seems most important." We hope our students will develop thinking skills, the ability to detect error, and apply scriptural truth to their daily lives.

With the help of on-site country coordinators, Norm and Louise Barnard and Bob and Esther Howder handle the office work generated by 200 students living in 19 different countries. Forty new students in 1999 illustrate the potential of the program. The administration of Cornerstone University/Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary recommitted to promoting the Extension Program in Asia, but the Singapore office/school desperately needs administrative staff and resident faculty.

Contact the Singapore office at grbsep@singnet.com.sg if you wish information on how YOU can help provide higher education in Asia.