Batch 23 Students chose gray again for their uniform.

Batch 23 students  in their special number during a Sunday celebration at FARM. A big percentage of this batch proved to be very talented in music, both as vocalists and in  playing musical instruments.

25 students were now officially enrolled as Bereans Batch 23. The future ministers came all the way from Central Luzon (1), Eastern Visayas (2), Caraga Region (2), Davao (1), Mimaropa Region IV (1), Caraga Region (1), and 16 from Western Visayas.

AGOJO, MARY ANN C. 52, ROXAS CITY
Ann is one of the active members of Radiance Women of FARM. A full time mom and a teachable servant of Christ. From that time when God saved her life from a deadly disease, Ann committed to give her all to the Lord. Her training here at BSM is a preparation to become more effective in her ministry. For Ann, God is not only the healer of our sick bodies but He is also the healer of our spirit and soul.

ANDRADA, ROWENA R. 23, ROXAS CITY
Rowena is a friendly lass. One sweet day, she was invited in the church and was moved by God’s words and finally surrender her life to Christ. Rowena felt Gods hands embracing her. Day after day she experience God directing her in all her ways. She is excited to plant a church after graduation.

ARCENO, RUDOLPH C. 45, ROXAS CITY
A life in the ship is what he was used to do. Rudolph is enjoying the big compensation and traveling to different countries as part of his job as a seaman. But in 2012, Rudolph felt God’s invitation to serve Him as a Pastor. Aware of the consequences he and his family has to face, he still followed the Lord and accepted the call. Rudolph said there’s no regret in his decision. He’s enjoying his life now and continually reaping the fruits in obeying Christ. Truly,nothing can ever compare to God’s wonderful blessings for those who chose Him.

ARIAGA, CHERYL I. 31, ROXAS CITY
Approachable and friendly . This is how people would described Cheryl today. But a lot of people didn’t know that once in this cheerful face of Cheryl was a girl who has a very low self-esteem. It takes years after she was able to conquer that battle. It was her classmates in college who introduced her to Jesus. From then on she became an active youth leader and always on fire witnessing about Christ. It changes everything according to Cheryl. God has change the way she think about her self and her abilities . Her life was totally transformed and shes now ready whatever tasks is waiting for her in the ministry.

ARMONIO, MARY ROSE S. 24, MANDURIAO, ILOILO
Although she grew up away from her mom who works as an OFW in Middle East, Rose is very much thankful to God who sustain and preserve her life throughout this years. She believe that the absence of her beloved mother is one way and part of God’s plan that would make her strong and become fully dependent on Him.

BAT-OG , ROMEO TIMEEX JR. 17, JARO, ILOILO
The only child in the family but Romeo grew up with lack of attention and love from his parents . In order to fill all the emptiness in his heart he engaged himself to depravity. At an early age he spent his time drinking and smoking and considered  himself totally useless. But soon after he received the Lord Jesus in his life, everything has changed. Romeo is very much thankful to God for helping him get out from the bondage of sin and giving him new life and eternal security in Christ.

BONILLA, JARED B. 26, POTOTAN,ILOILO
A Pastor’s kid and the youngest in the family. Jared committed his life to serve God in a full time ministry. An active Youth and Cell Leader and a talented musician, Jared’s desire is to be more effective in the ministry. Now, he is excited in his  journey after the  training here in BSM.

CRISTALES, JENNY CAMILLE J. 21, ILOILO
“I am now complete”. This is how Jenny would described herself after giving her all to God. Though shes a product of broken home and once involved in vices, the bitterness of yesterday according to Jenny becomes a pleasant experience for she personally encountered the greatness and the goodness of the Lord in her life. She’s now looking forward with fervency and excitement the ministry that God will entrust to her after the training.

DELFIN, BENJIE M. 28, ROXAS CITY
It was the notable goodness in the life of his Christian family that convinced him to stay in Manila. Benjie participated in their Bible study and attended Worship Services with his family and before long he surrendered also his life to God. He’s so blessed , according to Benjie because his family was in full support in his decision to serve the Lord in a full time ministry. He’s excited to plant seeds of life in others

DELOS SANTOS, MARIA BEDELIA  M. 59, ROXAS CITY
Despite of her hectic day as a Mom and a School Administrator, Bedel still pursue God’s leading in her life to be trained here in BSM. The training would be a big help as she prepares herself to join the Children’s and Women’s Ministry of the church.

ENETORIO, JEROL O. CUARTERO, CAPIZ
Jerol is known as a man of few words and an amazing musician. When his father was still alive and served as a Pastor, he was exposed to a numerous church activities. One youth gathering finally changed the way he see things especially about God. He accepted the Lord in his life and he decided to constantly follow God’s leading. His life is gradually changing and becoming a channel of blessing to everyone around him.

FRANCISCO, BENIGNO C. 27, BULACAN
Jay R is graduating student taking up Marine Transportation course when he decided to stop because of the many different circumstances that challenged him that time. He tried to work in sales, and not long enough he reaped  the fruit of his labor. He flourished in his chosen career and was given an opportunity to go abroad as part of his reward. But the taste of success still left him discontent and brought a more complicated life. Until one beautiful day he met Jesus when he attended a worship service in their hometown. The life that he almost gave up was restored because of our Saviour. Jay R is now excited to take the challenge to be a Pastor as an answer to Gods call in his life.

GADE, CONTESSA G. 28, SAMAR
Econ as what her friends fondly call her is a Youth Coordinator and a song Leader in their church. Through one of home bible studies she received Jesus in her life and followed Him. The once persecutor of Christians now became encourager of others.

HIMPIT, RONALD B. 33,PONTEVEDRA, CAPIZ
Because he thought he’s not at all useful, Ronald wastefully consumed his life in different vices that eventually ruined his life. But that was before. Ronald found d a new reason to start again when he met the Lord in 2005. From then on his life continually progress for the better based on God’s purpose and design. He used to be nothing but now he’s something in
Christ.

LUCERNAS ADELFA D. 27, AGUSAN DEL SUR
Adelfa is just starting to bloom as a Christian and yet she’s as excited as her husband Erlan to plant a church soon after graduation. Adelfa was very much thankful to all the pains she experienced in the past looking at them as   blessings in disguise for her. God builds her up again, stone upon stone… brick upon  brick… polishes her  to become His fruitful servant.

LUCERNAS, ERLAN O. 27, AGUSAN DEL SUR
All his life, Erlan felt lack of attention and love from his parents. He tried to fill the emptiness by smoking and drinking alcohol until he found the answer inside the jail. There he was introduced to Jesus and Erlan didn’t take a second thought to accept the Lord in his life. The life that for Erlan is impossible to change became possible in Christ.Now he is excited to face each day for everything God does is truly remarkable!

SANTOS, ARIEL E. 47, PAMPANGA
Ariel is the youngest among the five siblings. He grew up in the States after the whole family migrated to U.S 30 years ago. Despite of the beautiful once in a lifetime opportunity of living abroad, Ariel’s life was lead astray. He got implicated in different violations one after another and finally was put in jail at a very young age. Until his life turned around when he met Jesus in 1998. Though he may have a very painful past but God used every part of it and turned it all for his own good. He
was once lost but now he’s found.

SENOR, NAPHTALIE A. 23, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, DAVAO
What happened in this life of Naphtalie was more than a make over. Back in Davao, she’s known as Naphy. A petite white girl who loves to dress up like boy  and courting girls. For more than a decade , it became the normal life of her until she attended one Sunday Worship service and her life has never been the same again. She decided to follow God and change. Through the years God has proven his faithfulness in her life according to Napthalie. Transformation took place from the inside to the outside and she’s now victoriously free!

TAMBOONG, JAYSON V. 20, ODIONGAN, ROMBLON
In search to find the real way to heaven, Jayson tried to joined every religious groups existing in their hometown. But no one gave him the assurance of salvation. It was July 2009 when he finally surrender himself to the Lord. It was an amazing experience for Jayson for he was instantly filled with peace and inner joy. Truly, in the Lord alone we can find everything that we need.

TUBO,CHRISTIAN JANE P. 18, SURIGAO CITY
Jane is one of the youngest students this year. Its her dream to become a teacher but its also an honor for her to become a Pastor. Her training here at BSM would be a big help according to Jane to minister not only to students but to everyone she will meet. Shes now excited to do the ministry knowing that God will be there before her.

The new batch of Berean students was finally introduced to Farm Family in one of it’s Sunday Worship Services this July. The 25 students will be adopted as members of FARM for the whole period of their training here at BSM. Senior Pastors Rev. Rey and Zeny Calusay together with the whole members of the church gladly welcomed the said students.

PROCESSIONAL AND OPENING MESSAGE BY REV. A. CALUSAY, BSM DIRECTOR

After super typhoon Yolanda hit Roxas City and all towns of Capiz Province,   FARM served as drop off center and eventually warehouse  for relief goods from partners such as  Cathedral of Praise, Convoy of Hope, and Operation Blessing. The BSM Batch 22 students have the opportunity to participate in many relief operations and medical missions spearheaded by FARM,Inc.

Rebecca S. Caparas    from Lagundi, Plaridel, Bulacan  is among the 22 students  enrolled this schoolyear in Berean School of Ministry for Church Planters, Roxas City.  I first met Rebecca last summer during the training for SOS 2011  hosted by CLDC.  It was the second time she joined church planting through SOS. Rebecca testifies that although  she has been privileged to have Bible School training through a span of 8 years  through BBC extension classes,  and to serve  in her home church, she has always yearned  to go out into the harvest field.

These  are her words   at the beginning of the school year here in BSM:   `I am here in BSM  because I  want to be trained as a church planter. It is my heart’s desire to be an effective witness to the unsaved and to win more souls for Jesus. Even though I’m already 58 years old, I want to serve Jesus to the fullest and to the maximum. I will serve Jesus with the remaining years of my life.’

For the past 5 months as a student here in BSM, Rebecca consistently demonstrated eagerness and excitement to learn both academic and practical aspects of ministry, responded very well to  mentoring, and demonstrated academic excellence.  She was like one who was always learning at the feet of Jesus. She cried over every sermon she hears in church and during almost  every class session. Her   joy was evident when she speaks  of the  prospect that this coming summer, she will be a pioneer pastor in one of the SOS targets in their district.   She plans to plant a church in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

Last October 9, during a Tuesday morning chapel time, Rebecca fainted in her chair, was rushed to the hospital and was found to have a mild stroke. After coming out of the hospital,   she   stayed in the BSM ladies dorm, cared for by her daughter and a private nurse, for a period just   enough for her to be able to travel.  She has to go home to be with her family where she can have regular therapy until her slightly paralyzed left side is restored.

Today, we said a TEMPORARY goodbye to Rebecca.  She is very sad to leave,  and  we are equally  sad to see her leave. But Rebecca knows, and we   believe with her this event in NOT A DEFEAT.  I sat down   and exchanged insights with her on what happened. She bursted into tears when she realized that   her adversity can be a message to others. A message to the young and strong for them to serve God in the prime of their youth. A message for pastors  to invest their people for the last day harvest. She is going home with these messages to challenge others.

Pray with us as we pray for her quick recovery. We do not see her as one quitting, bus as one who will return and graduate with her classmates this coming March 2013. She left words to her classmates – who are mostly much younger than her – for them to continue   to serve God while they are young. She said that their motivation must be not from men but from God alone. She added the a line from their class theme song: `It is not easy, but is it worth it’! Rebecca, you  will come out of this testing as another precious jewel in the master’s hands – Ma’am Zeny Calusay.

Last September 24, 2012 was supposedly our day-off here in BEREAN School of Ministry and  I got alot of backlog responsibities to be ushered. But one of our dearest classmate Sis Ninfa, invited us to have an adventure in their farm at Municipality of Dao, Capiz.  They offered us   a lot of food  and    our stomachs were very full.  As we explored, roaming around the place, we were amazed of the natural scenery and vegetation of the area. A lot of fruit trees and vegetables in the sorroundings and in fact, we brought some of the fruits and vegetables that we harvested from the place for consumption in the school.  It was really a worth expedition and a joyfull one.  Aside from having fun, It was also a fulfilling trip   for the reason that God’s purpose was established. We were able to share the GOSPEL, the Goodness and Faithfulness of the LORD to  those whom we’ve met.  They were very hospitable and we are so much thankful for they have accepted us. But our greatest joy was that, they receive the Good News with a heartfelt acceptance.  We are so much thankful of the Lord’s Grace and Mercy. May all of our action and effort be pleasing in His sight, a sweet aroma in the heavens and above all for His Glory and Honor. Unto Him only our LORD JESUS Amen. By: Samuel Ong Mercado.

For the first four months of their stay in BSM, the students have been doing research the old fashion way only – using the printed page – reference books for Bible study. Early this month of September, three units of laptop were purchased for the school so students can also research electronically. The units have been configured to block Facebook and  You Tube during weekdays. Should a student attempt to open his/her  facebook account, a message like this will appear on the screen; “Are you not supposed to be studying?”  Said sites are unblocked during week ends.