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.

Smart gray is the color choice for SY 2012-2013 BSM students.

Some students take a pose with Mrs. Calusay

After almost two  months of  rigid classroom sessions, research work, serious and sometimes heavy moments of group and individual  mentoring, the BSM students finaly had a real break last Auguts 21st, 2012.  Escorted by BSM Dean of Students Franz Vasquez and Ladies Dorm Monitor Normita Alvarez, they had a day out at the Flatrock Resort. The pictures below vividly speak they had a great and  fun time together.

SY 2012 BSM students received elegant NIV Bibles to use in class and to preach from.

BSM students tackle the use of the different Bible studyd tools in a practicum exam under BSM Academic dean Rev. Zeny Calusay. Studentsw found the experience challenging and neckbreaking. Yes, it was not easy but it was worth it.

A quotation that reflects the philosophy of training in BSM is: `God accepts you as you are, but will not let you stay as you are’.  Students that enrol in BSM are viewed as raw material to be processed, polished, enhanced so they become effective instruments in building the kingdom of God. So students take evaluative tests at the beginning of the schoolyear that have been proven to be   helpful for the BSM teachers and mentors in training them.   Two of these tests are Evaluation of  English Listening Skill  administered by Jireh Calusay and Evaluation of Speaking Skill under Mrs. Zenaida Calusay.

The BSM SY 2012-2012 students  sat in the BSM classroomfor the first time to be officially welcomed by BSM Academic Dean, Rev. Zenaida Calusay who consequently gave them an orientation on the school philosophy and culture of the host church FARM,Inc. The students are adopted as members of FARM,Inc. for the duration that they train in BSM. Mrs. Calusay told the students  to `feel at home’ – especially those who came from other parts of the Philippines. Further orientation sessions from other BSM staff followed.

Fresh faces were welcomed to Berean School of Ministry for Church Planters, SY 2012-2013. BSM faculty and staff headed by Rev. Rey and Zeny Calusay welcomed these students with happy anticipation of another year of adventure with the grace of God. Three  other students are enroled as part time students. Throughout the schoolyear, more part time students are expeted to join who will attend modular classes.

1.            Adona, Genesis O.
2.            Badilles, Loradel D.
3.            Batilaran, Edsel John
4.            Caparas, Rebecca S.
5.            Casas, Jonel P.
6.            Corro, Gabriel
7.            Doloso, Antonio A.
8.            Farparan, Alfred C.
9.            Gimarangan, Jovan A.
10.          Manipol, Vanessa M.
11.          Mawa, Maryjoy B.
12.          Mercado, Samuel O.
13.          Oribe, Ryan R.
14.          Palmerola, Evangeline F.
15.          Ricaforte, Ninfa F.
16.          Ruano, Rosana D.
17.          Salivio, Estrella B.
18.          Sarrosa, Jasiel G.
19.          Tabon, Ruthsil L.
20.          Telleron, Lheanne U.
21.          Triumfante, Marissa S.

Part-Time Students
22.          Aposaga, Ma. Melanie B.
23.          Azarcon, Janette D.
24.          Enage, Nicabelle U.

After a grueling board exam day and just a few days before graduation day, Batch 20 were treated by Mrs. Belinda Garrido to a river tour at the Cadimahan River.    Mrs. Garrido, a Roxas City government employee is herself a BSM Alumni. She imparted to the students   information  about her projects   which benefitted the fisherfolks.  She testified how she has  applied the gospel in a practical way   so that she was able to   connect with  the people in her   work assignment, particularly the fisherfolks.  Her projects include provididng training for fisherfolks in some livelihood skills. That day, new trainees needed models for doing manicure and pedicure and the students became handy models for them. For some, it was a first time experience to have a foot spa.   Later,   the students also went to Culajao Eco Park  and Palina Greenbelt Eco Park where  they   learned about how  mangroves  help  the environment. For the BSM Batch 20 students, the day  proved to be both a relaxation and educational experience.