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.

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.