THE PHILLIPINE WAY
Photo Journal
SPMC’s Web site
E-mail Newsletter - June 2009
From Janet M. McCarty - Advance # 013028Z
jmccarty50@yahoo.com
Janet M. McCarty
SPMC
P.O. Box 68
Kidapawan City 9400
Philippines
The New School Year
June 15 was the start of the new school year at SPMC (Southern
Philippines Methodist Colleges). On that Monday we held an orientation for
the 33 new students on campus. Classes started on Tuesday and we held our
opening chapel service on Wednesday. At the time of this writing, a total
of 95 students have enrolled. Some returning students haven't officially
enrolled yet so I expect the number to rise somewhat.
Along with the new students, we have new faces on our faculty. Three
new fulltime teachers replaced the three who resigned and we have one new
part-time teacher. Two pastors who served SPMC last year as part-time have
joined our ranks as fulltime-Rev. Roland G. Annaguey is now our Dean of
Theology and Rev. Roberto N. Ladia is our Chaplain and Dean of Student
Affairs.
Rev. Ladia gave a very appropriate message during our opening chapel
entitled "Uprooting and
Transplanting" based on Psalm 137 when the Jews were in Babylon. He likened
our students as having been uprooted and transplanted. He actually had four
uprooted plants to represent our four courses: theology, early childhood,
elementary education, and computer science. Then he transplanted them in a
pot. On the altar were three plants of different sizes to represent the
second, third, and fourth year students. Finally he brought in a big potted
plant with many stems to represent the faculty and staff. It was a very
meaningful service.
Ways to Reach Out
As the new year starts, we have students in need of financial assistance
in order to attain their goal of an education. Since the exchange rate is
better now, it is cheaper to sponsor a student. The yearly cost is:
$400 for college tuition and fees for a theology or elementary
education student
$470 for college tuition and fees for a deaconess student which includes piano lessons
$100 for lodging
$135 for kinder tuition and fees
$315 to feed one student three meals a day, five days a week
Please note that GBGM has combined two accounts into one. The scholarship
fund and the hot meal program are now under the same number - Advance
#14035B. It would be helpful if you would indicate whether your donation is
for scholarships or food.
Bishop Han Theological Seminary
Bishop Han Theological Seminary (BTHS), the first Methodist seminary in
Mindanao, opened its doors to seminary students for the first time this
June. In 2005 it opened for theology undergraduates but decided to phrase
that program out. Their students are now attending SPMC.
I was in attendance at the historical opening worship service on June
16. The founder, Bishop Han is a Korean Bishop whose son, Dr. Han Sang Ho,
serves as president. Dr. Han along with others from Korea came for the
celebration. Two of the three Filipino Bishops were in attendance along
with many District Superintendents from Mindanao. In addition to the
worship service, a ground-breaking was held for the new gymnasium which will
be built with Korean funds. The campus already has a classroom building,
chapel, a dorm for girls and one for boys, cafeteria, and a guest house. It
was a very special day. To view pictures of all these events click on New
Year at http://community.webshots.com/user/janetmmccarty100.
Shalom,
Janet McCarty
