Dear Friends,

God’s ways are not our ways and certainly unexpected things happen when the Spirit is at work in the lives of his people. To kick off the new year, a faculty member from the Chinese department and one from the English department were selected to address the school. Our English speaker was Gordon Wong, a Chinese Singaporean; our Chinese speaker was Chris Dippenaar a white South African. Such is the diversity of Trinity Theological College (TTC), a diversity that grows with each year.

In May we said goodbye to 64 graduates, more than half returning to situations in which Christian ministry is difficult and dangerous. Hardly a day goes by that we are not reminded of former students as we read of turmoil in places like Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Even as the graduating class prepared to move on, TTC received a record number of applications for admission. With 100 new admissions we now have students representing 25 countries. This incoming class has stretched us to the limit, but it represents only the beginning of our growth as we will have even more room once we move into the new campus this September.

In addition to moving, this has already been an eventful year. Our new principal, Dr. Ngoei, was installed. Baker Books offered Tom a contract on his book about the divided church in China. As a member of the Singapore National Council of Churches’ Life Sciences Committee, Tom is editing what will be the Council’s definitive position on the development of biotechnology and related industries in Singapore. He has also been asked to write the position paper on the biblical and theological defense of the ordination of women by the Singapore Presbyterian Church. All this is on top of his normal teaching load, which includes courses on systematic theology, pastoral leadership, philosophy and Christian faith, and a night class on "The Cross of Christ."

In April, we were privileged to participate in the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Singapore Presbyterian Church held at the national indoor stadium. Nearly 10,000 Presbyterians representing every congregation of the Chinese and English Presbyteries filled the stadium. It was a time to celebrate God’s goodness and the grace that has been showered upon the Presbyterian Church in Singapore over these 120 years. The service closed to Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus." Over half a million dollars was raised on behalf of Trinity Theological College and will be designated towards the establishment of the new library.

In July, Judy took a position teaching English to the new undergraduate students at TTC and continues to teach English enrichment programs in local secondary schools. She is still involved with the Bible study for the wives of the students and faculty, though no longer in an advisory role; it was time to "be a member" for a while.

The children are growing quickly. Joe got a job for the summer working at a nearby grocery store. He looks quite sharp in his uniform and attracts a lot of attention at the store. Paul is our jazzman on the saxophone. He is getting pretty good at it. Emma has caught the reading bug and at least twice a week walks in the door with a backpack full of books. It has been a long summer for all of us, and we are looking forward to the start of school next week. Emma and Paul will return to their small Christian school, but at a new location. Joe will begin high school at the American school. This will be a big change for him. He will move from an eighth grade class of 10 to a freshman class of 200!

Though there is much to celebrate at TTC, we are not immune to the difficulties in our region. Several students from Indonesia who were scheduled to begin their studies couldn’t come because of instability in their nation. Last month, two bombs exploded at churches in Jakarta, deepening concern for our Indonesian students and their families and churches back home. A dear student from Myanmar had to leave us after being diagnosed with active TB so that he could return home to receive affordable care and check on the health of his family. We remain in prayer for the missionary couple and other hostages in the Philippines after nearly three months of captivity as well as one of our graduates and his family who are now working in Mindanao where several Christian workers have been killed. In all this, we are convinced of the importance of the work of places like TTC here in Southeast Asia and covet your prayers as we seek to remain steadfast in our responsibilities here.

Blessings and Love,

Tom, Judy, Joseph, Paul, and Emma

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 160