Dear Friends,

One cannot emphasize enough how the world has changed since 11 September 2001. In Southeast Asia, the affect has been profound. In neighboring Indonesia, where many of our students come from, there have been attacks on Christians and churches. In neighboring Malaysia, terrorist cells have been broken up that had targeted Christians and churches. Even in “safe” Singapore, Al Qaeda had planned to set off explosions but its operatives were uncovered too soon. All this has reinforced, however, what a critical place Trinity College and its students occupy in this tense world. Our students live along the religious and political fault lines that divide our world and, as ministers of the peace and love of Christ, they fulfill a critical ministry.

Thus we celebrate that in the midst of these troubling events Trinity Theological College has continued to press forward. On March 16, TTC officially opened the new campus. Gathered at TTC to celebrate this occasion were the seven bishops and moderators of our governing churches as well as the president of Singapore S. R. Nathan, representatives of Chinese Christian Council, and the Bureau of Religious Affairs of China. Our visitors from China had come both to celebrate the opening as well as to better understand the Singapore government’s religious policy. With over a thousand guests, special overflow rooms were set up with closed-circuit TV to join in the service of consecration.

On March 18, TTC held the induction service and inaugural lecture of the Chen Su Lan Chair of New Testament. As the first academic chair in a theological discipline in Singapore, this represents an important step in establishing TTC as a critical theological hub in Asia.

In the midst of all that has gone on this past year, we also were touched by sorrow with the passing of Judy’s father, Paul Madigan. Judy returned to the States when she received news her father was not recovering from surgery and was able to be with him before he died. Though the rest of the family could not join Judy, we will be home in June to visit with the family at that time.

As for the children, Joseph is in the midst of his finals at the American School. It has been a real challenge, but he has had a good year and has been active in the school orchestra. Joe, Paul, and Emma were all active on the soccer fields of Singapore this year.

Finally, a word of appreciation to all of you who through your giving support the work of PC(USA) missionaries throughout the world. There has been much talk in the news about America’s response to the events of September 11. Far more critical I believe is what will be the response of the church. Now more than ever the priority of world mission should come to the fore. Rather than simply wait for the forces of evil, both domestic and international, to come to us, it is imperative for us to take the offensive of the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Rather than seeing our missions programs cut back, we must expand, especially in places such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Blessings and Love,

Tom, Judy, Joseph, Paul, and Emma

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 161