GlobaLink 2010 Kickstarted at SAIACS

--a student account

GlobaLink 2010 was launched at the Chapel of Resurrection on 26th August 2010. The creative team of globaLink created awareness of the event on campus using ancient methods of beatings drums, plates and spoons and loud open announcements!(Much to the frustration of the MTh thesis writers and PhD students who were probably studying or resting) we are sorry but it’s a one-time event!

The programme started with a skit called "The Doctor is In" and it showed how one size doesn’t fit all, and the disaster that followed suit when we try to use the same, standard remedy for all sickness; just as with the gospel, which needs to be interpreted and shared as per culture and needs of a specific place.

We then had Malcolm, the Director in charge of GlobaLink (India) who shared relevant information for the evening, which was followed by video clips from the Lausanne conference in 1975. The encouraging voice of Rev Billy Graham from the video continued to stir the hearts of the audience. This was followed by our Chief Administrative Officer, Jonathan who shared more information about the upcoming conference, which will officially commence from Oct 23rd till Oct 25th. We also had Johann, our Director of Advancemt launching the flyers and urging the “Saiacians” to be involved in spreading the information about this event. Dr Atul Aghmakar also shared very briefly about his involvement at the Manila conference This was then followed by Dr Ian Payne our Principal, who reminded us about the logo and vision of SAIACS—Excellence in Mission, and why we as students of theology need to equip ourselves, because there are thousands every day in the world , coming to Christ, and these people need trained christians and theologians to help and direct them to the word of God.

The evening ended with a special number from the creative team of SAIACS and a short video "Where is the Love?" by the band “Black Eye Peas,” and pictures from IJM, and from the infamous photo of the African child by Kevin Carter. The video which was edited by our very own Sam and Menu, closed with the scripture verse, “’who will go?’” And I said, ‘Here I am Lord.’” Our prayer and hope is that this generation will respond likewise.

Latest Release from SAIACS Press:

The revised edition of "Christian Leadership-For Building the Church and Building the Nation" by Dr Graham Houghton was released on friday, 27th August 2010. An inspiring, useful and unique account, drawn from Dr Houghton's own wealth of experience.click here

SAIACS-RZIM Seminar

SAIACS-RZIM SEMINAR
SAIACS and RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) are participating in a unique joint-effort to reach the Bangalore community with a special two-part Apologetics Seminar.

The upcoming seminar will be held on September 11, 2010. It is entitled: Evil & Suffering – Apologetics for those difficult questions from the Indian context. The main resource person for that seminar is Neil Vimalkumar. The previous seminar was held on August 14, 2010. It was entitled: One Gospel, Many Imposters – Engaging the pluralist and skeptic using Apologetics. The main resource person for this seminar was Cyril Georgeson.

The seminar is on Saturday morning, and will feature lectures as well as discussions by participants. The seminar is available free of charge. A minimal charge of Rs. 50 can be paid to SAIACS in case participants want to join the SAIACS community for lunch after the seminar.

SAIACS is Bangalore's GlobaLink

Christians in and around Bangalore can now participate in the historic World Missions Conference in Cape Town, South Africa (16-25 October, 2010). The third Lausanne Congress will bring together 4000 Christian leaders from over 200 countries to confront crticical issues and develop deeper unity and partnership in the ongoing task of taking the whole gospel to the whole world. GlobaLink is a key feature of the Congress. It will enable thousands to participate 'virtually' worldwide. In Bangalore, SAIACS is the official GlobaLink site that will connect (through internet technology) to the main event in Cape Town. To participate in this event, register with advancement@saiacs.org.

New Students

In this new academic year, we have admitted sixty-five new students into various programmes, of which four students have enrolled into our new MA (Management) programme that was launched this year.The development of curriculum for this new course is progressing well under the leadership of Mr Vijay Paulson, HoD Management. We also have fourteen of our continuing students rejoin for their MA (Adv) or MTh studies. The total number of registered regular students has risen to one hundred and thirty this year.

New Responsibilities

SAIACS welcomes Mr Rufus David as the Academic Relations Manager in the Academic Department. Rufus has worked with Gospel Echoing Ministries Society (GEMS) and with Compassion, Kolkata. He will be coordinating the Context-based Learning (CBL) program as well, in SAIACS.

SAIACS alum, Mr Vijay Paulson, has joined as Head of Department for the SAIACS MA in Management programme.

Latest book launched by SAIACS Press!

For more information on the book click here

Curriculum Review and Teaching Workshop

SAIACS was privileged to have Dr Perry Shaw, Faculty in Christian Education at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut, as the facilitator for a Curriculum Review and Teaching Workshop between 12-16th March. He is an Australian with years of experience in teaching teaching. It was greatly stimulating to review the vision of SAIACS and check that what and how we teach both contribute to that vision. It was good to continue discussions on introducing context-based learning.

News letter: March 2010 Issue

To download newsletter, click here

MissionTrek 09

The recent missions conference MissionTrek 09 was a wonderful event. Totally student planned and led, the challenging theme was ‘Reaching our Generation’ with the gospel. Tabitha and Nigel co-wrote a powerful theme song: ‘Here am I, Lord, I will go, Going where You’ve gone before…’’ It was a privilege to have as speakers Dr Stuart and Jill Briscoe, from Telling the Truth ministry and Elmbrook Church, Milwaukee. Cyril Georgeson and Rev Arun Andrews of RZIM Ministries were also resource persons. Moving on from knowledge to obedience, faithfulness to God’s call and the need to be engaged in the cultural context were dominant themes of the weekend’s messages. Pray for those who made life-changing decisions for mission.

Construction of New Student/ Faculty Apartments

It’s exciting to report that on Tuesday, 24 November, the construction of our family apartment block commenced with the ground breaking ceremony. The SAIACS community, along with the architect, Mr Davis Moses, and builder, Mr Mani, met for a brief prayer, celebration and dedication service. It was a pleasure to have some American visitors, and Friends of SAIACS from California and Co-operative Baptist Fellowship. The new block will contain two 3-bedroom apartments and two 2-bedroom apartments for students and faculty use. We’re grateful for God’s provision for the project thus far.

The Third Lausanne Congress

The spirit of Lausanne is synonymous with fellowship, humility, study, prayer, hope and partnership,” echoed Dr. Douglas Birdsall, Chairman of the Lausanne Movement. Dr. Birdsall and his team visited SAIACS on 16th June 2009 to inform the community about the agenda for next Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, Cape Town, South Africa from 16th October to 25th October 2010,where 4000 leaders from 200 countries will gather and deliberate on six major issues. These issues include defending the truth of the Gospel, responding to the challenge of hedonism better known to us as the ‘prosperity gospel,’ the threat of religious fundamentalism, the need for a theology of reconciliation, the ongoing search for a new global equilibrium and the daunting challenges of missions in the 21st century. SAIACS will have the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming Congress from here itself, through technology.

SAIACS is a Globalink

Following Dr. Doug Birdsall’s recent visit to SAIACS, the Capetown 2010 Project Director, Grace Matthews announced SAIACS will be one of the Globalink sites for India. That means Christian leaders can be involved in live simultaneous participation with the Congress on World Evangelization, in South Africa, right from SAIACS campus.

Launch of the Religions Department

The much awaited SAIACS MTh in Religions has been launched with four enthusiastic students. This makes SAIACS first among the ATA member institutions to offer this course. The purpose of this programme is to prepare people committed to the cause of Jesus Christ to be effective teachers in our multi-religious context. We had our very first module on Introduction to Sanskrit for six weeks in the months of April and May 2009. SAIACS MTh Theology department also recommences this year.

Financial Needs

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We are non-denominational / non-sectarian and do not receive denominational funding. We need more support from you in terms of scholarships for students from 1st generation backgrounds who are coming in from the mission field and going back to the mission field. They do not receive funds from home and have no funding from the rural churches, as these churches are quite poor. They are struggling with their fees. It costs us Rs 1,20,000 per student per year of which the college finances 50%. Many find it impossible to pay the balance Rs 60,000/. You can sponsor a student for Rs 60,000 or in part, by cheque payable to SAIACS, Bangalore.

For further information on any of the items on this page, please contact arun.kumar@saiacs.org

News Editorial Board: Dr Ian Payne, Dr. Atul Aghamkar (Chairperson of IT Committee), Dr Arun Kumar, Mrs Shilpa Waghmare.

© Copyright SAIACS 2010

Site updated: August 20, 2010