New Academic Year

We are glad to have 45 new students from different parts of the world with us this year for different programs like MA, MA (Advanced), Pre-MTh, MTh & PhD. The new academic year started from June 9, 2008. We welcome the new batch!!!

Bon Voyage Nigel, Selena and Taarika!

On 25 September, 2008, SAIACS faculty-in-training, Nigel Ajay Kumar, departed for a 9-month study and exposure trip to Montreal, Canada. Nigel will be doing supplementary research for his doctoral dissertation on the "Theology of Religion", in The Presbyterian College and McGill University, under the supervision of former SAIACS faculty Dr. Chris Barrigar. The community gave Nigel, his wife Selena and his daughter Taarika, a warm send-off the night before, affirming God's plan in making this trip possible. Nigel and his family are expected to return to SAIACS by June 2009.

Reconciliation....

Recently Dr Ashish Chrispal, Principal of SAIACS from 2004-2006, asked to speak to the community at SAIACS. Addressing many office staff, gardeners, faculty, students, and trustees (including the Founding Principal and Chairman of the Trust) on 11th September, Dr Ashish said,

“During my tenure as the Principal of SAIACS and the events surrounding my resignation, some aspects have caused pain to some faculty and students. I accept the responsibility and apologize, as reconciliation is necessary for the glory of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Ultimately, this life is transitory and we cannot keep long accounts. Also, our Lord calls us to follow him as forgiven and forgiving disciples. SAIACS has a crucial role to play in building up of the leadership for the body of Jesus Christ in India and we need to stand together for His Kingdom concerns.”

The Principal Dr Ian Payne responded, accepting the apology and affirming Dr Ashish’s courage and faithfulness. He appreciated Dr Ashish for donating his personal library to SAIACS. “The occasion has been a wonderful example.” Dr Payne said, “Reconciliation is part of Christian life and discipleship.” After a closing prayer, the community shared a special afternoon tea.

New Responsibilities

Dr. Havilah Dharamraj, PhD, University of Durham, took over as the Head, Department of Old Testament.

Mr. Yesan Sellan took on additional responsibility as the Dean of Students.

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 2008

Site updated: October 3, 2008