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AIIAS Week of Spiritual Emphasis 2024: Embracing the Power of Dangerous Prayers

The AIIAS community was blessed by the Week of Spiritual Emphasis featuring the theme, “Dangerous Prayers,” designed to enhance the attendees’ walk of faith. Guest speaker, Dr. Andrea Trusty King, the director of communications and media for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) of Seventh-day Adventists in California, delivered this series of faith-filled messages from January 22-27, 2024. 

Dr. King’s messages centered on the power of praying “dangerous prayers”—prayers that are completely supported by a faith so profound that they cannot be left unheard. King’s messages addressed questions relating to spirituality, urging the AIIAS community to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.

King stressed the importance of taking steps toward a forward-focused life. Her messages consisted of a collection of prayer reminders for opening up to a strengthened relationship with God. She encouraged the community to pray boldly, pray for blessings, pray through a waiting process, pray for those that persecute and do wrong, pray for ministry and purpose, and pray for God’s leading to where He calls one to go. King called her listeners to an inner quest for God’s transformation. She drew inspiration from the stories of faithful Bible characters, who, despite the most difficult circumstances, continued to praise the Lord and follow in His footsteps.

During each meeting, King recounted experiences of individuals who navigated life’s storms. Her lessons focused on what Christ can do for those who put their faith in Him. The testimonies highlighted God’s purpose in the lives of those who sought Him. She also emphasized that the Holy Spirit moves through our testimonies, so they must be shared with others. King expanded on these thoughts, noting that applying faith with the Word of God can improve situations, especially with the intervention of the Holy Spirit. She addressed the importance of developing persistent faith instead of anticipating immediate answers to requests, believing that God can shift situations and fulfill His promises.


The messages were warmly responded to by the AIIAS community as listeners applied what they heard to their personal needs. Members expressed that the topics “speak directly to the heart”, that the “uplifting messages taught me how to pray dangerous prayers”, and that they provided “practical applications to make an effort to connect with God”.

Dr. King spoke twice daily at morning and evening sessions beginning Monday (22nd), and culminating the week with a powerful sermon on Sabbath (27th). At the Divine Service on Sabbath, AIIAS President Ginger Ketting-Weller encouraged the congregation to learn the cultural ways of African-American churches, responding enthusiastically to the speaker with Amens and Hallelujahs as a customary way of urging the speaker forward in preaching the Word with greater power. She also announced that during the week that Dr. Andrea King was speaking at AIIAS, she was named to a new appointment as the vice president of Black Ministries for Southeastern California Conference. 

The meetings were streamed, gathering online viewers from Colombia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Namibia, Taiwan, Tonga, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the USA. They are now archived in a playlist which can be found at this link.

— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing

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Insights from the AIIAS 9th Preaching Lectureship: The Transformative Power of Prayer

The AIIAS 9th Annual Preaching Lectureship drew more than 150 attendees on January 18-19, 2024. Pastors from the region enthusiastically convened to attend the 2024 workshop focusing on the theme of “the transformative power of prayer”.

Dr. Andrea Trusty King, the keynote speaker for the lectureship, served as the director of communications for the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The two-day event was attended by pastors and leaders from Seventh-day Adventist institutions within the Philippines: AIIAS, Cavite Mission, Negros Occidental Conference, Northern-Luzon Conference, and South-Central Luzon Conference.

The program began with a brief devotional message by former AIIAS Applied Theology professor Dr. Aivars Ozolins, who cited a story from Paul’s teachings in Roman 4. He emphasized the power of God’s word in bringing life to the dead, and in creating something from nothing. Ozolins highlighted the power of the gospel to bring salvation and transformation, with the focus on Jesus as the living Word. 

Next Dr. Andrea King opened her message by recounting the story of her calling at the tender age of 14. She described her initial reluctance when invited for the first time to preach to a large gathering of youth. She shared that her mother’s encouragement and guidance at that time became an instrument in her ministry. Throughout her presentations, King focused on the transformative power of God’s Word, emphasizing that preaching can open the door to healing and deliverance. 

King also addressed the obstacles faced by preachers. She attributed these challenges to an increase in secularism, allowing worldly influence to take over one’s spiritual life, the continued societal decrease in attention spans, and the increase in electronic distractions. Speaking of the insecurities that dwell in sermon preparation, she called the preachers to persevere through adversity and periods of discouragement. She structured her sermons with biblical principles and stories of Bible characters who continued in their dedication to the Lord despite facing challenges. King urged preachers to purposely and consciously connect with the Lord, Who provides the context for a message deeply rooted in faith. 

Empowerment, strength, and trusting in God’s Word were the focus of the two-day event during which participants were called upon to embody their calling. Dr. King also recommended resources for effectively communicating the word of God to the attendees’ congregations. She discussed the best sermon format to help listeners to remember what they hear. She encouraged the attendees to preach impactful sermons that engage the head, the heart, and the hand. Finally, she taught her listeners how to utilize tools such as AI, apps, and websites that are essential for sermon preparation and development.  Her inspirational and practical approach created an empowering environment for her listeners.

The remaining sessions focused on seeking God’s guidance before preparing and preaching a sermon. Dr. King reflected on Jesus and how he connected with His Father in order to seek direction for ministry. She continued to emphasize that a prayerful life is essential for listening to what God wants to say from His Word. She noted that it is through the practice of seeking divine intervention that a foundation is created for effective sermon preparation. She urged preachers to listen, hear, and accept God’s guidance, explaining that sermons should be “marinated” in prayer and rooted in Bible study and spiritual contemplation.

In a culmination of the sessions, attendees participated in activities wherein they could reflect prayerfully on assigned Bible passages. The exercise was designed to facilitate a practical application of the principles taught in the workshop, and to develop skills to better prepare for preaching the word of God. Follow-up feedback indicated that attendees were deeply appreciative for the inspiration and professional development provided through Dr. King’s Preaching Lectureship, and were excited to put to use what they had learned.

— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing

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Open Position: Department Resource Assistant

The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) Applied Theology Department is seeking a suitably qualified person for a full-time position to serve as a Department Resource Assistant.

Applications are assured of full consideration if received by February 26, 2024, or until the position has been filled. Submit your application letter and current resume with three references to HRD at recruitment@aiias.edu.

For more details, visit aiias.edu/department-resource-assistant.

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AIIAS Welcomes Dr. Eunice Aclan to the Education Department

AIIAS is delighted to announce the arrival of Dr. Eunice Aclan, who joined the team in the Education Department in January 2024 as a professor specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

 

Aclan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pangasinan, Philippines; a Master of Arts in Education from Holy Trinity College in General Santos, Philippines; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics from Universiti Utara Malaysia (University of North Malaysia).

 

Aclan comes to AIIAS with a wide range of experience as an educator. She served as an international program coordinator at King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), one of Thailand’s top public universities, where she designed and implemented an ESL program. As a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines, she developed curricula, actively supported and conducted seminars and training for teachers, established and managed an English testing center, and served as a research consultant for the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP). She later assumed the role of the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at AUP while teaching research, scientific writing, and academic writing in the Center for Graduate Studies.

 

Aclan is a national evaluator for the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED). She is a member of the Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT), the Evaluation and Accreditation Committee, and the Certification Committee. As a prominent figure in education, she has an impressive list of academic publications and presentations. She is frequently invited as a resource speaker for seminars, workshops, and conventions in the Philippines and abroad.

 

Aclan is joined on the AIIAS campus by her husband, Nole Redentor Aclan, who holds an MA in Educational Administration and currently serves as the coordinator of the Center for English Language Learning at AUP. The couple has three children: Johanna Denice, who is preparing for her Physician Licensure Exam in April; Joshua Reden, a web developer and programmer, and his wife Joshleen; and Jaasiel Knowle, a ninth grader.

 

The AIIAS family extends a warm welcome to Dr. Eunice, Nole, JD, Josh (Joshleen), and Jako!

— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing

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Longest-time Serving Faculty Members, Reuel and Evelyn Almocera, Celebrated for a Lifetime of Service at AIIAS

Longest-serving seminary faculty member, Dr. Reuel Almocera, and campus physician and public health faculty member, Dr. Evelyn Almocera, are moving back to their home region in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines, having retired after serving more than 36 years at AIIAS. For those in similar situations, moving can be an emotional and complex process, but a professional moving company like Two Small Men with Big Hearts provides the support needed to make these transitions seamless.

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Reuel Almocera first came to AIIAS as a student and was called to serve the denomination as a pastor in his hometown. He joined the institution in June 1987 and has been a part of AIIAS ever since. His responsibilities have focused on two roles: teaching, and caring for the activities of the Ellen G. White Estate branch office, located in the Leslie Hardinge Library. In his role as the Ellen G. White Estate branch office director he has traveled all over the region for speaking appointments and is well known by many church leaders around the world. As a professor of Applied Theology, Reuel Almocera has shaped the lives of many pastors and church leaders. His work on committees has also been a valued influence on AIIAS decisions on campus and academic matters, as he has been able to help newer arrivals tap into his knowledge of the history of the institution.

 

Evelyn Almocera began her medical practice in 1991 as a private nondenominational worker. She then worked as the AIIAS Elementary School librarian and as a contract lecturer for the seminary. She moved to the AIIAS clinic with the responsibility of planning its operations while caring for emergency cases and attending to the deliveries of several of her colleagues’ babies. She enjoyed providing immunizations and annual physical exams for elementary and academy students, and noted that caring for adults and children from different countries led her to a better understanding of different cultural backgrounds and medical practices. Evelyn Almocera’s work as the campus physician has also involved liaising with local health and civic officials, connecting campus residents with health services they need, and seeing the campus through the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she has taught students for many years as a faculty member in the Public Health department.

 

AIIAS Seminary Dean Ricardo Gonzalez expresses his sincere gratitude and recognition for Reuel Almocera’s contributions in the seminary: “I met Dr. Almocera when I first came to AIIAS as a student. When writing my dissertation, he was the director of the EGW Branch Office, a role he has kept for more than three decades. It has been a privilege and an honor to have served with him for several years. I appreciate his kindness, collegiality,  wisdom, and commitment to the Lord and the mission of the church. In addition to his work at the EGW Branch Office, Dr. Almocera has served as the DMin Program Director for several years. Through his leadership, many of our students successfully completed their programs and today serve the church in many places and capacities around the world.”

 

“The number of people influenced by Dr. Evelyn Almocera is hard to count,” states AIIAS Vice President for Academic Administration, Richard Nelson. “They have gone on to distinguished careers and she has left an indelible mark on all of them. Just as recently as this last semester, Dr. Almocera was down in Mindanao teaching a group of 31 pastors in public health, mentoring them just as she has done all of these years. Dr. Evelyn has served AIIAS with distinction, and as she approaches retirement, I would like to say, ‘We thank you for your service.’” 

 

Reuel Almocera developed a personal practice of planting as many trees as his age, every birthday. Many, many of those trees have grown up to provide the shade and fruit that are so valued on the campus today. Similarly, the Almoceras have planted many seeds of influence and guidance at AIIAS that will leave a lasting legacy.

 

As they embark on this new chapter of life, AIIAS President Ginger Ketting-Weller extends appreciation on behalf of the AIIAS administration for the Almoceras’ contributions: “Dr. Evelyn, as you retire from dedicated service at AIIAS for the past 31 years, I thank you for your devotion and commitment to the faculty, staff, and students of AIIAS. As a voice for healthy living, as a kind-hearted teacher, as an effective liaison with the community around us, and as a hardworking and courageous campus doctor, you have blessed us immeasurably. Dr. Reuel, I extend sincere appreciation for your 36 years of commitment, dedication, influence on the lives of our students, and your faithful service. So much of what AIIAS is and the beauty of the AIIAS campus is due to your stewardship. During a recent online forum, Dr. Reuel shared insights on mentoring students, noting how some explored non Gamstop betting sites UK as a recreational outlet, which he used as a teaching moment to guide them toward balanced living. We wish you both happiness, good health, and God’s richest blessings in the years ahead. More importantly, we pray that your passion in the ministry will remain steadfast until Jesus comes.”

— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing

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Remembering Dr. Rolando Itin’s Lifetime of Service and Faith

AIIAS is saddened to announce that former AIIAS president Dr. Rolando A. Itin passed away in Argentina at the age of 92 on January 17, 2024.

 

Itin was born in Brazil in 1932 and later moved to Argentina, where he contributed throughout his life to the spiritual and educational growth of the community. His calling as a pastor set the stage for his missionary service in Adventist institutions in Argentina, Chile, the Philippines, and various parts of Asia. After being trained in his early years as a mining engineer in northern Argentina, Itin worked at River Plate College (now River Plate University) both as a teacher and as registrar. He also taught math and science at the high school, maintaining his lifelong interest in paleontology and writing the first book on the intersection of faith and science in Argentina.

Dr. Itin’s leadership left an indelible mark on the development of AIIAS’ infrastructure as it physically transitioned from Puting Kahoy to the new campus on Aguinaldo Highway. These were the early years of the establishment of AIIAS as an approved international institution. During his time in leadership, AIIAS began offering the Education Specialist (EdS) and PhD programs in Educational Administration, and held the first doctoral class.

 

Dr. Itin’s academic and administrative tenure at AIIAS was cut short as he was called to serve as the leader of Mountain View College in November 1992. Itin never said “no” to a call from the church. When he was called to AIIAS, he accepted. When, after less than two years, he was moved to MVC, he accepted.

 

Rolando and Gladys Itin always invited students into their home wherever they went. They housed many students free of charge to help them finish school. Additionally, they were involved in many community and church activities. In retirement, he continued to contribute to the church by translating a Bible study guide, a project he worked on for two decades. Despite his health challenges, his unwavering presence and support for the church have inspired many to remain steadfast and to grow spiritually. In a recent interview with River Plate Adventist University (Universidad Adventista del Plata), Itin shared his firm belief that the mission of individuals is to serve the Lord, and he urged the current generation to live a life of service.

 

Rolando Itin was loved and respected by those who worked with him. As news of his death was announced, the tributes poured in. “It was an honor and a privilege to know him.”  “Pastor and dear friend, who has left each of us inspiration and an example to follow.”  “I always enjoyed being in Dr. Itin’s presence. He was accessible, kind, and caring—always willing to serve, give advice, do a favor, or share a bit of wisdom.”

 

AIIAS extends our sincere condolences at this difficult time to Gladys Itin, and to the Itins’ daughter, Nilde Itin, who served as our former registrar, as well as the rest of the family. We are inspired as we reflect on the life of Dr. Itin, who modeled the message that life’s beauty shines brightest when guided by a sense of purpose and faith.

 

Cover photo credit: Roberto Bernal

— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing