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Last week, the ALS governing board met to discuss the seminary's programs across Asia. During the meeting, Rev. Jon Leach was also named as the next board chairman. Rev. Leach replaces Mr. Jim Holman who recently stepped down from the board. We are thankful for the service of Mr. Jim Holman and pray that God continues to bless him. We also pray that God will bless Rev. Leach as he carries out this important work....

"Finished" the sound trailed from Jesus' lips as he gasped for breath on the cross. There was purpose behind that word. Earlier in his ministry-according to John's gospel account-when Jesus said that he had "food to eat that you know nothing about," he explained to his confused disciples, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." A short while later, Jesus affirmed that "the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me." In both the original text and in our English translation, the same verb is used in each of these statements: "finish." The work of Jesus was to finish his Father's will. ...

In February, Dr. Cheung’s research led him to Xi’an to do research on Christianity in China during the Tang Dynasty. Christianity was known to some in China as the “Jingjiao.” Evidence strongly suggests that these teachers of the “Jingjiao” were the first Syriac missionaries to come to China. Dr. Cheung’s research is a great reminder that God is in control and his Word went out all over the world throughout the ages and in this case, the Tang Dynasty!...

We should not pass over those words in the middle, "and so that Scripture would be fulfilled," too quickly. They are not an incidental aside: they are at the heart of Jesus' life and ministry, and they reveal the heart of our Messiah to us....

The ATA has now granted full accreditation to ALS for all of its degree programs. This includes the Bachelor of Theology, Master of Arts in Religion, and the Master of Divinity degrees. We are thankful to all the faculty, staff, and administration for all the hard work they have put into this effort to make ALS a first-class academic institution. ...

I jumped offside once in junior high football. It was a "double go," and I jumped on the first "go." I gave the other team a first down. Another player came running in and said, "Thomford, you're out!" I ran to the sidelines and stood by the coach. He did not yell at me. He did not speak to me. He didn't even look at me. I knew he was angry at my foolish mistake. But he just ignored me. That was tough. But I deserved it....

This last week, Prof. Guy Marquardt successfully defended his doctoral dissertation and will be awarded a doctorate degree. We appreciate Guy’s hard work. His expertise has been and will continue to be a blessing to ALS and God’s people. ALS’s pursuit of academic excellence means its professors will be experts in their fields. Prof. Marquardt’s achievement is a testament to this. ...

Thirty-three years before this day, an elderly prophet held this same Jesus in his arms and spoke Spirit- given words to his mother, "And a sword will pierce your own soul, too."...

Our classes are in full swing and we offer a big welcome to all our new and returning students! We pray that God blesses your studies this semester and that you have plenty of opportunities to share what you’ve learned with those around you. By grace (this year’s theme)God will grow you in your faith this year!...