FAR EASTERN BIBLE COLLEGE

 

 

This semester (Jul-Nov 2015) FEBC has a total enrolment of 565 students: 89 day students (fulltime: 48, part-time 41), 297 students in the “Basic Theology for Everyone” night classes, and 179 distance learning students. The students come from 10 countries: Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Singapore.

The courses offered this semester are Systematic Theology I (Theism), NT Introduction, Greek Exegesis I by the Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo; Daniel, Contemporary Theology III, Hebrew Reading I by the Rev Dr Quek Suan Yew; Homiletics, Theology of Prayer by the Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy; Greek Elementary I by Mrs Ivy Tow; Nehemiah by the Rev Stephen Khoo; Bible Geography II, Cults II by the Rev Dr Koa Keng Woo; Epistles of John by the Rev Tan Kian Sing; Introduction to Christian Education, Beginner Pianoforte by Mrs Jemima Khoo; Jesus the Master Teacher, Sunday School Curriculum Development by Miss Carol Lee; Hebrew Elementary I by Mr Clement Chew; Apostates and Apostasy by Dr Jose Lagapa; Greek Reading I by Mr Dennis Kabingue; English Intensive I by Mrs Anne Lim; English Intermediate I by Mrs Irene Lim; English Advanced I by Elder Han Soon Juan. The online courses are Life of Christ II, Ezekiel I, and Zechariah.

 

Our students at the Bible Presbyterian Church of Western Australia (BPCWA) in Perth began their new semester of online studies by singing the College Anthem. The Rev Joseph Poon in an email (with attached photos) wrote, “Just thought I’d drop you a note to let you know and see the excited faces of some of the students at the commencement of yet another semester for them. These ones chose to study together in church every Wednesday while others do it at home. We truly thank God for the FEBC online courses.”

Alumni in the Philippines

FEBC graduate—the Rev Reggor Galarpe—pastor of Gethsemane BPC in Cebu wrote,

We praise God for His goodness upon the work of the gospel here in the Philippines….

God willing, Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI) will open its first semester for the year 2015-2016 next Monday (Aug 3) with a Day of Prayer and Registration. By God’s grace, one of the courses that I will be teaching is Westminster Standards for our Monday Night Class. In this regard, I am seeking permission to use your book as our textbook. Since, it is offered on Monday night, we are expecting a good number of our brethren and even some friends from other churches to attend.

I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve in the ministry of teaching at GBI. Thank God also for our co-labourers: Elder Richard Tiu, Elder Eli Ortega and Preacher Edsel Locot—all graduates of FEBC. Praise God for the sound instruction and good training received!

Please extend our greetings to Mrs.Khoo and Mrs. Tow and to all at True Life and FEBC.

Respectfully,
Reggor B Galarpe
Gethsemane BPC (Cebu)
Cebu City, Philippines

Appreciation from New Zealand

The Rev Ahn Jung Kee (MRE 2000), pastor of New Zealand PyungGang Church in Auckland wrote on 5 July, “I always pray for you and FEBC. I really thank you for taking care of my daughter Ye Won last year. She told me that her FEBC life was so happy. She always thanks Mrs Tow’s kindness and love and your great teaching.” Jung Kee will visit the College in October, 9th to 15th (DV).

Testimony from Vietnam

Thanks and praises be to God who has led me through the blessed ministry He has put me in since I left Singapore (November 2013) till now. I thank God for the 1½ years. I have seen God’s mighty hand on me as I did His works. Some humble results have been brought to His glory.

As an intern in Hope Presbyterian Church under Rev Le Van Khai’s leadership, I have been given some ministries to be involved in. First, I have been involved in church planting ministry in the Southwest of Vietnam (240 km from HCMCT) where I had served previously before I went to Singapore for my Bachelor of Theology (BTh). By God’s grace a small Bible study group was established and some lost souls came to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. From that place the Lord caused one man to offer his life to Christ for full-time service, and he has enrolled in a Bible College in Vietnam. He will also replace me over there in due time. Second, I have been appointed as a preacher in the Hope Presbyterian Church, assisting my pastor, Rev Le Van Khai, in teaching and preaching God’s Holy Word, and taking charge of visitation and evangelism. Third, I am writing the curriculum materials for the Children Sunday School. Thank the Lord for the sound and fundamental theology which I have learned from the Far Eastern Bible College is used in the curriculum. Fourth, I am also teaching at the Saigon Presbyterian Bible Seminary where Rev Khai is the Principal and Rev Bao An is the Academic Dean. I have taught on the book of Acts and this coming semester (August 2015) I will be teaching the book of Daniel.

While doing ministries I have realised my limitations in expounding the Word of God which is so rich in meaning and so deep in the original languages. After much prayer, I heeded God’s call to further my studies when I heard the exposition of God’s Word by my pastor from Colossians 1:10 which says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” How to increase in the knowledge of God? God’s answer was through the pastor who encouraged me to go back and study God’s Word in order to increase in the knowledge of God, which can be found in the Bible college. I also shared with my uncle who is a pastor in a Baptist church. He repeatedly said, “You must go! You must study more.” He explained to me why I must study more. First, the BTh degree which is a good basic degree is not enough to expound the riches and depth of God’s wisdom in His Holy Word. Second, I am still not bound by marriage, so it is a good time for me to return for further studies. I then decided to share my calling and my desire to my pastor, Rev Khai. He supported and encouraged me to go to the Far Eastern Bible College as he had done before (when I went to FEBC for BTh). Praise the Lord!

Based on God’s calling, I would register for the Master of Divinity course at FEBC, starting in January 2016. May God grant me wisdom to learn and a good heart to be indoctrinated by the teachings of the College to which I am indebted so much, my Alma Mater which is holding forth the Word of Life and holding fast the Faithful Word. (Nguyen Van Hieu, Vietnam, July 14, 2015)

 

“Forever Infallible and Inerrant”

 

Larry Bray PhD wrote, “I Have been looking over the DVD that you have produced, ‘Forever Infallible & Inerrant,’ and wanted to convey my deep appreciation for putting such resources together. I’m convinced that these resources will be a blessing to all who take the time to study them.” (9 July 2015).

Praise the Lord for using His servants in other parts of the world to promote His truth. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” (2 Cor 13:8). JK

STATION WAGON FOR NLOC

Thangno who manages the New Life Orphan Centre in Yangon asked for a van to transport children to school when it rains heavily or to the hospital in case of emergencies. Session felt that a station wagon would be quite sufficient for the needs he has expressed. He already has $4,500 in his van fund, and needed another $11,000 to purchase a second-hand 2010 Toyota Probox Succeed, a five-seater station wagon costing $15,500. A love gift of $11,250 has since been sent to him to purchase the vehicle. Here’s Thangno’s email (30 July 2015):

Greetings you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

By the grace of God, and your prayers and support, we (NLOC) are fine and doing well until today. Praise God.

Pastor, today I purchased the vehicle van for NLOC. The Session of True Life BPC have agreed to support NLOC with a love gift of USD8,200 for the purchase of the vehicle.

We (NLOC) are really so happy and thankful to the Lord and to you, to the Session and to True Life BPC for the vehicle you have cheerfully contributed for the glory of God.

By the grace of God and because of True Life BPC, we (NLOC) are now freed from the difficulties, problems and emergency needs (day or night). In other words, we (NLOC) are no more ashamed and no longer looked down by our neighbours or unbelievers when we need transport. From now on, we (NLOC) will use the vehicle whenever we need it day or night. To God be the glory.

Pastor, please continuously pray for our safety when we use a van. We need God’s protection when we drive a van here and there. Safety is most important for us (NLOC). On our part, we need to be careful and wise for safety.

We (NLOC) are so happy and thankful for your love, concern, prayers and support. Thanks.

We all here also always pray for you and for True Life BPC and FEBC. May God bless you and True Life BPC and FEBC.

Humbly in Christ,

Bro Thangno
New Life Orphan Center
Yangon, Myanmar