Dear Friends of Asia Lutheran Seminary,
It was the right time. Twenty years ago, on May 29, 2005, Dr. John Lawrenz preached for the opening service of a brand new seminary: Asia Lutheran Seminary. His sermon was based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, where Paul writes “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” As we review the history and work of ALS over the past 20 years, we are reminded again and again how God has used the right people in the right places at just the right time to carry out his work of equipping and sending out workers for his fields.
Since its founding, God has blessed ALS with steady growth and expanding opportunities. In the years since ALS was founded, ALS has published and translated theological resources, launched a biblical languages program, and celebrated numerous graduations. The seminary has expanded its reach to Chinese-speaking students across Asia, has begun offering online Mandarin-language classes, and has achieved full accreditation from the Asia Theological Association. Most recently, God has brought ALS to additional milestones: the launch of a second teaching hub in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the calling of full-time Chinese professors, and the introduction of an English-language certificate and degree program. Each step has been a testimony to God’s grace and perfect timing.
We invite you to reflect with us as we review these past 20 years. We invite you to praise God for the teachers who have taught in our classrooms. We invite you to thank God for each of our students and to pray for our graduates. And we invite you to pray that God would continue to guide ALS into the future. Now is still the time! To God be the glory.
In Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Bare
President, Asia Lutheran Seminary