Intergenerational • Multi-Sectorial • Location Independent
"In Obscuro Cum Privilegio" - Discovering Genius Through Hidden Excellence
by Chairman of Oikos in Geylang at the Seminary Gate
… I wanted to thank each of our Regents who shared during the Tea Ceremony that I believe has set the stage for our immediate next steps in our intergenerational, location-independent mission in multiple geographies as we move the ball forward toward 2029. Our leadership ministry in DAVT has been tabulated since our very first candidate, Rev Tess Wieteska (#001) back in 2015. Please see table of candidates and where they are from.
Dean of Graduate Studies, Chiangmai
I'm planning to introduce you to my academic mentor, Rev Dr Preecha Jengjalern, Dean of Graduate Studies and former Chair of the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand based in Chiang Mai. We can arrange an in-person visit to our academic basecamp at MountainView in the old city after the burning season. @~DonBKK to advise.
The purpose of our visit is to establish an academic foundation for our new PhD program—Doctor of Arts in Theology—to complement our Master of Arts in Theology program. I'm targeting implementation by Commencement 2029 during our next Alumni Homecoming/Dondang Sayang.
GBG in Philippines under OATH
Glad to report that Regent Alberto Fernandez and Rev Gina from the Paranaque Group under JCA1221 guidance (Amicus Curae Jehri Asis & Rev Katherine) has stepped forward to outline a support system for mentoring, coaching and fathering in the context of a returnee strategy to develop relational structures and to explore and exploit possibilities especially among the OFW - ISAC yellow-ribbon programs from the point of contact through candidacy phase (matriculation) through to collaboration phases back in the country of origin.
Nothing missing, Nothing lacking
I've completed a feasibility study on SOLE / C-BAM learning and leadership environments and found it entirely possible over the past 5 years to work with an effective ratio of paid seats versus bursaries to accommodate candidates from less developed nations who would not otherwise have the means. Through your financial contributions you have allowed us to operate unhindered and though we did not hit our targets for this Spring Graduation, we certainly had no lack during the 100 hour accelerator from 20 - 24 Feb at our Geylang basecamp.
Post-mortem
Overall, the Graduation/Ordination ceremonies came together well and according to His plans for both the Governor & Regents Commissioning. We received our Latin motto—in obscuro cum privilegio—only five weeks before the Homecoming/Shore Party. On self-examination, I realised I was too eager to initiate the Tea Ceremony immediately after the end of the Commissioning and consequently failed to obtain the final group photo. You can be sure this will not happen again.
The tradition of early morning prayer at the 456 fpa is firmly established, and we remained faithful in this regard. Thanks to @E7k - Paul Khoo and all the E7k brothers who encouraged the bursary students with your uplifting words toward cohort excellence.
Chancellor Michael and Rev Tess left their gowns with us in Singapore for safekeeping. This allows us to examine his Regent's gown and prepare design templates for our next academic run. All things considered—especially the Holy Spirit visitation during the Dondang Sayang with the Hon. David & Rev Lena Lampe, during which we celebrated Bishop Mike and Rev Tess' 18th wedding anniversary—it turned out well.
… "In Asia, only holy men of the cloth study—the Taoist priest, the Imam, the Buddhist monk. They are expected to learn theology. Only in Christianity does everyman get to study the Bible and go as far or as deep as he wants. Also, only in Christianity can women be ordained—the wall between male and female is smashed. This is why Yahweh is so respected among the pagans here. Every fisherman's son can excel and is given a chance to go higher. This is the ethos of a mission university: free education for all. Once we lift the tariffs on higher education, orthodoxy can truly become universal."
Target Audience: Gifted Individuals Across Asia