Manila, Philippines: It was a day of celebration as Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) informally welcomed Drs. Bruce and Peggy Oldham Thursday morning, November 3, 2016, during a special chapel service.

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Students, faculty and staff of APNTS were present to give a warm welcome to their new president and his wife. Representatives from different entities such as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), Philippine-Micronesia Field Office (PMFO), World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific (WMC-AP) and Asia-Pacific Resource Center (APRC) were also in attendance. Apart from joining the festivities, the event also provided the leaders of these departments with a chance to introduce their teams and what they do for the Asia-Pacific Region.

Dr. Bruce flew to Manila a month after he was elected president for a week-long visit, as a way of “getting his feet wet” and familiarizing himself with the campus. His wife Dr. Peggy now joins him in this new adventure that God has laid out for them!

Dr. Peggy had never been to APNTS, but had visited the Philippines several years ago. Stepping on campus for the first time, she and Dr. Bruce said they feel truly blessed to be part of the APNTS family. Dr. Peggy thanked everyone for their patience and prayers.

Faculty, students and staff also took the opportunity to thank Atty. Kafoa Muaror, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) who also served as interim president of APNTS, and Engineer Shionel Blas Gesite, Interim OIC for APNTS, for their assistance during the transition period. Atty. Kafoa recalls how the BOT spent a year of praying, waiting and searching for the right person to fill the position, and how God has answered their prayers through the Oldhams.  Atty. Kafoa also encouraged the faculty, students and staff to be authentic and genuine when sought for their insights and opinions – this is the right way to show love and support to their leaders.

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Dr. Bruce is very excited to serve alongside everyone on campus and he is looking forward for days to come. He thanks everyone by saying, “We are so glad to be accepted into your hearts and you in ours.” He ended his message by characterizing his leadership as SERVICE.

“Brothers and sisters, will you let me serve you?” – Dr. Bruce Oldham

Dr. Bruce assumed presidency effective November 1.  The date for the official installation service will be announced in the near future.

The Asia-Pacific Region is very delighted to welcome Drs. Bruce and Peggy to the team. Please continue to pray for them as they embark on this God-ordained adventure. May Dr. Bruce be always filled with God’s Spirit as he leads the institution in developing Christlike disciples through the students, faculty and staff.