On a recent Saturday in March, five seminaries gathered together on the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary campus in Taytay, Rizal, Philippines, for the annual Inter-Seminary Sports Fellowship (ISSF). Participants from Alliance Graduate School (AGS), Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM), Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) and International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) played in five different events – basketball, volleyball, football, badminton and table tennis as part of the one-day fellowship.

It is not every day that people from different seminaries get to gather, meet and spend time with one another and have a day of fun and fellowship through sports. Elma, a Filipino student from ATS said that she enjoys every time she attends ISSF. “I always enjoy this. It’s only once a year. I get to know other students and have fellowship with my schoolmates because usually we are busy with requirements.”

Chuka, a Mongolian student from IGSL, said that she had a great experience because she was able to meet and spend time with people from different nations. Through ISSF, unity is promoted within the Body of Christ. Dr. Clark Armstrong, APNTS Dean of Students, said that the event had been incredible as he felt and witnessed the spirit of camaraderie. “A lot of love has been seen here,” he added.

But the event does not only foster fellowship among students, but also provides a way for them to engage in recreational activities which benefits their well-being. Sarah Palosa, APNTS student, shared that every time she practices volleyball it helps her release stress and lighten her mood. Sha Lom, Sports Committee Head of the APNTS SBO, also shared that engaging in sports activities serve as a form of refreshment to students who spend most of their time studying.