Dear partners in the ministry,

As 2010 begins, we want to express warm New Year wishes to you and your family. May the New Year open new opportunities that will bring true joy, hope and happiness from God.

Glancing back, 2009 is a year to be thankful to God for because beyond the many difficulties we have experienced (and are still experiencing) in the Philippines, resilience and heroism were again elicited by Filipinos before the eyes of the world.
For instance, the catastrophic typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Santi that swept Luzon in rapid succession caused many Filipinos here and abroad, including the ATS community, to heroically join hands and help those who were badly affected by the floods. Today, in spite of the enormous trauma and devastation wrought by these calamities, people were able to rise from the debris and rebuild their lives.

Then there’s Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year for 2009, who made all of us proud to be Filipino. A World Vision’s sponsored-child during his early childhood, growing in an urban slum near an open dump site in Cavite, he defied all odds as a 16- year-old to start the “Dynamic Team Company.” This heroic young man pioneered the idea of the “pushcart classroom, ” wherein wooden pushcarts were stocked with books and school materials and then used to recreate school settings for street children.

At ATS, we thank God that after 40 years, our seminary continues to be a training ground for men and women from all over the world who are preparing for the Lord’s work. This year in spite of the global economic crisis we had 200 students in the first semester and 176 for the second in our on-campus courses. We also had about 750 in our off-campus programs for pastors. During the year, we also had various seminars that were opened to the general public: The Theological Forum in February attracted about 750 people, while the public seminars of Drs. Grant Osborne and Raymund Bakke brought about 500 people to our campus. These are but few of the events at ATS in 2009 for which we are grateful to God.

ATS continues to provide transformational theological education, preparing people for various church and marketplace ministries. Because of your sacrifices and partnership with us, we are able to keep on doing this.

Please remember ATS in your prayers. Join us in praying that by the Spirit of God we may be able to accomplish more in 2010 for the Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory and honor of God our Father.

Again, New Year wishes to you and much thanks for your “heroic” participation in ATS’s ministry. May the Lord abundantly bless you throughout the whole year.

Sharing the Blessed Hope in Christ with you,

Dr. Glicerio (Jojo) M. Manzano, Jr.
Vice President for Administration
ASIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

---

Dear Friends and Supporters of ATS Foundation USA and ATS, Manila, Philippines:

On behalf of the Board of ATS Foundation USA, I am happy to express our appreciation for the partnership and help of Mission East Asian National Support (MEANS) to handle your financial support and love gifts for the vital ministry of Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), Manila, Philippines.

MEANS is a tried and trusted group of dedicated Filipino Christian evangelical volunteers presently living in Chicago, Illinois. For over 35 years they have been serving efficiently in this ministry of partnering with Filipino missionaries, mission groups and churches in Asia and other parts of the world. We are pleased that MEANS and ATS have forged a partnership to help the ministry of Asian Theological Seminary.

Please know that we are not now any less concerned for or dedicated to the support of our co-workers at ATS Manila. We at ATS Foundation USA have limited facilities and personnel and believe MEANS is better equipped to give you this particular service. We are fully confident that your tax-deductible contributions will be handled carefully and efficiently, with full regard to your wishes and designations.

Lastly, please keep ATS Manila in your prayers, as they continue in the key ministry of training God's leaders for the ripened harvest fields of the Philippines and Asia. We give the ATS Administration, Faculty and Staff our full support as they labor tirelessly and effectively in the vital ministry of equipping leaders for the expanding Church throughout Asia.

Sincerely, In Christ,

Dr. William Simons,
Chairman of the Board of ATS Foundation USA,
President Emeritus, Asian Theological Seminary, Manila
February 2008

---

How to contact MEANS:
Mailing Address: PO Box 8434, Bartlett, IL 60103
Email: info@meansusa.org
Website: www.meansusa.org
Phone no: 630-289-1032 (Carmena on weekdays)

For inquiries with OMF International (UK)
Mr. Jeff Hall. Phone 01732-880-300. Fax 01732-887-224.
Email: finsupport@omf.org.uk
Website: www.omf.org/uk/about_omf/giving
UK registered charity number:  1086040