Mega Manila Scholars Pursue Theological Studies at Truett and Wesley Biblical Seminaries
Isaiah Salas, a candidate to the ministry from Keilah Community Church in Pampanga, attends his early morning class at Truett via Zoom. Photo courtesy of Isaiah Salas.
The pursuit of theological education has taken a significant step forward for members of the Mega Manila Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), as it continues its partnerships with George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University (Truett) in Waco, Texas, and Wesley Biblical Seminary (WBS) in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
This Spring semester marks a milestone, with five additional students joining the initial cohort of five at Truett, bringing the total number of Mega Manila scholars there to ten. Meanwhile, WBS has also welcomed five students from Mega Manila, made possible through the initiative of Dr. Andy Miller III, WBS President. The fifteen scholars, eight of whom are fresh candidates to the ministry, are now enrolled in the Course of Study programs at both seminaries, strengthening their theological foundation and ministerial skills. These programs will take at least four years to complete.
Dr. Luther Oconer, Conference Superintendent of Mega Manila, who teaches at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and the one who coordinates with the two seminaries, expressed his gratitude for this partnership, stating, “We praise God for the opportunity to partner with these two seminaries. We do not yet have a fully functional school of ministry in Mega Manila, so having these seminaries step in to support us is God’s answer to our prayers. It truly exemplifies the blessings of being part of a global church.”
“We praise God for the opportunity to partner with these two seminaries. We do not yet have a fully functional school of ministry in Mega Manila, so having these seminaries step in to support us is God’s answer to our prayers. It truly exemplifies the blessings of being part of a global church.”
Deaconesses Mary Grace Esposo, Jayze Dizon, and Phoebe Dayao (left to right) of Wesley Biblical Seminary collaborate on a class assignment. Photo courtesy of Mary Grace Esposo.
Despite the rigorous demands of online learning, these scholars have risen to the challenge, attending classes at unconventional hours to accommodate the time difference. In the Philippines, sessions start as early as 3:00 AM, while those in the Middle East and the UK must log in at midnight. Yet, their dedication to learning and ministry fuels their perseverance through long hours and academic intensity. Moreover, they collaborate with one another, working together to navigate assignments and overcome various challenges.
For many, the experience has been transformational. “It is such a joy and an honor to be one of Truett’s Filipino scholars,” shared Isaiah Salas of Keilah Christian Community Church in Pampanga. Salas, who recently resigned from his promising career at San Miguel Corporation in San Fernando City to answer the call to ministry, added, “Every session is exciting, enriched by the professors’ wisdom and expertise, and the cultural diversity of my fellow students. It’s a great way to grow in faith and ministry.” Similarly, Timothy John Mabilog, an engineer working at a telecommunications firm and a candidate from St. John Methodist Church Cubao, reflected, “The Lord is very gracious in allowing me to be part of this program. The courses have deepened my Christian faith and broadened my appreciation of Methodism.”
“The Lord is very gracious in allowing me to be part of this program. The courses have deepened my Christian faith and broadened my appreciation of Methodism.”
Pastor Tristan Jayme of GMC Abu Dhabi and GMC Dubai connects to his class at WBS from his apartment. Photo courtesy of Tristan Jayme.
Kenneth Villanueva, a nurse who attends classes from Qatar, also finds great value in the program. “The experience was unlike any other during my first session,” he said. “Watching recorded lectures and listening to the insights from my professor and classmates has been a blessing. God is truly at work in what we are learning.”
For Flerida Ruth Comesario, a nurse based in the UK, the time difference does not faze her. “Even though my classes start at midnight here in the UK, I always look forward to our sessions. It’s a challenge, but the experience is incredibly rewarding,” she affirmed.
Others, like Brenda Serafico, a member of the ministerial team at GMC Dubai, liken the journey to unwrapping a gift—an adventure filled with profound truths and a deeper calling to serve. “A heart ablaze with love, a mind ignited with truth, and a soul set aflame with purpose,” she shared, encapsulating the excitement and transformation she experiences in her studies. Similarly, Diodel Valmonte, also a member of the ministerial team in Dubai and an engineer by profession, added, “I had the opportunity to meet experienced pastors from various denominations, which enriched my understanding and deepened my knowledge through our lessons.”
At Wesley Biblical Seminary, students are also experiencing deep spiritual and intellectual growth. Ejay Lovidad, a deaconess who recently started a Bible Study group in her neighborhood, describes the experience as both physically and mentally demanding, yet rewarding. “Attending classes at 3 AM requires endurance, but the knowledge we gain and the engaging discussions make every moment worth it,” she said. Phoebe Dayao, a deaconess from Porac, Pampanga, echoes this sentiment, praising the seminary’s Spirit-filled professors and the invaluable opportunity to grow in the Word of God.
“Even though my classes start at midnight here in the UK, I always look forward to our sessions. It’s a challenge, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.”
Pastor Ulysis Ambucay, supply pastor of Good News GMC and a school principal in Aklan Province, participates in a class discussion at Truett. Photo courtesy of Ulysis Ambucay.
Pastor Jerome Enerva of GMC Qatar is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program at Truett. “By attending these classes, I have gained a deeper understanding of my calling as a minister under the Global Methodist Church. This program is an incredible blessing, allowing me to grow and serve more effectively,” he shared. Pastor Ernesto Mendoza of Overflow Christian Community in Cainta, Rizal, further affirmed, “My Truett online seminary life is a transformative journey of spiritual growth, academic challenge, and personal discernment, enabling me to learn alongside other seminarians around the world.”
A key component of these students’ studies is the extensive reading assignments, totaling approximately 100 pages per week. Thanks to generous friends, they have access to e-books from the U.S. to support their learning. Additionally, all students are enrolled in at least three courses, requiring significant time and dedication.
However, some scholars face additional challenges beyond academics. One student does not own a laptop and has to borrow one from another pastor to attend classes. Others struggle with unreliable internet connections, often resorting to mobile data just to participate in Zoom sessions.
Beyond academics, these programs are shaping a new generation of compassionate and knowledgeable leaders prepared to serve God’s people in various contexts. As Angelito Mojico of Pampanga, who previously served as a pastoral staff in a Methodist Church in Singapore, described it, “Studying at Truett feels like a journey to an unexplored destination, filled with divine revelations and transformative insights.” Meanwhile, Pastor Tristan Jayme of GMC Abu Dhabi, a student at WBS, expresses, “I am excited and hopeful for the journey ahead and the knowledge and growth opportunities that await me. To God be the glory!”
The sacrifices made by these scholars—enduring sleepless nights and the demands of advanced theological studies—demonstrate their deep commitment to ministry and the mission of the Global Methodist Church. Through the support of GMC Mega Manila, Truett, and WBS, these students are being equipped to lead and serve in their communities with renewed wisdom and passion. Their journey is not only an academic endeavor but a testament to their unwavering dedication to God’s calling.
