Since the launch of the Doctor of Theology programme at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBS) in 2013, the programme has received a positive response and achieved fruitful results: five PhD students have been admitted so far, one of whom graduated last year, becoming HKBS’s first PhD theology student. His graduation thesis was also recognised by the Christian academic community. This issue of "School News" introduces the origin and development of this course, and invites relevant teachers and students to share their feelings so that readers can have a more comprehensive understanding of this course. ...

Timmy Or (M.Div.) I am truly grateful for the training I received at Baptist Theological Seminary! The three years of study and life in the seminary were a grace bestowed by the Triune God, during which we experienced, witnessed and reflected on the concrete meaning of “God is love”. At the same time, He used these three years to shape us so that we, as a group of students, could participate in His ongoing salvation operation. Both of the above involve what kind of seminary Baptist Theological Seminary is. ...

Sylvia Mak (M. Div.) longs to see the Lord with a pure heart. In the last class of Pastoral Leadership, the teachers asked us what kind of preachers we wanted to be after graduation. My intuitive response at that time was: "Pure heart." To me, "clear" is a state where I can stand before the Lord transparently and without pretense. I hope that such "purity" can expose the self-deception and self-pity in my heart, allowing me to see the Lord and His work more clearly. Indeed, there is nothing I look forward to more than seeing the Lord and His work. I long to be a person of pure heart. ...

Kong Tak-yeung (B.Th.), Bachelor of Theology, Kong Tak-yeung, his wife and his father. Every comma shows loyalty. There was once a teacher who was calm, gentle and humble, had an extraordinary memory, and was very strict when teaching the original text. I remember when I was preparing for his Greek class in the second year of my sophomore year, I complained to him, "Teacher Cen! I already learned to 'throw away the reel' in the Hebrew class last semester!" He responded to me gently and calmly, "Then, let's throw away the other 'reel' next semester!" In fact, during every Greek class, when doing exercises, he would ask, "Deyang! Is that true?", "Students, don't help him! Let him think about it himself.", "Okay... think about it more carefully? Are you sure?" In the end, I did completely "throw away the reel"! ...

Brothers and sisters are called to enter the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBS) to receive a “Christian discipleship” theological education. During this period, they are equipped with theological knowledge, learn pastoral skills, and cultivate character. In the fellowship of this group of disciples, they face the impact of the times, the demolition and establishment of life together, experience God's love in difficulties, deeply reflect on their faith, and hone their determination to serve. I wish that this year’s graduating students will become faithful pastors “for others,” “for the church,” and “for the world,” spreading the gospel, building the church, and expanding the kingdom of God. Now, let us listen to the reflections of graduates from the main campus theology program. ...

Genatt Yung (M.Div. 1) Genatt Yung with her mother and younger brother I am a blessed second-generation believer. I have believed what my parents said about the existence of a Father in Heaven since I was a child. I experienced Him truly helping me in my life when I was in elementary school. I have participated in various short-term missions since junior high school, during which I was shocked by God’s deeds and my faith was strengthened. ...

Jade Cheung (M.Div. 1) Jade Cheung and her husband Guihao Since elementary school, I have had many opportunities to come into contact with Christianity, but due to various reasons and excuses, I did not decide to believe in the Lord until I was working at a Christmas sermon meeting. In the past, I was obsessed with the pursuit of money and material things, and craved the attention and love of others. But after I believed in the Lord, God changed me, removed my material desires, taught me to be content and grateful, and stopped me from pursuing people’s recognition and praise. He also taught me to love those around me unconditionally. ...

Lau Tse-hong (M.Div. 1) Tse-hong and his mother Yee-wah I was born into a Christian family and am a second-generation Christian. I was exposed to biblical knowledge and concepts of faith before I went to school, and I have had a stable church life since I was a child. It can be said that my faith was formed imperceptibly, and this growth experience is the greatest blessing in my life. In Form 3, I formally decided to follow the Lord Jesus. Although I am a "second-generation believer", I am very clear that my faith is not a "second-hand" faith, and I often remind myself to internalize my faith and make it my own value. ...

Wilson Leung (M.Div. 1) I have been attending a Christian primary school since I was young. The Bible course in school required us to memorize golden verses, and I gradually memorized the words of God in my heart. When I was in Form 1, I made the decision to believe in the Lord at a school sermon. In the days that followed, God slowly worked in my life, changing my values of pursuing perfection in everything. I learned to entrust everything to God and accept the value God has given me. ...

Jason Tong (M.Div. 1) Jason Tong and his wife JianyanThe Lord in Charge of LifeI grew up in the church and participated in different ministries. The Form 5 HKCEE made me realize that God is the Lord who controls our lives, so I was willing to be baptized and commit myself to following Him. Later, God inspired me to learn to serve outside the church, so I served in the fellowship of the middle school and the Campus Crusade for Christ in the university. I received discipleship from Campus Crusade for Christ and began to take part in the believers’ courses at different seminaries. I gradually discovered that I had a heart that was willing to learn the truth in depth, and a desire to grow together with my brothers and sisters and to build up each other. ...