Shiana Segen & Marvin Joe Realista Receive Diploma in Church Planting

Marvin Joe Realista and Shian Segen successfully completed their internships this past year and were awarded a Diploma of Church Planting - an intermediary degree offered by VAST after 3 years of training which is similar to an Associates Degree in the US. Marvin Joe interned with the youth at Golden City Alliance Fellowship (GCAF) in Cagayan de Oro City. Shiana worked in a more rural setting with her brother who is a pastor in Calbayug, Samar. The internship is normally a grueling experience in ministry, but Marvin Joe and Shiana have survived and overcome and even have a smile left as you can see in the picture. (Jo-jo you should try to look at the camera)

Here Marvin Joe is pictured with his disciple - VAST freshman Mark Aguipo also from GCAF. When Marvin Joe returned to GCAF, Mark came to VAST.


Marvin Joe has that sly smile of confidence as he walks to receive his diploma

Shiana appears a little nervous to be facing Rev. Tabasa (VAST faculty) Don't worry Shiana, no tests tonight.

Senior Retreat 08 in Danao

Are you ready for a Personal Revolution? Growing in Christ requires change in our lives - big changes - REVOLUTIONS. Ms. Rhonda Wilson (VAST faculty) led the VAST students on their senior retreat.

Here Rhonda is teaching with Edison & Gracel listening intently.


Rhonda talked about the masks that we wear. Social appearances that we maintain to protect ourselves from our fears of what others would think of us if they knew who we really were. However, these masks also prevent real fellowship in the Body of Christ. The next time you shake hands after church, try this: Hold on to the other person's hand a little longer than normal and look the other person in the eye and ask how they REALLY are doing. You will find that many people will avoid eye contact and want to move on.

Our acceptance in Christ gives us the courage to take of our masks and get real with one another. In the Philippines, we say, "Stop being plastic" (not real in your interpersonal relationships)
Here the students celebrate in song their freedom in Christ as they burn the masks. They are free to be themselves with their struggles and problems because that is the only place from which God can truly transform them and bring about a true REVOLUTION in their lives. Thanks Rhonda for a great retreat!!!

VAST Wedding Part I

As part of Pastor Jerry Dubrico's class - Pastor's Life and Work, VAST recently held a mock wedding. This is an opportunity for the students to experience all of the preparation that goes into preparing for a wedding service and to practice officiating. Jeffrey Solosod officiated. Romy Gomonit was the assisting minister. Nelmar and Gracel played the role of the happily married couple. However, the real deal will take place on April 26 as VAST students Ruben and Sharon Rose tie the knot.





Edison, Sharon Joy, Inday, Mattlenn Mark and Joan pose with the beautiful bride - Gracel.
















Gracel, you have a beautiful smile!!