After a very brief time with family back in the US, I am back in Baguio, Philippines, to help teach at the start of a new academic year for Lutheran Theological Seminary. My two-week time in Baguio was only somewhat marred by last minute changes to the academic schedule, meaning classes started a week later than I anticipated. This required some creativity in figuring out how to complete the three, two-week intensives I was supposed to teach, but I figured out an option that will have me returning in October.
The week of non-teaching time was hardly unproductive. Building relationships, catching up on paperwork and other necessities were all part of keeping me busy. I also had the opportunity to attend the ordination and installation of one of my former students. Along with Rev. Dr. Walter Steele, President Antonio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, a deaconess student and another pastor, we journeyed three hours north of Baguio further into the mountainous region of Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines.
It was a beautiful drive, to say the least! In the photo below we are overlooking from the highest point on Luzon. Pretty spectacular!
The installation and ordination took place in the town of Sinipsip. It was a beautiful day and the congregation was excited!
The service was a mixture of the local Ilocano dialect and English, but, being liturgical, it was pretty easy to follow along and know what was going on. The Holy Spirit continued the work He’s been doing since Jesus’ ascension, raising up pastors and leaders for the Church to evangelize, disciple, and administer the Word & Sacraments of God.
It was wonderful to be a part of this day, to see more of life in the Philippines as I continue to grow in understanding, love, and service to the people of this beautiful country!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 