Appreciation Letter of November, 2008
Dear ITS Supporters,
Although November is the eleventh month of the year, the name derives from “nine” (novem) in Latin. According to some ancient calendars including the Babylonian, Israelite, and early Roman calendars, the first month of the year was March and modern November was the ninth month in those calendars. In an agricultural setting, whether it is the ninth or eleventh month, November is the time to celebrate harvest with neighbors. For us who live in the US, Christians and non-Christians alike, Thanksgiving Day sets the tone for the entire month. While stores are gearing up for the so-called Black Friday, Christians are reminded to count the blessings they have received from God in the year and reflect what they should thank for.
As I am writing this letter, I am deeply humbled by ITS supporters, like you, who have remained faithful to the Seminary throughout the year, and give my sincere thanks to God for their faithfulness. Through your support, God has allowed ITS to weather the difficult economic times of this year. With much gratitude, I would like to update you on several issues of the Seminary:
1. The Land in Azusa
Despite some difficulties which threatened the transaction to be delayed, at one point even to be aborted, the land was finally sold by God’s grace to the Trust for Public Land. The property is expected in the end to be taken over by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. The sale has enabled the Seminary to payoff all financial liabilities, making it debt free.
2. New Campus
An agreement for purchase was made between the seller and ITS on the building in Irwindale, but the Seminary has decided to withdraw its offer, hoping to take an optimum advantage of the continuing downturn of the commercial building market. The Seminary wishes to purchase a modest building without getting a loan.
3. New Students
Due to receiving 50% tuition scholarship, the new students are trying to find supporters to pay the other 50%. It is very unfortunate that the new tuition policy has become stressful to many of the new students.
4. Computers
One supporter, so far, has responded to the Seminary’s desire to replace the old computers with newer ones. We are still hoping more to respond to this need.
In closing, I would like to ask you to continue to remember those who study, work, and teach at ITS. The Seminary is at a critical juncture in terms of its future direction and development.
May God bless you and your family in the month of thanksgiving.
Seenam Kim, Ph.D.
President
Appreciation Letter of October, 2008
Dear ITS Supporters,
Excitement is always in the air about this time of the year on seminary campuses because of the arrival of new students and the return of professors and continuing students from long vacations. ITS is not an exception to this phenomenon. It is great to see that the chapel and library hustle with new students everyday. This kind of excitement seems pleasantly contagious. I thank God for bringing another group of good new students to ITS this year without failure.
When I turn my eyes from the seminary to society, it seems a new woeful dimension is added daily to the current economic downturn sending out the waves of negative effects worldwide. The hardship from which many suffer makes me more grateful to you than ever no matter what amount ITS has received from you this month. Thank you very much for your faithful support. I want you to know that we all who work, study, and teach at ITS are greatly encouraged by people like you.
I would like to share the following things with you in order to update you about school matters and request for your prayer:
- Sale of ITS Property in the City of Azusa
The sale of the ITS land in Azusa is imminent, but an unexpected problem has emerged delaying the close of escrow. Your prayer is needed for the dissolution of the problem in a speedy and simple way.
- Supporting New Students for Tuition
Unlike in the previous years, new students from this year receive only 50% of tuition scholarship. Many of the new students are thus heavily concerned to raise the remaining 50% of tuition. Please, help them by sending earmarked funds to pay their tuition. Names of students and countries will be available to potential supporters upon request.
- ITS Computers
All ITS computers are very old and needed to be upgraded or replaced with newer models. This problem was mentioned in July Appreciation Letter and we are yet to hear any response from you.
In closing this letter, I feel it is appropriate to quote what Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor. 4:8 with regard to ITS situation: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.”
Serving the Lord together,
Seenam Kim, Ph.D.
President
Appreciation Letter of September, 2008
Dear ITS Supporters,
All we at ITS thank you for your support and prayer, especially, the support received in this month. The seminary finished the orientation for the academic year 2008-09 last week. I am thankful to God for bringing ITS this academic year a group of wonderful new students from 15 different countries. During the orientation, the new students were informed that their education at ITS was possible only because of the sacrificial support from those who care about God’s Kingdom. Even though you do not know our new students individually, please, remember them collectively in your prayer.
I would like to update you regarding ongoing school matters so that you may know what to pray for and how to support in a appropriate way.
- Purchasing a New Building
The latest news I received as of September 8 was that the seller wanted to withdraw the property from the sale list. It means that we have to start all over again to search for another suitable building. Please, continue to pray for ITS to have a new campus soon.
- New Students
As mentioned above, I am grateful to God for this year’s excellent group of new students. God sent us 31 new students (26 male and 5 female students) from 15 nations. We had to rent a two-bedroom apartment, besides the Hacienda Heights Dorm, to accommodate the female students.
- Support for ITS
I am pleased to share with you that the support from donors in August was slightly higher than that of July. The increase was due to a local church which added more support to its monthly donation and a member of the Board who sent in his yearly due at one time. We want to express our special gratitude to the church and the member.
Additionally, I want to inform you that the new school catalogs and brochures are available at the seminary office. If you would like to receive a copy of them, please, let Ruth know of your mailing address. I trust that God will fulfill His will through whomever He wants to use.
May God bless you and your family.
In Christ,
Seenam Kim, Ph.D.
President