WELCOME TO THE FLAGS DIGITAL LIBRARY
Flags is the semi-annual international magazine for alumni and friends of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), a graduate-level educational institution of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Flags is mailed to all Adventist college and university libraries worldwide.
Our Latest Issue: December 2023 | Volume 18, Number 2
AIIAS celebrates its 50th founding anniversary from its small beginnings
as a graduate seminary voted into existence by the Far Eastern Division in 1972. AIIAS continues to thrive, thanks to the support of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the many people who have dedicated themselves to the mission of making AIIAS what it is today. Although AIIAS primarily serves the Asian region, AIIAS graduates serve as dedicated leaders around the world.
This special issue of Flags celebrates what God has wrought for and through AIIAS over the past 50 years. You can learn more about the history of AIIAS through our recently-published 50th anniversary book, AIIAS: The First 50 Years. “AIIAS, press on!”
Flags Editorial Board
Editor
Sharnie Love Zamora-Belarmino
Content Editors
Shawna Vyhmeister
Ginger Ketting-Weller
Copy Editor
Donie Ver Medalla
Layout and Design Editor
Christian Rodelas
We are looking for article contributors!
We are accepting unsolicited manuscripts from students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Are you interested in writing for events news or feature articles? Kindly coordinate with the editor for the theme and writer’s guidelines.
Word Limit:
400 — single page
950 — double-page article
Once your submission is received, our editors will evaluate your manuscript. We will notify you once it has been accepted for publication.
Send your manuscripts with a cover letter directly to flags@aiias.edu.
Flags June 2023
Volume 18 Number 1
Introducing the “Issues Series”, in which Flags encourages healthy discussion of pertinent issues in today’s world.
This issue of Flags prioritizes the importance of caring for mental health in preparing and sustaining leaders in their
service. The Osadchuk family, depicted on our cover, left their homeland soon after the Russia-Ukraine War began. Hearing of an opportunity to earn graduate degrees
while escaping the tragedies and suffering in their region of the world, AIIAS students Henadii and Angelina moved to AIIAS. They now study in a safe environment where their daughter Margarita can happily grow and where their family’s mental health, among other aspects, is nurtured.
Flags December 2022
Volume 17 Number 2
The vision of AIIAS is "A Christ-centered community of leaders with a heart for mission."
This issue of Flags is devoted to the influence of AIIAS on our alumni from around the globe. They answer the call to serve and make a difference worldwide. Master of Divinity alumna Mariju Pimentel represents all alumni who have emerged triumphant through both personal challenges and the rigorous academic experience at AIIAS, ready to serve and expectant for the joy of humble service that lies before them.
Flags September 2022
Volume 17 Number 1
The mission of AIIAS is “to develop leaders through distinctively Seventh-day Adventist graduate education, excelling in spirituality, scholarship, and service.”
This issue of Flags is devoted to highlighting the service that AIIAS students, faculty, and staff give in a variety of ways to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to the community, and to our own campus residents. Business faculty members, David Lumowa and LeRoy Ruhupatty, and Doctor of Ministry student James Watopa exhibit the act of servant leadership as they led a beach cleanup drive during a mission trip in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
Flags December 2021
Volume 16 Number 2
The mission of AIIAS is “to develop leaders through distinctively Seventh-day Adventist graduate education, excelling in spirituality, scholarship, and service.” This issue of Flags focuses on scholarship at AIIAS, where qualities of hard work, perseverance, and accountability are to be embodied by students that pursue excellent scholarly research for which AIIAS is known. AIIAS PhD in Business student and MBA alumna, Natasha Nangoy-Sinaga and her husband Akiko Sinaga, also an MBA alumnus of AIIAS, model these qualities as they prepare to be leaders of their field.
Flags July 2021
Volume 16 Number 1
The mission of AIIAS is "to develop leaders through distinctively Seventh-day Adventist graduate education, excelling in spirituality, scholarship, and service." This issue of Flags focuses on spirituality at AIIAS. Prakash Jacob, student chaplain and student in the Doctor of Ministry program, models one of the ways in which AIIAS students and employees connect with Christ: through Bible study, prayer, and dedicated time for personal devotion.
Flags October 2020
Volume 15 Number 2
The eruption of a nearby volcano and a pandemic have called for resilience at AIIAS... as shared by many around the world. This issue of Flags offers news and perspectives on the theme of resilience, as experienced in the life of AIIAS. It is resilience that allows for blessings to bloom beautifully and unexpectedly even in the midst of barrenness brought on by trials.
Flags March 2020
Volume 15 Number 1
Ginger Ketting-Weller, PhD, is the eighth president of AIIAS. She has an extensive experience in leadership and has a passion for developing leaders, fulfilling the mission of AIIAS.
Flags October 2019
Volume 14 Number 2
The cover represents the tokens of pride for each graduate. These tokens may well represent both their hard work and accomplishment. To all alumni, greater challenges lie beyond AIIAS, which is to be a leader in God’s mission.
Flags March 2019
Volume 14 Number 1
Leading by doing. A servant leader addresses the needs of others and focuses primarily on their well-being.
Flags October 2018
Volume 13 Number 2
The cover depicts the passing on of AIIAS’ legacy of developing leaders from one generation to the next. A legacy of excellence in spirituality, scholarship, and service.
Flags March 2018
Volume 13 Number 1
The AIIAS Prayer Garden is where people come to seek a quiet place to pray, study the Bible, and rest from the busy nature of life. The photo depicts AIIAS students communing with God, one way faith is expressed on campus.
Flags September 2017
Volume 12 Number 2
The Vargas family is one of many families in AIIAS that belong to a campus where family well-being matters. While students prepare to be global leaders, AIIAS provides a comfortable and memorable campus experience for each family member.
Flags March 2017
Volume 12 Number 1
Master of Public Health students reach out to village residents through community service such as distribution of goods and lectures in health, food preparation, and hygiene practices. This is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in class.
Flags October 2016
Volume 11 Number 2
AIIAS President, Dr. Stephen Guptill, pose with Doctor of Philosophy graduate Alfa Lizardo de Guzman shortly after handing out her diploma. This photo was taken during the 100th Graduation Ceremony commencement program on March 6, 2016 at the Siew Huy Auditorium.
Flags February 2016
Volume 11 Number 1
In the summer of 2015, AIIAS professors and students participated in two archaeological digs. Pastor Rudi Sanchez, pictured, is a seminary doctoral student at AIIAS who participated in one of the digs.
Flags April 2015
Volume 10 Number 1
A behind-the-scenes look at a message being recorded for the first virtual Week of Prayer AIIAS Online hosted earlier this year. Pastor Youssry Guirguis from Egypt was one of the speakers who shared on “Abraham: A Faith Journey.
Flags March 2014
Volume 9 Number 1
The residents of Brgy. 89, Tacloban City with the AIIAS Team after the general distribution of relief goods. Through the generosity of Gary Stanhister of Giving Children Hope Foundation, the residents were able to celebrate Christmas with smiles in spite of the tragedy that struck them.
Flags October 2013
Volume 8 Number 2
Students and faculty reach beyond the walls of our campus to fulfill the mission of AIIAS. They take valuable lessons about cultural diversity from this spiritually united campus.
Flags March 2013
Volume 8 Number 1
Sunrise over Taal Lake. The breathtaking view of Taal Volcano, the serenity of Taal Lake, and the cool breezes of Tagaytay City give comfort to AIIAS students who are far away from their homes. Tagaytay City is just 10 minutes from AIIAS. It is a home to many foreigners and is known for its international cuisines.
Flags October 2012
Volume 7 Number 1
Students of different academic backgrounds mingle and study together, brushing aside their cultural differences and nationalities, because they believe in the goals of mission and service. Attending AIIAS, students discover that they learn more than just academics.
Flags September 2011
Volume 6 Number 2
On any given weekday, AIIAS students are surrounded with books—textbooks, notebooks, and reference books. However, students are encouraged to go beyond the books to find their life purposes and develop their skills in serving their churches and communities.
Flags January 2011
Volume 6 Number 1
The cover features a representation of the Philippine Presidential Decree 2021 which launched AIIAS as an international graduate school 25 years ago.
Flags June 2010
Volume 5 Number 1
These photos, which were taken by Pastor Jim Park within the past 18 months, illustrate the diverse cultural challenges that AIIAS faces in ministering to the 10/40 window.
Flags October 2009
Volume 4 Number 1
These photos were taken by Pastor Jim Park, PhD to show the mission opportunities in the 10/40 Window. The Islam picture was taken in Bandung, Indonesia; the Buddhist picture in Bangkok, Thailand; the Chinese picture in Beijing, China and the Urban picture in Hong Kong.
Flags March 2008
Volume 3 Number 1
“Ming,” an AIIAS M.B.A. student from Thailand, asks Adventist world church president Pastor Jan Paulsen a question during the “Let’s Talk Manila” live television broadcast on February 7, 2008. Students and young professionals from across Southeast Asia met with the president for the first “Let’s Talk” program in Asia.
Flags October 2007
Volume 2 Number 2
In the heart of Calcutta, this imposing Hindu temple was built by a rich man. Whereas this edifice was almost totally devoid of worshippers, the nearby and much humbler Kali Temple was packed with devotees. Apparently the Mother Goddess Kali means much more in India than does architecture.
Flags March 2007
Volume 2 Number 1
The AIIAS delegation to China visited with government officials as well as seminaries and famous sites, including the Great Wall. In Shanghai, Dr. Musvosvi is pictured receiving a welcoming gift from the Rev. Dr. Cao Sheng-jie who is president of the China Christian Council for the entire country of China
Flags October 2006
Volume 1 Number 2
One of the strengths of AIIAS is its strong international community, with its students, faculty and staff coming from over 45 countries. Seen on the cover are representatives from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Argentina, and Germany.
Flags March 2006
Volume 1 Number 1
The 12-meter high belltower is a distinctive feature on the AIIAS campus. Its design includes the letter “A” for Alpha and an omega-shaped circular base. The flags surrounding the tower represent the international community of the AIIAS campus, representing over 45 countries.
