News

Announcement for the 40th Commencement Service

As the 2012 Rural Leaders Training Program is soon coming to an end the Asian Rural Institute would like to invite you to take part in the Commencement Service (graduation ceremony) of the 27 participants who have been under training since April. The graduates will return to their home countries very soon after the ceremony. For everyone who has supported them in various ways throughout the year, as well as visitors, work campers and other friends of ARI, this will be the last chance to meet all class members as one group. We would be happy to see receive you. Date and Time: December 8, 2012, from 01:30pm to 03:00pm … Read more…

Dr. Takami honored with the Alumni Award of Yale Divinity School

Founder of ARI Dr. Toshihiro Takami received the 2012 Alumni Award of the Yale Divinity School, the “William Sloane Coffin ’56 Award for Peace and Justice“, in New Haven on October 24th. The ceremony took place at a dinner meeting in the Old Refectory of Yale Divinity School in New Haven.  Earlier in the day, among a variety of alumni activities was a panel conversation featuring the honorees. Dr. Takami was accompanied by his close family members and friends. The award was handed over to Dr. Takami by the Dean of YDS, Gregory E. Sterling. Allie Perry who is lecturer at YDS on pastoral care and a UCC minister at Shalom … Read more…

Dedication ceremony of the new Koinonia building and classroom building held

On September 22 (Sat), ARI hold a dedication ceremony for the opening of the new Koinonia and classroom buildings, as well as a memorial ceremony for the former Chair of the Board, the late Dr. Akira Niwa, in the large Koinonia dining hall. Dr. Niwa, whose family attended these ceremonies, had suddenly passed away on June 25. Nearly 200 people, including 130 guests from outside and ARI-related members, expressed their thanks to God during the dedication service and remembered Dr. Niwa who devoted all his strength for the reconstruction of ARI after the 2011 earthquake disaster. Photos: Peter Yoshiharu McNicoll

Filipino participant Wilson has returned to ARI

Our Filipino participant Mr. Wilson Dicag Ignacio has safely returned to ARI after his urgent return to his home country last month. Mr. Wilson had to go to the Philippines to attend the funeral of his wife who had passed away from illness and to take care of his family. However, he had expressed his strong will to continue his training. ARI staff members collected donations to allow him a quick return on September 28.

Urgent return of one training participant

We are sad to announce that one of our 2012 participants, Rev. Wilson Dicag Ignacio had to urgently return to his home country in the Philippines on September 9, due to the critical health condition of his wife. Her condition deteriorated dramatically due to diabetes. It is not yet clear whether Rev. Ignacio will be able to return to Japan continue his training or not. Our prayers are with his family.

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