Pastoral Quarters Ground Breaking Ceremony

On March 3, 2022, a groundbreaking ceremony took place approximately 150 meters from the University Church building. The site will be used for the construction of a dedicated pastoral housing on AIU campus. At the ceremony, Dr. Khamsay Phetchareun (SEUM Executive Secretary) graced the event with an opening prayer followed by Ajarn Janejira Jaroonsang (AIMS School Director) giving the scripture reading on the passage Proverbs 24:3-4. Then, Dr. Damrong Sattayawaksakoon (Church Head Elder and University VPFA) briefly discussed the need to build a house for the pastors. He commented that due to the lack of pastor’s quarters on campus, the University church pastors have had to stay in different apartments, and even outside of the campus, all these years. Dr. Damrong pointed out that this project was a joint vision and effort of the Thailand Adventist Mission and AIU. He thanked the Thailand Adventist Mission, AIMS, AIU, and individual donors Isaac Su Shao & Catherine Qin and sister Wen Jun Huang for the financial contributions made toward this project.

“This house will be a lighthouse for our church and the community. It will represent the kind of a home where there is love, sharing, caring, and service for the people,” stated Dr. Siroj Sorajjakool, AIU President. He thanked the Almighty God, and after his speech, prayer of dedication for the land and the project was offered by Pr. Somchai Chunejit (President, SEUM), Dr. Surachet Insom (AIU Thai Church Pastor), and Pr. Pada Tarasapanan (Ministerial Secretary, TAM)

Afterwhich, the groundbreaking ceremony for the AIU church parsonage took place with nine individuals representing SEUM, TAM, AIU and AIMS: Dr. Siroj Sorajjakool, President, AIU; Pr. Somchai Chuenjit, President, SEUM; Dr. Khamsay Phetchareun, Executive Secretary SEUM; Mrs. Patricia Foster, School Principal, AIMS; Dr. Surachet Insom, Church Pastor, AIU Church; Mr. Dan Storie, VPFA, AIU; Mrs. Ritha Maidom Lampadan, VPAA, AIU; Dr. Damrong Sattayawaksakoon, VPFA, AIU; Pr. Pada Terasapanan, Ministerial Secretary, TAM.

Asia-Pacific International University church thanks the Thailand Adventist Mission and AIU leadership for their vision, support and prayers in making this dream a reality. We thank all the participants and well-wishers for their presence on this auspicious occasion.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4

by Mahaingam Varah (Church Pastor, AIU Church)

“Three years ago, the Thailand Adventist Mission proposed and designated funds to have a house built specifically for the university church pastor. This year, as the university plans to increase the capacity of faculty and staff housing, priority was placed on the new pastor’s house.

A pastor’s house is essential. Besides the church building, a pastor’s house also becomes a center for winning and nurturing souls. It is like a lighthouse for our church members and the community.

The university church expresses its gratitude towards the groups and individuals involved in contributing to the construction of the new pastoral quarters: Thailand Adventist Mission, Adventist International Mission School, Asia-Pacific International University, Isaac Su Shao (Chinese CIS Alumnus), his wife, and his friend, Ms. Wenjun Huang; as well as Mr. Prateep (an alumnus) who id in charge of constructing the house at an affordable cost.”

Excerpt from a speech by Dr. Damrong Sattayawaksakool