Five seminaries recently gathered on the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary campus in Taytay, Philippines, for the annual Inter-Seminary Sports Fellowship. 

Participants from Alliance Graduate School, Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries, Asian Theological Seminary, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, and International Graduate School of Leadership competed in five different events — basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, and table tennis.

It is not every day that people from different seminaries get to gather and have a day of fun and fellowship through sports. 

“I always enjoy this,” said Elma, a Filipino ATS student. “It’s only once a year. I get to know other students and have fellowship with my schoolmates because usually, we are busy with [school].” 

Many of the seminaries are from different countries, making the event a cross-cultural experience for the students.

“I had a great experience because I was able to meet and spend time with people from different nations,” said Chuka, a Mongolian student from IGSL.

The event not only fosters fellowship among international students but also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Sha Lom, APNTS sports committee head, shared that engaging in sports activities serve as a form of refreshment to students who spend most of their time studying.

“Every time I practice volleyball it helps me release stress and lighten my mood,” said Sarah Palosa, APNTS student.

At the end of the day, all the participants gathered in the Cobb Worship Hall for awards and a closing program. The APNTS Women’s Volleyball Team won for the second year in a row. But more than the trophies, all the participants took home even more valuable rewards — great memories, friendships, and hearts full of joy.

“The event was incredible [and] I felt and witnessed the spirit of camaraderie,” said Clark Armstrong, APNTS dean of students. “A lot of love has been seen here.”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific