ANDREWS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY conducts a field school in each of the divisions of the General Conference once in every five years. The summer of 1971 was scheduled as the time for the Far Eastern Division Field School, and the place was Mountain View College. This college is situated in the country and is in an ideal location for study. Two hundred and seventy-five administrators, field workers and teachers from many countries assembled on May 3 to begin the largest extension school the university has con ducted anywhere in the world. The classes were of necessity large, but this did not seem to hinder helpful interaction between students and teachers, and one could sense the learning processes taking place in every class session.
Arthur White taught two classes each day in prophetic guidance. In addition to his schoolroom lectures, he conducted seminars and colloquia. The students were thrilled by his recital of the leadings of God's Spirit through His chosen messenger, Ellen G. White. Many are buying the Spirit of Prophecy books and using them constantly in their ministry.
The writer offered a class in Christology to an eager group of ministers and teachers, and Bruce Johnston, the division evangelist, laid a solid foundation in methods of evangelism.
The teachers who attended received special help from the class, Improving Instruction in the Secondary and Elementary Schools, taught by Marion Simmons, division associate secretary of education.
A class in psychology of learning was given by Ruth Murdoch, professor of education at Andrews University.
The coordinator for the Extension School was Pastor R. C. Williams, Ministerial Association secretary for the division. He made a distinct contribution to both teachers and students and fostered an excellent school spirit.
Ever since its founding, Mountain View College has been the center of missionary activity. Thirty-eight churches have been raised up in the surrounding barrios by the students and teachers of this "school of the light." On Sabbath the Extension School teachers visited many of these churches and were impressed with what one college has done in its missionary outreach. These churches have their own humble church buildings, and many have a church school on the same compound, as well as housing for church school teachers. What Christian education does for a community is amazing!
The final meeting was a most touching experience. Workers from many countries shared common interests during these summer weeks and experienced true Christian fellowship. National barriers were broken down and all met together on common ground. It was hard to say good-by, but we pledged that we would pray for one another and look forward to the time when we would enter the school of the hereafter where Christ Himself will be the teacher.