The Semester is Over - I am Back in the US of A
The Spring semester seemed to go by quickly. My 90 day VISA almost expired and I had to leave early. Two staff members are administering my Final Exams, scanning and e-mailing them to me. I will still need to score them and get all my grades turned in.

I missed graduation, but I did attend the Baccalaureate service. The worship was very moving as all of us know that this is our last time in chapel with some of our graduating students...it is bittersweet.

First Time in a "Closed" Nation
I was invited to teach a bit of early church history to a team of business men and women working in a "closed" nation. This team runs 2-3 businesses which gives them a chance to meet and interact with the local people. It was a very interesting trip. I was a bit nervous, but it became clear that it was not dangerous. The people were very friendly. I was there as a tourist and I plan to return next year when I have to leave the EU for 3-4 weeks due to the VISA regulations.

Our school sent a team of students to this business group for a "week of service." Our students returned noticeably changed in some very positive ways. I felt compelled to go meet this "team" of business men and women. I needed to exit the EU so I could finish the last week of school, so I contacted the leaders and they invited me for a 5 day visit.

I heard some amazing stories. I would like the opportunity to share with you or any congregation what I saw, heard and experienced on this trip.

Fall Semester 2025
I am back in the USA until late September, then I am scheduled to go back to Belgium for the beginning of the new school year. I will be teaching two classes in the Fall: Church History and Synoptic Gospels. I want to be on campus to meet the new incoming students and teach at least two (maybe three) class sessions. Then I will return to the U.S. and teach the remainder of the semester remotely. This is what I did this past Fall and I am happy to do it again.

I plan to be on campus again in the Spring for the entire semester. It appears that the faculty at CTS are happy with my service. They have agreed with my teaching plan. I have a great presence with many of the students. Since I am there without Heather, I eat almost every meal in the cafeteria with students. This gives me opportunities to talk, laugh and to get into good discussions with the students.

I am called to serve as a mentor to these young men and women who feel a call in their lives to reach Europe, Africa and beyond. Teaching is a bonus for me. I covet your prayers. While I do miss home, the USA and being with Heather, I know that God opened this door and I want to be faithful to His call.
Thank you for helping me.

This photo of Charles Greenaway hangs on the wall next to the chapel entrance. Greenaway was a legend in the Alabama Assemblies of God AND in Springfield.
Sixty-five years ago Charles Greenaway saw the need for our movement to have a seminary that could reach Africa and Europe. He signed a legal document to purchase the property that is now Continental Theological Seminary -- without asking Springfield for permission!! What did the AG leadership do? They cut a check to pay for the property! Charles Greenaway was a legend.
I met this man three times, once was in his home church, First AG-Enterprise. I was scheduled to preach and had no idea he was in the house...until I stood in the pulpit.
Thanks alot!
I had to speak in front of the legendary Charles Greenaway. He approached me after the service and was very gracious, saying he liked my message.

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Here I am after the Baccalaureate service with our famous group of young women and two good friends. The two graduating women are daughters of a CTS graduate, the lead pastor of an important AG church in Portugal with his wife. This group of five young ladies is a famous group in our school. All but one of them have been in at least one of my classes!

The only time I wear my regalia is for university graduation services. I look hilarious with my "tam" (the official PhD cap of St Andrews University). As I already mentioned, I was there for the Baccalaureate service. It was really good. I enjoy graduation ceremonies even though I feel kind of like a clown with the hat on!

I will be looking for opportunities to share in churches and/or over lunch or a coffee with all who would like to learn more about what I am doing. I plan to have 1-2 visits in Alabama. Please reach out and let me know if there would be a good time to have a window with your congregation or to share over a cup of coffee. Once again, I will need around $8,000 to cover all of my travel expenses and room/board at the school. Monthly help or one-time offerings are always appreciated.

Al Baker
919-771-4891  |  abaker@churchhistory101.com

Again, I want to thank each of you for your prayers and financial support. It means a great deal to me and without it I could not be in Belgium investing in these young people - the next generation.

Just search: "Al Baker"
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