History of Ellen G. White Research Center at AIU
The establishment of the 19th Ellen G. White Research Center (EGWRC) at Asia-Pacific International University (AIU) was a journey spanning nearly six years, beginning on May 7, 2018. This endeavor was marked by dedication, challenges, and perseverance. Below is a brief chronological overview of its development:
2018: The Vision Begins
May 7, 2018: Dr. Danny I. Rantung shared his vision of AIU becoming an Ellen G. White Research Center. He invited Dr. Youssry Guirguis to assist in the process and assured full support. Dr. Rantung, Dr. Sokupa, and Dr. Guirguis began working together on the project.
2019: Initial Progress
Professor Dr. Siroj Sorajjakool, then President of AIU, formally recorded the initiative in the university’s official minutes. The proposal was presented to the Southeastern Asia Union Mission (SEUM), and discussions with Dr. Sokupa continued.
2020: Continued Progress
October 7, 2020: The SAUM Executive Committee officially approved the establishment of the EGWRC via e-vote. 2020-051 ELLEN G WHITE RESEARCH CENTER AT AIU – REQUEST OF SAUM TO SSD
VOTED (2020-051): Upon the recommendation of Thailand Mission (2020:004), to pass on to the Southern Asia-Pacific Division and the General Conference the request to establish an Ellen G White SDA Research Center at AIU, Muak Lek Campus.
2023: Renewed Efforts
With the departure of Dr. Siroj Sorajjakool from AIU, concerns arose regarding the project’s future. However, before leaving, he encouraged Dr. Youssry Guriguis to continue working on the initiative with the incoming president, Dr. Jarurat Sriratanaprapat.
2024-2025: The Final Steps and Inauguration
Under the leadership of Dr. Jarurat Sriratanaprapat, the project received strong support and renewed momentum. Recognizing the significance of the EGWRC for AIU and the surrounding region, she demonstrated a firm commitment to its establishment. Her dedication rekindled hope and reinforced the center’s role in enhancing research and elevating AIU’s academic standing.
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) officially approved the establishment of the EGWRC. Under the leadership of Pr. Roger Caderma (SSD President) and Pr. Bryan Edgar Tolentino (Adventist Heritage and SOP Director, SSD), the minutes confirming AIU as the designated location for the EGWRC were officially passed. AIU’s administration, led by Dr. Jarurat, celebrated this milestone. A search committee was formed, and interviews for the director of the center commenced with the presence of Prof. Dr. Merlin Burt.
The White Estate Board Approval. Under the leadership of Dr. Merlin Burt, President of the Ellen G. White Estate (EGWE), the White Estate Board approved the SSD’s recommendation for the establishment of the Ellen G. White Research Center at AIU. The request was scheduled for further consideration by the General Conference Executive Committee during the Spring Meeting.
General Conference Spring Council Approval. At the 2024 Spring Council of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, held April 9-10, the General Conference Executive Committee accepted the recommendation presented by Audrey Andersson, General Conference Vice President and Chair of the White Estate Board, to establish the Ellen G. White Research Center at AIU.
Physical Set up of the Center. AIU’s administration allocated space on the third floor of the university library for the temporary establishment of the center.
Arrival of Materials. On October 10, 2024, materials, including letters and manuscripts sent by Dr. Tim Poirier, Vice President of EGWE, were received by the center.
February 21, 2025: EGWRC Inauguration
After six years of dedicated efforts, the long-awaited dream became a reality. The inauguration of the EGWRC at AIU on February 21, 2025, was a moment of celebration and gratitude.
Acknowledgments:
Dr. Michael Sokupa, Dr. Danny I. Rantung, and Dr. Siroj Sorajjakool for their dedication and perseverance in initiating and guiding the process.
Dr. Jarurat Sriratanaprapat for her leadership and vision in finalizing the establishment of the center.
Prof. Dr. Merlin D. Burt for his visionary leadership in expanding the work of the Ellen G. White Estate by establishing numerous research centers worldwide. His guidance played a pivotal role in the inauguration of the Ellen G. White Research Center at AIU.
Above all, gratitude to God for making this possible. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “What God begins, He completes.”
The establishment of the EGWRC at AIU has been a six-year journey, from its inception under Dr. Sokupa’s initiative to its official inauguration on February 21, 2025. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sokupa, Dr. Rantung, Dr. Sorajjakool, and Dr. Jarurat Sriratanaprapat for their dedication and commitment to this project. We also sincerely thank Dr. Guirguis for his instrumental role in driving this initiative forward through continuous communication with AIU presidents and other key leaders. Above all, we express our deepest appreciation to Prof Dr. Merlin D. Burt, whose leadership, determination, and insight brought this initiative to completion.