***** (continued)
In 2023 Dale informed the academic dean of JBS, Akasaka-sensei, that it was probably a good time to find the next teacher for the class. Reluctantly Akasaka-sensei agreed but asked Dale to stay on until a replacement could be found. It would need to be someone with a Ph.D. in systematic theology like Dale, and preferably Japanese or someone who could teach in Japanese. It’s relatively easier to find Ph.D.’s in Old or New Testament in Japan. So Dale agreed to stay as long as needed during the search process.

Dale was pleased when he learned that someone had been found and would begin teaching in April 2025. He’s been asked to write a book in Japanese on Contemporary Theology for the use of future students, and is working on it. So he might still contribute to theological education in Japan for a while longer yet.