Congratulations to Chaplain Sheila Burns, a 2025 Master of Divinity graduate, who has answered a new call by accepting a Chaplaincy position at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Health! Sheila started in August and is elated to begin this chaplaincy. Sheila stated, “With this position it’s an honor to bring comfort to so many patients of various religious backgrounds and ethnicities.” We are so proud to see Sheila living out her ministry, bringing comfort to patients at UCSF Health.

The service will be held at 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Alameda, led by fellow BST alum Rev. Karen Yee (’97), pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Castro Valley, California. This upcoming celebration follows the recognition of Johnny’s call by an ordination council of ABC-Central Pacific Coast region last fall which was convened by BST Board Chair Rev. Katie Choy-Wong (’80) and Board Secretary Rev. Steve Bils.

Beyond his pastoral leadership, Johnny continues his academic journey at BST as a current Doctor of Ministry student. Please join us in cheering him on as he begins this new chapter of ministry; we look forward to seeing his leadership continue to flourish!

We are delighted to share wonderful news that Rev. Sylvia Lane, formerly Britt, (M.Div. ’25), has had an incredibly exciting season both professionally and personally. Sylvia has launched into a thriving ministry career, starting her new full-time position on September 8, 2025, as a Palliative Care Chaplain with Kaiser, and also serving as a Per Diem Chaplain with Sutter Hospitals, in addition to her volunteer role with the SFPD. We are also sending our heartfelt congratulations to Sylvia and her spouse, Londi, on their recent marriage on October 4, 2025! We celebrate both her dedication to compassionate care and this beautiful new chapter in her life.

On August 1, 2023, Rev. Dr. Mixon started as Interim Senior Minister of Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rev. Dr. Mixon is an ordained American Baptist minister with over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, church leadership, and social justice advocacy. He has been involved in various regional and national organizations. These include the Alliance of Baptists, the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. Rev. Dr. Mixon also holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University and a Doctorate in Religion and Psychology from Graduate Theological Union.

We are delighted to spotlight Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter (M.Div., ’71) as he celebrates his 55th graduation anniversary from Berkeley School of Theology! Since his ordination in 1971, Arlo has led a career of profound impact and dedicated service within the American Baptist Churches.

Arlo began his ministerial journey as an Associate Minister and then Co-Pastor at First Baptist Church of Los Angeles. During his time in California, he also served the broader community as the vice chairman of a study committee for the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 1983, he transitioned to Green Lake, Wisconsin, to serve as the Vice President of Program for the American Baptist Assembly.

His leadership eventually led him to the role of Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin. Throughout his tenure, Arlo remained a prominent champion for regional growth and a reflective voice of the church. His commitment to the next generation also shines through his decades of leadership with National Youth Gatherings.

We take great pride in Arlo’s 55 years of ministry and his steadfast commitment to Christian education and leadership. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable legacy and his continued contributions to our community!

BST’s Director of Admissions, Ms. Lia Rochill, has a wonderful reason to celebrate! This 2019 Master of Divinity graduate and BST staff member was recently married in a beautiful ceremony right on the BST campus!

Lia met her future husband, Leokato Yepthomi, through a mutual auntie. What began as a friendship blossomed into a three-year long-distance relationship before Leo popped the question! Lia and Leo were married on Saturday, October 25, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony held on BST’s historic campus. For Lia, celebrating this milestone in the very place where she works and completed her theological studies added a truly special significance to the day.

Both Lia and Leo hail from the Sumi tribe in Nagaland, India, and the wedding was a vibrant and beautiful blend of Naga and American cultural traditions, creating a truly memorable evening.

Adding a personal touch, the ceremony was officiated by BST’s own Dean LeAnn Snow Flesher. The joy of the day was made even more profound by the attendance of Lia’s mother, Ms. Bokali Haralu, who traveled all the way from India to be present for the special occasion. The entire BST community extends its warmest congratulations to the happy couple!