Come and see

 

The Worldwide Day of Prayer (WWDP) on 31 March 2021 at EAST, 118 Joo Chiat Road was a time of community, corporate prayer, and “come and see” for the EAST faculty, staff and students.

After a time of worship and reflection, adjunct faculty Ng Khim Fatt gave the heartfelt exhortation from the Word. It was given  to “Come and See” what God is doing around and among us. That was followed by an hour of prayer walk around the neighbourhood in five separate walking routes, lined out by students Choong Voon and Jasmine.

Jonathan Yao, who went on route 5, observed 3 temples, 2 mosques, and 2 churches in his short 45-minute walk. “The sheer variety of land use and the display of wealth (or lack of it), the abundance of service and food establishments, from flats and apartments to shophouses, conservation homes, townhouses and bungalows,” adds the Dean of Advancement, “show the multi-layered challenges of this community.”

After the prayer walk, we gathered back to pray in breakout groups for countries represented by our hosts, the FIRM class, namely, China, India, Japan, Korea, Cambodia and Myanmar. We were blessed as we “went around and saw” and tasted the hospitality of each group – from Myanmar desserts to Korean Gim Bab to Indian curry and basmati rice, all lovingly prepared by the students. Their hospitality of welcome to us and sharing of videos and anecdotes from their countries kept our hearts warm, and spirits challenged as we interceded for their needs.

Here are some reflections of the WWDP:

“Walking and praying under the hot sun with Raymond Song, Enkhmunkh and Jaeseong in the area surrounding 118 Joo Chiat Road filled my heart with gratitude; remembering the concerns that once surrounded this area and now seeing how it has become a thriving neighbourhood. Praying with Raymond, I felt my vision of the unseen going ons of the place broadened and deepened.”

“Praying for Myanmar and Cambodia had increased my burden for these countries. My heart continues to go out to their people. Thank you Vitou, Yoe, Zarni and Ta Eh!”

“I deeply appreciated the amount of work the FIRM leaders and students put in to make the time very meaningful through the ambience, worship, program, refreshments and prayer time. “”

The prayer walk was a good experience to observe and pray about the current state of the community where our hub is planted, and I felt that God wants to bring REVIVAL to the community.”

“As our EAST community gathered to pray for different countries, I felt God’s heartbeat for the nations. It was a beautiful experience to journey and to stand in faith and prayers with our brothers and sisters from Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, India and China. The whole experience encouraged me to continue praying for the nations and invite others to pray with me as well.”

“It was great to be with people again! (I think the COVID restrictions have been hard on everyone all over the world.) The students, under the direction of Ying Kheng, did a great job of making the day fun and interactive! Lewis and I teared up as we prayed for Myanmar.”

The above reflections were from a staff, student and a faculty spouse respectively.