Testimony of New Student: Viron Kasar

 

Viron Kasar, a brother of EAST Alumnus Pammiyo Kasar, and a nephew of Ps Didymus Kasar has arrived in Singapore and at EAST at long last since his application even before the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Below is an interview with him where he shared his testimony.

• How did you know about EAST?.

As I was interested in furthering my education, Uncle Ps Didymus Kasar and Brother Pammiyo Kasar suggested to me to study at EAST. I knew some EAST alumni and worked with them as interns during their time as Cross Cultural Team Internship (CCTI) Team India while I was working with Agape Outreach Ministry. However, I see EAST as providing academic and spiritual support and offering a unique perspective on Christianity that connects with Asian cultures which is critical in India.

• What made you decide to come to EAST?

When I originally considered studying abroad in 2017, EAST was my first choice.  My aim and expectation was that studying at EAST in Singapore would provide me with a transformative educational experience as well as a foundation for my future ministry.  However, because of Covid-19  my studies at EAST were delayed.  Thank God, I am still able to achieve my goals.

• How is your experience so far?

EAST always extends a warm welcome. I would like to thank Eng Kwang for all the arrangements, as well as all the EAST Faculty members who have assisted me. Mrs Boon Aitee assisted me greatly and gave me advice even before I arrived in Singapore. Mikeel, a current student, blessed me by picking me up at the airport. I am extremely blessed, and my experience here has been fantastic.

• Experience within 12hrs – Medical, Vaccination, Prayer Walk from Little India to ICA.

Within 12 hours of landing in Singapore, I felt loved, supported and it was a wonderful experience and a blessed moment. I am grateful to Aitee for fetching me from Pastoral View to do my medical examination at Shanah Medical clinic, in Litte India.   After the routine medical checkup, Dr. Joseph Khoo referred me to do a vaccination, a pre-requisite for the collection of the student pass.

Together with another new student from Thailand, Mali, both Aitee and Lee Hoong led us in prayer walk to the vaccination clinic, near ICA building. Thereafter, Aitee, treated me to my first lunch in Singapore, it was yummy and so fulfilling.  We then continued with our prayer walk from ICA vicinity to Little India where I bought my SIM card.  All essentials done within 12 hours and Aitee sent me back to rest at the male apartment at Pastoral View.  The Prayer Walk around ICA Building and Little India truly inspired and motivated me. Matthew, Sijie and Lee Hoong presented a welcome goodie bag to me. It has been an excellent experience in Singapore.

• Would you recommend EAST to your Friends?

YES, of course I will.

• Anything else you wish to tell others why they should come to EAST?

I feel that EAST is a welcoming family.  From the moment I started the application process, I felt encouraged, helped and supported by the Admissions team. Their patience in answering my questions encouraged me to persist in my application.  Aitee’s dedication in helping international students, to get our student pass, make me feel that I am being welcomed into a loving community, a family.  I am looking forward to studying and preparing myself at EAST, and I am confident that equipping and learning at EAST will tremendously benefit my intellectual and spiritual development.  I will continue to share my narrative as it unfolds.

Viron will be completing his Graduate Diploma in Christian Ministry. Do pray for his transition to Singapore and successful completion of his program at EAST so that he may better serve his community back in India.