Class of 2024 Graduates!

 

On 18 May 2024, EAST held her 30th Commencement at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church with 12 graduates from the Class of 2024 and some 200 guests in attendance. These graduated with certificates in Partners-in-Ministry and degrees in Graduate Diploma, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity. The graduates came from Cambodia, East Asia, India, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore and South Korea which reflect the diverse cultures that embodies EAST.

Brandon Chan who was the Student Council President for Academic Year 2021-2022 is the worthy recipient of President’s Leadership Award and Academic Excellence Award for taking many leadership initiatives to bless the EAST community and excelling in his studies. Mikeel Misme Arana, the Student Council President for Academic Year 2022-2023 was awarded the Christian Character Award for displaying outstanding Christlikeness in his life and ministry to the EAST community and beyond. Mikeel also represented the Class of 2024 to give the Graduate’s Reflection at the Commencement Service. Below is his speech.

“Good morning, esteemed guests, faculty, family, friends, and fellow graduates.

This is a day that many of us have been looking forward to after years of hard work, heart work, and growth. As I reflect on our time at EAST, I feel grateful and privileged to have studied at EAST. Because EAST is not just an academic institution; it is a community that embodies and lives out the values and lessons it teaches. Our school’s tagline, “Developing Christlike leaders for the Great Commission,” is not just a slogan—it is a mission that undergirds every facet of seminary experience.

There are three things that I find remarkable about EAST. First is the way it provides Christlike models, mentors, teachers, and leaders. We have been blessed with teachers who do not only impart knowledge but also exemplify the love and care of Christ. They go above and beyond, investing their time and energy in and out of the classroom to ensure that we learn and understand our lessons, and spur us on toward Christlikeness. In our mentoring groups, we are supported and encouraged not just as students, but as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I can never forget how the EAST community, especially my mentoring group, made me feel welcome and cared for when I arrived in the middle of the pandemic. I had to quarantine for 10 days, but I always had someone to talk to and I always had food to eat. They provided me with new sheets, a new towel, and toiletries too. I knew then that EAST was not an ordinary academic institution. Our teachers’ dedication has made a profound impact on myself and all my fellow students, and for that, we are deeply grateful. To our teachers at EAST, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to not only our academic development, but to the development of our characters too.

The second remarkable thing about EAST is the way it balances its commitment to God’s Word with charity towards different views. We hold a deep conviction about Christ and the Bible, yet we embrace a diversity of positions on secondary matters. In our classes we are taught to be faithful exegetes of the text, at the same time, the culture at EAST has taught us to be loving and understanding towards one another, even be working together, although we may disagree. It is a rare and precious gift to be part of a community where the pursuit of truth is coupled with grace and humility.

The third remarkable thing about EAST is its multicultural community. Both the students and faculty come from different backgrounds and cultures, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Through conversations with my classmates, I hear about God’s work in their home countries. I’m inspired by their testimonies and perseverance amidst hardships. And when at times ministry becomes lonely, I am encouraged knowing that I am serving the Lord alongside my brothers and sisters around the world. I hope and look forward to serving with you again in the future. So let’s keep in touch! Working alongside people from different cultures has shown me a glimpse of what heaven is like, where every nation and tongue comes together in unity and harmony, under the lordship of Christ. It is a beautiful reminder of the global nature of the Great Commission and the diversity in God’s kingdom.

All these experiences at EAST have equipped us for the Great Commission. We have been trained not only in knowledge but also in character and compassion. As we step into the next chapter of our lives and ministry, we will carry on with courage and conviction, knowing that we have been well-equipped and that we have relationships that will continue to support and guide us. We will take on the posture of humble confidence; confident because we have been trained, and humble because we know that there is much more to learn.

To my fellow graduates, let us remember the lessons we’ve learned at EAST as we move into this next chapter of our lives. Let us strive to be Christlike leaders in whatever sphere we find ourselves in. Let us commit to God’s word, approach different views with charity, embrace diversity, and work tirelessly for the Great Commission.

In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. To our families and friends, your support and encouragement have been invaluable. To the faculty and staff at EAST, your dedication and love have shaped us into the individuals we are today. And to my fellow graduates, congratulations! We have achieved something remarkable, and I am excited to see how each of us will impact the world for Christ. It is an honor and privilege to not only be your co-laborer in Christ, but your friend.

Thank you, and may God bless each one of you as you go forth to fulfill the Great Commission!”

 

We praise God for each and every graduates of EAST! Join us to pray for their spiritual impact and fruitfulness in the various mission fields that He is leading them to. Shalom.