Student Reflections on Thanksgiving 2024

 

The EAST Student Council organised a school-wide Thanksgiving event on 15 November 2024. For Themreiso (from India) and Myo Zaw (from Myanmar), both first year students, it was the first such experience in Singapore and they were much ministered by both the people and event. Read of their personal reflection below.

Today, I arrived at school early at 9 a.m. to help arrange for the Thanksgiving program. As I began assisting, I noticed Henry and Elijah (Student Council members) working tirelessly to prepare for the day. Their dedication reminded me of a valuable lesson: true leadership is found in serving others. This insight inspired me to reflect on my own attitudes toward service and leadership.

One of the highlights of the day was the privilege of presenting a song with my fellow students from Manipur, India. Singing together as part of the program deeply encouraged me, renewing my commitment to study God’s Word willingly and wholeheartedly. Through this, I was reminded of the joy that comes from serving and worshiping God as a community.

During the community lunch, I experienced a profound sense of love and joy within the fellowship. Conversations with teachers and friends were filled with care and concern, especially as many of my Manipuri friends prepare to return to India for mission trips. Their love and encouragement left me feeling supported and cherished, reinforcing the importance of community in my faith journey.

Later, Xin (another Student Council member) shared her reflection on this semester. Her words deeply inspired me, as she spoke about facing various challenges and difficulties yet testifying to God’s goodness and faithfulness. Her testimony was a powerful reminder that God sustains us through every season of life.

As I gave thanks to God during the Thanksgiving program, I reflected on how He has helped me overcome challenges and struggles this semester. It was only by His grace that I was able to persevere. When our president, Rev Dr Chan Chong Hiok, shared that “those who are filled with the Spirit always give thanks to God,” I felt convicted. I realized that often, I only give thanks when things go well. This begs the question whether I am indeed filled with and thus empowered by the Holy Spirit to be thankful in all of life’s situations.

At the end of the day, I prayed and asked God for a humble heart that would enable me to give thanks in all circumstances. I was reminded once again that God is my true strength and that a life of gratitude flows from being filled with His Spirit. Amen.

The author of the above post is a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) program student, Themreiso L. A., originally from North East India.

 

Another 1st year student Myo Zaw from Myanmar also shared his experience of the Thanksgiving Event 2024:

I was pleasantly surprised by the way the EAST School celebrated Thanksgiving. It far exceeded my expectations as both teachers and students came together, each bringing their own homemade dishes to share. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and unity as we enjoyed a potluck-style feast, creating a beautiful sense of community. What made it even more special was the display of traditional attire from different cultures, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of diversity. It felt like a combination of a cultural day and a Thanksgiving celebration, blending gratitude with the richness of our various traditions. The fellowship was truly wonderful, making it an unforgettable experience.

Myo Zaw is pursuing a Master of Divinity in Teaching and Exposition (MDivTE) and he was born in Myanmar.