The Joy of Giving and Receiving

 

Discover the joy of giving and receiving through the stories told by a donor and a recipient of her generosity. Karin (an American donor and mentor) and Ying Swant (a Myanmar mentee and EAST program student) have a beautiful relationship which started before Ying Swant joined EAST.  However, through her time at EAST, Ying Swant has blossomed and been transformed, and Karin can testify of how she has grown and developed as a labourer of Christ. As a donor, Karin sees much value in investing financially into Ying Swant’s life while she is being equipped at EAST. Ying Swant is deeply grateful for all the ministry partners who have supported her studies at EAST including Karin.

Karin’s Journey of Giving

EAST News posed some questions to Karin (in italics) and here are her responses.

How were you prompted to support her?

Karin: I’ve known Ying Swant since 2021. She has shared with me her dream of opening a school in her native town in Myanmar. Spending time with her, it has been evident her love for the Lord and her desire to see others come to know Him. She has overcome so many obstacles, I was determined if she was accepted at EAST, that I would support her.

How do you feel about her learning journey thus far?

Karin: I saw her in July 2024 when I was in Singapore, after she had started at EAST. On my return to Myanmar in January 2025, I was able to see Ying Swant again. I was so impressed when she told me the English language program she was enrolled in, that was supposed to last one year, she had already completed because her English had improved. I know how difficult it was for her to pass English entrance exams. In January, I could easily see how her English speaking and comprehension had improved in such a short period of time. Learning for Ying Swant isn’t just about academics. She has learned to live as an independent adult and she has thrived connecting with others in her church group.

What encouragement will you give to potential donors to do likewise?

Karin: I introduced Ying Swant to my pastor’s wife, who visited me in March 2024. She too was impressed by her and is also supporting her. Investing in Ying Swant’s success at EAST is investing in the future of children of Myanmar, both academically and spiritually.

A Note of Gratitude from Ying Swant

Ying Swant penned the following in response to EAST News asking her about her ministry partners.

Firstly, I thank the Lord for His guidance and for allowing me to study His word at EAST during a difficult time in my country. Secondly, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of my supporters. Thank you so much for your generous giving and prayers. Thank you for your commitment and the support you have invested in me to be better equipped for ministry.

I learned so much in my classes, and I especially discovered the vision that God places in my heart and the heart of servant leadership. Through the classes, I gained a better understanding of God’s purpose for me and to serve others humbly. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). I realized that the knowledge and wisdom I have gained are not just for personal growth, but to help fulfil God’s vision for me. Whether through serving others, sharing His love, or stepping into ministry, I feel more equipped to walk in the path He sets before me.

Thank you for your heart, your courage, and your willingness to help. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. Your kindness and partnership has touched my life in a deeply meaningful way.

A Word of Invitation from Karin and Ying Swant

EAST is committed to helping fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18-20) by preparing servant leaders to be pastors, church planters, ministers and missionaries in the harvest field of Asia and beyond. We are privileged as a donor (Karin) and a recipient (Ying Swant) who have given or received financial aid. Similarly, most of EAST’s international students come from economically challenged areas and could not afford the high cost of their education and living expenses. Each student needs a subsidy of S$11,000 annually. For the 40 new students, the school needs to raise S$440,000 annually.

May we invite you to prayerfully consider investing in the equipping of international students by subsidizing their tuition and living expenses while studying at EAST? You can give by clicking here or the button below.