The Origin of 福 (“Blessings”)
During the Chinese New Year season, the Chinese character “福” (pronounced as “fu“) is found on decorations and inscribed on hongbao (“红包”) or red packets. The word signifies blessings and prosperity and is considered most appropriate for the annual lunar new year celebrations (also known as chunjie (“春节“) or Spring Festival). As those of Chinese descent usher in a new year, words of blessings are exchanged among family and friends. 
This is often accompanied by new year goodies, exchanges of mandarin oranges, and giving of red packets of cash (or increasingly digital tokens of money). The character “福” may also be displayed in an upside down manner to symbolize the arrival of blessings (the Chinese word for “upside down” [“倒“] sounds like the word for “arrival” [“到“]).
Mid-year Student Orientation 2023
EAST Mid-year Student Orientation, January 2023
At the beginning of the second semester (Jan-May) 2023, a two-day orientation for new program students took place at EAST. These students hail from 6 countries in East Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, and North America. We are thankful to God for leading each to do theological studies at EAST. Among them are ministers, church workers, missionaries, and working professionals. It was truly heartening to hear them share their stories–journeys of faith even as they arrive in EAST, Singapore for further equipping in a multi-cultural environment and for spiritual refreshment.
Please pray for each of them to experience God’s transforming work in their personal lives and ministry through their studies and cross-cultural exposure in Singapore and beyond.
Prayer Pointers 12 January 2023
How would you handle your fear when you transit into a seminary for the next season of your life?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 -ESV
Where can you find the strength and endurance to overcome your challenges and learning difficulties? Read more
EAST Mentoring Group Retreat 2023
EAST MG (Mentoring Group) Retreat 2023
EAST held its first in-person MG Retreat in January 2023 after a hiatus of large-scale physical retreats since 2020 due to the pandemic. It was such a heart-connected time as EAST students, alumni, faculty, staff, and their family members reconnected as one large family. Together they worshipped, prayed, played, heard and discussed thematic messages, had personal retreats and just have had heart to heart fellowship.
Prayer Pointers 5 January 2023
Where can you find peace and security as you enter into the New Year amid the conundrum of calamity everywhere and the imminent possibility of the next wave of covid surge?
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 -ESV
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