Welcome and Smiles at Aleph 2022
We recently welcomed this semester’s new students on the first day of the EAST Aleph, which is our orientation program for new program students each academic year. Our Dean of Students, Rev Dr Casey Lok welcomed the new cohort on the first day of Aleph, and we had a brief round of introductions to hear from each new student as a way of introducing themselves to the EAST community. It is always an encouragement to hear how the hand of God was present in guiding our new students to EAST for their season of equipping.
Many of our new students come from different regions around the world. The intercultural friendships we have with students and alumni from all around the world which have greatly enriched our faith with the stories of how God has been journeying with them throughout their lives.
Again, a big welcome to our new students, and the Lord be ever-present with His grace throughout this new season of a learning journey at EAST!
Leadership 101
Bae Jaeseong came to EAST to learn how to be a better leader.
The former Cru Korea missionary to Japan and HR Administrator says he was attracted to the school’s leadership professors who are backed by a proven track record. “For example, our President, Rev Dr Chan, directed a fruitful ministry in East Asia for years; and Dr Roland was the national leader of Cru Singapore.”
As he looks back to his three years at EAST, Jaeseong is grateful for the many classes that developed his thinking as a leader. “I’m impressed by Dr Lewis’ class on denominations and theological views – what are the core and what are opinions; and Dr Samuel’s ‘Cultural Maps’ for cross-cultural understanding. So helpful.”
A Rich Man
As Enkh surveys all that he has gathered over the last three-and-a-half years, he feels like a rich man. “We came to Singapore with only the first month’s rental,” he says, “but God has blessed us with much – books, clothes, schooling needs, and treasures that money cannot buy.”
Such treasures included practical knowledge he could bring back to his three congregations of “first-generation believers” in and outside of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s captial city. “I have already started teaching my leaders back home what I learned here, e.g., Bible Study Methods by Rev Jacob Li, spiritual disciplines by Dr Lewis, and Theology by Dr Raymond Go.”
“I really like Dr Raymond Go; he would entertain my many questions – even disagreements – in class.”
Reflections on EAST Crisis Counselling Course
The EAST Crisis Counselling intensive class was held concurrently online and onsite over eight days from 25 May to 3 June 2022. The class sought to equip the students for effective emotional, spiritual and psychological care to others following times of crisis.
The class was taught primarily by Dr Anne Fallow and co-taught by Ms Karen Zando. Dr Anne has been a Cru staff for 46 years and has served in Asia as a missionary for 15 years. She is with the Vice President’s Global Leadership Team where she has assisted in crisis debriefs, various personal and team assessments. She has also mentored women in leadership across Asia. Karen has served with Cru for 35 years, 17 of which were with Athletes in Action ministering to the athletic community for Christ. She has served with the Global Leadership Development Human Resource team for the last 15 years.
From BOY to MAN
S. Zarni Pyoe Wai Saing (Myanmar) recently graduated with an MDiv in Christian Ministry at EAST 28th Commencement. He is now serving as a pastor in Little Myanmar Christian Fellowship under the All Saints Presbyterian Church.
Back in Yangon, Zarni was ‘king’ at home, pampered by his homemaker mother. Dad was a trainer of NGO workers. “But I had three big bully brothers,” he adds, laughing.
So when time came for studies in 2015, he was “shy a lot.” Compared to older brother Htike, EAST alumnus and outspoken leader, he was a frightened little boy in the Lion City of Singapore. “My greatest fear was people would laugh at my weak English,” says Zarni. “That led to problems like procrastination, missing assignment deadlines, and getting into trouble with my professors.”
But God patiently worked in his life.
EAST Library Catalogue
EAST Populi
National Library Board eResources
The Digital Theological Library
