Testimony of New Student: Viron Kasar
From L-R: Mali Jana, Mrs Boon Aitee, Dr Joseph Khoo, Viron Kasar
Viron Kasar, a brother of EAST Alumnus Pammiyo Kasar, and a nephew of Ps Didymus Kasar has arrived in Singapore and at EAST at long last since his application even before the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Below is an interview with him where he shared his testimony.
- How did you know about EAST?.
As I was interested in furthering my education, Uncle Ps Didymus Kasar and Brother Pammiyo Kasar suggested to me to study at EAST. I knew some EAST alumni and worked with them as interns during their time as Cross Cultural Team Internship (CCTI) Team India while I was working with Agape Outreach Ministry. However, I see EAST as providing academic and spiritual support and offering a unique perspective on Christianity that connects with Asian cultures which is critical in India.
- What made you decide to come to EAST?
Welcoming New Student: Dom Chen
Welcome Lunch with Dom Chen
Our new student for the second semester, Mr Dom Chen (pseudonym) has arrived in Singapore during the Advent Season. He had wanted to study at EAST back in 2019 but at that time, Covid-19 happened and the world was in a panic mode globally. We at EAST are as heartened as he is that he has finally made his way to Singapore and EAST after the pandemic has more or less settled down. Below is a short interview with Dom regarding how he came to know about EAST and his experience thus far. Do pray for him and his family who will soon be joining him that their years of equipping at EAST will be impactful for their lives, leading them to greater transformation in their Head, Heart, Hands by the power of the Holy Spirit for the Glory of God.
1) How did you know about EAST?
First of all, Nelson Lo, currently an EAST Resident Faculty, had been my mentor for two years during my college years. We have been keeping in touch for many years, even upon graduation. I knew about EAST from him. Then, Ronald Tang (pseudonym), an EAST alumnus was our pastor. He graduated from EAST and also recommended the seminary. Finally, my wife had been a full-time staff in Cru for seven years and we have friends who studied in EAST.
Inaugural Partners-in-Ministry Chinese Program
Equipping the most important partner of Chinese ministers and Christian workers
EAST launched the Chinese online program of the Partners in Ministry (PIM) in July 2023 to meet the equipping needs of Mandarin-speaking wives of men who are ministers, Christian workers, and seminary students. EAST News caught up Mrs Agnes Liong to find out more on the progress of the program and students.
“I started attending church with my mother when I was just 5 years old, but I truly received Christ as my Lord when I was 15 and was passionate about sharing the gospel with others. Hence, at 16, I started serving full-time and brought the good news to different places. After being married, we decided I would work to support the family and his ministry so he could serve God full-time. However, I wanted to study and be more equipped so that I can serve alongside my husband better,” a student wrote in her application for the Chinese PIM program.
MG Ministry Weekend – Building Up the Body of Christ
One of the distinctives of EAST is MG (Mentoring Group) Ministry Weekend, when students, with guidance from mentors, gain ministry experience at regional locations in partnership with local churches and ministries. The students are part of EAST MGs with faculty as the MG Leaders. In the words of Mrs Josephine Goh, EAST Director of MG, “Ministry Weekend is a valuable time to behold God’s faithful love for his people in Asia! It is also a timely pause for our students to apply what they have learned in classes; truly a time of ‘intentional mentoring and enhanced learning without walls’ experience.”
This year, from 14 to 19 September, there were five teams that ministered in three countries: Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand. What did they do at these locales and how was the experience beneficial to the team members and the hosts?
Faculty Josephine Lew: Living A Spirit-filled Life
How can the Pentecost that happened more than 2,000 years ago revolutionise our Christian living even today?
Ms Josephine Lew, an EAST Resident Faculty and Director of Mentoring Group, wrote of the origins of Pentecost and how the presence and power of the Holy Spirit may be made manifest today. Pentecost is usually celebrated 50 days after the Jewish Passover, typically in May. From the book of Acts, it recorded the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon the early believers at the very first Pentecost. This resulted in the followers of Christ being transformed through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
From that very first Pentecost, believers are mandated to live in the power of the Holy Spirit by faith as an act of the will to fulfill God-given purposes for their lives.
How then does one live a Holy Spirit empowered life?
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