look east

LONG TIME NO SEE

2011-07-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

It's always a joy to see alumni drop by and visit.

Mi-Youn (Korea) came with ginseng candies and her familiar laughter - she was here for a rest, she said. She's serving with the campus ministry in Korea.

Shirley (China) is back from a short trip to Africa and preparing to teach in a Bible school in Cambodia. "It's a small college for local workers," she said. "I'll be teaching my first class on 'The Holy Spirit' in October, please pray for me." .

Si Si (Myanmar), who's just become a radiant Mrs Koh, also dropped by at chapel last week to visit, and meet with her old friends, especially her pal Estella.

And not forgetting Lim (Singapore) who, in fact, spoke at chapel. He gave invaluable tips on how to stay fit and fearless on the mission field, drawing from his recent experience as a sports coach in a troubled land.

Knowing our students are doing well and leading fruitful lives makes our daily labor of lesson preparation, back-breaking marking papers, teaching, tutorials and endless administration that much more meaningful.

HELLO

2011-07-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

We just ended our orientation program: lots of getting-to-know-yous, ice-breakers, information about classes, library visits and of course dinner.

The Student Council did a great job in making sure everything ran: the program, snacks (we had the sweetest and biggest grapes for tea break), games, and of course, the final night dinner (which came later than expected BUT tasted all the better).

The talks got everyone serious and laughing and seriously laughing all at the same time.

Jeannette's Conflict Resolution highlighted the need to resolve issues quickly. "And don't facebook your dissatisfaction!" Check.

YK's Cross-Cultural Adjustments explained how the innocent "tsk tsk tsk", "can can" and "chope" could be misunderstood.

The games were hilarious.

Who knew Byju's new bride and David Kim could be hilarious!

While the new students were shy, they seemed to settle in well.

We already know Dunstan from Brunei could joke - in English, Mandarin and Hakka.

Stephen from the Philippines is quite the photographer and video enthusiast.

Looking forward to a brand new year.

GOODBYE ANN

2011-06-09T00:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, one of our students, pastor Ann Chia, went to be with the Lord after a year of being bedridden from a stroke. Pastor Kew San and his daughter, Faith, lost the most important person in their lives. Their church lost a caring and gifted pastor. The world lost a generous and beautiful human being.

Ann was a "there you are" woman, always encouraging, always looking out for others. Sometimes we would pass each other at the school corridoor; no matter how rushed we both were, she would not fail to say something nice to me. "This dress looks great on you." "I prayed for you last week, how are you?"

I remember a few years ago I was invited to teach in Mongolia.

Everyone I spoke to told me how harsh the weather was, how muttony the food would be, and how much hardships I must be prepared for. I had a lot of fears.

Then I met Ann one morning at school while climbing up the stairs. She was at the top of the stairs, and called out to me. We chatted and when I told her I was preparing to leave for Mongolia, she said, "That's so wonderful!"

Her huge eyes were bright as she continued, "These are some of the warmest and kindest people you'll meet," she said, as she recalled her own trip to Ulaanbaatar some time ago. "You are so blessed."

Before she had the stroke, Ann was battling with cancer. The treatment ravaged her physical strength. I was scared when I went to see her for the first time, not sure how to react.

But as soon as she came out of the room, my apprehensions disappeared. She was all sunshine and joy. Her body was frail but her spirit was strong.

After I prayed for her, she prayed a longer prayer for me. She asked that I would experience God's deep comfort every day, and be used by Him 30, 60 and a hundred folds.

Goodbye Ann. Goodbye my dear student, my friend, my sister. You may be gone, but you haven't left us.

Your encouragement, your kindness, that beautiful smile, they're everywhere. At the corridoor. At the top of the staircase.

In my heart.

Behold a new year has come

2010-07-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

I am encouraged.

I've been teaching the new intake of students in Turabian form and style and writing skill.

Not bragging here but this may possibly be one fo the best classes I've had in a long while.

Annie, with the Wycliffe's, is all wide-eye wonder and enthusiasm, and submits her assignments way ore time.

Mark and Patrick, two "almost veterans" with SCCC, say the dardnest things in class (good things) that never fail to wake everybody up.

Charles from Indonesia is serious but cheerful.

Last night I sat in and guest taught for an hour Roland's night class on "Christian Leadership."

Always admire night class people: they are tired from a full day's activities but they want to learn.

One of their assignments was to write their own obituary or "how do you want others to remember you when you go?"

One of them, a church worker, said, "I want people to know me as the woman who taught God's Word till she died."

A guy, an accountant by day, said, "Here's a man who gave and gave and gave for Jesus."

WORLDWIDE DAY OF PRAYER

2009-10-14T03:14:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy the Worldwide Day of Prayer at EAST.

Imagine a whole day of no classes, homework, or lectures.

Just concerted and humble praying together, in twos and threes and as a body, asking God for breakthroughs.

My favorite part was when eleven students, one lecturer, and a visitor who just came in from Padang, Indonesia, stood up to ask for prayer for their countries - in all thirteen of them.

Some shared about pressing needs, e.g., the coming Myanmar elections, the persecutions of Christians in India.

Some, like Tunji from Nigeria, asked for "true revivals" that will bring about "real change" in their countries.

Others, like Chee Yuen who represented Singapore (and who asked that Singlish would never be erased!) and Gab Su from Korea requested that people and resources would continue to be raised from their nations for the global harvest.

Amen. Amen. And amen (including the Singlish one)!

WELCOME FAY

2009-07-22T04:33:00.001-07:00

EAST welcomes a familiar face - Fay Yong - this week.
Fay, who graduated in 2008, has joined us as a ministry staff.
With her ministry background (Fay served as a campus staff and trainer in Malaysia Campus Crusade), giftedness (she was once receipient of the Walter Steitz award for her academic excellence), and joyful spirit, we know we will benefit much from her contributions to the school.

Welcome Fay. May God bless you as you make Singapore your home.

Jia Yu!

ORIENTATION

2009-07-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

The new school year orientation went well.

Started with the business part at the school, then it was off to SAFRA (with the nice new renovations and beach) for two days of get-to-kn0w-you, prayer, and final-night bar-b-q.

Here's my observation about the new students:

1. This year, we had our youngest student - but tallest gal - Lydia, who will turn 21 next week. She lived in Thailand, where her Singaporean parents are missionaries, working among orphans and abandoned children.

2. We have many strong mature students too - church workers, missionaries from Thailand and China, leaders from CCC, a Korean businessman, and a Singapore ex-school principal.

3. The new students blended in easily. Most of the night's cooking, in fact, were handled by several of them who did a 'professional' job.

4. This year's bar-b-q was one of the most 'complete' - besides the usual chicken wings, sting ray and otah, we had a full spread of fried rice, croissant sandwiches, noodles, salad, and kimchi.

5. Byju came back looking very happy - he got married this school break to a CCC staff worker in India.

6. The team that went to Egypt were bursting with good reports. Cindy's English improved. Jacky lost weight - "Must be the beans we ate there almost everyday!" he said.

7. Moses and Daniel, who spent a month of ministry and "English immersion" in Manila, seemed more talkative than ever before. Good for them.

8. With so many coming back from internships and home visits, no one has been affected by the H1N1. Praise the Lord.

9. We missed the old students (sob sob), Tjoh Dju and Davina (who left for other ministries), and the Langstons and Winklers who are on home leave in the USA.

10. But we welcome new faculty Dr Kwa Kiem Kiok, who'd be taking over from Tjoh Dju in Intercultural Studies .

2009-06-30T00:06:00.001-07:00

After almost two months of break, school will reopen next week.

Just met the new students after their orientation.

Some looked excited and ready to go, others seemed a little 'blur' after all the "information overload".

Chatted with Jean and Shirley who were part of a team that went to a M country for mission trip.

They looked fresh and excited as they talked about God's provision and blessings on that trip.

Personally I'm excited to start teaching next week.

As I just read in someone's newsletters, we are coaches of people who could run faster, better, and stronger than we.

But they need training.

They need people to give them confidence.

They need all the help we could give them as teachers, guides, and mentors.

If you're a new student of EAST and reading this, WELCOME.

We're right there behind you.

IT'S TIME FOR CELEBRATION

2009-05-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

It was a small cohort - just nine persons graduating - but it was a big happy celebration.

Held at Bethesda Bedok Tampines Church, the 15th commencement was a grand affair.

Lisa Sim-Lim was recognized for her godliness, service to the community, and academic excellence when she received the PRESIDENT'S LEADERSHIP award.

Hangyu, our sport captain, received the GREAT COMMISSION award for his heart and enthusiasm for mission.

Others who were commended for their faithful service were Sang Hyuk, James Chua, and Barnabas Won.

Barnabas' mother, by the way, flew in from Korea especially for the event, and to give her son new shoes and pants for the occasion.

Thank you everyone for praying for our graduates.

And for your support and encouragement to EAST.

REJOICE

2009-03-04T02:34:00.000-08:00

We didn't win the inter-school games this year.

But hey, nothing could stop us from celebrating.

Today after chapel, all of us were treated to lunch and ice-cream.

We reminded ourselves that even though we lost - actually we were second runners among the grand total of four teams - our joy in Christ, and our oneness in the spirit remain intact.

And there's much to rejoice for.

We were one.

We fought for the same goal.

We wanted the same thing.

Many people in this world don't have this unity and blessing.

And besides, there's still next year.

Hallelujah.

WILL WE WIN AGAIN?

2009-02-16T05:14:00.000-08:00

This is the question Choi Han-Gyu (above right) is asking a lot lately.

"Last year we were co-champion with TTC in the inter-seminary sports day," says the former missionary in the Middle East, proudly holding up the trophy.

"Before I graduate this year, my greatest wish is to bring the cup home to our school again."

Besides building inter-school fellowship, the sports day is also a chance for faculty and students to play - and compete - together, aim towards the same goal, and bond.

This year's sports day is on 27 February.

A LETTER FROM DR LANGSTON

2008-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday December 7, Dr Rick Langston's mother, Sally Clark Langston, went home to be with the Lord. Here are some of his thoughts:

"Mum lived a full life of 92 years and did not suffer in her final days. She had a sweet spirit all the way till the end of her life here on earth.

"Mom's funeral was a celebration of her life. My sister and I both shared at the service. . . . I thank God for the very special mother and father He gave me. I am truly blessed by the good qualities they manifested and by the love they showed me all their lives here on earth. I am very thankful that we shall one day be reunited in heaven. I am so thankful for my sister who took such care of mom as they went through the journey of mom's final years together. . . .
"Thank you for your prayers for me and my family."

TAKE A BREAK

2008-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

IT'S almost the end of the term.
Students are catching up with reading deadlines, assignments, and exam preparation.
But we all took time off for an OUTING!
Nothing like fresh air, wide-open space and good ole bonding to relief weariness in our bones.
There was also a photo contest and these won funniest and best pictures.

ANSWERED PRAYER

2008-10-10T01:47:00.000-07:00

AFTER two months of asking, seeking and knocking, Bataa finally raised all that he needs for the liver transplant surgery.
Even as I'm typing this blog entry, his sister, Chuka, is preparing to board a flight from Ulaanbaatar to be in Singapore this weekend. The surgery will be at Gleneagle's Hospital.
Many answered prayers:

for a start, good health and high spirit for both donor (Bataa) and patient (Chuka)
more than $226,000 raised miraculously - involving 5,000 persons from 40 countries who gave their widow's mites, personal savings and hard-earned cash sacrificially; and the JC Trust Fund that donated $86,000 for the operation
strong encouragement from Bataa's cell group at church
support from the faculty and students at EAST - who prayed, gave, and allowed him time and space from his studies and responsibilities with the Student Council to prepare for the surgery

Pray for the surgeons as they work out the final details and settle for a date for the transplant.
Through the process, Bataa felt he "truly sensed and enjoyed" the care and love of God and His Body. He went through many ups and downs mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually but the Lord's grace pulled him through.

IT'S A GIRL

2008-09-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

Her name is Cecilia Jewel Randall.
Born September 9 at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth, Australia, weighing in 7.5 lbs at birth.
The precious little one is Dr Rick and Laurel Langston's first granddaughter (their other grandchildren are twin boys).
The last we heard in an email, mum Kelly and dad Mike are ecstatic over their first-born.
Congratulations Rick and Laurel.
We are know you're over the moon.
See you soon next quarter.

CLEAR

2008-09-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Chin Leng ( above ext left) received this sms from James Chua (2nd from right) yesterday after his test results):

"Praise the LORD! The CT scan shows chest area is CLEAR."

So what does that mean?
No chemotherapy or radiaiton.
Just rest, recovery, and rejoicing.
Praise God for answering our prayers.

James

2008-09-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you might have heard, one of our students James Chua was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer in his kidney and had to go through emergency surgery.
Here's the latest:

- a small part of the bladder, along with his left kidney, and his urether) had been removed

- the right kidney is doing all the work on its own; pray that it will cope

- it is not certain if he will need to undergo chemotherapy

The last we heard, he is still physically weak but his spirit is strong.
Pray for full recovery, and grace for his dear wife, Mui Yoong, who is his main caregiver.

HOW TO TIE A NECK-TIE?

2008-08-29T03:45:00.000-07:00

This week, speaker, author, and South-East Asia director of men's ministry of the Navigators Geoff Gorsuch came to EAST and showed us how to tie a neck-tie.
And more.
In fact, the neck-tie part was to demonstrate how mentoring should be done: lots of modeling, hands-on training, mid-course corrections, repetition, and encouragement.
His talk was power-packed and entertaining.
About 70 faculty, students, and friends of EAST - including church leaders - and even a landlady of one of our students - came for the five-hour workshop.

The animated life coach made us laugh when analysing men and women differences in mentoring and problem solving.
He kept everyone engaged through a dramatic portrayal of the first years of our ministry - "like kayaking in rapid waters".
And he encouraged us as he spoke on the two types of mid-life crises we might face.
There were also a short session when he and his wife, Diane, met with the men and women separately.

oh what a week!

2008-08-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

Oh what a week!
First, the Olympics started on a high note - and is ending before we know it.
The first quarter has reached mid-point, and everyone's feeling under the pile.
"But I'm learning and feel very blessed to be here," says one student from East Asia. "The hard work is worth it."
Last week we also had a supervisors' tea where the faculty met with church and ministry leaders of our students.
It was good to touch base with these people who support and supervise our students in their ministry development.
Then we also had our first Teachers' Seminar for close to 70 teachers and educators.
Dr Tevor Cooling, renowned writer from the UK, challenged everyone to create an environment in his or her school where Christ could be glorified.
Drawing from the examples of Daniel in the Old Testament, as well as some Christian teachers from the UK, he encouraged us to use our positions to make a positive influence for Christ.
Among the participants are four ladies who flew in from Mongolia.
They serve with the Teachers' Ministry in Ulaanbaatar, and oversee a ministry of 700 teacher disciples.
"We are praying that the Teachers' Seminar could be duplicated in our country," says Nergui, one of the Mongol ladies.

praying for Bataa

2008-07-31T21:27:00.001-07:00

The test result is out.

Bataa (Mongolai) is eligible - physically - to be a liver donor for his sister.

Right now, he's keeping himself healthy and ready, and raising support.

The surgery will cost S $300,000.

"It's a huge sacrifice for him to do this," says Dr Mah Yeow Beng. "Not many people are willing to do this as it involves risks."

Let's pray for Bataa as he looks to the Lord for grace and strength in the coming days.

If everything works out, the surgery could happen end of August.

SCHOOL'S IN

2008-07-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

First week of school.
You know what it's like.
New excitement, new routine, (and even new carpeting for the chapel and Agape room).
But before the end of the week, everyone's clearly exhausted.
One of the faculty put it aptly, "Many are going through syllabus shock, especially the freshmen."
But it's to be expected.
As Dr Ho Chiao Ek reminded us in the first chapel, coming to EAST is more than just getting through from one class to another, and aiming for the degree.
It is a training process.
A time of intentional mentoring from our professors, our teachers, and our peers.
A time to submit to God's discipline which, hopefully, make us better disciples and mentors of others.
Hebrews 12:11: 'All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.'
So if you're feeling under the pile - literally - don't give up.
Look up.
Tighten your belt.
A-cha.
Jia You.

Welcome to the Family

2008-07-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

IT'S GREAT to see everyone again - after the long summer break and internship.
The last to come back were Siew Hong and Jacky who joined a relief team in Sichuan, China.
And it was refreshing
to meet the new students.
Among them are Singaporean church workers, and missionaries who served in student and relief ministries.
Though a few are still hunting for housing and schools for their kids, and 'going through cultural shock', most seem to have settled down.
Kim Kwan-Shik (Korea) shares, "My family is very happy to be here in Singapore."

Like every year's orientation, this is a get-to-know-you, games-and-makan week.
Yesterday we spent a day at a condominium, where Steve Yu (an alumnus) rented an apartment; we had a day of laughter, and fellowship.
And as in most EAST dos, the highlight was when the wives and kids joined us towards the evening for the bar-b-q.
Han Gyu and James Kang came up with quite a menu: besides the usual chicken wings and meats, we also had sting ray, sotong, otah, mee-siam, and salmon.
What better way to begin the new school year, and prep up for the hard work ahead.
To all our students - esp those who've just joined us - all the best.
And welcome to the family.

SAYONARA

2008-06-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Taka and Eri, and their two-year-old, Komoki, came to say good bye.
"The past three years had been wonderful for us," says Taka.
He is headed for Tokyo to join the HR department of Japan Campus Crusade.
Among the many blessing the couple received in Singapore - "good friends at the local church we attended", "professors who taught us", "building convictions from God's Word" - is of course their made-in-Singapore son.
"We told Komoki many times we're leaving," says Eri. "And today he said goodbye to his friends at the nursery."
"But we're not sure if he understands."

By now, most of the foreign students have gone home.
Some, like Steve Cole, wrote to say they are still readjusting to life back home.
Others like Sharon Hwang are raising support before getting into full ministry gear.
Check out their latest happenings in the blogs below and pray for them.

Sayonara.

more requests for Myanmar

2008-06-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a new update from the Sets:

"We thank God for answering our prayers in opening doors.

"Our relief team is now faced with many requests from various contacts to come to their villages. It’s going to be difficult to have to turn down some of them as they have limited supplies and manpower. . . .

"Besides supplying basic needs such as rice, beans and salt, we are hoping to supply the villagers with two-man boats and fishing nets for them to start catching crabs (crab season now). In the days to come, we also hope to help build some of the houses as well. Most villages in that area have been destroyed, and some have been totally wiped-out.

"Please also remember to pray for another team of eleven Burmese going in this Monday 23rd June. They are from the Myanmar Judson Baptist Church in Singapore. They too are hoping to get their medicines in with them."

UPDATES FROM MYANMAR

2008-06-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

TOE SET (EAST faculty) and his wife Mag returned to Myanmar for more relief ministry.

Here's some news from their latest email:

"After praying and fasting, our team members decided to reach out to villages further in another region that have not yet received much help.

"These are villages that can only be reached by boat. The plan was to leave this week, bringing in medical and food supplies sufficient to reach several villages in the area.

"In preparation for this, we flew out four of our team members to Singapore to bring back medical supplies to Yangon. We arranged for them to leave in pairs on two separate days, carrying a total of 400 kg of medicines.

"Thank you for praying!
After two days of running around town from one government department to another our team finally got the approval for the release of ALL our medicines. Please continue to pray for future relief efforts. . . . "

Toe & Mag

I WILL BLESS YOUR GOING OUT AND COMING IN

2008-06-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

RIGHT after our commencement ceremony, various ones left immediately for ministry overseas.
Tunji (Nigeria) and Siew Kim (Singapore) went to Cambodia to serve with a church.
Barnabas Jung (Korea) and his family joined a church-planting ministry in Mongolia.
Also in Mongolia was Ying Kheng (Singapore) to conduct communications and team building workshops for Mongolia Campus Crusade workers.
Anita (Singapore) led a team to the Philippines to reach out to a poverty stricken community.
Toe Set (Myanmar) returned home to help with relief ministry.
Siew Hong (Singapore) also went on relief mission, with a team to China.
This is really what EAST is about, isn't it?
All those studies, class work, exams are meant to build up to this:
giving our students values, convictions and practical skills that will be of use to God's work on earth.
Equipping people to better reach and touch people.
Developing Christlike leaders for the Great Commission.

CLOSING COMMENCEMENT SPEECH BY LIM CHIN LENG, receipient of the President's Award for Leadership 2008

2008-05-25T20:28:00.001-07:00

EAST IS LIKE a big family for us.
Although we come from different countries and cultures, EAST is where our friendship with one another has been forged, our passion for missions has been kindled, and our love for God has been renewed.
As we look back, I am sure that many of us will remember the times we studied together in the classrooms, did our projects in the library, prayed together in chapel, ate together at Cambridge market, raided the biscuit tins in Agape Room, visited one another in our homes, and served together in the community.
We will definitely remember how we played together and won this year’s trophy for the Inter-seminary Sports Day. . . .
There is a Chinese saying饮水思源 that means as we drink the water, we should remember its source.
As we graduate, it is only right to remember and appreciate the different groups of people who made it possible for us to complete our program. 4 ‘F’s (or F4):
First, the Faculty and Administrative staff at EAST. Thank you for teaching us and modeling for us what it means to be Christ-like leaders. . . .
Second, our Family: Wife, Children, Parents, Grandparents, Brothers, Sisters, Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, and Uncles etc. . . . You even cooked wonderful meals and made sure we are well nourished, sometimes ‘overly’ nourished. J Thank you and we love you!
Third, our Friends, Alumni, Ministry Partners, Church, Pastors and Leaders. . . . May the Lord remember your generosity and bless you much more in return.
Finally, our heavenly Father, who is the reason we are all here. . . . .

Lim Chin Leng

THE ONLY WRONG WAY TO PRAY

2008-04-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

"The wrong way to pray?"
"It's only when we don't pray."
With that, Pat Flynn (right with Gab Su) summarized his exhortation; and we started our worldwide day of prayer.
It was good to set aside a day to intercede for the lost and suffering around us.
And it was great to have Didymus (our alumnus) visit us with Peter Kashun, the head of LTC (a church planting and equipping ministry in India).
They reminded us of the tremendous challenges facing workers in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and the countries around them.
Places that are faraway from, and sometimes forgotten by, us.
We prayed for displaced people, people under persecution, people who are blind to the gospel for centuries.
We opened the newspapers and prayed for those living in poor and war torn countries.
We shared our hearts with one another and prayed for unsaved family members.
"A day of prayer certainly puts things in perspective for me," commented one student towards the end.
"Exams are coming but they're not the most important things in life."
"What's important is to always remember there's a world out there that needs to be won for Christ."

SWEET VICTORY

2008-03-04T05:32:00.002-08:00

No wonder they say victory is 'sweet'.
It sure tastes good.

Last Friday, at our inter-seminary sports meet, we tied with TTC and won the overall championship.
Lim N, if you're reading this, you'll be happy to know we got the Golden Boots this year round!

It was great to see everyone turning up.
The wives, babies, faculty, students and admin team.
Everyone did his or her level best to play, cheer, and connect with one another, . . . .

Besides soccer, we had captain ball, tennis (Mrs Jeong came to help us), volley-ball, dodge-ball (our girls won the gold despite playing it for the first time), and a principals-challenge of Jenga (we were all so proud when Chiao Ek won).

Enjoy the photos. Rejoice with us.
Praise God.

LONG TIME NO SEE

2008-02-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

We did it.

We had the first alumni get-together on 16 January, a Saturday morning.

It turned out much better than I'd expected.

The group was small--22 of us faculty and alumni turned up--but cozy.

It seemed like everybody came with the same purpose: to have a good time and catch up.
Joseph--who's as funny as ever--started us off with games (very silly ones, which I was very thankful for at nine in the morning), then we got to hear from one another.

We learned what each other was doing (e.g., Wan Jee will leave for Japan in March, and Lim N, who came back for a wedding, plays football once a week with Chinese migrant workers, good for him!).

We also found out what some people did for fun in their free time, e.g., Jan plays computer games (so big already still play ah), Alfred loves gardening, Tony jogs, and Wai Ling, who's back from Melbourne for a break, is into jig saw puzzles.

Then Kenneth Bong, South-East Asian Director of OM, spoke on how we could all last long and well in ministry.

By the way, he is an alumni of sorts--with Campus Crusade's student ministry. Said he learned from us he could change the world.

So the verdict?

"Good. I enjoyed finding out about what's new at the school." said Chae-Rim.

"And it feels good seeing old friends and professors again."

back to school

2008-01-26T01:19:00.000-08:00

After a term of much hard work, everyone took a two-week break in December.
Here's what some of us did: Bataa flew home to Mongolia to see his sister, who's diagnosed with hepatitis A.
"It was a surprise; she cried and cried when she saw me," he says.
His sister received Christ six months ago when she visited him in Singapore.
Tunji returned to the Seychelles where he served as a missionary and spoke at his church.
"I taught 70 workers church growth principles I just learned at EAST.
"And I applied what I learned on 'Steps to freedom' to help a lady who came to me for counseling."
Tunji is pleased to announce that his congregation saw the birth of a new church in a port area before he came back.
Siew Kim led a team to Cambodia on mission trip.
"God answered many prayers and we learned a lot as we reached out to the people," she shares.
Roland and Ying Kheng Tan, faculty, went to Japan to minister at a staff retreat for more than 100 Campus Crusade workers.
"It was cold--minus 3 degrees C when we left--but the hospitality of the believers and the love the Lord showed us through His provision kept our hearts warm," says Roland.

fresh start

2007-10-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

I received a call from Jeslyn Koh out of the blue towards the end of September.
She graduated from EAST this summer and is now serving as a social worker.
"Help me in a project?" she asked.
We met for coffee and she told me what she was doing at PingYi Secondary School, a government school in the east.
"We run an after-school program for students with esteem and discipline issues," she began. "How about coming to give a talk on dressing and colors? The kids will love it."
The "kids"--I discovered on the day I went--weren't anything I'd expected.
Everyone of the 14 who showed up looked like any well-fed, well-pampered kids you see in the malls in Singapore. There were 4 Malays and 10 Chinese--girls and guys--and they were all between 13 and 15 years old.
A few remained silent throughout my presentation but most were willing to participate.

I was surprised, I must say, when everyone told me the average amount of sleep they had was four hours per night--"computer games" being the main reason.
It was GREAT watching Jeslyn, our alumnus, in action.
The kids were comfortable with her; even the silent ones lingered for refreshments after the meeting.
Though she said she's still "new" to the job, she seeme dlike a "pro" to me.
"The training at EAST gave me convictions to do what God has called me to do," she added.
"And it's great to know I could always call on the school for help and support whenever I need it."

THE MAESTRO IS IN

2007-09-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a treat at EAST's chapel.

Musician extraordinaire Alvaro Sanchez visited us and led us in worship, performed, and shared about his journey of faith.

Alvaro, a native of Columbia, has played the guitar literally before kings and authorities, including the Queen of England and President Nathan at our very own Istana.

Five years ago, he gave up a promising career in music to answer God's call to Singapore--to perform, share his music, and teach about 'true worship'.

It was such a joy watching the maestro handle his guitar and harp--effortlessly.

Yes, the harp--"If you want to go to heaven, you must enjoy the harp" he quipped--such heavenly music it produces.

While everyone enjoyed the mini-concert, it was his sharing about what it means to truly worship God that touched our hearts.

"Every day we see, hear, and feel things that are filthy in the world," the father of two shared, "it is in worshipping God daily, coming before Him face to face, that we find purity and cleansing."

PS: Alvaro will conduct music seminars at EAST in the near future.

a night of colours

2007-08-26T22:38:00.001-07:00

Tunji, who comes from Nigeria, is one of our new students this school year.
After watching the recent National Day Parade, he penned the following poem.
A vet by training, Tunji and his wife served as missionaries in the Seychelles for five years before coming to EAST.
Enjoy.

A Night of Colours

Date is 9th of August. The sun is just setting.
Waiting to see what the noise about the NDP is all about.
“Could it really surprise me?” I quietly wonder to myself.
“I don’t think so.”

One after another they filed out.
With the precision and the accuracy that the occasion demands. Soldiers, Navy, Air Force and the Police.
Even the Civilians were not left out.
All in their well tailored uniforms.
“Well, nothing new.”

Then the ruling class; the MPs, the cabinet. All in white.
It seems the day is a national pride.
But the best is yet to come.

Young and old; harnessing the power and the beauty of the elements of the water, earth, fire and sky; to produce a magnificent display that must have gulped thousands if not millions of not just $
but man-power and man-hours.

Nothing but amazing. Ecstatic. Breathtaking.
But beyond all that, it is nothing but human ingenuity;
harnessing the creativity that is in us
to produce such a splendid performance.

WOW! The human mind is capable.
New ways abound.
Possibilities is the word (Sorry, the theme).

The sights. The sound. The astronomical display.
The colours. The beauty. The fireworks. The glory.
If all these are the human mind at work,
How much more the “Mind of Christ”?

Then the curtain drops,
but not until fire and brim…(sorry, fireworks) fell
and then the final charge, subtly through a song:
“Will you dare to find new ways?”

Hello from vancouver!

2007-07-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Lim Chin Leng, our former EAST student council president, and his wife, Lisa, are now in Vancouver to spend a quarter at Regent College. Here's a recent letter from them:

Dear Friends and Family at EAST,

How was the orientation and first day at school? We hope all of you are well!

We just ended one week of studies at Regent College in Vancouver. The classes here are very different from EAST and frankly, we miss all of you!!!

Quite a few things happened when we first arrived.

The Korean raw crabs we took during our retreat at Sarang Ministry Centre (during CM) took revenge on Lisa by giving her a lot more rashes.

I had some cold sores around my mouth and they hurt whenever I tried to eat.

Then our camera fell into the water was destroyed (thankfully we have a backup camera).

Add all of that with jet lag and the pressures of daily assignments; we were very tempted of giving up and dropping the classes!

But God has been faithful.

With the prayers of friends and family, Lisa is recovering from the rashes (but she still feels the itch sometimes).

My coldsores are gone, and we took this weekend to catch up with our sleep and homework.

Lisa's cousin and nieces who stay in Vancouver are also very sweet and they have been a great blessing to us.

We are also starting to enjoy the classes on 1 Corinthians and Joshua, as well as the scenery here.

Do take care as you begin the 1st Quarter in school!

Some of you might still be tired from the Internship and we pray that God will strengthen you for the challenges ahead.

We also want to extend a very warm welcome to all the new students at EAST.

We pray that you will enjoy the learning and the community there.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Write when you can.

We'll see you all again when we join you again during the 2nd Quarter. God bless!

In His love,

Chin Leng and Lisa

CM 2007

2007-07-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

During the last week of June, around 50 of us from EAST joined 15,000 university students, youth ministers, and staff of Campus Crusade worldwide for CM 2007.

CM is a mission conference held in Busan, Korea, to raise laborers among the world's powerful percent for the world's harvest.

What a week!

We were treated to the world-renowned Korean hospitality.

We heard some of the most powerful speakers at the devotionals, workshops and night challenges.

One evening, Honey Lee, Miss Korea 2007 and second runner-up at the recent Miss Universe, visited us and shared her journey of growth in the Lord.

God's Spirit was among us as we--from no less than 125 countries--worshipped the Lord in unity and spirit, prayed for one another, and rejoiced in God's working among us worldwide.

The EAST team had a blast at the exhibition booth.

Every day, hundreds came by our table to collect materials, ask questions and try our coconut candies, durian sweets, dried orange peels and mangoes.

(Some Europeans asked, "Do you have tooth paste?" after trying our durian sweets. Btw, we told them not to try but they insisted.)

We also had a wonderful time of reunion and sharing with 30 alumni of EAST during a lunch meeting.

Those among us who were in Seoul for a week of internship before CM had a great time, too, ministering among churches and cell groups.
"We visited the sarambang--agape houses where staff and disicples lived together--and enjoyed the warm fellowship," says Dr Mah Yeow Beng.
The same team also participated in the Beggars' Outreach after CM.

Over two days, they visited several villages for outreach and saw God's provision every step of the way (participants of Beggars' depend solely on the hospitality of their contacts for accomodaiton and meals).

"It was the highlight of our visit to Korea," says Grace Estrada (Philippines).

saying goodbye

2007-05-29T02:56:00.000-07:00

Last week, we started saying, "Goodbye" to this year's graduation batch. Most will return to their home countries in Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and, of course, Singapore, for minsitry; a few are headed for the mission field in Japan, India, and the Middle East.

The commencement ceremony on 18 May was well attended. More than 500 relatives, church friends, and supporters packed the hall at Bethel Presbyterian.

Some flew in from Korea, Taiwan, the USA and Cambodia to attend the ceremony. It's great to know so many people love you.

Well, our dear graduates, congratulations.

You have done well--to have completed the course, passed the exams, and run the race faithfully.

Don't forget the lessons you've learned.

David, I was touched when you said EAST taught you to be a better servant leader, husband, and father.

Jonathan, you said you were impressed by the life of Dr. Ho and want to be a caring leader like him. May God grant you your heart's desire.

Naleng, you're such a trooper, having overcome all odds to get this far. You've always moved us by your strong spirit. Continue to be strong.

Jesyln, Wan Jee, Catheirne, and so many others. Thank you for sharing how God showed you His love and provision while at the school, and how you learned so much from the multi-cultural community at EAST.

PS: Catherine, your Singlish is even better than mine.

As you go to your respecitve ministries, know that our heart and prayers are with you.

Take care, God bless, and don't forget to remember us.

Great Environment for Learning

2007-04-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Long before her last class this May, Bay Wa Jee (second from right)already knows she will miss EAST.

Top on her “miss” list is “the nurturing community of faculty and fellow class-mates”. “I enjoy their encouragement as well as courageous rebukes,” she says.

Before she came to EAST, Wan Jee attended a workshop by “Ministry Matters” on “Choosing A Bible College”. She discovered that, for her, a key criterion is an environment that would nurture her passion for the mission field. For the former stinter with Overseas Missionary Fellowship in Tokyo, that field is Japan.
“My Japanese classmates, namely Taka, Eri and Shinji, and former missionary to Japan, Casey Lok, helped to keep my vision—and Japanese language—alive,” says Wan Jee.
“And the diversity of culture—we often have six or seven nationalities in any one class—has given me the cross-cultural training I need when I serve in Japan [with OMF] later this year.” (In the above picture, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Myanmar, Taiwan ROC, and Japan are represented.)

Aside from the cross-cultural community, Wan Jee knows she will also miss the soaking into God’s Word, and mental and spiritual sparring with her classmates every day.
“Here we all know one another by name,” she says.
“We share the same love for the Lord and the harvest field.
“It’s a great environment for learning.”

BATAA & GANAA, WELCOME!

2007-03-12T03:58:00.000-07:00

Bataa, who just arrived at EAST, represents one of the earliest groups of believers in Mongolia when it opened its doors to the world in the early nineties.

More than 70 years of communist rule had left the people hungry for economic expansion and spiritual things.

Bataa became a believer "by accident".

While traveling back from town one evening with two friends (the teenagers had planned to watch a 'bad' movie but the theatre was closed), he chanced upon people lining up along a street.

Curious, the boys joined in, and it turned out to be an evening church service the queue was waiting to attend.

Cut the long story short, he and his friends accepted Christ at the church.

Bataa was discipled by a Campus Crusade worker at university; and upon graduation, heeded God's call to join Campus Crusade as a full-time staff.

He spent a year in Singapore in 1997 to undergo new staff training and returned to his country to lead the student ministry.

Today, Bataa is back for theological training at EAST.

This time round, he came with his entire troop: his wife Ganaa, and two daughters Misheel (4) and Nanuun (3).

His dream is to be used by God some day to train his countrymen in the Word.

Over dinner at Pizza Hut, I asked how the family was adjusting to Singapore.

"At first my gals kept asking, 'Why is it so hot?'" said Ganaa.

"But now they're just happy to go swimming, and wear light clothes every day."

Their favorite place in Singapore so far? "The zoo!" was the uanimous reply.

Now that they have settled down nicely ("thanks to the help of many people"), Bataa is ready for serious business.

"Going back to school after 10 years hasn't been easy; but I'm enjoying the classes," said Bataa.

Placing his right hand on his left chest, he added,

"And here, the professors teach with heart.

"I love that."

"Fay's friends very good!"

2007-03-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

On Dec 19, the village of Plentong in Johore Bahru, Malaysia, was devastated by the monsoons.
Forty-seven roads were closed and more than 150,000 lives were reported to be affected.

Plentong is the hometown of one of our students, Fay Yong.

"My family's coffee-shop and laundromat had waters reaching three feet high," says Fay.
"My uncle's home, along the same street, had waters as high as seven feet; almost everything was destroyed."

In response, EAST students and faculty took an offering which amounted to S$1,250.

"My family was very moved," shares Fay.
"Though they're non-believers, my parents wrote a thank-you note that ended with 'may the presence of Jesus Christ be with you all.'"

Fay believes God has used the family at EAST to help open her parents' heart to the Lord.
"They're telling people,
'Fay's friends very good.'"

COMING HOME

2007-03-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

This week Didymus Ramshang from Manipur, India, is back for a visit.

It was such a pleasant surprise to see him suddenly appear at chapel on Wednesday.

In case you're wondering, Didymus (Mus or Amus to his pals here at EAST) graduated last year and is serving the Lord with Church-Based leadership Training (CBLT), in North India.

The para-church group trains pastors, church workers and missionaires to reach out to unreached people groups in India.

(Did you know of the almost 7,000 unreached people groups of the world, 2,327 are in India?)

I'm so glad some of our graduates are directly involved in discipling workers who will reach these people.

Back to the chapel, I saw Mus crying at the first song.

When I talked to him later, he said he was "just so happy to be back."

"Yes, I shed tears because sitting here brings back so many wonderful memories," he said.

"I grew up here, I learned very important lessons here, I made some life-long friends at this school. You can't imagine how much I treasure the time I spent here," he added.

"I really miss this school.

"This is like coming home."

SPRING CLEANING

2007-02-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had 'spring cleaning' at our school.
Everyone--the faculty, office staff, students, and the two kids of Chun-Suk who were having their Korean school break--chipped in.

I must say 'spring cleaning' is a GREAT idea.
There's something about getting rid of dirt together that bond people.
And it's wonderful to come back to a cleaner school.

This, by the way, was our second spring cleaning exercise this year.
Last month faculty and students went to an old folks' block nearby to help 15 households clean their units.
Most of these old people live alone.
The lady our group visited is a widow whose husband died five years ago.
"Better don't trouble my children," she said.

Paul Park and James Na washed her windows, Roland scrubbed her kitchen, Benson mopped her floor while I sat and talked to her (hey, the guys insisted, ok?).

Found out one of her sons is a believer. But she's a Taoist.

Before we left, we had Siew Hong, who's a nurse by training, come over from another unit to look at her swollen wrist.
Then we prayed for her and left.

Training Leaders for the Global Harvest--
that's the dream of EAST.
A leader is a servant.
Humble.
Willing to get down and dirty.
Loves people.
Spring cleaning--

does its job.