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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.