New Student Ai Tam’s Faith-filled Journey to EAST

 

How did the initial rejection by the immigration authorities to study in Singapore become a spiritual exercise of faith affirming God’s call for one’s life? Ms Do Ai Tam, a Vietnamese new student with East Asia School of Theology (EAST) Master of Divinity (MDiv) program, shares of her eventful and faith-filled journey of His provisions coming to EAST.

Reflecting on the year 2025, I cannot stop giving thanks to the Lord for every milestone I have gone through. I have truly experienced His faithfulness in my academic journey to EAST and Singapore. Earlier on, I applied to join EAST as a program student and was duly accepted. I then applied to the Singapore immigration authorities for my Student’s Pass in April 2025. I had not expected any problem as I have a high level of confidence in my qualification and education. After submitting all the needed documents, however, my application was rejected. This left me greatly disappointed and confused. It also raised a question of whether God wanted me to pursue theological education at all.

A member of EAST Admissions Office, Mrs Boon Aitee prayed for and with me, and encouraged me to continue fixing my eyes on God and trust in His good timing. It was also heart-warming for me to hear from my brother, a current EAST student, that the school continue to remember me in their prayers. With other church leaders, I then helped with the setting up of an EAST extension centre (EEC)  in Vietnam to train our church leaders which started in July 2025. I was able to take some of the classes that were offered there. Doing so rekindled my heart’s desire to do theological education at EAST resident school. I was reminded that God who has called me to serve in ministry and be theologically equipped as a bible teacher is faithful and true.

In due course, EAST and I re-applied for my Student’s Pass in September 2025. During the process of submitting the necessary papers, despite the fear of failure again, my heart was lifted by the EAST community who did not give up on their prayers for me. It was amazing that each phase of the process went smoothly over the course of a month. Whenever I completed a section, my faith was bolstered. I was overwhelmed with God’s lovingkindness when my application was finally approved. During the preparation for my flight to Singapore, I was also concerned about finding a rental place at an affordable price. Praise God that upon arrival, through the school’s recommendation, I was able to afford a shared place in a house where I could dwell during my study years.

Altogether, these experiences are vivid evidence of the spirit of love and care in God’s family. My presence in Singapore undoubtedly affirmed God’s faithfulness. He listened to those who constantly interceded and fixed their eyes on Him.

My arrival in the Lion City, coupled with holding the student pass in my hand, is indeed a turning point in my spiritual life. It requires me to be in daily dependence on Him. My being able to study at EAST now is totally reliant on His perfect timing as according to Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (NIV). Learning from my Student’s Pass application failure in April, I have come to realise that God permitted unexpected moments to take place for my good, even though they may cause my emotions to go up and down. This is to teach me lessons of leaning on God with a humble mind. Coming to Singapore, therefore, is not only an ecstatic moment but also an adventurous journey in faith and obedience.

Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions [at] east.edu.sg for more information about studying at EAST with a program of your choice.