Graduand Mali Jana: Grown and Ready to Go

Graduand Mali Jana entered EAST in January 2024 and started the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program. She came from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and over the past two and a half years, she has grown through the equipping at EAST and is ready to go back home to serve. She will graduate on May 16, 2026.

Below are the excerpts from Mali’s Summative Portfolio Project where she recorded what she has gleaned from her time at EAST and it will give the reader a sense of what an EAST student go through and learn.

Committed to Growing in Christlikeness

Through Field Practicum & FIRM,  I was taught to pray by bowing and kneeling, which helped me express wholehearted devotion to God. Practicing this prayer posture changed me physically and spiritually and gave me strength throughout the day as I depended on Him.

Learning and Living God’s Word

“Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics changed the way I read the Bible. I learned not to read Scripture based on my own interpretations, but to understand what God is truly saying through the biblical context and correct interpretation. This
course helped me see that God is the main character of the Bible—not myself.”

Communicating God’s Word Effectively

Being part of a cell group in Singapore at Thomson Road Baptist Church has been a valuable experience as I minister in a new cultural context. At first, I was afraid and wondered what they would expect from me—whether I needed to be very well organised or perform perfectly to meet their needs. This made me feel stressed. However, through God’s guidance, He spoke to me through Bible verses and reminded me that my role is simply to be a messenger of His Word. This realisation brought me relief and reminded me that it is God’s Word that works, not my own ability.

God is the One who touches hearts and leads people. Through this experience, I learned that I am only a vessel who carries His
message to others. When I focus on Him rather than my own worries, I can teach with joy. As a result, there is peace and
joy in the group, and people receive His Word because I prioritise trusting God rather than relying on my own strength.

Spiritual Leadership – The Ministry Weekend (2025: Da Nang, Vietnam)

During the MG Ministry Weekend), I learned what true leadership looks like through the example of Leader Dung. Dung not only shares the message of the gospel but also cares for the practical needs of people.

He provides English education, and he also gives some disciples the opportunity to work with him at the food street, where they receive food and basic resources. Although he does not have much, he still chooses to give. Seeing how he integrates the gospel
with practical care challenged me to think more deeply about what true leadership looks like.

Passionate Spiritual Multiplier

Through working as a team, I have learned how important it is to serve alongside others who share the same heart for God. I was deeply touched by Brother Jingfei and Sister Mayee’s example through the CCTI course and how they lead a healthy team that prays for one another, supports one another, and encourages each other to grow closer to God together.(2025: Siliguri, India)

Program Emphasis: Master of Arts in Theology

Theology of persecution, a paper on the persecution of Christians in North Korea. This persecution is marked by extreme cruelty and torture toward those who follow Christ. The persecution of Emperor Nero and the repeated pattern of
Satan’s opposition throughout history. Although persecuted, the number of believers has continued to grow. God continues to work, and He does not abandon His people

This study has deeply encouraged me in my own ministry. Although ministry can be difficult and tense at times, my struggles cannot be compared to the suffering faced by believers in other parts of the world. Reminding me to keep Him at the center—relying not on human strength or understanding, but fully on Him.

Her conclusion: Through these courses, I have learned that God has shaped me to know Him more deeply. This portfolio illustrates and exemplifies how He has worked in my life over the past two and a half years. I would like to update this portfolio every two years so that it can reflect how God continues to shape and use me in ministry. It will help me see the beautiful ways God is working in my ministry—things I sometimes forget—but this reflection confirms and reminds me of God’s gracious presence with us. It also encourages me to be a better steward in sharing His love with others and to glorify the One we love the most, our Lord.

Over the past two and a half years, this journey has affirmed that God has called me to be a missionary steward through education. During this time, I have developed a stronger conviction to serve Him in this meaningful work. My role is not only to provide education but also to nurture their spiritual growth, knowing that only God can truly fulfill and transform a
student’s life. I desire to continue serving refugee students from Myanmar, Thai students, and, in the future, students from other nations in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Mali’s late mother started a gospel school for Myanmar refugee children in Chiang Mai. She will return home to run this school upon graduation.