Yang Jin Oung: A story of God’s Grace

My Journey to EAST: A Story of God’s Grace

My name is Yang Jin Oung, and looking back at how I came to EAST, I can only confess that every single step has been led by the clear grace of God.

Before coming to Singapore, I dedicated 12 years to campus ministry with Korea Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC). During those years, God allowed me to witness incredible growth and bear much spiritual fruit among university students. It was a season of intense learning and passion. However, as the years went by, God began to expand my heart with a greater vision for global missions. I realised that to serve the world missions more effectively in this changing world, I needed to equip myself with sound theological training, advanced English proficiency, and professional ministry skills.

While praying about this next chapter, the Director of Cheonan CCC highly recommended EAST. As I researched the school, I was deeply moved to find that EAST perfectly aligns with the core vision and philosophy of CCC. It was not just an academic institution, but a community dedicated to launching Christ-centered leaders into the harvest fields. I knew immediately that this was where God was calling my family and me.

However, transitioning to a new country with a family always comes with many uncertainties and logistical challenges. This was where God provided comfort through EAST’s admissions team, especially through the wonderful guidance of Aitee. From the very beginning of the application process, she provided clear directions and step-by-step guides. What I am most grateful for was her responsiveness. Whenever I faced urgent or confusing questions while filling out the forms, she was always available for real-time communication via email and WhatsApp. Even during busy periods, her prompt, clear answers and constant reassurance took away all our anxieties. Through her kind and dedicated help, the complicated paperwork became a smooth and peaceful journey.

Looking back, the entire process has been a series of God’s perfect provisions. From receiving the student pass and finding a wonderful house through a smooth rental process, to being able to build a strong foundation starting from the EFS program, everything is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Currently, my family is taking small steps every day to adapt to our new life in Singapore. From boiling our own drinking water and figuring out online grocery shopping, to enjoying meals at local hawker centers, we are learning to embrace this culture. In the midst of this transition, I would highly appreciate your prayers for our family, especially for our second child, who is only four months old, to grow up healthy and strong in this new environment.

I am stepping into this new journey at EAST with deep gratitude. I am fully confident that the same God who led me through 12 years of campus ministry, and who went ahead of me to prepare our life in Singapore, will faithfully guide my studies and our family’s future. I look forward to being equipped at EAST to serve His kingdom more effectively across East Asia and beyond.