Welcoming New Student: Dom Chen

Welcome Lunch with Dom Chen
Our new student for the second semester, Mr Dom Chen (pseudonym) has arrived in Singapore during the Advent Season. He had wanted to study at EAST back in 2019 but at that time, Covid-19 happened and the world was in a panic mode globally. We at EAST are as heartened as he is that he has finally made his way to Singapore and EAST after the pandemic has more or less settled down. Below is a short interview with Dom regarding how he came to know about EAST and his experience thus far. Do pray for him and his family who will soon be joining him that their years of equipping at EAST will be impactful for their lives, leading them to greater transformation in their Head, Heart, Hands by the power of the Holy Spirit for the Glory of God.
1) How did you know about EAST?
First of all, Nelson Lo, currently an EAST Resident Faculty, had been my mentor for two years during my college years. We have been keeping in touch for many years, even upon graduation. I knew about EAST from him. Then, Ronald Tang (pseudonym), an EAST alumnus was our pastor. He graduated from EAST and also recommended the seminary. Finally, my wife had been a full-time staff in Cru for seven years and we have friends who studied in EAST.
Dr Robert K MacEwen: Exposition of Matthew & More
Pic 1: Family Pic of Dr Rob & Dr Lisa MacEwen & their daughter Lydia, Pic 2: Exposition of Matthew Class Pic
EAST was very honoured to have Dr Robert K MacEwen return as an Adjunct Faculty to teach an intensive course on the Exposition of Matthew from 22 November to 1 December which just ended last week. Dr Rob had travelled from The Netherlands with his wife Dr Lisa in the midst of a busy term time from Tyndale Theological Seminary where he is the Academic Dean to serve the students at EAST. EAST News caught up with him on a short interview below and his student Letitia wrote a short reflection on what she had learnt from the class.
Below are some interview questions for our website readers to get to know Dr Robert K MacEwen better.
1. What were the years you taught at EAST, what subjects did you teach, and what are some favourite memories you have of EAST?
I taught at EAST as a resident faculty member from 2010 through 2016, a time when EAST was at the Dorset Road campus. Since then I have been back a few times to teach module courses as an adjunct faculty member. The courses I’ve taught at EAST have included New Testament Narratives, New Testament Epistles and Revelation, New Testament Apologetics, Exposition of the Gospel of Matthew, Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels, Greek, Greek Exegesis, and Exegesis of 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
Reflections on Gender & Sexuality in Christian Ministry Class
The Study on Gender & Sexuality in Christian Ministry online course was recently conducted by Dr Heng Hwee Chuang, an EAST Adjunct Faculty. Below are some reflections from her students regarding what they have gleaned from the eight-day intensive course.
Chakriya Sok, an EAST Cambodian student, said, “Attending the Gender and Sexuality class as taught by Dr Hwee Chuang has been a fantastic experience. My professor is a knowledgeable and experienced individual on the subject. I appreciate how she simplifies complex concepts, making them easy to understand. Her kind interactions and encouragement added to my enjoyment of the class.”
Chakriya further elaborated: Read more
Alex Tang’s Advent Reflections – Blessed Hope
Dr Alex Tang, an adjunct faculty of EAST, is a man who wears many hats as a Senior Consultant Paediatrician at Johor Specialist Hospital, Associate Professor of Monash University School of Medicine in Malaysia, a member of many professional bodies, Chairman of the Johor Branch of the Malaysian Paediatric Association, founder of Spiritual Formation Institute at Holy Light Church in Johor Bahru and an elder at that church. He has recently penned an Advent Reflection for the upcoming Advent Season below.
Advent is my favourite season of the year. As the year draws to a close with numerous moments of drama, joy, and pain, I look forward to December, my designated Sabbath month: time for reflection, contemplation, and prayers. This is also the season of Advent, which always reminds me of hope. The first advent culminated in the birth of God incarnate to a young girl, and hope became flesh.
Advent, originating from ‘adventus,’ the Latin term for ‘coming,’ is a multifaceted season in the Christian calendar that transcends the mere anticipation of Christmas. It is a sacred period of spiritual introspection, a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the historical birth of Jesus Christ and contemplate His promised return. This dual nature of Advent imbues it with a depth and richness that is both reflective and forward-looking.