EAST 30th Anniversary Reflections

 

I graduated from EAST in 2018 with a Master in Divinity where fond memories remain of the campus in 1 Dorset Road. I came to EAST expecting to arm myself with theological training but God had more in mind for me – EAST equipped me to grow in head, heart and hands. 

At EAST, learning is imbued in every facet of the student life not only in the class but outside the walls of the classroom. There is emphasis on the application of head knowledge distilled through the heart. I am grateful to the teachers who made every effort to teach with passion and conviction that caused learning to take place. I am blessed to have thoroughly enjoyed every subject in my course. Indeed, EAST plays a significant role in equipping their students to become holistic practitioners in the field. 

Moreover the cross cultural environment in EAST fosters rich learning and interaction where students are exposed to broaden their perspective and sensitivity. This is crucial as we face an increasingly open and multicultural world. I have the privilege to continue to learn vicariously from some of my foreign coursemates who have returned to serve in their homelands. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, EAST was well placed to quickly pivot to the teaching and learning online platform, Populi, to continue the classes. It is amazing to see how God’s work done in His way and by His provisions cannot be stopped by even a worldwide pandemic where countries and economies reeled to a halt.  Personally I had enjoyed and benefitted from the study of the Book of Revelation via Zoom lessons! 

Towards 2022 as we move into the post pandemic world, national borders are reopening and people are desirous to return to normalcy and get on with their lives. Indubitably, many of us have been impacted in more ways than one. For some of us perhaps it is a good time to take stock of our relationships with God, family and others; and ministries as we evaluate our alignment with God’s calling and purpose to grow in the Lord.

Over the last thirty years, EAST’s unwavering vision and mission is to equip and raise Christlike leaders for the Great Commission. As I sat in the new EAST Mission Hub Chapel among EAST faithful servants of Christ I marvel at God’s faithfulness and unfailing love. When I hear the sharing of present and past students, ministry partners and the President CCH; I am in awe of the works of His mighty hands.  

“Therefore since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

May God continue to endow EAST with His amazing grace and provisions to attain its faith goals and produce supernatural fruits for His glory!

The above reflection is written by Wong Soo Fong, who together with her husband Michael Tien, graduated with Master of Divinity in Teaching and Exposition (2018), having spent five years completing their studies part-time at East Asia School of Theology. She assists her husband Michael in his business ventures, while also takes care of the home front by caring for their three daughters Elizabeth, Deborah, and Chloe. Their family worships at Covenant Evangelical Free Church. 

The EAST 30th Anniversary commemorative ebook may be viewed and downloaded. Here is a video looking back over the past 30 years at EAST presented at the above Thanksgiving celebration.