Soul Care for Indonesian Doctoral Students
(Front row, L-R) Drs Sarinah Lo, Lau Ying Kheng, Jeannette Shubert, Rev Jonathan Yao, & Dr Ishak Wonohadidjojo. Ps Hendra Bangun (3rd Row, extreme left)
A Mentoring Group (MG) Retreat was held on 21-23 October 2022 at Medan, Indonesia for 15 doctoral-level students with the theme “Soul Care for Ministry Professionals.” It followed an in-person module by Dr Ishak Wonohadidjojo on curriculum design and development as the last module for the doctoral program coursework phase. This is part of the Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance (AGSTA)—East Asia School of Theology (EAST) Doctor in Education (EdD) program, Indonesia. The program began in end-2020 amidst the Covid pandemic and the cohort did most of the modules online.
“Soul care is what we needed—thank you! How I wish we had MG Retreat at the start of our program. It would have better prepare us spiritually, to be more resilient, and grow in community as we seek to balance our studies and ministry over the last two years,” said retreat participants. This was the first time the cohort could gather in-person since the program began. Mentoring and transformative holistic education are the values and practices EAST brings to the AGSTA-EAST partnership for doctoral programs.
A Breath of Fresh Air
“A BREATH OF FRESH AIR” By Dr Lau Ying Kheng, faculty at East Asia School of Theology
In April this year, the 2nd wave of Covid-19 engulfed India, taking away over 7 million jobs. Almost overnight, 9,000 Indian children lost one or both parents (theguardian.com). It was devastating.
That wave made a splash in my life a month later. One early morning, while praying and preparing for a talk on “Freedom”, the Lord asked me, “You said your heart is broken for India, so what will you do for her?”
I shared this burden with my Bible study group two hours later; two of the ladies told me, “God asked me the same question before I came!” Read more
Soul care for Lent
The above slides were put together by Dr Lau Ying Kheng to remind us the importance of soul care and self-care during this Lenten season. When you feel sad because you miss home, or stressed because of unending work, stop what you are doing, get out and take a stroll in the park, smell the greens, touch the soil, speak to the Master, let Him still the storms in your heart. Better yet, switch off your phone.
With just five minutes of exposure to nature, “you can improve your self-esteem” and restore your perspective.
Riegel 2021, Don’t underestimate the Power of a Walk (ampproject.org)
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