“And the Academic Excellence award goes to…”
On 17th May 2008, Benson graduated from the East Asia School of Theology (EAST) with a degree in Master of Divinity in Teaching and Exposition. In addition, he also received the Academic Excellence award. “I owe this award to my family,” he shared at the graduation party. “My wife, Jo, had been supporting me faithfully and sacrificially for the past three years, enabling me to concentrate on my course work so that I can be ‘equipped to handle the Word of God accurately’ (2 Tim 2:15). My daughter, Joy, had also been praying every night that, ‘Papa will study well and do well.’ ”
Ben had simply aimed to get through each term’s subjects. His goal was not to be a top student but simply to do his best, as unto the Lord. This aim took him through late night readings and writings, detailed planning of each term’s assignments so that he could balance study and family well, and maximizing each opportune time for reflection.
But eventually, it is what we do with what we know that matters. Ben had many opportunities to employ his learning to bless various groups of people. With small teams of staff, big groups of students, young parents in his cell group, or couples in the church parenting class, he was able to share and teach from the Word of God with greater confidence and certainty. It has truly been a tough but rewarding journey of learning in EAST.
As Ben marked a milestone in completing his studies, we will also embark on a new beginning. We had served in the Campus ministry for nine to eleven years before studying in EAST. Through the last three years of study, Ben found that he has a niche in doing research work and desires to teach the Bible as a long-term ministry. After much prayer and discussions, we decided to join EAST as ministry staff, with a view to teach there in future. EAST is a division of the Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ ministry, thus we will continue to be full time support-raising staff workers, laboring to “develop Christ-like leaders for the Great Commission.” Ben is now the Operations Director, managing all the administrations and operations of the school. In due time, he will also oversee a new program that brings theological studies to the laymen in churches and working adults in the marketplace. Jo will serve alongside Ben (her heart is in developing our new colleagues in the operations department) and she will be taking some Bible classes as well.
With this new venture, together with some internal revisions of our salary and ministry expenses, we are in need of raising S$400 more monthly financial support. We sincerely hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining our support team to equip more pastors, missionaries and church workers through our courses and to bring theological education to the masses.
