A look at the winners of this year’s awards.
John Thomas Sam
Sam took a step of faith and left his home country of India for six months. He described winning the award as a milestone in his life and a demonstration of God’s grace, believing that it will propel him to greater things in the future. He has also been inspired by the commitment of the City Harvest Church members which he had the opportunity to witness during his time in Singapore and by the teaching of the Word. “Coming to SOT was a turning point in my life. It has changed my perspective of how I view the church, especially in the area of engaging culture.
“Although I have been in full-time ministry for the past seven years, I am excited to go back [to India] and start an advertising agency which has been my desire for some time. Thank you Pastor Kong, Pastor Bobby and all the leaders and members in CHC!”
Chen Yu-Kun
Chen comes from Taiwan and has enjoyed his journey for the past six months in Bible school. When he came to Singapore, Chen decided that he wanted to serve God actively in the various church ministries which he saw as an opportunity to grow in his character and develop an attitude of servanthood. So he sought every opportunity to serve in CHC and help out in the school. His inspiration was fuelled further by founder of CHC, Kong Hee. “He has always been my example and inspiration, especially when I see how he uses his life to serve others. I thank God and am so grateful for this award.”
Shirly Johanes
This award recognizes the student who has done extremely well in all exams and assignments and has attained the highest score in overall grades. “Johanes,” as Tan Kim Hock, academic dean of SOT and pastor in CHC shares,” is a student who was able to digest the knowledge she received readily and easily. She also had a great ability to understand what was being taught in class and it showed in her exam scripts and assignments. Tan added, “More importantly, Shirly displayed a great attitude of servanthood [throughout the school term], and together with her husband Harry, they have humbly availed themselves to serve despite the need to take care of their own business and family.”
Team 27
The team of 22 working adults and university students was united on many fronts which included doing physical arrangement in school, class exercises and even studying for the exams. Team 27 also went beyond their regular call of academic duties to celebrate their teammate’s wedding and the birth of another teammate’s baby.
Team leader, Lim Wee Kiong Winston, recalls, “I believe what set us apart was how we stayed together with each other through thick and thin. When we were together, joy was multiplied and burdens were divided.”
One instance that really gelled the team together was a mission trip to Jakarta. Before they set off, some of the team members who were more financially able decided to sponsor the flights for some of their friends.
CN PHOTOS : Poh Yang Zheng & Yan Juyi |
Best Attendance
The 14 winners of this award fulfilled all of the following school curriculum activities, above and beyond their regular weekly cell group meetings and weekend services:
531 school hours; 63 ministry practicum hours; 14 prayer meetings (29 for international students); 10 book reviews; 10 sermon outlines; 7 exams; and 4 preaching tests.
Hsiao-Chen Juan (Taiwan)
Huang Chiung-Hua (Taiwan)
Chen Meng Zhu (China, Hong Kong)
Ji Xin Lei (China, Hong Kong)
Zhu Yan Hua (China, Hong Kong)
Liu Man Ho (China, Hong Kong)
Lam Yin Wan (China, Hong Kong)
Liu Ya Nan (China, Hong Kong)
Liu Ting Hong (China, Hong Kong)
Xu Zhen Gang (China, Hong Kong)
Tao Guo Peng (China, Hong Kong)
Vivien Siow Seau Wen (Singapore)
Sieow Je Lin (Singapore)
Zhou Yufan (Singapore)