Pacesetters 2015

Pacesetters

Dear Reader,

As you turn the pages of Pacesetters 2015, we invite you to step into the lives of our students in the TCA community. You will come across students from all walks of life and diverse cultures. While each face tells a unique story, this community shares a common bond – the call of Jesus to sit at His feet and to be discipled by Him during this season of our lives. For “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Since the inception of the College, many local and international students have had their watering season at TCA and are continuing their sojourn with Jesus to minister in various fields. This season, we have come to the wellspring of God at TCA to grow deeper in our walk with Jesus even as we are equipped with skills for ministry. From the study of God’s Word to rich interactions with lecturers and fellow students, this community brings to life what our Lord said, “Whoever believes in me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38 (NKJV). As students, we experience a watering of our souls and in that process, become deeply rooted in our convictions and calling in Jesus.

It is not by chance that you are reading this magazine. Do you hear His still, small voice inviting you to a fresh and new season in your life? As you choose to follow that voice, may the Holy Spirit lead you to your wellspring – wherever that may be – to experience a deep watering of your soul that overflows to bring God’s truth and life to others.

Christina Koh, Editor

Sim Kok Boon, Christina Koh, Toni Er (Dean of Students), , Samuel Lee

College Family

Message from the Chancellor

There are times when we need to pause and consider why we do what we do.

Why do students choose to study in TCA College? What will they do with the excellent education they receive during their time in our classrooms?

There are questions that we, as a school, also need to ask ourselves. Why do we do what we do? As both an institution and as individuals, why do we spend so much time and effort to develop the best possible education for our students?

As Chancellor of TCA College, I too have considered these questions. For me, the answer to these questions can be found in Psalm 71:18 (NIV) which says, “Even when

I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation –your mighty acts – to all who are to come (the next generation).”

Our motivation is the passion to pass on both the knowledge and experience of the power of God to all who are to come. As a generation who has gone ahead, we can’t simply know of the power of God but we must walk in the power of God in every sphere of our lives. As we do so, the next generation – those of you who are graduating today – will catch on and go forth from these halls of education empowered to do great exploits for the Kingdom of God.

As you serve in His Kingdom, you will face increased opposition in

society but be assured that the Lord has called you and He is with you. My prayer is for God to use each of you mightily and that all you do will be for the fame of His Name.

Congratulations on your achievements and the Lord walk with you.

Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

My heartiest congratulations to the graduating cohort of TCA College 2015! It is a new day for you because you are entering into a new season. As you do so, I want to leave you with two important thoughts:

Firstly, be a person of vision.

In the early years of ministry, we often have big dreams and strong passions, which we rightly pursue with great energy and zest. However, along the way, this passion can become routine and the dreams we had can fade into a thing of the past. This is why we need to have a fresh vision of Christ every day of our lives, so we can bring about real transformation and impact wherever God places us.

The Bible exhorts us in Proverbs 29:18 (ESV), “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast

off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Vision comes from the heart of God and is impressed upon our hearts. We need to be led by that vision in order to go far with God.

Secondly, be a person of character. Our character must be big enough for our dreams or they will overwhelm us. In today’s world, the lines between right and wrong are often blurred and it can sometimes seem easier to compromise than to stand up for what we believe in. As the Lord leads you into success and fulfilment, guard your heart from pride and temptation. Stay above reproach and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.

As Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside

every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Many have gone before you in this race. It is now your turn. Ready, get set, go!

Rev Dominic Yeo

1Timothy

4:15-16 (NIV)

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

I rejoice with the graduates of 2015 as you complete an important milestone in your academic journey. However, I am keenly aware that while a certificate, diploma or degree serves to equip you for the ministry that is ahead of you, it does not guarantee an effective ministry in the Church or in the marketplace. This is why Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to be diligent in matters of his life and ministry. Let me highlight a few of them to you.

Teach the full gospel

Be courageous to teach what the Bible says, no matter how uncomfortable it may be to the ears of the hearers. We must teach the full counsel of God’s Word with love so the Holy Spirit can use these truths to transform lives. Many erroneous teachings have flooded the Church and we need to proclaim God’s truths to counter the many false teachings prevalent today.

Be an example

Be courageous to model a godly life for believers to follow. Through your lifestyle, demonstrate integrity that is congruent to the Word of God. It is through your daily life that believers will be convinced that God’s Word brings blessing to those who dare to follow it.

Message from the President

Persevere in both of them

Be courageous to persevere in both teaching and living out God’s Word. The culture we live in today will challenge the convictions you have that are based on God’s truths. As you persevere in living them out, you will inspire many in their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, you may have graduated but your learning is far from over. Continue to grow in the Word and your reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower you to declare and perform God’s wonders!

Rev Dr Wilson Teo

Message from the Dean School of Counseling

The journey to becoming a counselor can be fraught with a lot of introspection: “Why do I want to be a counselor?”, “What must I do in counseling?”, “What if I do or say the wrong thing and ‘harm’ the client?”

The Graduating Class of 2015 has had to deal with such reflections during their time in TCA College. Indeed, the journey to becoming a counselor is rigorous, intense and deeply personal!

Congratulations to all 11 students graduating with a Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) degree and two students graduating with the Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling (PDC) degree. Both degrees are awarded by TCA College and recognized by the Singapore Association for Counseling (SAC).

Several of our graduates are already practicing counselors while several others volunteer as counseling interns with Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs), agencies and churches.

In July 2014, we received international recognition for both our programs with the International Registry for Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP), which is the international division of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). TCA College is the first college in Singapore to be listed on the Registry of IRCEP.

We thank the Lord for the recognition accorded to our programs by SAC and IRCEP. We are also thankful for the growing interest from pastors who have

registered for our newly launched Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MAPC) since January 2015.

Counselors are critical changemakers in the community, serving one person at a time. This may be a tedious process but it is necessary as we take time to listen, engage, and empower the client to heal and overcome adversity. Such was the ministry of Jesus on earth and we humbly follow His example!

“The things you have learned and received and heard and seen… practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” –Philippians 4:9 (NASB)

May the blessings of God be upon you and your counseling practice!

Rev Sam Kuna

Message from the Dean School of Creative Arts

Congratulations to all the graduating students on this important milestone in your lives! You have achieved this through hard work and diligence in studying the Word of God.

I would like to direct your thoughts to Luke 7:36-50. This is a familiar passage, in which Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman. We discern from the context that the woman had great courage to enter the home of a Pharisee. She was undaunted by her lack of repute and the prospect of criticism and scorn. She was an unwelcome guest, but she was oblivious to criticism around her. Her eyes were fixed on Jesus and she was determined

to anoint Jesus with her gift of an expensive perfume. Similarly, there will be times you will be scorned, ridiculed, judged or even misunderstood. This is where you need to stand firm on what the Lord has placed upon your heart. Let us learn to be single-minded in the pursuit of our calling because we are called to serve Him and Him alone. We need to rise up in boldness and authority and use our discernment as we pursue His calling for us. It is Jesus we draw strength from in this journey.

My prayer is that you will be known as graduates who are passionate about God and single-minded in

your pursuit of Him. Continue to serve from a heart of gratitude for His grace, forgiveness and unending love in your lives. Like the woman, let your actions speak for you. May you be the sweet fragrance that leads people to Jesus. We are proud of you! Continue to shine for Him and bloom wherever you are placed.

Rev Dr Paul David

Message from the Dean School of Theology (English)

Last Christmas, someone blessed me with the book, The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer. As I read it, the portion about the myth of the ‘conveyor belt’ approach to learning resonated with me. Palmer writes:

In the objectivist myth, truth flows from the top down, from experts who are qualified to know truth…to amateurs who are qualified only to receive truth. In this myth, truth is a set of propositions about objects; education is a system for delivering those propositions to students; and an educated person is one who can remember and repeat the experts’ propositions.

Palmer points out that learning should instead take place within an interactive and dynamic community of truth. This is where we share our observations and interpretations, where we challenge, correct and complement each other’s understanding as we search for consensus and growth.

Graduates, I congratulate you on the completion of your studies! You have completed your journey with the community of truth – the School of Theology. It has been my privilege to be on this journey with you – to have laughed, wept, learned and grown in the understanding of our faith together. I trust you will always treasure what you have

learnt, the friendships you’ve formed, and the relationships made with other communities of truth in the pages of your books. As you continue your work in your ministry, I exhort you to refrain from adopting the ‘conveyor belt’ model in your ministry. Instead, build a community of truth in your ministry, an interactive community where the dynamic Holy Spirit will delight to move, and where the body of Christ will reach unity in the faith and attain the full measure of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:13).

May God bless you richly and abundantly as you pursue Him.

Rev Dr Dennis Lum

Programs Offered

School of Counseling

Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling

Master of Arts in Counseling

Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling

School of Creative Arts

Continuous Learning Program

Creative Arts Workshops

Trainings and Consultations

School of Theology

English Department

Certificate in Ministry

Diploma in Theology

Bachelor of Theology

Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Master of Arts in Ministry

Master of Divinity

Chinese Department

Certificate in Ministry

Diploma in Theology

Bachelor of Theology

Master of Arts in Ministry

Master of Divinity

Master of Theology

College Leadership

Front: Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy, Rev Dr Wilson Teo, Rev Dominic Yeo

Back: Dr Joy Tsai, Rev Dr Paul David, Rev Sam Kuna, Rev Dr Dennis Lum, Toni Er

Faculty and Staff

School of Theology(

School of Theology (English)

Front: Rev Dr Dennis Lum (Dean), Rev Joseph Tan, Dr Richard Goetz

Back: Rev Dr Jerry Goh, Lily Lim, Dr Tan Hock Seng, Dr Babu Immanuel

School of Theology (Chinese)

S chool ofTheology(Chinese)

Rev Dr Andrew Teoh , Rev Thomas Low , Dr Joy Tsai , Kelvin Teo , Rev Dr Bernard Koh , Dr Leong Siang Nuan

School of Creative Arts

Rev Dr Paul David (Dean)

School of Counseling

Rev Anita Chia, Rev Sam Kuna (Dean), Esther Tzer-Wong, Dr Leslie Lim

Administrative Staff

Sharon Chua, Jenny Su, Patricia Loke, Rev Lam Ee Lin, Alma Baselonia, Barry Chee, Winnie Ngui, Pauline Se

Center for Counseling

Front: Esther Tzer-Wong, Rev Sam Kuna, Rev Anita Chia

Back: Susan Lincoln, Chua Yean Shien, Sherrilyn

Thanam, Audrey Yeo

The Student Council

God has a unique calling for everyone according to His good purpose. During this season, men and women from various nations have responded to God’s call in their lives to study at TCA College. The College grounds students in the Word of God and inculcates the attitude of serving alongside our studies.

The Student Council is one such platform for leaders of small groups to exemplify servant leadership as they are responsible for students’ welfare, interests and concerns. It is a commitment being a part of the Council, as leaders have to expend time and energy to attend meetings and organise activities such as Cultural Night, Cohesion Day and prayer meetings.

Cultural Night was an event that helped everyone bond with each other, as we learned more about each other’s traditions and cultures. We were united in heart and spirit as we prayed for the different nations that night. Cohesion Day encouraged interaction among everyone as we played outdoor games. The Student Council also organized regular prayer meetings to pray for the students and the College.

God has a purpose and plan for those He has called to TCA College. Here, students experience life transformation even as we are being trained to be responsible Christian leaders who are fully equipped to serve in ministry and missions. Responding to God’s call to come to TCA College has been a tremendous blessing, as I have received a good theological education and ministerial training so I can do greater things for the glory of the Father.

Mike Tan See Leng President, Student Council

Front: Isaac Tay, Ethel Shin, Toni Er (Dean of Students), Mike Tan, , Melody Yao

Back: Jason Karthikasen, Maryanne Tan, , Samuel Morrison,

Small Groups

Small Groups

epsilon

zeta

eta theta

InterSeminary Games

The annual Inter-Seminary Games was held at the stadium of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) on March 6, where students and faculty from the various seminaries gathered for a time of fellowship and friendly competition over games. The participating schools were: TCA College, Baptist Theological Seminary, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore Bible College, and Trinity Theological College.

TCA students and lecturers were grouped according to the games they had signed up to play: dodgeball, soccer, captain’s ball or a telematch. Each group met once a week to train for the Games. The cheerleading team also met regularly to practise their cheers to support their schoolmates on the day!

We were blessed with good weather on the day of the Games, and everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm levels were sky-high! There was great sportsmanship and team spirit, accompanied by cheers from the cheerleading team. Spirits were especially high when our soccer team made it to

the finals, and our boys emerged champions for the sport! Congratulations to our team!

This year’s Inter-Seminary Games was filled with many wonderful memories. Most importantly, it helped foster a stronger bond among the students and lecturers and brought forth the spirit of unity in TCA!

Cultural Night

This year’s Cultural Night was a memorable one. The theme was ‘Childhood in Different Cultures’. Faculty, staff and students travelled back in time and reminisced about the good old days of their childhood. More importantly, this was an event to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of TCA College, a college for the nations.

The melodious and majestic sound of the Scottish bagpipes ushered in the Parade of the Nations. 17 national flags represented the countries the faculty, staff and students hail from in the parade, followed by a time of prayer and intercession for each of the countries. It was an encouragement to witness the number of countries represented in the College increasing year after year.

Each group also brought a variety of ethnic childhood snacks and games, eliciting giggles from everyone as the items reminded them of their childhood. Comments such as ‘Oh, that’s five stones!”, “How do you play zero point?”, “Oh my! That’s my favourite childhood titbit!” abounded. Different cultural groups also presented skits, songs, games and dance performances reminiscent of their respective childhoods, prompting lots of laughter and cheer from the audience. In one of the performances, the audience was invited to join in Tinikling, a traditional Filipino bamboo folk dance, while the ethnic costume fashion parade showcased the students’ and staff’s creativity and catwalk skills.

The night ended on a high note, with a time of thanksgiving to the Lord for it was indeed a meaningful, memorable and magnificent evening! All glory to God!

Cohesion Day

Sun, sand and sea set the stage for Cohesion Day 2015.

each group presented their creative cheers.

The TCA College family gathered at beautiful Siloso Beach – on Sentosa – for a day of fun, fellowship and bonding. The early morning rain filled the air with a fresh fragrance and brought beautiful weather as we began the day’s activities.

Students, faculty members, and administrative staff were organized into groups for an icebreaker activity; each group had to decide on a group name and cheer. Energy levels were brought to a high as

The groups were then flagged off for an “amazing race” across the beaches of Sentosa. Every group was required to exhibit teamwork to complete the challenges. In line with the theme “Everyone, a leader”, members in each group had to take turns to lead in the different tasks.

One task required teams to comb the beach to find a variety of stones. Another required looking for a stranger who could wish

Singapore a “Happy 50th Birthday” in a language other than English or Chinese. A third required teammates to wrap a group member head-totoe in newspaper and carry him/her across a distance. With creativity, perspiration, and laughter, every

group completed their tasks with excellence.

A delicious lunch followed where food and fellowship created greater bonds within the TCA College family. This was followed by additional interactive games at the Pavilion. Through these games, we saw different sides of one another, sides we do not get to see on campus.

Cohesion Day was truly a day that brought us all closer together and built up our college spirit!

Vietnam Missions T rip Missions Trip

I was given the opportunity to teach the subject of Apologetics along with Dr Richard Goetz at a Bible School in Ho Chi Minh City. It was my first experience on a teaching missions trip. Over the course of seven days, I lived alongside the students and learned even as I taught. Although I was the teacher, I was spiritually enriched by the students as I observed their faith and devotion to God and His Word.

Though the topics that I was assigned to teach were familiar, I found myself learning afresh during my lesson preparations as I had to dive deep into the material. Indeed, one learns more from teaching than when one is merely receiving. Topics such as world views and the evidence of God’s existence turned from mere fact in a textbook to heartfelt concepts as I looked for ways to explain and illustrate these truths as creatively as I could. The lessons on cultural contextualization from my class in Missiology were also particularly helpful in my teaching approach.

Turning these lesson plans into a full day of standing before fellow Bible school students was a rewarding experience for me. I learned to adapt to the students’ backgrounds by working with the translator to simplify my words and phrases and used illustrations more relevant for their cultural setting.

This teaching experience is a reaffirmation of God’s calling upon my life. I was strengthened in my faith as I witnessed the students’ commitment and passion. I pray that any TCA student who embarks on such teaching trips in the future will similarly be enriched in his or her walk with God.

Jay Ong

20 Years

of counseling in singapore

I earned my first diploma in counseling from the Counseling and Care Centre (CCC) in 1987. At the time, CCC was the leading counselor training center in Singapore. Armed with the knowledge I gained during my time there, I started applying my skills in Teen Challenge Singapore, where I served as Executive Director.

However, I found that my diploma in counseling was insufficient for making a difference in the care and outreach of exoffenders and recovering drug addicts. In 1991, the hunger for advanced training led me, together with my family on an adventure to the US to gain my professional credentials in counseling. Today, I encourage anyone wanting to become a counselor to ensure they are equipped with nothing less than a master’s degree from a recognized program or university.

In 1996, I returned to Singapore after completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling (MFCC). Upon my return, I reconnected with my mentor, Mr Anthony Yeo and once again strengthened my ties with CCC and the Singapore Association for Counseling (SAC).

What has happened in the counseling scene over the past 20 years?

The counseling profession in Singapore in the late ‘90s was growing, but the level of training counselors had gone through was largely a mystery. Back then, anyone with minimal training in counseling skills could call himself a counselor, and even start a business!

This was a big concern for professional counselors, churches and the authorities, as a counselor without proper training could harm instead of help clients. Together with Mr Anthony Yeo and the SAC executive committee, of which I was a member, we wrote a paper appealing to the authorities for the recognition and licensing of counselors. We wanted to protect the public from inadequately trained individuals who could abuse the counseling relationship and adversely affect the clients and profession.

Unfortunately the paper wasn’t accepted, so the SAC decided to launch a process of self-regulation with its members in 2000. Today, SAC has grown to more than 600 members and sets the benchmarks for practitioners and counselor education programs in Singapore.

Prerequisite for Counselors

Historically, any person with an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Work or Sociology can progress towards a career in Professional Counseling. Now graduates from any discipline may apply to any of 13 programs provided by the 11 universities and colleges recognized by SAC (SAC website, 2015), which provide advanced postgraduate training in counseling.

TCA College is among the 11 recognized institutions and welcomes applicants to undertake any one of our three advanced degrees that we offer in our School of Counseling. Since June 2014, our two professional counseling programs have also been recognized by the International Registry for Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP).

Counselors can work in many settings. They include: all schools under purview of the Ministry of Education, private schools, the Singapore Prison Service, MINDEF, MSF, universities, hospitals, family service centers, community services organizations, voluntary welfare organizations (both small and large charities), churches and religious organizations, private practice or group private practice, rehabilitation and residential services for people with special needs, and freelance practitioners and trainers.

A major development area for counseling that I foresee is in corporate and workplace mental health. There is a growing concern about the stresses and strains people face thanks to the pressures of globalization, impact of technology and pace of business developments. This has resulted in issues

of workplace mental health, emotional and psychological wellbeing becoming growing concerns that business leaders and Human Resource personnel need to address.

While the church is strategically positioned to reach out to the communityat-large to help people in need, many church members and their family members are also facing similar challenges. Churches can offer counseling services that provide their members with a listening ear and a safe place for them to achieve emotional and psychological well-being.

Counselors who are skilled in structuring and guiding counseling interventions can provide a neutral space for discussions without getting emotionally involved with the people or being affected by the process.

Not only do Christian counselors believe in a person’s dignity and uniqueness as he is created in the image of God, they also respect confidentiality and privacy. Counselors also tend to have good listening and interpersonal skills, and trained to be sensitive towards their clients as well as empower them to make decisions and initiate change.

The circle of influence and the need for counselors in Singapore has definitely widened in the past 20 years and can only get bigger in the years to come. Pastors and church leaders can step up to make a difference and consider developing counseling as a significant part of the church’s contribution to the community.

Rev Sam Kuna

Christian Qualities, Counselor Qualities

Job Scope for Counselors

School of Counseling Seminars

“Minding the Body Moving: An Experiential Session of Dance/Movement Therapy for Self”

Dance/Movement Therapy (D/MT) or bodybased work, is a treatment method which works by changing the internal state through external movement. The aim of D/ MT is to foster communication by means of body action, nonverbal empathy and to enhance the relief of bodily and emotional blockages through self-expression and symbolic communication. The seminar was conducted by Ms Lillian Thio-Kaplan who is a licensed Provincial Registered psychotherapist (PACFA, ARCAP) and a professional Dance/Movement Therapist (DTAA).

On the day, participants were briefed to observe confidentiality for whatever transpired at the session. Within the confines of this safe environment, they were led to give way to free expression, to imagine, to move rhythmically, and dance with exaggerated moves. Those who wished to remain still and stationary were free to do so.

Participants were also invited to interact with one another without using words. Best of all, no one was judged for making the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ moves! Using calm and soothing instructions, Lillian encouraged the participants to interpret and express each other’s movements. Participants were also taught how to engage in self-dialogues.

At the end of each dance segment, participants were given time to express their thoughts through art and to verbalize their newly-discovered feelings.

The three-hour session provided opportunities for increased self-awareness and sensitivity towards one’s surroundings. Moving rhythmically helped to relax tensed muscles while interactions with others led to better social integration.

Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis

Introduction to Clinic

Many people have misconceptions about hypnosis. This could be due to how hypnosis tends to be portrayed in movies. Some people have dismissed hypnosis as mind control and brainwashing. Others may think that the hypnotist has special powers. Christians may even look at it as a tool of

Many have miscon be due to how hypnosi Some have dis Oth Ch the devil. the “Introd our trainer, Mr Jo that th conscio mind is a level is the subconsc and consequent habits, reactions to situations. mi m nd, which is difficult me m mo mori r es e e

During the “Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis” seminar, our trainer, Mr Joachim Lee, debunked these myths. He explained that the human mind consists of three distinct levels of consciousness. The first level of the conscious mind is logical, analytical and seeks to reason. The next level is the subconscious mind, a store of past experiences and consequent habits, which then control our feelings and reactions to situations. The deepest layer is the unconscious cult to penetrate and holds suppressed memories of traumatic events.

The main objective of hypnosis is behavior change. Hypnosis works at the subconscious level and is premised on the fact that habits that control responses to situations can be altered. The hypnotherapist typically uses relaxation techniques, imagery or promptings to help the client unlearn old habits and learn new ones to bring about the desired change in their life.

Th T e maain n of h wo w rkks at a the subconscio that habbits th t at control responses to situation uses relaxation techniques, o old habits and learn new ones to bring about t

This seminar has helped counselors to realise that they too practise a form of ‘hypnosis’. In counseling, the aim is also to bring about behavioral change. Counselors do this by making the client aware of underlying habits that control his mind and create the desire to modify them for positive change. It is clear that both hypnotherapists and counselors share the same goal of improving lives.

School of Creative Arts Workshops

The School of Creative Arts (SCA) offers different training tracks for various needs. In the past year, we have hosted four workshops that provide practical handles to help music teams enhance their musicality. These workshops also served to remind the learners that even as we serve, we are first and foremost worshippers of God. Talented musicians were engaged as trainers for these workshops, while participants came from a myriad of denominations and churches in Singapore.

Drums

James Pang, owner of the renowned My Drum School in Singapore was engaged as the trainer for the drums workshop. He also serves as the music advisor and drummer in Brighton Community Church. The workshop covered technique, groove, dynamics and leadership. Participants had the opportunity to practice some of the drum exercises with James guiding them along the way. The important reminder to all was to practice regularly with a metronome to keep good time and create a strong foundation and groove for any band.

Electric Guitar

Ily Mark is a multi-talented musician and Music Director/Worship Leader from Every Nation Church. In this workshop, he covered technique, groove, dynamics, tone and effects. Participants were encouraged to practice finger exercises to enhance their playing styles so they can become more versatile players.

“Practical and helpful recommendations”

“Keep learning, listening and being inspired”

“Ways to approach different songs”

“To be a worshipper more than just a musician”

“Role of Christian musicians”

Acoustic Guitar

Lebbeus Lau is a skilled guitarist who runs Guitar Merge, a company that trains aspiring musicians. This workshop covered simple music theory, groove, technique, dynamics of strumming patterns and finger-strengthening exercises. Participants learned by experimenting with some of the strumming patterns taught by Lebbeus. They were also taught to think like a drummer so that they could better keep the groove in a song. This tip can be applied either in a cell group or band setting.

Keyboard

Julia Wee is an excellent music arranger and private music instructor, who also serves as a band leader in Riverlife Church. This workshop covered areas such as exploring various sounds, extending triadic frontiers, accompaniment grooves, transitions and modulations as well as the layering of sounds. The participants were amazed as to how they could get much more than a basic piano sound out of a digital keyboard by augmenting it.

TCA College School of Creative Arts is honored and privileged to be able to collaborate with churches from various denominations to encourage, establish, build and train music teams to give excellence to God and live a life of worship beyond the stage.

“我在这里！” 破除

“蒙召与事奉”的迷思

Graduates’ Reflections

The emphasis on Christian faith integration and practicebased professional learning has truly made my time at TCA College an interesting and unique experience. My lecturers were instrumental in demonstrating how Christians who are professionally trained can integrate their faith and counseling in secular settings. Such an experience has not only equipped me with professional counseling skills, it has also challenged me to think biblically and be committed to Christian values regardless of where I practice my skills.

Looking back, my journey in TCA College which started three years ago has been an incredible one. It is as though the scales finally dropped off from my eyes, as our Heavenly Father helped me to see things through His eyes. It is such a refreshing experience as I get to learn about myself and others. I can now appreciate how individuals, couples and families are being formed and knitted. All glory to Jesus!

I thank God for my time at TCA. The learning journey here has transformed me to become a better pastor and a college lecturer in Thailand. Before TCA, I was already serving as a pastor. However, several modules opened my mind and deepened my understanding of ministry. The experience in the small group was also very enriching. Both lecturers and students had poured out their lives into it.

I am proud to have been a part of TCA.

Fun Suet Quen, Sandie

Master of Arts in Counseling

Hsu Yuk Chor, Peter

Master of Arts in Counseling

Anuntanitivet Maitree

Master of Divinity

From a desire to know God more, it has become my life ambition to love God above all else. My time in TCA College brought that awakening and deepening. I loved it here, even in times when it was not easy. It was not easy to read those thick books; not easy to learn those long Greek words; not easy to focus with full time ministry. However, the family here, inspiring faculty and loving friends, influenced me to emerge more equipped and more passionate. All glory to God!

Yin Ben Hai,

Wong Mei Yan, Mavis

Master of Arts in Ministry

Tien Phet Hiong, Eunice, T

The Graduates

Certificate in Ministry

Cheung Ka Yee, *

Singapore

Diploma in Theology

Ng Shen-Chiang, Aaron

Singapore

*Not pictured

Ng Shen-Chiang, Aaron

Bachelor of Theology

Jeremiah Narvinder Singh, Bajwa

Singapore

Kok Wai Yin, Esther

Singapore

Lee Teck Leong, Larry

Singapore

Ng, Luke Zachary

Singapore

Jeremiah Narvinder Singh, Bajwa

Kok Wai Yin, Esther

Ng, Luke Zachary

Lee Teck Leong, Larry

The Graduates Bachelor of Theology

Tan Gek Peng, Cheryl

Singapore

Tang Wai Heng

Singapore

Yong Yuhao, Linda

Singapore

Tan Gek Peng, Cheryl

Tang Wai Heng

Yong Yuhao, Linda

Graduate Diploma

in Christian Studies

Komolhathai Sadudee Andrew*

Thailand

Yap Wai Sung, Francis

Singapore

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Aw Wai Loon

Singapore

*Not pictured

Yap Wai Sung, Francis

Aw Wai Loon

The Graduates

Master of Arts in Ministry

Chang Wai Wai Singapore

Tien Phet Hiong, Eunice, Malaysia

Wei Chun Yan, Linda, China

Wong Mei Yan, Mavis Singapore

Yin Ben Hai, China

Chang Wai Wai

Tien Phet Hiong, Eunice,

Wei Chun Yan, Linda, Wong Mei Yan, Mavis

Yin Ben Hai,

The Graduates Master of Divinity

Anuntanitivet Maitree

Thailand

Jin DongYu, China

Jung Eun Sook, Korea

Kalino Vikato Kinimi India

Lai Pui Man, Elaine Singapore

Tan YingJie, Angela Singapore

Teo Eileen, Angel

Singapore

Wee Hwee Teck

Singapore

Anuntanitivet Maitree Jin DongYu,

Tan YingJie, Angela

Teo Eileen, Angel

Jung Eun Sook, Kalino Vikato Kinimi

Wee Hwee Teck

Lai Pui Man, Elaine

The Graduates

Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling

Ho Kum Koon*

Singapore

Wong Wun Chee

Malaysia

Zheng Huijuan, Joy

China

*Not pictured

Zheng Huijuan, Joy

Wong Wun Chee

Master of Arts in Counseling

Foo Lai Lan, Paula

Singapore

Fun Suet Quen, Sandie

Singapore

Hsu Yuk Chor, Peter

Singapore

Foo Lai Lan, Paula

Fun Suet Quen, Sandie

Hsu Yuk Chor, Peter

The Graduates

Master of Arts in Counseling

Lim Chong Huat, Shawn

Singapore

Lye Yin Fong, Jean

Singapore

Ng Seng Seng*

Malaysia

Ong Hong Ching, Sandie

Singapore

Seah Wenjie, Caleb

Singapore

Song Poh Poh, Angeline

Singapore

Wong Yew Fei, Benjamin

Singapore

Vaithilingam Thanam Sherrilyn

Singapore

*Not pictured

Lim Chong Huat, Shawn

Wong Yew Fei, Benjamin

Vaithilingam Thanam Sherrilyn

Lye Yin Fong, Jean

Song Poh Poh, Angeline

Seah Wenjie, Caleb

Ong Hong Ching, Sandie

Congratulations Angel Teo

With love from Friends and Family

2 Corinthians 4:13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak

Congratulations on your Graduation

With Love from: Patrick, Angela & Theodore Koh

May God guide and direct you in abundant grace as you embark on a journey in helping others grow spiritually.

Pastor Chang Wai Wai

Pastor Larry Lee

Ms Elaine Lai

As you embark on a new chapter, may you find each new day challenging and rewarding!

Jeremiah 29:11 ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

From Yishun Christian Church (Anglican)

Tan Gek Peng, Cheryl

Congratulations

Ms Elaine Lai

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

With Love from: Sunrisers!

Peter & Yvonne Peng

Ronald & Rosalind Ong

Peter & Cecilia Ong

PS Poh & Guat Ler

Lawrence & Shirley Tan

Nelson Ng & Anna Tan

Suzie Mok & Julie Mok

Tian Su Feng & Adeline Tan

Patrick & Angela Koh

Teo Eileen, Angel

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:17, 23-24 ESV

With God’s love, Stanley Yeo & Gabriel Yeo