I remember entering SBC with one fear—that my faith would not grow in tandem with my knowledge. Now that I am approaching the end of my SBC journey, I can testify that this fear has proved unfounded. If anything, I have been even more inspired in my faith while learning and serving in the SBC community. The lecturers have served as the most important key in this journey, unlocking for me not only a wealth of knowledge that made my love and wonder for the Word of God grow, but also a whole new paradigm of what it means to love God. They shared not just knowledge, but also their lives with us, choosing to be vulnerable and authentic. They modelled for me what it means to have knowledge that does not puff up, by their love for God and for man. They have grown my faith more than (I think) they can imagine. I shall remain forever grateful and inspired.

Janis Lim
Master of Divinity (Biblical Studies)
Singapore

Am I ready for the mission field? In 2021, while working in a para-church organization in Singapore, I was faced with this question. However, the honest answer then was no, which led me to enrol at SBC to prepare to go to Japan, my home country. I thank God for the opportunity to learn how to understand the Bible in depth and how to communicate the gospel by analyzing cultural context. Yet, the greatest encouragement came from being in the community of future pastors and missionaries who are passionate about sharing the gospel. Knowing I am not alone in this journey gives me the courage and strength to follow God wherever and whenever he leads me.

Yutaro Kato
Master of Divinity (Biblical Studies)
Japan

Throughout my three-year journey at SBC, I witnessed the unfolding of God’s provision in various ways. In the initial year, despite grappling with uncertainty about God’s specific purpose for me, I experienced abundant blessings. The presence of supportive teachers and caring friends served as a testament to his gracious provision. Progressing into the second year, God gave me a clear direction, encouraging me to embrace my cultural identity and to acknowledge our countless blessings. This motivated me to share these blessings in love and generosity with others. Entering the third year, amidst trials and challenges, God’s hand shaped me with love and patience. He moulded my character and tenderly altered my imperfections. Now as I look back on my entire journey in SBC, I see God’s grace. I am indeed thankful.

Emi Odyuo Rakomo
Master of Church Music (Ministry Leadership)
India

I thought I had overcome much of life’s adversities and was ready to help others. However, there was more unpacking to do at SOC. The faculty and fellow classmates helped me confront all of the internalized shame and pain from growing up in an abusive home and make sense of what it meant to have divorced parents, together with my addiction to vices, imprisonment, and stigmatization. It was a ‘Garden of Eden’ encounter for me: one where I could be unashamedly real and experience true acceptance, where I could lay bare my soul, be empathized, and journeyed with. God’s healing touch was so strong in this community of care. I was able to acquire a new language of love to help others articulate their brokenness and process their struggles, equipping me to be God’s wounded healer.

William Sheng
Master of Counselling
Singapore