Current Scholars - Asia

Our 2024 Scholars serving in Asia

Be sure to see how our scholar alumni are utilizing their Wheaton training in Asia.

Esther Ahn
S.E. Asia - Teaching: Elementary Education

Adolph & Emma Hermann Scholar

Esther grew up taking part in missions from a young age in Papua, Indonesia, with her mission aviation parents. She developed a passion for education and children largely from observing the lack of resources and personnel for schooling there. Esther plans to build on the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) relationship she has and after her Wheaton studies teach full-time at a Christian school overseas, hopefully in Southeast Asia.

Titmakara Chim
Cambodia - Leadership

Hudson T. & Miriam B. Armerding Scholar

Tim drowned in 2001 but the Lord gave him back his physical life and Tim was born again spiritually. Tim now serves as the National Executive Director of Fount of Wisdom Publishing House which produces high quality biblical and socially relevant literature in the Khmer language to strengthen church leaders and edify believers toward the likeness of Christ. The hybrid model of this program will allow Tim to remain present for ministry and family at home. View of video of Tim's story.

J.J.  
India - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Thomas B., Jr. & Carrie E. Wessner Scholar

Serving in Northern India where the persecution of Christians includes lynching, rape, destruction of churches, and murder. J. was pushed to choose and she “resolved that there is no answer other than Jesus”. She serves among the lower caste, the marginalized and displaced northern Indians helping them build resilience against violence, abuse, and discrimination, supporting education, and sharing the Gospel. This degree will further equip her with biblical foundations for counseling and trauma response.

Jill Kropp
Japan - TESOL & Intercultural Studies

Walter H. & Ethyl H. Smyth Scholar

Jill and her family were sent by the Christian & Missionary Alliance to Japan in 2008. The March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami shifted their ministry trajectory from Tokyo to this rural area, where they lead a wholistic ministry center to show and share the love of Christ. Jill wants to use English teaching skills to especially reach out to at-risk youth who drop out of the educational system.

Marlon Lahope
Indonesia - Biblical Exegesis

Philip & Jane Buswell Foxwell Scholar, Lillian Von Gerichten Fund

Marlon seriously studied the war in the name of religion that occurred in 1998-2005 in Ambon. He was horrified by the “justification” for war by the religious leaders. The passion for war, killing, torturing, burning people, and other atrocities gained legitimacy, even support from the scripture. Marlon is passionate to learn accurate biblical interpretation methodology to teach biblical ethics, not only to inform in times of conflict, but also for the sake of a friendlier gospel message and godly character transformation. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Holy Word Christian School in Ambon.

Aye Thida Lin 
Myanmar - Higher Education and Student Development

Norman H. & Mabel A. Cook Scholar

Thida will invest herself with other experienced professionals in higher education in Myanmar. This degree will equip her with skills and knowledge, expand her cultural capabilities, and make her a credible educator to elevate Christian education in her country.

Risfa Mubarak
Pakistan - Leadership

Rev. Wayne I. Wessner Scholar

Risfa is an emerging leader with PAK7 which is a media ministry aimed at spreading God’s love throughout Pakistan. She longs to be the leader who mentors, empowers, promotes a faith-centric approach, utilizes research, embodies Christian values, and networks with the like-minded for mutual growth and support. Risfa will continue the Christian legacy of her family and trusts that she will see positive societal transformation.

Amber Norris 
U.S. to Cambodia - TESOL & Intercultural Studies

Walter H. & Ethyl H. Smyth Scholar, James R. Graham, Jr. Award

Amber found herself appointed as the ESL (English as a Second Language) Director over a project that impacts 500+ students. In need of training, she turned to the Institute for Cross-Cultural Training (ICCT) and now the M.A. program at Wheaton. She trains the teaching staff in ten centers, helps ensure the students pass their graduation exams, and connects students with the Gospel.

A.S.
Southeast Asia - Biblical Exegesis

P. Kenneth & Catharine Gieser Scholar, Kenneth Hansen Memorial Fund

A.S. is the main mother tongue translator in the SEA Bible translation project. They just celebrated the completion of the New Testament! A’s aunt was one of the first translators of the SEA Bible translation project. Not only would she be proud of his work on the same project, but she would also be proud that he will soon be studying Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton.

Shinta
Southeast Asia - Outdoor & Adventure Leadership

Henry C. Thiessen Scholar

Shinta dreams of establishing a guesthouse run by women for women as a business-as-mission to disciple and provide alternative employment to at-risk local women so they do not need to sell themselves. Shinta is eager to learn from and meet mature Christians and mentors through her Wheaton program. She will benefit from the hands-on HoneyRock training as she learns every aspect of operating a retreat center.

V.
West Africa to Central Asia - TESOL & Intercultural Studies

Donald E. & Martha Hoke Scholar, Ruth C. Sawyer Fund

V. has a passion to see a “great multiplication of indigenous churches planted in Central Asian countries.” The Lord gave her this vision in 2013 and with patient persistence, she has gained cross-cultural experience in preparation and has influenced her organization to adopt a country in the region. She finally deployed in 2021. This master’s will expand her ability to integrate faith into professional practice and allow her to minister long-term.
Watch a video introduction for V

Samuel
Pakistan - Missional Church Movements

W. Lloyd & Helen Fesmire Scholar, Ketch Family Nehemiah Fund

Samuel is our first citizen of Pakistan to become a Billy Graham Scholar. Samuel leads Bible courses, discipleship groups, and fellowship for new believers. He also trains local church members for service among the least-reached. Lord willing, Samuel wants to “see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least-reached” as believers are mobilized and emboldened to reach the majority culture in fresh ways.

Zoey
China - Biblical & Theological Studies

Henry C. Thiessen Scholar, Ruth C. Sawyer Memorial Fund

Zoey has a heart for missions; her purpose is “to be a mobilizer of the Chinese missionary movement, to assist local missionary institutions, and train the next generation of missionaries.” She looks forward to Wheaton’s learning environment, including the library, and plans on gleaning from established mission agencies here. Her husband, John, is also a scholar.

Orgilbayar Zorigt
Mongolia - Leadership

Evan D. & Olena Mae Welsh Scholar, John E. & Mary C. Jaderquist Fund

Orgil was raised “½ Buddhist and ½ atheist” by his grandparents while his parents were working abroad. Through his aunt, cousin, a Father’s Love Letter video, and youth camp, Orgil met Jesus. Now he serves with the Mongolian Evangelical Alliance and as the National Ministry Coordinator at Alpha Course Mongolia to help introduce others to Christ. We congratulate him on his recent marriage!