Our 2023 Scholars serving in Asia
Be sure to see how our scholar alumni are utilizing their Wheaton training in 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.
Alicia Johnson
India - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jane McNally Scholar, Lillian Von Gerichten Fund
Alicia is a counselor, educator, group worker, and therapist at Bethesda Leprosy Hospital Andhra Pradesh. She also volunteers at Mothercare Rehabilitation Center for Autistic Children and worked at Holland Warf Girls Hostel. She is involved with Joseph Ministries, educating and offering support regarding HIV/AIDS.
Anusorn (Addy) Kotchakreng
Thailand - Ministry Leadership
Donald E. & Martha Hoke Scholar, Benjamin Allen Peays Memorial Fund
Addy teaches English at the Bangkok Institute of Theology. His future work will focus on educational support for those escaping human trafficking. His experience, his heart for the “least of these”, and this Wheaton education will be invaluable for these goals.
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.
Rebecca Losey
TESOL & Intercultural Studies
Adolph & Emma Hermann Scholar
Becca is a missionary kid who grew up in South Asia and Germany. She just graduated from Wheaton’s undergraduate program where she was busy guiding a discipleship small group and interning with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She also served as an RA, student chaplain, student director of Missions in Focus, World Christian Fellowship cabinet member, and helped lead the Wheaton College cohort at Urbana. She is training to return to ministry in the Himalayan Region.
John
China - Biblical Exegesis
James R. Graham, Jr. Scholar, Elizabeth H. Lecker Fund
John pastors, teaches, builds the team, and coordinates small groups in his sector. He and the church are eager for this Wheaton education to further enhance his grasp of Biblical languages, research tools & methods, history, theology, systematic Biblical study, and to grow spiritually to further bless the Church.
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.
M.S.
East Asia - Ministry Leadership
Adolph & Emma Hermann Scholarship
M. has experience in Cambodia, Mongolia, Thailand, and other East Asian countries and plans to return there with OMF. At Wheaton she expects to "learn more evangelism strategies, gain a better understanding of biblical historical contexts, and be better equipped to form and disciple a small group." M. is looking forward to being a new wife and new mommy to a four-year-old in September!
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!