Char Laywa
She/her/hers
MA
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
My favorite memory of my time at LSTC is that I remembered for my first semester, Dr. Marvin Wickware’s class on Public Church 1. I walked around the neighborhood and asked questions for an ethnographic assignment during the pandemic time (Covid). It was a difficult time to talk with people. But I tried two times: the first time, I went with my two friends, and the other time I went alone to Michigan Lake to interview a few people.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
Every class has a meaningful class. I would like to describe Dr. Eunyung Lim’s classes as interesting, especially Jesus within Judaism and Gender and Sexuality in Early Christianity, with many activities like Kahoot game, Twitter posts, reflection, drama acting on the gospel Mary, scholarly response, etc. Dr. Esther Menn’s class on Hebrew for Ministry: Enter the Bible and Jewish Christian Relations. Especially learning vocabulary and ending with music and visiting synagogue, and Rabbi Anna shared about Gen. 22 is very empowering to me. And Dr. Brooke Petersen’s class on Pastoral Care and the Life Cycle is an important course for my career preparation so that I can help care for some situations within the family and community where I serve.
How did you feel supported during your seminary journey?
The LSTC community’s embrace of me allows me to find a place and supports my academic, emotional, cultural, and social development during my studies.
I appreciate Rev. Helen Chukka’s excellent work, support, and knowledge-sharing as TA in my Old Testament classes. I am grateful for my supportive friends: Rev. Wumee, Rev. Chrisida Ananda, Seng Tsin Nan Maran, Rev. Sweetry Sitohang, Kathrine Muller, Jayme Kokkonen, Lyndsay Monsen and all friends. And I appreciate Gloria Vincente and Abbie Brown help my status as an international student in possible ways and registration.
Were you the recipient of any major scholarships?
Full-tuition scholarship has made it possible to study the Word of God.
What communities or people uplifted you during your studies?
Dr. Robert Worley is the first that I know among the professors. He cared for me and other international students by providing some needs and a learner partner. Dean Dr. Esther Menn has a kind heart and cares about my study and my family, and she also introduced and inspired me to the connection between Jewish and Christian relationships. Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony is my advisor; he supports me by praying and advising me about my academic, physical, and spiritual improvements. Dr. Klaus-Peter Adam is the one who guides me on how to get in-depth insight and contextualize when learning in the Old Testament courses. Especially his comments and advice for my thesis writings are very supportive. I appreciate those who lifted up by prayer from my community in Myanmar and friends in America.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to continue studying for my Ph.D. program in the Old Testament field.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
LSTC has a diverse and beautiful community with local and international human beings who realize that each person is important to the community. I have learned that the values of culture and faith can grow together in a community. As a leader, I was inspired by the slogan of LSTC, “go deeper, go further, go beyond.” I believe this is the step to the public church throughout the world.
