Sophomore John Lim grew in faith at Harding after military service in Singapore. I t was safe to say Harding's reach extended to nearly all parts of the globe. One connection in particular ran directly to the Southeast Asian citystate of Singapore. A small tropical island of just over 5.6 million people, ingapore was home to a prominent urban skyline and to sophomoreBible and family ministry major John Lim. "It is an eclectic blend of Asian heritage and Western worldviews, which results in Singaporeansgrowing up around Western, especially American, pop culture, philosophy and ways of life," Lim said. "WhileI have not been to places like Chicago or NewYork City, I suppose life in Singapore is not too different from those places." Junior Coral Brantly was friends with Lim from the beginning of her time at Harding. "He loves it there, but I think he's very excited about being here," Brandy said. "I think he's very fascinated by the wide-open spaces here because [Singapore is] basically one city. It's a tiny island." As was required for all Singaporean males, Lim enlisted in Singapore's military in May 2015. In September2015, Lim graduated from basic training and was posted to the SpecialistCadet Schoolwhere he trained for six months to serve as an artillery sergeant. Altogether, Lim served in ingapore's military for 22 months. "After I earned my rank, I was posted back to the training school for the remainder of my service as a drill instructor, though quite different in scope and intensity from what Americans might expect of drill instructors," Lim said. "I am, in a large way, defined by those experiences and mettle-proving moments, and I am a better man and Christian today because of it." Junior Brian Beggs was Lim's roommate in the spring 2018 semester. He spoke highly of Lim's character. "John is an amazing person who is clearly a wholesome, selfless person even before you get to know him," Beggs said. "We shared the same sleep scheduleso we would wake up for breakfast together before each day of school. It was great starting the day with his smile of positivity and his genuine love for life." Lim said he loved being a student at Harding. He found the Harding community to be incredibly welcoming. "When I first arrived in Searcy, I was a complete stranger," Lim said. "Yet within a few short weeks, I had half my hall storming my dorm room to wish me happy birthday at midnight. I found myself in the company of friends and professors who loved me and saw my differences not as barriers but as bridges to befriending me." Lim cherished his Harding experiences. In fall 2018, he traveled to Europe for the joint Harding University in Greece and Florence program. After graduating from Harding, Lim hoped to return to his home country to minister full-rime in the local church, mainly in the areas of youth and worship. He hoped to inspire others to answer the call to mission. story by Zach Bissell On Dec. 15, 2016, sophomore John Lim receives instructiom in a training exercise in Singapore. Lim served in the Singaporean militaryfor 22 months and earned the rank ofartillery sergeant. I photo courtesy of John Lim On Jan. 17. 2019, on the Front Lawn, sophomoreJohn Lim cherishes his time at Harding as hefeels surrounded by a community offaith. Lim appreciated the welcoming community after spending one week at Harding, as halfofhis hall stormed to his room and wished him a happy birthday. I photo by Sterling McMichael 183 I TRANSFER & OVERSEAS
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