Urgent MTD Appeal
Support Global Christian Leaders in Transformational Development
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this vital degree has become accessible to students across the Global South, including the Pacific, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and MENA regions. Many of our students are local leaders with the lived experiences of poverty, injustice, and marginalization. To address the high demand for the course, in 2025 we admitted several students who could cover a portion of their fees. However, recent global events since this admission have unexpectedly affected students, some unable to meet their commitments due to job loss and financial hardship.
We are calling on Eastern College’s community and contacts to stand in this gap. Your support will directly ensure our students can continue this semester’s studies. Any additional funds will go toward the MTD Scholarship Fund, helping to reduce our growing waitlist and therefore expand global access to this transformative program.
Together, we can empower leaders who embody the Gospel in action.
Stephen's Story
I am an experienced leader with over 25 years of experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, and social enterprises/ business development.
I am currently serving as the Deputy Regional Vice President for Africa. Living Water is a global charity running operations in more than 15 countries, 9 of those in Africa. I oversee operations management in these countries (Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone). My role involves coordinating and collaborating with government, private sector, and funding agencies to implement Water Sanitation and Hygiene Projects and Programs.
In February 2025, my employer, constrained by donation inflow issues, announced major strategic shifts to maintain some operations. The moves have included reducing the number of countries it serves, cutting off some regional hubs, and laying off associated staff effective March 2025. Unfortunately, I am affected by these changes, so I will not be able to contribute to my tuition.
Your generosity enables us to provide...
Emergency fee relief
Immediate financial support for students affected by global crises, ensuring students can continue their studies despite unexpected hardships.
Reduced waitlist
Increased access for outstanding applicants who are currently unable to enrol due to limited scholarship funds.
Financial assistance for students in challenged regions
Ensuring students in remote or disadvantaged areas can fully participate in their studies via support for essential course expenses like internet access, textbooks, and travel.
Student support
Dedicated tutoring and academic assistance from the Master of Transformational Development team, including tailored support for students using English as an additional language. We also provide spiritual guidance to nurture growth, confidence, and well-being throughout the learning journey.
Global Events
To date in 2025 we’ve already witnessed countries in all corners of the globe endure extreme weather events. This has affected ALL regions of the MTD with drought, fires, flooding and cyclones.
We know that these events disproportionately affect the poor.
From February 2024 to February 2025 the Egyptian Pound depreciated/devaluated by 38.82% relative to the US dollar heavily affecting our MENA region students.
Online Donation Form
MTD Appeal
Donations to Eastern College Australia of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Other Ways to Donate
Direct Deposit
Eastern Collage Australia
BSB: 083125
Account No: 66 489 3323
Over the Phone
Call +613 9881 7800 to make a secure payment over the phone
Cheque
Payable to: Eastern Collage Australia
Mail to: Eastern Collage Australia
5 Burwood Hwy Wantirna VIC 3152
Other Ways to Support
Prayer
We want to ensure that prayer is always at the center of everything we do. We are supported by a dedicated prayer fellowship that gathers monthly to pray for our colleges' needs. Additionally, MST & Eastern share bi-monthly Prayer Notes to keep the community informed and engaged in prayer.
Promote
Help us grow by connecting future students with us! Whether it’s inviting someone to our events, recommending us to those exploring theology, ministry, or mission, or sharing your own experiences, your support helps us reach those called to serve and create a lasting impact.
Partnership
Do you work in churches, parachurch organisations, or Christian non-profits with individuals eager to deepen their understanding of Scripture? We’d love to partner with you to equip them for Gospel work through flexible study pathways and options.
Donation FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions you might have.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations over $2 or more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers.
Receipts will be provided via email for online donations. For monthly donations, one tax receipt covering the entire financial year will be posted to you in July.
*All ticketed events, sale of goods, and services are not charitable donations.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation plays a vital role in sustaining MST’s mission to equip individuals for ministry and mission work. Student tuition fees cover only a portion of the costs associated with providing high-quality theological education.
Your generous support helps bridge this gap, enabling us to provide:
Dedicated Faculty: Experienced, world-class educators delivering the highest standards in theological education and training.
Well-Resourced Library: Comprehensive resources that support academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Enhanced Learning Experience: Accessible on-campus spaces and advanced online platforms designed to improve accessibility and enrich the overall learning experience.
Holistic Student Support: Comprehensive assistance from our dedicated team, offering academic support, counseling, health and welfare resources, and spiritual guidance to foster growth and well-being.
For more detailed information regarding our financials, please refer to our Annual Report.
Can I choose where my donation goes?
At MST, your support plays a vital role in sustaining our mission. By contributing to MST’s general giving, you allow us to allocate your donation to the areas of greatest need, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality theological education, maintain essential resources, and equip individuals with a strong biblical foundation for ministry and service.
If you prefer to direct your support, MST offers several specific areas:
- MST Chinese: Offers fully accredited Bible and Theology degrees in Mandarin and Cantonese, empowering the growth of Chinese-speaking churches in Australia and internationally.
- Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam: Equips Christians for cross-cultural ministry with Islamic communities through teaching, research, and resources.
- Centre for Theology & Psychology: Integrates theology and psychology to transform Christian leaders through research, workshops, and education.
We also encourage those interested in supporting Eastern College Australia, our partner institution, to visit eastern.edu.au/support-us for more information and direct donation options.
I want to support MST, but not financially. Are there other ways to contribute?
If you’d like to support MST beyond financial contributions, here are a few ways to get involved:
- Prayer: Join our monthly prayer fellowship or subscribe to our bi-monthly Prayer Notes to stay informed and pray for our colleges’ needs.
- Promote: Help us grow by inviting others to our events and recommending MST to those exploring ministry, mission or want to deepen their faith.
- Partnership: Collaborate with us to equip emerging leaders in churches, parachurch organisations, or non-profits for Gospel work and ministry.
Your support in these ways helps us continue equipping individuals for impactful ministry. Thank you!
