I was exposed to Christianity through many ways: the camps I attended as a child, the religious knowledge subject in school and the people I met in my teenage years and early working life. It was at my temporary job with a bank that one of my “colleagues” invited me to attend church in 1993/1994. Yes, in 1993/1994, I received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I saw in the lives of friends I got to know a calmness and clarity of purpose. This clarity of purpose was what I was lacking, calmness in making decisions and going about life in a very . . . how should I put it . . . “simple” way. I think “trusting way” is a better phrase. And I decided to trust in Jesus and said the sinners’ prayer. I am still in touch with this good friend who has returned to Penang, her hometown, as a lecturer.
I continued to attend and serve in church throughout my time in the army and university. I was baptised in 2003/2004. I was very caught up with work and became very tired. I later drifted further away from the Lord. Although I tried to keep up my involvement in church ministry, it did not last long. I also visited different churches from 2005 to 2010.
At work I met Elder Chin Tian during the runs, walks and work. He invited me to Tree of Life Christian Church in 2014/2015. I had wanted to bring my family to church but had limited success. I continued to be bothered with the tremendous amount of issues at work and in my life. I was tired and frustrated. Talking with Pastor, elders, brothers and sisters here, I realised that I needed to start with trusting God. This was much simpler said than done, especially for me. As I have related, a large part of my life was spent in searching restlessly for something or someone to fill the gap and sadness in my life. I am very encouraged and inspired by many friends here who have shared with me on trusting God. I am trying to take those small steps. My person, time, attitude, work—so challenging. How can I do it? I do not know.
Since I returned to church and the Lord, I have experienced changes in my life for the better. The changes in my life are small. I will continue to try to bring my family to church, do my best at work and always look forward to stepping out of work at the end of the day. I try to do whatever I could on an issue or problem that comes up while believing, at the same time, that God can and will help me in the best possible ways. By his grace some seemingly big problems that came up are starting to get resolved. As I continue on this journey, it is so clear that I am not perfect and I cannot be. This is the reality. This is why I want to continue following the Lord.