Many are not contented “to be a green leaf” in the voyage of life. Everyone wants to be a red flower (prima donna), to be different and to be somebody. Thus eight years ago, I deliberated between status quo or relocating to Singapore for my child to pursue her studies.  I chose the former. After my daughter left China for a few months, I came to Singapore to accompany her and ventured on a different life.  I recollect that when I was still in China, I heard from relatives in Canada and also friends in other provinces of China, saying that they were Christians.  I also heard them talk about God’s love for them.  At that time, however, I did not believe.  I merely listened and did not act upon it.

When I came to Singapore, several close relatives, good friends, colleagues and even my boss often invited me to their church.  They would share with me some Bible verses.  Although there was in me a tinge of longing for a faith, the environment or circumstances did not change me or convince me to believe the Lord.  With a heart mixed with doubt and belief, I led a mundane life.  As time passed, although there were no life storms, all kinds of depression were written all over my face.  When I encountered any hiccups, I would vent out my anger uncontrollably and even lose confidence in life and meaning in life.  This was so until one day, I am really happy to meet my “tree of life” …

Xiaofang was my colleague and also a good friend.  For the past seven years in Singapore, as I maintained regular contact with some church friends, Xiaofang also did not stop telling me about the power of God and the love of the Lord Jesus.  She also invited me to her church on various occasions using different reasons.  I declined her invitations using different reasons.  There was, however, something that she said which left a lasting impression on me: “When you encounter any difficulties, do not worry.  We will pray for you.”  This gave me a sense of security.  When I met big or small problems, I was willing to confide in her.  This went on until one day, she was no longer my colleague …

Towards the end of last year, I was caught in a dilemma.  I had to choose between renewing my work contract or otherwise.  I was indecisive and this upset my boss.  I adopted a passive stance.  Just as I was suffering from this indecisiveness and did not know what to do, I remembered what Xiaofang said: “When you encounter any difficulties, do not worry.  We will pray for you.”  I plucked up my courage to confide in her.  As she tried to comfort me, she also urged me. “Come to my church.  Our pastor is conducting a catechism class (Basic Bible Class) and is teaching a sister.  Come and attend and pray to God.  I am sure you will receive help.”  This time, I did not refuse her.

I clearly recall this day, 5th of January, 2012, and I am glad that this time, I made a wise decision.  On this day, I stepped into the doors of the “tree of life.”  It was also that on this day, this door of my heart that had been closed for a long time, finally opened.  That day was the second lesson of Basic Bible Class, “The Bible.”  Pastor’s explanation was clear and exact.  This removed the doubts that I had harbored for many years over Christianity.  On that day, I chose to believe and determined to be established in faith.  I confessed that I am a sinner and is willing to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  On that day, not only did I pray the Sinner’s Prayer, I was also determined never to leave Tree of Life.  I knew that God gave me this strength.  For the past seven years, God had been with me and never gave up on me.  Whatever I have achieved till today is a blessing from God.  At the same time that I chose to believe, I also feel the need to repay God as He gave me the ability to do so.  I thank the Lord, God gave me an opportunity to repay God.  I gave a little to the building of our new church.

What astonished my friends most is the change in me.  Before I came to the Lord, I was a worrisome person.  Now, there is joy in my heart.  It is as if I have become another person altogether.  Sometimes, I think that this is incredible too but I know that this is the strength that comes from God and only God can change me in this way.  He allows me to bask in His love and joy.  At the same time, I enjoy the warmth of the brothers and sisters of “tree of life.”

Looking back, I realise that it is quite similar to Christians selecting churches.  What is critical is whether that church preaches the right message, whose rule of faith and conduct is the Bible, whether that church gives a Christian an opportunity to serve God and if it teaches the truth and the message as preached by Jesus.  I am glad that I made this wise choice and have chosen the tree of my life.  I am willing to grow with the tree of life and be an evergreen leaf within.