I grew up as an only child in a traditional Taoist family who does ancestor worship. As I had no other siblings to play with, my usual pastime is to hang around my grandmother or my great-grandmother. I would accompany them to temples on special occasions and help them prepare for annual prayers. One of my aunties is a Christian and she attends church at Pasir Panjang every weekend. She would bring me along to Sunday School if she had the chance, but always to the displeasure of my mother. I enjoyed very much attending Sunday School, singing and doing handicraft. But that was all I liked about being in church so far. As I grew older, I dreaded being dragged along for temple outings. To me, they seemed pointless and tiring. I did not understand why people would want to go through so many “tasks” in order to win the favour of the gods for only a year. Moreover, the pattern repeats itself again and again, year after year. I did not question them about my doubts. Perhaps, deep down in my heart I suspected that they too did not know the answer.

How I Believed in Jesus

I was approached by a member from Singapore Youth for Christ whilst waiting to begin my CCA after school one day. I did not understand the reason for wanting to hear her out when she asked me. I guess I had no reason to reject her then. I sat through patiently, listening to her as she shared with me about why we are sinners and need God, and what we should do to receive Jesus into our life to free us from our sins. At the end of her sharing, I remembered I said “yes” to receive Christ as my Savior after less than 30secs of consideration. As I said the sinner’s prayer, I felt peaceful. Honestly, I could not think of any reason to compel me to say yes back then. Maybe, it was the void that had been in me which was finally filled. I needed to please only one God, and He does not need to feed on my “good deeds” or burning of incense day after day. He is more trustworthy than all the gods I had encountered so far.

After Believing in Jesus

I was involved in Singapore Youth for Christ from 1991 until 1995. I shared the gospel with teenagers like me back then. I knew then that everyone should know Christ and what He has done for us. But I was not been growing spiritually in reading and studying the Bible. Back then, I had not been told the importance of grounding myself by belonging to a church. After I started work, I had a 10-year break from anything about Christ. However, I thank God that He has preserved my faith. God finally made me realise the need to go to church 3 years ago when my husband suddenly posed me the question as to why I had not been going to church. God made me understand that my spiritual growth in Him must not be stagnant. I am happy that now I have started growing slowly but steadily in God’s Word every day. Daily quiet time and prayer are now a habit, and I have set out to read a chapter of the Bible every day. By studying the Bible and knowing the right way to pray, I have found peace in times of stress as I know that God is always in control. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).