This is the first Bible verse that I have memorized since I was a child. I remember painstakingly memorizing this verse in the hope of receiving a reward from my Sunday School teacher. Growing up in a Christian family allowed me easy access to Sunday schools, Bible stories, Christian family friends, and an easy salvation. It is indeed a blessing to have known God from the moment I was born. There were times, however, when I questioned my Christian faith in my teenage days.
I remembered saying the sinner’s prayer numerous times and having the privilege of learning from dedicated Sunday school teachers and leaders. For some reason, however, my faith in God never felt personal. Maybe salvation just came as an expectation—too convenient and too easy. I followed my parents to church and see the value of Christian teachings in coping with life’s struggles, but God never felt real. So when I memorized John 3:16, I had little knowledge of the richness of the verse’s meaning.
One of the turning points of my faith was when I was 15 years old, when a classmate remarked in surprise that I was a Christian. I remembered being extremely disturbed by my friend’s comments. I was even more upset with myself. I began to wonder how I have portrayed myself to people around me. What are the Christian values and characteristics that others see in me? Am I behaving in a manner that reflects Christ’s image in my life?
Coincidentally, that was around the time that my parents decided to explore another church. Hence, I was given the opportunity to be in a youth cell group. Being in a youth cell group helped me to see the importance of having Christian fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. I began to have good Christian fellowship. As we shared our struggles of facing worldly temptations and learning how to overcome them, I began to experience Jesus Christ in my life personally. I finally understood what it means for Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. I finally understood what it means to believe in Jesus Christ. I began to experience God personally and even witness many miracles and blessings in my life. Attending youth programmes, outings and church camps really helped me to grow spiritually. My appetite for God’s Word grew. Christianity no longer felt distant and meeting parental expectations. Instead, God is someone that I can rely on in times of difficulties and challenges.
As I journeyed in the next season of my life as a young adult, my appetite for spiritually food increased. I yearned to learn more of God’s Word and to experience the fullness of His love daily in my life. I felt the prompting to move on to another church but I was not willing at all to let go of my friends in church. Being in a cell group has taught me the value and importance of having good Christian peers. Hence, to leave church meant that I may lose regular fellowship with these brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a tough time having to make a decision. I prayed for many months. Finally, in my last church camp in 2012, God convicted me through worship and prayers, and I had the supernatural courage to make the decision to move on. It was a step of faith – trusting that God will lead and show me where He wants me to be.
Tree of Life Christian Church (TOLCC) is indeed a church to which God has led me. After much exploration of other churches, God closed many doors for me. I did not feel at peace to settle in any of those churches that I had visited. I was introduced to TOLCC by my mother when my grandfather received Christ led by Pastor Andrew. I was very amazed and touched by the church’s dedication for the lost which went all out to reach out to my grandparents. The church’s humble and kind gestures showed me that no matter how big or small a church is, God looks at our hearts and will work through every impossible circumstances perceived by men.
I decided to attend TOLCC regularly after completion of my weekend classes in 2013. I thought that I will not be able to adapt to the church but I am truly amazed by God’s power and love. I enjoyed every sermon preached as well as the intensive Sunday school lessons every week. It is indeed a joy to be able to be soaked in God’s presence and Word! I am very thankful for the depth of God’s Word being taught and I come to realize what we should our focus be.
I am reminded of a hymn that we sing in church:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Indeed, when we seek to focus on Jesus Christ, all our own desires, needs and expectations are no longer important. As I look back in my Christian journey thus far, I am grateful to the Lord for placing me in a Christian family. It is a privilege to be on a good starting point since the day I was born! God later created an opportunity for my faith to grow personally through a season of having good Christian leaders and friends. These leaders and friends are still journeying with me today – constantly providing me encouragements and directions in life. Being led to TOLCC is not by coincidence. God has provided me a season where I can grow deeper in the Lord through the studying of His Word as well as the opportunity to serve in the Young People Fellowship (YPF).
I am grateful to Pastor Andrew, TOLCC members and YPF youths for being accepting towards me during the past months of attending church regularly. I look forward to greater things that God will bring forth as we serve Him together and honour Him in everything we do!