By Lai Sheong
In October 2004, I entered PJEFC Office as a part-time staff, at the age of 54. Isaiah 41:10 was the confirmation I needed to be assured that it was God’s call.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
True to His promise, God has guided me and equipped me to do various tasks through help from pastors, co-workers, books, seminars, conferences, etc. When I forgot something important, somehow someone or something someone said or something I read or saw would trigger a reminder to do the needful. When I needed creativity, ideas came from unexpected sources. When I was angry, disappointed with people or progress or struggling with a sense of condemnation or loss of joy, God caused me to probe deep within myself. His word often led me to confession, repentance and liberation! God is good!
Working with leaders has given me many opportunities to learn leadership skills and also gained insight of the sacrifices, pain, struggle and anxieties they carried as Shepherds of God’s people. That moved me to pray and grow deeper in prayer.
Thus my 18 years of service was a wonderful journey of growing in God’s grace that involved transformation, especially of mindset and attitudes: from Job to Ministry, Performance to Service, Pursuit of Competence to Pursuit of Communion, and less of Doing to more of Being (which is still a struggle).
I learned:- The Importance of Stickability/Perseverance for growing self in ministry and growing the ministry. When you last the distance, you discover your niche that matches your interest and gifting and find joy and fulfilment in His service. Rev Edmund Chan’s exhortation is valid. Start with the desire to obey God. “Desire motivates Discipline; Discipline nurtures Delight and Delight deepens Devotion to God.”
- The Need for Self-knowledge & Acceptance – do not compare! Utilize your strength and work at improving your weaknesses. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.” (1 Cor 15:10)
- The Blessing of Community, especially in small groups like CG, Ministry group and Prayer group (besides the larger body of church). “The communion of saints is their mutual conservation. The fellowship of Christians preserves their fellowship with Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon
I thank God for leading and walking me through this journey. Thank you for your contributions to my life’s lessons and sanctification.
The journey continues as He leads me to the next phase, my final lap. May it bring Him greater glory!
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