By Su Ann
“Who am I?”
“How well do you know your team members?”
“Who’s got a mole above their left brow?”
“Why is the statue of St Francis Xavier in front of St Paul’s church missing an arm?”
“How many coconut shakes and chendol can you consume before you overdose?”
These are a few questions we asked ourselves during our recent staff retreat. And the most important question of all: what’s for lunch?
I jest. Yes, finding the best spots for chicken rice balls and satay celup may be of utmost importance when in Malacca, but the main purpose of this getaway was a chance to rest and recharge, as well as an opportunity to get to know one another better.
Hence, the game that the committee came up with: Who am I?
Before the retreat, we had to send in our individual faith story about how we had encountered God at our crossroads of life. Since the stories were anonymous, everyone was challenged to guess which story belonged to whom. So in between meals and our exploration of the historical city, we were interrogating each other about the details of our spiritual walk. While making ourselves at home at Malacca EFC, we were looking for clues like a bunch of amateur detectives.
It was amazing learning about the various encounters with God: via visions of angels, or the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit, or even words of encouragement from random strangers. Each of us were at different stages of our lives. And yet, God is constant, faithful and ever loving.
While playing the various team-building games that the committee had thoughtfully designed for us, we were encouraged to step out of our comfort zones – and in doing so, we learned about each other’s spiritual journeys. It was an opportunity to bond and inspire, and be inspired in return.
So, what is my faith story?
Many years ago, I met a pastor who came up to me to encourage me even though we had never met before. I was not a believer then. It was at a writers’ conference and he had told me to keep writing and not give up. I never saw him again. Then last year, while looking for a publisher for my novel, I was on the verge of giving up. I was doubting myself and my self-worth. But the pastor’s words came back to me and gave me the courage to send my novel to an international publisher. A month later, I secured a contract with Penguin Random House.
It is a dream come true and I am ever grateful for the words of encouragement from that pastor. In retrospect, I now believe that God had called me then and was working even when I did not know Him then.
Stories like mine are just a drop in the vast ocean of the amazing evidences that God is ever present in our lives. What’s yours?
Get Involved
🙏 Remember our church staff in your prayers, asking God to grant them unity, fostering a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and support.
🗣️ Share your faith story with someone this week.
📖 Check out her novel, which will be released soon.