OneLife.OneYear
Why did I commit One Year at East Timor?
Ever since I received eternal life in Nov 2004, it has been an amazing journey with God showing me His faithfulness. Not only is my life being transformed, Lord Jesus has also shown my His awesome powers whenever I step out in obedience, enabling my faith to grow stronger day by day.
When Ps Ivan introduced the OneLife.OneYear challenge in Apr 2007, I was in the midst of preparing for a billion-dollar tender for my company. I was immediately reminded of God’s goodness in sustaining my physical & mental health during this difficult period. Due to the size of the investment, much detailed analysis was needed & tender team was working 7 days a week for 10 weeks without any break. Pressure was building up quick as it got nearer to the tender submission deadline in May 2007. Yet I was able to focus well at work, continue my weekly bible study at BSF and still rejoice worshipping God in church (had to rush back to office after Sunday service!). Giving one year to God is really nothing compared to what Jesus has done for me on the cross & what He has continued to bless me with, but I was not sure when & where should I commit at that time, so I indicated “maybe” on the friendship pad.
Life went on & got even busier as we won not only the billon-dollar tender but a few more contracts resulting in 10 new shops in Jan 2008. A new set of challenges confronted us as we were under-staffed. I was again working weekends & public holidays to prepare for the setup of the new shops & not able to commit to any ministry in church. I was feeling frustrated that I was not serving God as much as I would have liked, so I ask Him if this is what He wanted me to do.
As I waited upon God for His leading, I began the monthly Missionary Candidate Training (MCT) which helped me to understand my spiritual temperature (am I hot or cold for God?). When I realized that my heart overflowing with gratitude, desires to serve Him more than ever, I asked God to ease my burden at work by bringing godly people to the team at work. Two months later, God showed me His faithfulness again by filling the positions at work, one by one, in May 2008.
In Jul 2008, I went on a short term mission trip to East Timor. I was burdened by the lack of basic needs (like electricity & drinkable tap water) which we Singaporeans have always taken for granted. When a blind girl & her father walked hours to ask us to pray for her, I knew God has prepared the place for us to sow the seeds. When Ps Ivan prayed with the blind girl to receive Christ, I cried & asked God to form the OLOY team so I can go & make disciples in East Timor.
Upon return to Singapore, we continued with MCT & regular meetings to pray for God to form the OLOY team. Indeed God is good, the OLOY team for East Timor was officially born on 19 Oct 2008 !
The Great Commission
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
