Lim Jerb Blinn, 2004, Singapore
What were you doing/working as before you entered full time ministry?
I enrolled into SOT in 2003 after I graduated from university. I became a financial adviser because of the flexible working hours, enabling me to attend lessons in SOT and work after school hours. I decided to go for my second year of SOT in 2004 and joined full time ministry that year as well.
How did God call you to serve Him full time?
The HR/Office Admin Manager at that time asked me out for coffee and asked me if I was interested to join full time ministry. It was a dream came true for me as I had always wanted to serve God full time with my talents, time and abilities.
What motivated you to enrol into SOT while juggling full time ministry?
I think it was just pure faith, especially after finishing one whole year of SOT. I thought there was nothing for me to lose and probably everything to gain. It was not easy, but this once-in-a-lifetime experience was worth it. On hindsight, I would have made the same decision again. No regrets!
What’s your takeaway from the experience of being a CHC staff and an SOT student at the same time?
It made me treasure my calling in God even more. The experience and knowledge I received at SOT was translated into daily practical, actionable love and faith (and often longsuffering!) in serving the house of God and the amazing church staff.
Choong Choe Yeen, 2016, Malaysia
What were you doing/working as before you entered full time ministry?
I was a student (undergraduate) before I entered full time ministry.
How did God call you to serve Him full time?
I was already serving in the Dialect Service while I was studying in the university. I love conversing with the elderly. When there was open door to serve full time in the Dialect Service department, I prayed and felt the peace in my heart. Thereafter, I entered into full time ministry in Dec 2015.
What motivated you to enrol into SOT while juggling full time ministry?
I had been wanting to study in SOT all that time because of the many testimonies I heard of how the lives of SOT graduates were transformed. I wanted to study the Word of God and encounter God in a deeper way.
What’s your takeaway from the experience of being a CHC staff and an SOT student at the same time?
The 7 months in SOT for me was rather tight in terms of time. Often, I needed to rush off from Jurong to Suntec for work right after school lessons ended. However, that’s the period when I experienced His amazing grace and strength upon me. Looking back, I have no idea how I managed to run between studying and working. Only with God was it possible. I’m thankful for my pastor and colleagues for being understanding and gracious to me in that time, and for the support from fellow SOT team members.
Luis Datinguinoo, 2019, Philippines
What were you doing/working before you entered full time ministry?
Before joining full time ministry, I was working in an engineering and materials handling company as an accounts executive for almost 12 years.
How did God call you to serve Him full time?
It has always been in my heart to serve God in full time ministry. Back home in the Philippines, I used to serve actively in my church doing different ministries. When I first joined CHC, I felt the prompting to serve God full time, but there was no opportunity yet. Five years later, my prayer was finally answered.
What motivated you to enrol into SOT while juggling full time ministry?
Before being in a full time ministry, this desire to enroll in SOT has always been there since the day I attended the first service in CHC. It happened to be the SOT graduation service and I was moved by the Holy Spirit so powerfully. He placed a desire in me that one day, I would be able to experience what it was like to be in SOT. No doubt being in full time ministry and studying in SOT has not been easy, but it was the grace of God that sustained me. The desire from the Holy Spirit kept me going and enabled me to complete SOT with a strong finish.
What’s your takeaway from the experience of being a CHC staff and an SOT student at the same time?
My takeaway from being a CHC staff and being an SOT student at the same time is this: when you ask for the favour and grace of God, it is always available and is just a prayer away. The church has always been so supportive of our staff and member, especially when it comes to deepening our understanding and relationship with God. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that the church has given me to be able to study at SOT while serving God full time.