Anita, 2018, Indonesia
What were you doing/working before you entered full time ministry?
I had just graduated from university before I entered full time ministry
How did God call you to serve Him full time?
I was looking for opportunities to work in Singapore, and one day, God opened the door for me to apply for a job in CHC. Everything went smoothly from the interview, all the way until the issuance of my employment pass! There and then I knew that God has prepared a place for me in this full time ministry!
What motivated you to enrol into SOT while juggling full time ministry?
It was only a simple nudge / encouragement from the SOT principal one day while I was working in the church office. Thank God my bosses and colleagues were supportive and encouraged me to sign up for SOT.
What’s your takeaway from the experience of being a CHC staff and an SOT student at the same time?
The biggest takeaway during that time is that I learnt to be consistent and disciplined, showing up every day in class, office, and cell group meetings. That is truly the key to finish what God has started in me! And what I mean by finishing is to finish with excellence! I was mindful to always give my best, whether I was in class or in the office!
Theresa Tan, 2019, Singapore
What were you doing/working as before you entered full time ministry?
I was an editor and a writer for magazines like Female and ELLE, and I ran my own writing agency.
How did God call you to serve Him full time? It had been on my heart since I joined CHC in 2005. The Lord gave me many images and words about being an arrow for Him and using my gift of language to serve Him. When I was asked if I wanted to join and start City News, I knew it was a move of God.
What motivated you to enrol into SOT while juggling full time ministry?
I wanted to join SOT in 2005 when I came to church. My motivation was really to experience more, more, more of God! But at the time I was very busy with my father who was very ill with Parkinson’s, and my children who were under 6 years old. My husband was concerned I was overstretching myself. It was only in October 2018, God spoke so clearly to me to come, so I knew that if He called, He would make all things possible for me. So I told my husband I wanted to enroll, then I just left it with God. And as only He can, He spoke to my husband to let me go to SOT in 2019. Even though I had to wait 14 years, I was still motivated to experience so much more of God, and He did not disappoint me
What’s your takeaway from the experience of being a CHC staff and an SOT student at the same time?
It was great! It was a very busy year for us at church- it was our 30th anniversary – but I found a lot of joy juggling school in the morning and work in the afternoon. In 2019, God’s timing is perfect as always – my older kids were already in army and junior college, and my youngest was in secondary 1; so it was a “peaceful” time. Going to SOT gave me so much grace and peace to help my in-laws struggling with dementia as well. God was really good to me, He knew exactly what I needed.