Tommy Tiong, 2023, Malaysia
Before I enrolled into the School of Theology, I had just started full-time ministry for four months. I was one of the youth leaders, and the church’s drummer. However, I always felt that I needed elevation and a breakthrough in my spiritual life. In terms of ministry, I did not know how to lead and pastor the people more effectively; and I felt stuck. Hence, my decision to enrol into SOT to get equipped and receive a spiritual breakthrough.
One way in which my life was transformed was in the area of prayer. I had the heart to pray but often felt weak and unable to focus on God in my daily devotion. Thus, I did not encounter God often during my prayer time. Furthermore, I did not feel any drawing towards God’s Word. Thus, I rarely read the Bible, much less meditate on God’s Word. This made me very doubtful of God’s call over my life into full-time ministry. However, in SOT, what I had learnt and experienced totally changed me. Throughout the course, I was immersed in a spiritual atmosphere of prayer and worship every single day.
I could feel the Holy Spirit continually elevating my spiritual life and my spiritual disciplines. Be it through the daily worship and prayer before lessons, the weekly Tuesday prayer meetings, cell group meetings or weekend services, I grew closer and closer to God, and my prayers got more and more empowered. I was more engaged each time I prayed and unlike before, I was not easily distracted. I remember Pastor Kong encouraging us to expand our spiritual capacity for prayer. By God’s grace, my spiritual capacity has now increased from the size of a cup to a huge pail. The lessons at SOT has made God’s Word come alive for me. Now, not only do I read the Bible, I also meditate on the Word of God every day, praying out the Scriptures.
Tommy (left) was praying for his schoolmate
Through praying, worshipping, and meditating on God’s Word in this manner, I found myself more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit often nudges me to consider and do things I never thought of doing before. For instance, one of the promptings I have had from God was to become more “others-centred”. When God dropped this word in my heart, I found myself interceding for the needs of others. I started to take the initiative to care for the needs of the people around me, encouraging them with God’s Word, and even laying hands to pray for them when necessary. I was very moved when I saw tears in the eyes of my classmates when I prayed for them.
Through what I have learnt and experienced in SOT, I am even more assured of God’s calling in my life. Through the pastors’ teachings, prayer, and worship, God reminds me repeatedly that that His calling over my life is not a mistake. The doubts and uncertainties in my heart have completely left me. God also gave me a word from Romans 8:37 that says, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Because of this verse, I believe that no matter what challenges I may face in the future, I am more than a conqueror through it all.
Beside spiritual breakthroughs, I also experienced the love of God through my brothers and sisters in Christ from SOT and CHC. I am part of Team 6, which is made up of people from different nationalities; and we all get along very well. Although there are times we may have different opinions, we are always embracing in our attitude towards one another. At SOT, I got to know spiritual buddies who became just like family, growing together with me, praying for me, and encouraging me.
I especially want to thank the pastoral workers of the Chinese Service. They are not just leaders who disciple and train us, they are like our spiritual elders who encourage us and cheer us on, giving us opportunities to serve and to shine. I have found another spiritual family here. I know that this is not just for 6 months, but these people will be my friends and ministry mates for life. When I least expected it, God has utterly transformed my life.
与爱真传道的合照
与彩娟的合照
与国荣的合照
I find that I am now better equipped to serve my members. I am also more assured of my calling in God. I now know how to walk the path ahead and I am ready to face it.
I want to bring what I have learnt and experienced back to my city, so that God can use me to bring about change.