Emelia Liau, Esther Li, Anna Poh SOT2023, Singapore
1. What was your previous occupation before you transitioned into full-time ministry.
Emelia: I was working as an accounts assistant in a Japanese firm for about two and a half years before I left to enrol into SOT 2023.
Esther: Prior to working full-time in the church, I spent close to three years in the marketplace, specialising in community management. In my final year in 2023, I had to balanced my work with my SOT course!
Anna: Before starting my contract in church and going to SOT, I was studying in Temasek Polytechnic and graduated with a Diploma in Communication Design!
2. How old are you and which department are you in?
Emelia: I’m 24 years old, and I’m in the Finance Department.
Esther: I’m 23 years old, and I’m in the Missions Department.
Anna: I’m 20 years old, and I’m in the Visual Communications Department.
3. What inspired or led you to make the decision to serve God in a full-time capacity?
Emelia: It was during the course of studying in SOT that the desire to serve God full-time birthed forth. All I knew was, I wanted to be about my father’s business, to play a part in advancing the kingdom of God. During that period, I came to know of a job vacancy in CHC’s finance department, prayed about it, and eventually applied for it as I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit. There was a supernatural peace upon me as I did so.
Esther: I’ve always wanted to serve the Lord full-time, so it was just a matter of timing. The desire first surfaced when I was 17, and felt a sudden urge to dedicate my entire life to serving God. Despite multiple instances of prayer and seeking godly counsel from my leaders, it didn’t feel like the right time. While working in the marketplace, doubts often crept in about whether full-time ministry was truly what God wanted for me. However, during SOT, I felt God speak to me, confirming that He was the One who placed this desire in my heart. It was then that I decided to prayerfully seek God’s “yes” and “go” again to apply for full-time ministry. I’m so glad I waited and that I am living in God’s timeline.
Anna: I had already been serving in the Visual Comms ministry as a volunteer and was planning to find a full-time job after finishing SOT. However, I had never seriously considered going full time. Sometime during SOT, I was asked if I would like to take up a contract in the VC department. I was a bit hesitant at first but decided to go for it since I could do what I enjoy while serving God! Now I’m a few months into my contract and I don’t regret the decision at all. I’m always inspired by the various staff members who have sacrificed so much to serve God full time and have learned so much from them. I also love the community and environment here, where everything is done in love, and we are all working towards one goal.
4. At what age did you become a Christian? What message or advice would you give to youths considering serving God full time one day?
Emelia: I came to church at the age of 11 and started serving actively in the usher ministry when I was 12. There is no perfect age to start serving God. No matter how young or inexperienced we may be, as long as we have the desire to be used by Him, and we’re willing to learn, we can contribute to the Kingdom of God, even in little ways, and make a difference in our generation.
Esther: I became a Christian at the age of 16 when a classmate invited me to church. Just like many pioneers before us have said, “I gave God my youth.” My prayer is that the youth of this generation will recognise the high calling and privilege it is to lay down our lives for Him, both in our youth and beyond.
Anna: I’m a second generation Christian, but had my first encounter with God when I was 13 in a youth camp. To other youths who are considering serving the Lord, I want to say that God sees our hearts and the time we put in; nothing is wasted. As I’ve made the decision to use my time to serve in my cell group over the years—and now as a staff—God has continually expanded my capacity and given me the strength to pull through! And I pray that He will do the same for you too.