Anna Wang, 2018, Northeast Asia
I graduated from university in 2016, and came to a city in the north to work as a junior bridging course teacher. I always thought that I would serve the Lord in the education industry; however, everything changed when enrolled into SOT.
During my time in SOT, we were put into groups and each group was rostered to take charge of the activities every week. I often saw the group on duty arrive early to set up and decorate the classroom. They would also make decorative and meaningful gifts for their classmates’ birthdays. It felt very novel to me because I seldom experienced the idea of going through so much care into doing something for an occasion such as a birthday. But much care and attention was given to celebrating one another’s special day.
I had three very good friends in SOT and I participated in the planning of their baptism day, wedding and birthday. I also planned and arranged the seventh wedding anniversary of another classmate. In fact, I have always had creative plans and ideas, but I never thought that it would have anything to do with my career. The week before graduation, the Holy Spirit moved my heart and impressed very deeply in me to venture into the area of planning for occasions related to anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and so on. I knew in my heart that this was a call from God, and I knew that I should return home and respond to God to venture into this area.
Decoration set up in church
Retro theme decoration set up in church
Retro theme decoration set up in church
Retro theme decoration set up in church
However, it is one thing to have a vision from God, and quite another to face the pressure and challenges that come with it. I grew up in the south but relocated to the north of my country for my university studies. Then God told me to remain in the north. So I obeyed and committed myself to local church there. After graduating from SOT, I returned to my family home in the south. When I shared with my parents, relatives and friends about my vision to step out of the education industry and do something new, they disagreed with me. It was a big challenge for me because at that time, I had no job, no savings, and no house to live in. Yet the call of God was very firmly rooted in my heart. So I decided to return to the northern city and tried to apply for jobs related to events and occasions planning. After many unsuccessful attempts, I decided to take the vision God gave me and step on the path of entrepreneurship.
Soon after, God provided me with an opportunity to teach a 10-day dance training course. With the salary I earned, I signed up for a party planning course and officially embarked on my road of entrepreneurship. At this time, the school I taught in called me, hoping that I could go back to teach. I wavered and was hesitant. It would certainly be an easier path and those around me advised me to take up a stable job. As I prayed about my options, I felt an unspeakable peace and faith in my heart. I firmly believed that events and party planning is what God wanted me to do. I declined the invitation from the school and for the next two and a half years, I dived into this entrepreneurial journey. There were challenges, confusion, and pain along the way, but because I knew that this is God’s will for me, I never wanted to give up.
I went from being a novice in the industry—knowing nothing and with nothing to show—to becoming a professional who has undertaken hundreds of events. My company is now a licensed, professional studio, recognised in the market. I have experienced great blessings and changes in my finances. I have always insisted on tithing, and now my giving has reached four digits. I’m grateful to God that as I obeyed Him step by step and relied on His grace, my business has grown successful and God has constantly provided for me. There were countless times when there were no orders and each time, when I was in lack, an order would come in.
When I first started the business, I had a lot of fears and uncertainty. I remember talking to my pastor once, and he encouraged me to approach the top hotels and propose a collaboration with them. At that time, I thought it was an impossible task. But I took the step of faith and did it. Today, I have done several decorations in the best hotel in our city, and I have a very good working relationship with their manager. Truly God is able to turn nothing into something.
Decoration set up in a hotel
Decoration set up in the shopping mall
Decoration set up at the car exhibition
Decoration set up in a customer’s house
Decoration set up in a customer’s house
Because of my work experience, I am able to facilitate and coordinate activities in the church. I am also serving as a leader and in praise and worship. All that I’ve learned in SOT has come to good use to serve the church and in my work.