2020 will perhaps see changes in my life:
1.
From Bible Study to Evangelism
RiverLife Church closed the Precept (Bible Study) Ministry at the
start of 2019. As I was disappointed with the Church decision, a still small
voice replied my simple prayer when I asked; “God, what’s next for me?”. I
heard a single word from within: “Alpha!”. I knew what that voice was prompting
me. Alpha is an evangelistic ministry that invites pre-believer who are open to
the Gospel to share their view and to understand what Christianity is about. I
am never good in encouraging people to accept Jesus Christ into their lives,
although I am trained to present the Gospel clearly. Okay, I will pray about
this. After praying for 39 days, the administrator in-charge of the Alpha Ministry
called me and invite me to consider joining Alpha. Without hesitation, I
accepted the offer.
Alpha Ministry cover 12 sessions. It is interactive and after a
video, we discussed many topics concerning meaning of life, God / Jesus, faith,
many more issues. Mostly the videos are testimonies of many who struggled with daily
issues after accepting Christ, their lives are transformed. I learned much in 2019.
In 2020, we will be starting Alpha Ministry again in February. I
am praying that more pre-believers will sign up.
2.
Retirement in 2020?
In 2019, I attained my Senior Citizen status. However, due to some
issues of handing over my job to another colleagues, it was delayed. The guy
left the company suddenly after training him for 3 months. Right now, I am
training another person to do the job.
It is likely that I will retire this year. My body is fatigue and
I will have a year of Sabbath – rest and recover in the LORD. As the verse in
Isaiah says:
“In returning and rest, you shall be saved;
In quietness and in trust what be your strength. ..”
I will likely sign up for the half-marathon (21km run) again this
year, after quitting the marathon in 2017. I did not compete the full marathon
that year as I was exhausted and sick, yet I went that day and jog & walk
for 31km. And, so I shall start my training again. Slowly and surely.
I have been quite discipline and prudent in my saving, investing
and spending. I need to be careful in my finance as during retirement, there
will be no income. I have just done a voluntary CPF contribution (CPF= Central
Provident Fund). By this contribution, I will have 1 million Singapore dollars in
my account. This is one of my goal for retirement. The second goal before retirement
is to be debt-free. I still have one more year of car-loan. Likely, I will
speak to my loan finance company and settle this in a few months’ times. Also,
my bank account is now healthier. So, I should be ready for retirement when my
daughter come back from oversea study this year.
3.
Personal Bible Study
I have bought 2 Bible Study Precept material for my personal Bible
study. This year, I will do a more thorough study on the Book of Joshua. The
next book will be on Leviticus. The Book of Joshua is on conquest, overcoming
personal victory in my life and also a book of transition from the time of
Moses to a new leader, Joshua. This year will be a time of transition for me,
from working into retirement. Leviticus is a very important book on “the way to
God, the walk with God”. Studying this book will prepare me in my “senior life”
– nearer to glory land!
4.
Readings & Reflecting
With more time on hand, it is likely that I will spend half a day
each week at the library of Singapore Bible College to read and reflect.
And so, as I move on in 2020, I will need to discipline to Rest,
Train, Study.
May the LORD give my strength and courage.
Amen!
