As 2006 draws to a close, I have the opportunity to reflect on the past 16 years since I came to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. My growth in Christ had a very slow start. It took off when I started serving God with my all - time, finance and talents - 3 or 4 years later.
Walking with God is a journey that is both exciting and frightening. Exciting is when one sees God's blessings and help. Frightening is when one's prayer is taking longer and longer to be answered!
My greatest test has been in the area of finance. For one who used to have plenty is a greater challenge. It started when I decided to give up my full time engineering director job in September, 1996. At that time, I had plenty of reserve, property in Hong Kong, Melbourne and London, cash in the bank, golf club debenture and other investments. It did not take a lot of faith. God also provided 2 part-time jobs that met all our needs. Now, looking back, I can see that God used that time to prepare me to have greater faith!
The real test came when Kim & I responded to God's call to come to the UK for church planting 8 years ago. During the 9 months of preparation before the move in May 1998, God raised the bar by throwing in the Asian Financial Crisis. My wealth was reduced to a fraction of what I thought I had. I sold the Melbourne property at a loss and the Hong Kong one was on the market without a buyer. It was really scary then!
Upon arrival in London, we focused on pioneering the church and lived off our savings. Despite of the setback in our finances, I still held onto God's promises in [Matt. 6:33]. Soon the Hong Kong property was sold, also at a loss. I also liquidated all my assets in Hong Kong including the golf club debenture!
Two years into pioneering the church, we knew that we had to start bringing in some income. God opened a door for Kim to work, escorting special needs children to school. But the income could only meet 50% of our expenses. About 6 months later, God opened a door for me to do part-time lecturing at a London university. We were then able to pay all the bills. We could even afford to treat ourselves sometimes. God is always faithful!
Then came another test. My university suddenly stopped hiring PT lecturers in January 2005. Amazingly before it happened, God opened a door for Kim to work in the school as well. Her combined income was just enough to support us!
For a whole year in 2005, I have applied to some 30 jobs. But God was silent, except in guiding me in building the church. I introduced many changes to the church and the church moved to the next level of growth!
During that time, I was assured in my spirit that a job would come after the summer. Then came the end of autumn; I started to panic. I wrote to 2 full time posts, one of which was over 2 hours car journey from London. I did not even received any acknowledgement of my applications. I knew then it was not God's will!
In June, 2005 I became a committee member of the Institution of Structural Engineers and I got to know 2 company directors who were on the committee. When nothing happened towards the end of the 2005, a thought entered my mind to talk to them about job opportunities. I decided in my heart to speak to the one named John. After the Christmas busy period was over I called John, but his office was closed till the New Year. I picked up the phone in the morning of 2nd January, 2006. When John answered the phone, he told me that he was wanting to call me!!!
The next day, I was offered a job as an Associate, working 3 days a week. The test was finally over!
The past year was truly incredible. The job was tailored made for me. I started praying for my colleagues and my clients, and I have experienced miracle after miracle, which I will not go into details here. The amazing thing is the finances that the job brings. God knew all along the financial committments I had to make in 2006, including our younger son Ben's wedding. The Lord truly and duly provided "all these things"!
I know in my heart that the job does not only provide for our financially needs. God put me back in the market place for a greater purpose. I am prayerfully waiting for God's next move. :o)
Thank you for reading this rather long testimony. I hope you are encouraged by God's faithfulness!
Walking with God is a journey that is both exciting and frightening. Exciting is when one sees God's blessings and help. Frightening is when one's prayer is taking longer and longer to be answered!
My greatest test has been in the area of finance. For one who used to have plenty is a greater challenge. It started when I decided to give up my full time engineering director job in September, 1996. At that time, I had plenty of reserve, property in Hong Kong, Melbourne and London, cash in the bank, golf club debenture and other investments. It did not take a lot of faith. God also provided 2 part-time jobs that met all our needs. Now, looking back, I can see that God used that time to prepare me to have greater faith!
The real test came when Kim & I responded to God's call to come to the UK for church planting 8 years ago. During the 9 months of preparation before the move in May 1998, God raised the bar by throwing in the Asian Financial Crisis. My wealth was reduced to a fraction of what I thought I had. I sold the Melbourne property at a loss and the Hong Kong one was on the market without a buyer. It was really scary then!
Upon arrival in London, we focused on pioneering the church and lived off our savings. Despite of the setback in our finances, I still held onto God's promises in [Matt. 6:33]. Soon the Hong Kong property was sold, also at a loss. I also liquidated all my assets in Hong Kong including the golf club debenture!
Two years into pioneering the church, we knew that we had to start bringing in some income. God opened a door for Kim to work, escorting special needs children to school. But the income could only meet 50% of our expenses. About 6 months later, God opened a door for me to do part-time lecturing at a London university. We were then able to pay all the bills. We could even afford to treat ourselves sometimes. God is always faithful!
Then came another test. My university suddenly stopped hiring PT lecturers in January 2005. Amazingly before it happened, God opened a door for Kim to work in the school as well. Her combined income was just enough to support us!
For a whole year in 2005, I have applied to some 30 jobs. But God was silent, except in guiding me in building the church. I introduced many changes to the church and the church moved to the next level of growth!
During that time, I was assured in my spirit that a job would come after the summer. Then came the end of autumn; I started to panic. I wrote to 2 full time posts, one of which was over 2 hours car journey from London. I did not even received any acknowledgement of my applications. I knew then it was not God's will!
In June, 2005 I became a committee member of the Institution of Structural Engineers and I got to know 2 company directors who were on the committee. When nothing happened towards the end of the 2005, a thought entered my mind to talk to them about job opportunities. I decided in my heart to speak to the one named John. After the Christmas busy period was over I called John, but his office was closed till the New Year. I picked up the phone in the morning of 2nd January, 2006. When John answered the phone, he told me that he was wanting to call me!!!
The next day, I was offered a job as an Associate, working 3 days a week. The test was finally over!
The past year was truly incredible. The job was tailored made for me. I started praying for my colleagues and my clients, and I have experienced miracle after miracle, which I will not go into details here. The amazing thing is the finances that the job brings. God knew all along the financial committments I had to make in 2006, including our younger son Ben's wedding. The Lord truly and duly provided "all these things"!
I know in my heart that the job does not only provide for our financially needs. God put me back in the market place for a greater purpose. I am prayerfully waiting for God's next move. :o)
Thank you for reading this rather long testimony. I hope you are encouraged by God's faithfulness!
6 comments:
Dear Ps PK
Thank so much for sharing your life with us! Thank for inspiring us to live of God and His purpose....
Love
Peter Truong
Reading this is a wonderful way to start the New Year! Thank you PK and Kim for your constant inspiration, leadership and friendship. May the Lord continue to bless you, uphold you, equip you and fill you with His joy.
With love and prayers,
Adelaide
Wow, thank God for you, Ps PK, very encouraged to read ur testimonies. :) Do keep them coming...
Bless!
YA
Hey Ps PK. Glad to read your blog. Keep on keeping on for Jesus!
Dearest Ps PK and Kim, thank you for giving your lives to Christ. You were the first in my life to introduce me to Hope and for sticking by me in the very first days of my adventures, ups and downs, and revelations in London 1999. Thank you for your patience and love. May your ministry continue to blossom! Much love from your lovely neice in Vancouver :D
Dear Ps PK, I heard about your name in the Hope Fest this year. I am deeply blessed by your testimony. And I thank God for you, and also for this wonderful family of God! May God continue to use you as salt and light on this earth. Amen!
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