Just Do It!

"It's a big challenge. It's a journey into the unknown. There were so many obstacles that could prevent me from fulfilling my commitment. Am I able to allocate the extra time required from my busy schedule? It's so worrying"

All these thoughts raced through my mind as I signed up for the formation retreat for facilitators. The challenge - to become a facilitator for the coming bible study program.

The formation retreat was to find out answers for myself. Was I ready for this ministry or others?

I knew that it was not going to be easy. I had already sacrificed so much of my time as a participant for this 34-week study program that required me to read a few chapters of the bible everyday, and to attend 3-hour meetings every week. And to come for the meetings no matter whether it rains or not, in sickness or in health. A commitment that requires me to forego watching my favorite TV shows, and missing out on vacations and tours with my family.

However, I did manage to complete the whole journey of 34 weeks as a participant! That was quite an achievement.

I had been doing a bit of serving in the church - as a warden, sharing in community fellowship meetings and doing simple services which undoubtedly were helpful to the community. But this discipleship program was so different.

It focused on biblical themes each week and was very well structured. After participating and sharing my thoughts, joys, sadness, and challenges for 34 weeks together with strangers, I found friendship that was genuine, intimate and very real. I could see people's lives being transformed.

While I was discipleship, I used to marvel at how the ministers from Mission to Seamen, Flying Angels, Stella Maris and other groups served the seamen who came in from around the world. I really enjoyed what they had to offer, although at that time I did not give them much thought. I was not even a Christian then.

Now, it looks like I had to make a decision. Which ministry should I serve? What resources do I have? What skills do I have? How am I going to survive and on what income? What kind of commitment am I willing to do? What kind of work is involved? What sacrifices do I have to make?

These were fears that I felt. The fear of the unknown. The fear of things beyond my control. The fear of venturing out of my comfort zone.

Well, to make a long story short, I did get some answers from the various insights that came into my mind as the retreat progresses. At the end of the retreat, I had already made up my mind - I was going to give it a try. I was going to trust in the Lord to pull me through.

In my first attempt at facilitating, it was not easy. It was like double the amount of preparation I had to do as a participant. I had to make sure the meeting room, writing materials, meeting schedule, TV, video tapes, player, songs, refreshments and many other details were in place before the meetings. Then I have to know the lessons well. If not, I will have difficulty answering some of the questions from the participants. Then the extra traveling time and expenses. Unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar presentation materials, keeping to the time allocated, coping with new demands from participants as well as from core team members...

To make matters worse, there were also some people who made it a point to bring people down by discouraging them with remarks like, "It's too demanding for us. How can you ever hope to succeed?"

Yes, it was extremely difficult in the first year. It was like the process of refining silver. It was a tough test.

But after a while, I managed to pull through.

Today, I had already done four years of facilitating and I am looking forward to my fifth year. I share the feelings of Saint Paul when he said, "... forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead." (Philippians 3:13)

There were difficult and trying times, but in all of them, the outcome turned up to be good. I had learned a lot, deepened my knowledge and I had gained a sense of peace by letting go of control of situations and letting God take over.

Incredibly, not once was I too sick to carry on. Not once was I not able to fulfill my obligation to my class participants. God had blessed me.

God was in control all the time!

Many years of involvement in Engineering and Discipleship has given the author material for writing e-books and articles related to discipleship, management, and right living. He has also produced an e-book on discipleship that is fully illustrated with cartoons in a humorous way.

Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..

In The News:

Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.

Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.

A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.

The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.

Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.

Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.

If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.

Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.

The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.

Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.

Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.

The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.

The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.

Just Do It!

Spirituality