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October 14, 2024 - A volunteer story by Nicholas
I got married to my wife, Saari, in the Year 2000 in Singapore. She was a devout Christian, but for many years until recently, God had never been a central part of my life. However, she has never stopped praying for me to have a closer walk with God.
I had severe asthma since I was a young boy but we have been blessed with two beautiful healthy girls, Sara and Hazel, who are now in university. I have had an amazing career as a finance professional while Saari decided to become a stay-home mom after a successful career in marketing when Sara was born.
We moved to Toronto in 2009 and my asthma was miraculously healed in 2012. I knew it was God who has healed me. I did not understand why God chose me despite all my sinful ways. It was a turning point in my Christian faith journey. I decided to know more about God.
Nicholas with his wife and two daughters
When my home church, Bayview Glen, was asking for volunteers with a finance background to go for the Pader mission trip, I was apprehensive at first. I was not sure how God can use me and if I can be of any value to the mission team. I knew nothing about Uganda. We prayed about it for several weeks prior to the trip but a gentle voice in my heart nudged me to go. It would be my first mission trip.
Nicholas warmly received at a pastor's home together with the team
Nicholas with EI Uganda team leader, Walter
When we finally arrived in Pader Town, I was shocked to see the joy and peace on the peoples’ faces despite a very modest and simple life they have. They proclaimed their faith and love for God with utmost pride and sincerity.
The days passed by quickly as we were busy visiting the homes of local pastors and churches. I have never felt so peaceful and contented in my life before as I learnt more about the local community and how God has carried them through each day. What really stood out to me was their warm friendship, hospitality and generosity towards one another. They don’t have much but are willing to care for many young orphans. They believe that God will give them their daily bread.
Nicholas presenting a session on biblical financial stewardship
Then the GROW Pastors' conference began. When I presented the biblical financial stewardship session, I was amazed at how well the sessions were received. Everyone felt inspired and encouraged to have a better control of their finances which would help avoid some of the family conflicts.
Looking back at my childhood years in Indonesia where we lived a modest life, I began to understand that God has prepared me well in advance for moments like this. And that one of the reasons God healed me from my asthma is so that I can travel to the ends of the earth to proclaim His glory and use my knowledge to help our brothers and sisters in Christ to lead a better life.
Through this eye-opening experience, my faith was renewed and I am ready to become God’s instrument wherever He calls me to carry out His will.
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