Coming from a non-Christian family, it has been difficult for me to live out my faith in front of my family for the past few years. I had fears of getting into arguments with them or being misunderstood. The recent circuit breaker stay-home measures really threw me off and I had a difficult time adjusting in a house of six without any private space of my own. However, I knew that I needed Jesus and wanted to be closer to Him despite the circumstance, so I decided to commit to coming for the Vacation Training Programme (VTP). As I persevered to take part in VTP, I came to experience God personally in two of His attributes – God is my Provider and my Prince of Peace.

First, I experienced my Heavenly Father’s provision. During the circuit breaker period, I often hid in bed or in the toilet to spend time alone with God and to attend online fellowship over Zoom. It was difficult to let go of my fears of facing my family. When phase two began, my spiritual mentor graciously invited me to her house every Thursday to join VTP together so that I can focus and actively participate in it. Through her, God provided a way for me to delve deeper into the Word and participate more freely in the fellowship. My spiritual mentor even taught me how to cook!

Second, I learnt that God is the Prince of Peace who always seeks to reconcile and restore relationships. As I kept coming to Him in prayer, learning more about Him during VTP and in Bible Reading, as well as seeing how His life is lived out in the examples of others in the fellowship, over time I found myself gradually being more bold in showing care and sharing more about what is going on in my life with my family members.

I could sense the awkward barrier in my heart being broken down as God was mending the strained familial ties in my life. Where before it used to feel burdensome and awkward to pray for my family or even talk to my parent, I found myself conversing with my mom one evening. When it struck me that I was talking to my mom as if I was talking to a friend for the first time, I really thank God that He came into my house and this area of my heart to bring peace to it when I need it most. I am sure that as I learn to open up to my family about Him and continue to pray for their salvation, one day they will truly know Him for who He is too. My prayer is for God to continue His good work and use me to share His love to my family, as I focus on building my relationship with Him.

31 July 2020