Testimony by Jessica Zhuo
I came across this post on our church’s social media account, and it resonated deeply with me. This spurred me to share my testimony as an encouragement to those who are wondering if their outreach efforts are making a difference.
I’ve been in my current workplace for over 13 years and have mostly focused on working excellently and interacting with my colleagues as truthfully as I can as a person. Over the past 10 years, a particular colleague (let’s call her “S”) would randomly come to me and ask me about various responses I have as a Christian to different topics such as parenting, conflict management etc.
7 years ago, both my parents and grandparents passed away in very close proximity of each other. S was aware of my situation and observed that I was still able to keep a very peaceful and positive attitude at work and in life. She asked me how I could still remain hopeful despite the multiple losses and was curious about the Christian perspective on death and living.
I was able to share with her about the concept of eternity – and how we are spirit beings, not just human beings – and how there is no fear of death because it is merely a gateway to become even more present fully with Christ. Since then, S has continued to approach me to ask me questions about my faith, life, and decision making from a Christian perspective.
Due to the different natures of our work, S and I don’t work closely with each other. As an extroverted person, S has energy levels that can overwhelm me a little, hence I don’t normally actively approach her to interact. She usually approaches me first, and by the grace of God I have been able to engage in conversation with her, despite my limitations. I think it is all God’s work in using what little energy I can offer to Him and use those times to do His work in her heart.
In January this year, I had just returned to the office from my December vacation when S energetically came up to me. She told me she had been invited by another friend to bible study the previous month and she had been attending that bible study regularly. She was open to that invitation because of the conversations we have been having, and found herself having more questions about God, about sin, and the whole redemption plan. As a result, she felt a strong need to discover the true purpose of life. I invited S to our church’s Taste of Alpha programme in April, which she signed up for, but was eventually unable to attend it due to business travels.
Nevertheless, I am encouraged that God is beyond our programmes and plans; in fact, God is always at work – not just through one person or one church – but through all His people.
Between January and June, another colleague who happened to be worshipping at the same church where S was attending the bible study, found out about S’s seeking and continue to encourage her to continue the bible study, and explained more things with her.
Recently, in August, S earnestly shared that she was ready to attend church service and wants to grow in her belief and faith. She found a church near her home (near NTU) and even consulted me and the other colleague to verify that it is a legitimate church. We are thankful for the church’s hospitality towards her and setting up a new life class just for her! At the office, S has even set up monthly discipleship lunch meetings with us to discuss her growth and to seek guidance!
I hope this testimony will encourage those who are not really experiencing big and miraculous happenings in their outreach efforts. God is not in a hurry, but God is always at work. It may not always be apparent to us, but every interaction with others could be divine appointment even when we don’t view it that way. My journey with this colleague has been over 10 years, but on hindsight, God has been preparing her heart in every single one of our interactions, and He was also showing me how He is present in every detail of our lives, every moment of every day.
Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Remember that outreach is not only about your efforts. Trust that God is working through all His kingdom people and resources to reach individuals and meet them in their lives. Whether we are sowing or reaping what others have sown, we all share in the same rejoicing when there is a harvest for eternal life.
John 4:36 – Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.