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Promotion in the midst of recession?

Posted on January 20, 2010 | Filed Under Discipleship, Ministries, News, People

I thank God for the economic recession last year. As a result, my workload in the office became lighter and I was able to apply leave easily. For a period of time, I was able to take leave every Thursday to join my brothers (Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Navigators) either for vacation training programmes or outdoor activities. I enjoyed our fellowship and our time of learning from one another.

Initially people thought I was working part time or being retrenched and I laughed over it.

At that same time, my company also informed the staff that due to the harsh economic crisis, there will be no promotions, no increment but a possible pay cut in salary. My heart was not disappointed, I know there’s a greater reward in serving, following, and working hard for God. 

Prov 14:4 says ‘Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.’ That period God blessed me in many areas. I came to know some students during those Thursdays that I took off from work and I was able to minister to them by serving them and sharing the word of God.

Around July last year, I was surprised to hear from my director and manager that they were going to promote one person despite their earlier announcement that there will be no promotion for the year. To my surprise, I was the one chosen for the promotion and also receive an increment in my salary!  I could not believe it because in the first half of 2009, I took a lot of annual leave either for NP Navigator Vacation Training Programmes or medical leave for my physio sessions due to my torn ligaments. I was surprised that working lesser days in the company ended up with an unexpected promotion. My wife was also surprised to hear that when I told her. Both of us laughed over it.

God has shown me that He will definitely not short-change any of his children when we serve Him wholeheartedly. - Alex Lim (not his real name), NP Navigator volunteer labourer

God gave more than 200 Brunei dollars!

Posted on January 5, 2010 | Filed Under Discipleship, News, People

My father came to Singapore for a few days to visit me. He surprised me with a 200 Brunei Dollar (S$200) gift before he went back to Malaysia.

I recalled what I learnt from our study on Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Our Bible study leader shared with me how he experienced the truth of that verse when he gave some money to a brother who was in need, and how, to his surprise, he got back the money from God.

Maybe I could have the same experience too! So a month after I got the S$200 from my dad, I decided to give it to God by giving it to the Navigators.

When the semester started, a lecturer came to me and said I probably would receive a book prize award for the module she taught. I was nervous when I went in for the Book Prize Presentation Day because for the whole week I kept thinking about what prize I would get. I wondered whether it would sum up to what I gave to God.

I sat there restlessly, especially when the names of the top three students were announced. The third place was not me, nor was the second! The winner was – me! I got the most outstanding award for the whole academic year. My mind went completely blank. I was speechless. I was awarded three module book prizes and the cash prize summed up to S$250!

I was happy and excited, but also shocked. God granted my prayer – to experience the truth of his faithfulness as I gave to him. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

I gave and I reaped even more! The honour of getting the first place was amazing enough for me. I didn’t have much confidence that I could make it, but God encouraged my heart and helped me to give my best.

I praise God, not because I got more money or the award, but that God allowed me to experience his promises and his faithfulness. Through this, I grew in my faith and dare to commit to God the bigger things in my life.

My father surprised me with S$200. God surprised me even more! - By Nicholas Wong, Electrical Engineering, Year 2, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Navigators