Beyond Medicine: A Life Poured Out for God's Purpose

Introduction

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, He desired them to live as children of the light everywhere and in whatever they did, making disciples of all nations. Today, we see Abraham and Ruth, two fellow labourers working in medicine while devoting their time to advancing God’s Kingdom. Find out what it looks like to live as disciples of Jesus Christ even as they transition to work as full-fledged medical professionals.


⁠Could you describe your journey in knowing Christ and your inspiration to be part of the Navigators?

Abraham

At 11 years old, I was living a life filled with sin, devoid of meaning. I was profane, a bully, a cheater, and a thief, doing many things I now deeply regret. At the time, I lost all hope that I remembered the Gospel my mother had shared with me. With nothing left to lose, I decided to believe in God's promises of abundant and eternal life (John 3:16, John 10:10), and that despite being an unlovable sinner, He loved me so much He gave His life for me (Romans 5:8). Since then, I’ve been living a blessed life as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In 2017, my brother introduced me to The Navigators. What struck me about them was their sincere devotion to Christ. They would joyfully gather every morning for Quiet Time and were deeply committed to the Word, prayer, fellowship, and sharing the gospel. I saw a community alive with the Spirit, much like the early church in Acts 2:42-47, where people regularly shared the gospel and lives were transformed. I wanted to be part of this vibrant community and to learn from them.

One of the things I really wanted to learn from The Navigators was how to share the Gospel. One day, while we were having Quiet Time on Mark 5 where Jesus raised a little girl from the dead was memorable to me. Having just started medical school, I was anxious about my studies. The people around me studied harder for the common tests than I had for my ‘A’ levels! Teachers and friends alike would tell me that we must study hard because we will one day handle patients’ lives.

That day, I reflected that no doctor could have done what Jesus did in resurrecting the girl. I saw that doctors can prolong lives and reduce suffering, but they can't really save lives eternally (Hebrews 9:27). The true power to save lives, for eternity, is found in the gospel (Romans 1:16). That day, I was convicted that as hard as I was going to study for medical school, I must prioritize learning to share the gospel. Studying medicine and being a doctor is important, but my true identity as a disciple and witness of Christ must take precedence. Some say that medicine is not a career but a calling. I have come to see that this pales in comparison to The Great Commission which is to preach the gospel and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8)

I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone
who believes: first for the Jew,
then for the Gentile.

— Romans 1:16

Therefore, go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.

— Matthew 28:19-20

Ruth

I would say I have had a rather ordinary life—growing up in a Christian family, attending Christian schools, going to Church and being surrounded by friends of similar backgrounds. I did not have to put in much effort to search for God because there was Christian influence all around me. Yet, as I grew up, I started to wonder if I could call myself a Christian just because of my background. I started to have doubts about my salvation and Christianity—what if I was just deluding myself and God and Jesus did not exist?

During my secondary school days, they would organise a week of gospel activities annually, and at the end of the week, a questionnaire would be given out for us to fill in. I remember that every single year, I would select the option to receive Jesus into my life just because I was unsure if I was truly saved. Because I had no assurance of my salvation, I lived in constant uncertainty and anxiety.

I first met the Navigators in 2016 via my coursemates and seniors in medical school. Previously, there were outreach efforts among the medicine students through the Medicine Navigators initiative—or MedNavs as we called it. When I first entered university, I had resolved to live quietly and minimise social interactions with others, so it took me some time to warm up to the idea of meeting the MedNavs seniors. However, when I finally got to observe and learn from the lives of the seniors, I was amazed at how authentically they lived for Christ. I remember thinking to myself— “I didn’t know a Christian could live this way!” What an attractive life!

My first mentor was one of the seniors who invited me to MedNavs. Through him, I came to be assured of my salvation through the Lessons on Assurance study. I slowly began to see and experience how I could also live the same kind of lives that they did, having been assured of my salvation and convicted of God’s love and concern for me and others.

What about living and discipling among the students or young professionals truly captured your heart?

Abraham

As Dawson Trotman put it, “World Vision is getting on your heart what has always been on God's heart.” My heart has been captured by this vision—to conquer and bless the world for our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:2-3, Habakkuk 2:14, Malachi 1:11). This vision will be accomplished through reproducing spiritual generations of faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2)—the branches through whom He desires to bear fruit.

“My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the settling of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among nations,”
says the Lord Almighty.

— Malachi 1:11

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

— 2 Timothy 2:2

As I disciple others, I start to see people, especially young people, as “Isaacs” (conveniently since my name is Abraham)—precious, beloved, wonderfully-created individuals akin to our own spiritual children (1 Corinthians 4:15), through whom God's Promise is reckoned. They have the potential to birth entire nations (Isaiah 60:22) and bless even the ends of the earth. They are the only reason I need to remain on earth (Philippians 1:21-25). If not for them, I don’t think there could be any other fitting substitute for my hope, my joy and my crown (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)!

The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.

— Isaiah 60:22

Ruth

The life examples set by my seniors impacted me significantly as I saw how they gave their lives, time and energy to discipling others despite their hectic schedules. I too have personally experienced how my leaders spent time and energy investing in my life. The love of Jesus through their lives showed me how to live out 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Only when we are compelled by Jesus’ love are we then able to give our lives to love others.

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

— 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

One defining moment for me was reading and discussing “How To Live Out Our Youth” during one of the vacation camps. Lamentations 3:27 taught me to seize each opportunity to be trained as a disciple in my youth and to help others to do the same. It sounds like an uncomfortable thing to subject yourself to but I came to understand that the hardships and sufferings we go through for Christ reap rewards both now and eternally. More than pain, there is even joy in bearing the yoke for Christ.

This realisation stirred in me the desire to share this truth with the students and those around me. When I see my juniors and individuals I disciple also enjoying the blessings of their new life in Christ, I cannot help but be amazed at God’s grace and love for his children through discipleship.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.

— Lamentations 3:27

Ruth attended one of her follower’s recent concerts together with all the girls

⁠In what ways has life-on-life discipleship training shaped your walk with Christ and your work as a doctor?

Abraham

Through life-on-life discipleship, my mentor recruited me to share his vision and his heart. This is not something that can be fully taught, it must also be caught by observing another's life—all of it. This includes the spiritual as well as the mundane, from living together to praying together, working together, playing soccer together, and cleaning the house together. It also includes all of his words, actions, jokes, emojis, sacrifices, sorrows, wisdom, mistakes, love for God, love for people, patience, faith, family, pets and so much more, over many years. This is the same vision his leader had, that Dawson Trotman had and that I believe our Lord Jesus had as well! Knowing what I live for allows me to pursue Christ wholeheartedly every day by imitating my leader as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Living in our Life Training Apartments has also developed my character to be more like Christ— to always be a servant (Mark 10:45), to put others first (Romans 15:2), to be patient and gentle especially when conflicts or disagreements arise, to be humble and willing to learn from everyone (Philippians 2:3-4), to share one heart with my spiritual family, and more! (Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 1:10) All these have shaped my life and my work.

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

— 1 Corinthians 1:10

Having a home-cooked meal together with the Life Training Apartment Brothers

People often assume that doctoring would be a central part of my life and identity. It really isn't! The life we have in Jesus offers far more abundance and meaning than any career could provide. That said, I am grateful for the challenges that medicine brings, as they offer many opportunities for my faith and character to be tested and refined.

In public hospitals, my working hours are typically 6am to 6pm on weekdays and 6am to 12pm on at least half the weekends and public holidays. We go on-call about once a week which entails working 30-40 hours with minimal rest. The longer I go without rest and sleep, the more my true character is revealed! I am ashamed of the grouchy and selfish monster I too often become. Patients too are often at their worst and can be irritable, impatient and hurtful with their words. In these moments, I can only depend on Christ and the character He has developed in me to provide the love and compassion these people need.

A memorable instance was when a patient got so upset with my boss that complaints were lodged to various government bodies and threats were issued. He was malicious and unappreciative and threatened to sue us multiple times.

I am thankful for this experience because it afforded me the opportunity to learn to love my enemy (Matthew 5:44). By God's grace, the patient even said “Thank you” to me before he was discharged.

There were also many days when my faith was tested. We often deal with life-threatening emergencies where our decisions can mean life or death for another. I have learnt to trust God with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) and, like David, not rely on my own abilities or wisdom even for routine daily tasks at work! (Psalm 18:1, 29, 34) I have on countless occasions experienced God's peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

— Proverbs 3:5-6

I love you, O Lord, my strength. …With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. …He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

— Psalm 18:1,29,34

Ruth

I learnt from my personal mentors how to develop and enjoy my devotional life. Spiritual disciplines like Quiet Time, Scripture Memory and Witnessing were things I had not only learnt but also observed in their lives. Their sincere love for God, His Word and His people set an excellent example for me to follow.

Before I joined the Navigators, I preferred to minimise my interactions with people and disliked it when I would have to engage in spiritual conversations. Once, I did a character values quiz with some sisters early on as a student and the value of “love” ranked near the bottom for me. Love wasn’t something natural to me. Yet, love is the very nature of God. This discrepancy between my natural self and God’s calling greatly troubled me. Thankfully, my mentors were committed to helping me grow in love through weekly witnessing and beginning the process of follow-up on students. I have personally experienced how the mentorship I received from the Navigators is rooted in an exceptional kind of love.

Incidentally, one of my mentors is a physician senior to me by a few years. While she did teach me some medical knowledge and skills, more than that, she showed me how to live as Jesus’ disciple in the workplace and all aspects of my life. Whether it was about learning to love difficult patients, having spiritual concern for colleagues or seizing opportunities to engage medical students during their rotations with us, living as Christ’s disciple in the workplace became clearer through her exhortations and examples.

Personal time with my leader!

The habits and disciplines I developed as a medical student also spilt over into my working life. Disciplines such as Quiet Time tend to be sacrificed as we start work due to the extremely early days and long working hours. However, because of what we had learnt and experienced as students, precious fellowship with God and with one another became even more essential as working adults. I am blessed to have been able to have Quiet Time sharing with fellow sisters working at the same hospital!

Quiet Time sharing at the hospital before the work day begins

⁠⁠Could you share one or two specific examples where you experienced
Christ working through you to witness for Him or disciple others, either at work or on campus?

Abraham

One powerful way I see Christ working through me is through spiritual reproduction (John 3:6-7). By His grace alone, I have had the privilege to preach His life-giving Gospel and disciple faithful men who share the same vision and heart as me!

I would like to share a little about W. He came to know Christ in his 2nd year in Medical School. He learned to witness for Christ, submit to Jesus’ Lordship and led one of his friends to Christ. By the time he completed his 5th year and graduated, he had led both his parents to Christ!

Since then, he has been working as a doctor and has been actively following up with a few individuals. We continue to meet regularly in the mornings before work for Quiet Time and also on campus in the evenings. It is truly humbling to see how God can use someone as weak and unworthy as myself to preach life into a dead man and then disciple someone who will in turn make the next generation of disciples!

Having Quiet Time sharing with W (right) before starting work in the early hours of the morning

Despite sleeping far less than my colleagues, I am usually considered by them to be unusually energetic, joyful and optimistic for a healthcare worker, to which I testify that this is only possible by the gloriously rich provision of our gracious Saviour!

I have found that witnessing for God in a dark and depraved world, even in challenging work environments, is not as difficult as it may seem. Simply by not complaining or arguing or grumbling, we are already shining examples (Philippians 2:14-16). Through this, I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation and tapping into God’s unlimited power (Philippians 4:12-13): When I set aside my own needs and put Christ first, my heavenly Father takes over to care for me (Matthew 6:26, 32-33). When I die, His resurrection power flows into me and I truly live (Mark 8:35)! Most importantly, when I suffer, I can know Christ, the Man of Sorrows, more intimately than ever before (Philippians 3:10).

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

— Philippians 4:12-13


For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

— Mark 8:35

Ruth

Honestly, I could not think of any significant examples off the top of my head. I would say my experience of Christ is not always in the big or major things but in the small daily acts of obedience and faith (Zechariah 4:10). Living as a witness for Christ and discipling others always requires faith and reliance on Him, something I have come to learn along the way.

"Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. "(These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range throughout the earth.)"

— Zechariah 4:10

Some instances of experiencing God’s power at work in witnessing were in unplanned and spontaneous moments where colleagues would ask about what I do in my spare time or on the weekends. These became opportunities for me to share my life and convictions with them.

I also had a dear colleague living nearby who would often send me back home. The rides back opened up opportunities for us to talk about life and Christ. During my overnight calls, there were also multiple God-given opportunities for me to have spiritual conversations with patients. When I was more junior, I was rather slow at taking blood samples from patients. Patients would then initiate conversations with me and many times we could talk about spiritual things as I waited for their veins to reveal themselves.

⁠When you think about your future, what is your vision for how Christ might work in you and through you?

Abraham

The Gospel must be preached and disciples multiplied until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). The end-point is not when I die, but when He comes. The only way to ensure that the Gospel is preached till then is to raise faithful men for Christ who will continue to do so even after I die.

Through recent ministry experiences, I have come to realise that I am truly dispensable. I see my life as Paul sees his in Philippians 2:17: a mere drink offering, which is a supplementary offering, meant to be poured out for others simply for the pleasure and delight of my God!

As Paul says in Philippians 1:20-21,

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

If it pleases God to take me home to heaven with Him, I will happily go! Otherwise, may He continue to use me anywhere on earth as a discipler and doctor to raise faithful men for His vision and glory!

Ruth

I am always excited to think about the future, yet as each year goes by, I realise increasingly how limited my vision is. One of my favourite promises from God is from Jeremiah 33:3.

Call to me and I will answer you and
tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

— Jeremiah 33:3

I believe that God uses the faithful and obedient to do mighty things for His kingdom even if I cannot fully understand or imagine them now. But I know that to make disciples for Christ is His calling, regardless of what sort of career I end up having or where I go in the future. All I need to do is to continue in simple daily faithfulness in living as a disciple and in making disciples (Matthew 25:21).

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful
with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your
master's happiness!”

— Matthew 25:21

About Abraham

Abraham is currently working as a doctor in the Army and hopes to specialise in Emergency Medicine in time to come. His interest in becoming a doctor was sparked when his first-aid training allowed him to administer help to his friend and his friend’s father during a major accident. Yet, that experience left him wishing he could have helped them more and seen them to full recovery.





About Ruth

Presently, Ruth is a junior doctor doing a rotation in Anaesthesiology. Due to various past opportunities where she gained exposure to missional work, developed her interest in medicine. While not a medical resident, she is currently a resident at the Life Training Apartment developing her character and faith with other sisters-in-Christ.

Abraham and Ruth are also co-labourers in the campus ministry.