“I was someone who was very self-dependent and didn’t have many friends. I was often reluctant to open up or trust anyone because of past hurts in my life. I found myself doing things that would help others to accept me. 

All this changed when I came to know God and the warmth of His church. People came together to share vulnerably and were not afraid of being judged. My church mentor and small group members were also intentional to ask about my life, generously showering me with care beyond their comfort zone. I felt like I was accepted without having to do much. I felt loved and cared for and all these were really foreign to me. Gradually, I too decided to open up and allow people into my life to journey with me. 

I remember this one time when I was having a rather intense depressive episode. That night, my leaders came over to my place just to eat supper with me and get through that night together with me. Through them, I saw God’s tangible love for me and I felt remembered and cared for. 

After experiencing His love for me, I decided that I wanted to intentionally care for others because I knew what it felt like to feel lonely, unloved and uncared for. I wanted these individuals to know how much God loves and cares for them even if it means slight inconvenience on my end. I began to ask myself why I accepted God into my life and realised that all this while, I’ve been knowing but not allowing myself to be known. Christianity is indeed more than just a lifestyle, it is a  relationship I can have with God. There is joy in knowing and being known by Him. There is joy in knowing and being known by the people He places in my life, people who can spur each other on in this life.”