On 4-November-2019, I journeyed from Melbourne to Singapore for work. My family remained in Melbourne as my three children were of schooling age and it would not have been best for them to be uprooted to a foreign land. At that point in time, it was the pre-pandemic period and I reckoned that it was a manageable solution as my initial intention was to commute between Melbourne and Singapore at a frequent cadence to balance work and family.
Alas, the best laid plans in the world went awry when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. International borders were closed to stem the spread of the dreaded virus as world governments formulated and executed mitigating actions such as widespread population inoculation. As a result, I was not able to return to Melbourne to see my family for prolonged periods. In fact, I managed to only spend 3 months of the last 26 months back home in Melbourne with my family. This really affected me emotionally and mentally, and I was bordering on depression. However, our good Lord was never far from me, and one of the most blessed things He provided for me was a loving and deeply spiritual church family here in Singapore.
I feel so thankful to God for being part of the Jurong church of Christ (JCoC) family. The church helped me get through this very difficult period by a number a simple but effective acts:
Constantly, through Bible classes and sermons, being taught and nourished with the inspired word of God (II Tim 3:16-17), especially around the notion that God is ever-present in my life and that I must rely on him always (Matt 11:28);
Being prayed for. I have no doubt that your fervent prayers helped me to overcome my heart condition back in August 2020 (Eph 6:18). I am also so thankful for your continuous prayers for my dear wife’s pain condition;
Allowing me to use my talents to serve the church, especially in the area of live-streaming. Serving gave me a sense of belonging and I felt blessed to be able to help the church;
Having fellowship with me through hiking and the sharing of meals. These gestures help so much; and
Constantly keeping in touch via WhatsApp messaging and phone calls. Those ‘Are You OK?’ pings helped me appreciate that I am not alone here.
My fellow brethren, like many ‘foreigners’ that have come before me and will continue to come after me, I am so thankful for the spiritual family that I have here at Jurong church of Christ. Your love, care and fellowship mean so much to me. I do not believe that my emotional and spiritual well-being would have been kept up without you. Indeed, you are an example for me to strive for when I return permanently to Melbourne.
Do not underestimate the long-lasting effect that you leave me with your exemplary hospitality (1 Pet 4:9) and love. It has encouraged me deeply to think about how I myself and my family can be more hospitable to visitors and strangers in the future.