But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, (Philippians 3:7-8 NAS)
I served as a librarian when I was in high school. During that time, much of the library's administration and cataloging were done using the typewriter, so I was sent to the YMCA to acquire typewriting skills.
While at the YMCA, I came across a brochure about a free Christian correspondence course, so I enrolled and got to know about Christianity. As my interest grew, I continued with other Christian correspondence courses from other organizations. Before long, faith found its way into my heart to desire to receive Christ. Salvation did not take place immediately, however, because I had no idea how it would be like to say the sinner’s prayer, having no direct contact with any Christian thus far.
One day, while at the public library near my high school, a stranger who was a student from another school approached me and invited me to attend a church-organized student meeting near the library’s vicinity. An evangelistic meeting was being held during my first visit, and having learned about Jesus through the correspondence courses, I was ready and received Jesus as my Lord immediately.
Becoming a Christian was, however, not all smooth sailing. Coming from a Taoist family, I was persecuted and regarded by my parents as one who had gone astray and not known my own roots, and by the people of the community a renegade and an outcast. In school, I was ridiculed and nicknamed 'holy cow,' and was segregated from a circle of friends. It was not until several years had passed that the people I knew gradually accepted me for who I am. Even till this day I face rejections and displeasure at times from members of my family and relatives, especially during occasions like non-Christian funerals because of my refusal to participate in the rites.
All these sufferings are insignificant in comparison to the sufferings the Lord went through for me. Whatever things were gain to me in the past, therefore, I willingly count them all lost for the sake of Christ because of the surpassing value of knowing Him as my Lord and Savior (Philippians 3:7-8). What a joy to trust in Jesus! When things seem humanly hopeless and even at times when I stray, God never once turned me away. He is always present and near to fill my heart with a calm that empowers me to continue on with confidence.
Now, after more than 30 years in the faith, I had been privileged to serve the Lord in many areas, including church youth ministry and cell group leadership, worship leading, gospel events counseling and new converts nurturing. I had also been privileged to study in two different theological seminaries part-time and write Christian articles for church newsletters and Christian magazines.
Today, I am serving the Lord and ministering to His people through devotional writing at various online Christian communities. My heart’s desire is to share with everyone the inner peace I have in Jesus.
Like me, many of us who had received Jesus as Lord have our own stories to tell. A good practice is therefore for us to be always ready to share what the Lord had done in our lives. When we share, let us always do so with gentleness and respect that whoever hears our testimonies and sees our behavior might come to know Christ (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Thank you dear Lord for always being near and present for us. Without You, we would not be who we are today. Only in You Lord can we remain calm even in the midst of storm, and only in You Lord can we trust to continue life with full confidence. Even in suffering for the faith, Lord, we shall not despair because of the surpassing value of knowing You. Blessed be Your name Lord, now and forever! Amen.
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