For over a decade now, I have had fellow Christians tell me that I would make a great Pastor.
At the risk of sounding arrogant (you can think that of me, but God knows I’m not), in my heart, I too believe that.
Everything I know of Jesus/God and the Bible, the Spirit taught me, be it in my own studies/reading of the Word or by listening to sermons delivered by those anointed by the LORD.
I have never been to a seminary/Bible college or had any formal training and to be honest, I firmly believe that anyone who is called by God, doesn’t NEED seminary/Bible college/formal training, though such training can be helpful, if we’re talking about seminaries/colleges/institutions that exalt the LORD and treat His Word as His Word, not the ones who’ve corrupted it to match what their inflated egos have made of it. I believe it is the Spirit of God who teaches us the Truth that is in the Word of God. I believe it is the Spirit of God who gives us insight and understanding. He, the Spirit of God, is the only professor we need to learn from. Just so we’re clear, though I have such strong opinions about seminary/Bible college/formal training, if the LORD were to lead me in that direction, I wouldn’t say no.
I don’t know everything and the LORD knows that even to this day, I’m always open to His leading and the Spirit teaching/training me.
When I was at EBCI in Dubai, I served the youth and young adults there. I didn’t have an official title, nor was I paid for what I did. I served because I love Jesus and I wanted to share that love with those whom I served.
Here in Brisbane, at Gateway Baptist Church, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in the Youth ministry for a year, before stepping down to minimise my commitments as Judah arrived, so that I can be the husband and father the LORD would want me to be. I also did the same with the Welcome ministry as well. These days, Amanda and I lead a life group (home group/cell group) and I also lead a men’s Bible study called Jesus Blokes. On occasion, I also have the tremendous privilege of preaching at Fishers of Men (a ministry for the homeless). Â Of course, I still make time to meet up with those who want to catch up with me. Some weeks are a lot more busier than others, but despite everything on my plate, I don’t neglect Amanda and Judah and know that after Jesus, they’re most important, before any of my other commitments.
Those of you who know me personally, know that I am very passionate about IT and am a geek at heart. While I do work full-time in the industry and try to be as involved as I can in the community and do side projects whenever possible, truth is that I wish things were the other way around: that I would get to serve the LORD full-time and do IT stuff part-time.
At this point in time, I have applied for my partner visa, which if approved, will allow me to eventually become a permanent resident in Australia. If my application is accepted (I should know it soon enough), it would mean that I would have a lot more freedom in terms of what I can do with my time. Currently, as per the conditions of my work visa, I am required to stay with the company I am working for and not do anything for anyone else.
In the recent months, it has not been easy for me. While I am grateful that I have a full-time job that allows me to take care of all our needs, I have all but lost any desire to keep doing what I do everyday, not to mention that I am not earning no where near what I know I should be.
It is time for a change.
This is where I find myself at a crossroad.
Do I look for another secular job and keep doing everything else that I do OR do I look for ministry opportunities, even look into seminary/Bible college?
I want to serve the LORD all the time and I’m not satisfied doing it part-time.
I’m not looking for a full-time ministry “job”. Anyone who considers serving the LORD as another job, does not have the right understanding of God and what it means to serve Jesus.
I am looking for an opportunity to serve Jesus, His people and reach out to the lost. Of course, I need money to support myself and my family, so it would be nice to get paid. However, I am not at all against the idea of me having an IT business on the side, which would allow me to nurture my IT passion, as well as help me to earn a living. If I could have it my way, that’s what I would ask the LORD for. I don’t want my own business to become filthy rich or anything, just earn enough to support myself and the family and have enough to invest in Kingdom work and help others in need.
All I can do is make my desires known to Him and reveal what is in my heart.
I am sharing it with everyone else so that you can pray for me and perhaps, the LORD will use one of you to speak to me or perhaps give me some direction. Whenever you remember me, please lift me up in prayer.
I don’t know what’s going to happen but He knows and that’s enough.
I wish I knew but for now, I just have to wait and keep doing what I’m doing.
Please don’t delay LORD but at the same time, help me to be patient.
As I wait, help me to draw nearer to You, to study Your Word, to grow stronger in You and to keep loving and serving my family and everyone else, as You would want me to.
[box] 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[/box]
Let that be how I approach every moment LORD.
in Jesus Name.
Thank Sri 🙂