Feature
Photos courtesy of Rev Florence Ngu, Pastor Adlin Jacob and Rev Allan Lee
Answering the call We hear the stories of two newly ordained Elders and one Member-on-Trial, all of whom were conferred their new titles during the Annual Conferences in Nov 2022.
Rev Florence Ngu and her parents
Rev Florence Ngu Newly ordained Elder, CAC
I
used to work in a Christian gospel broadcasting company. Whilst serving in this para-church organisation, I had opportunities to visit different churches for fund-raising purposes and sharing of ministry opportunities there. Once, I arrived early at a church and as I entered the sanctuary, I gazed at the empty pews and the vacant hall. Looking around, a message flashed in my mind. It was as if God was telling me "The Church needs workers, come feed my sheep." As I continued to contemplate, this thought came to me: Isn't bringing people into the church to be pastored, the ultimate aim of spreading the gospel? The message of the Church lacking pastors was impressed upon me as I continued to gaze at the empty hall. Because of this, I responded to God's call. I left the broadcasting company and started full-time theological studies to equip myself so that I could be deployable by God. I did not know how pastoral ministry would be like; neither did I question my credentials, nor understand the great cost that awaited me when I set foot on this journey. I simply responded because there was a need.
If you had asked me during my initial years in seminary how I envisioned being a pastor, I would have responded with lofty plans and ideas. However, from 2014 to 2022 (between the time I graduated to when I was ordained an Elder), my perspective of being a pastor changed. I feel that a pastor is one who is on a journey, constantly learning how to relinquish his own plans and dreams. For it is only when one relinquishes his plans will he truly hear God's will. I find myself being more and more ignorant as I walk down this path. I thank God for this awareness, because this ignorance compels me to rely on God more. And this reliance allows me to see his wonderful works unveiling in ministry. The opportunity of being a servant of God is a glorious one. I sometimes ask myself "What can a plain Jane like me accomplish?" It is only through his marvellous work and grace that I have been chosen to be a pastor. Being ordained as an Elder is both an important affirmation and a sign—affirmation of God's calling and will in my life. Stepping into this new phase, I'm met with a lot of unknowns and may not be able to navigate smoothly as I adjust. But I would like to echo Mary's prayer in Luke 1:38 (NIV), "I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled." All glory to our Lord! (Translated from Mandarin)
18 Methodist Message
January 2023