Alumni Message – Being Good & Faithful Servants
I hesitated and was apprehensive when I submitted my enrollment form to Tung Ling Bible School in January of 2004. I was having second doubts about attending Tung Ling. I had just lost my job, betrayed by friends and partners in the company I had spent more than 10 years building. I was also worried about the shallowness of my faith and my limited knowledge of the Bible, amongst other things. Most of all, I was afraid of baring my inner self to strangers.
Today, I realize I would have missed a major milestone in my life if I had not attended Tung Ling. The three months spent at the feet of our Lord were the best moments of my life, as it was time spent edifying the spirit, satisfying the soul, praising God and glorifying our Lord Almighty. I was immensely blessed from the onset.
It has been four years since I have graduated from Tung Ling but my memories of the time I spent there still remain fresh in my mind. Though I am not an expert on the subject matter of the Bible, though I am not always fervent in my quest to walk closely with the Lord, I am today confident of our Lord’s faithfulness. I have learned to trust Him with all I have.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “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.”
The Lord gave my wife and I a business immediately after completing my term in Tung Ling. Despite the challenges we faced in the new start-up, we were often comforted by the promises of God. We dedicated the company to God and asked God for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that would be necessary to drive His company. Both of us desired to be called “good & faithful servants” when we finally meet Him. With this confidence, I was able to find strength to face the constant challenges and overcome the works of the enemy.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Our company grew from strength to strength, as God opened many doors for it. Despite being a very young company, it landed a major contract with a prominent customer, beating out companies that had been longer established and had better infrastructure. I knew that it was only possible because God made a way for His company. All honour and all glory belong to our Lord Almighty!
Jeremiah 29:11 11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My peers have noticed a significant change in my behaviour. I am more confident in the promises of God. I have begun to rely more in God than man. I am able to use the situations I have been through to testify for the Lord, giving Him honour and glory. I am able to openly acknowledge His goodness, His greatness, and His unfailing love. I can better understand and relate to what it means when the Bible tell us that His grace and His mercies are new everyday! I know the power and importance of prayer, regularly committing everything to God. Praise the Lord!
Because of my testimonies and experiences, I was able to speak to friends who were deciding if attending Tung Ling would be a good choice. God reaffirmed their decision and they attended and reaped the joy and blessings I enjoyed. Praise God!
Despite a slow start, I am now a little more disciplined in my quiet time and Scripture reading. I am now praying more than I ever have. Even though there are many times that I feel weary, discouraged and frustrated, God’s unfailing love never fails to envelop me and to comfort me. He is my strength. He is my Glory and I am a testimony of God’s love!
Danny Lien
Church of Singapore, Balestier
