Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello all! I'm a Year 2 student at the U of T, studying a Bachelor of Music Performance in Pipe Organ. I love being outdoors in Nature and learning about different cultures. I'm also an International Student, my home country is Singapore!
How are you seeking to live missionally in this season of your life?
My parents always felt that my true calling lies in the area of Church Music. Having turned down a place in Civil Engineering at the National University of Singapore, I came here to study, because my Pipe Organ teacher's friend directs the Sacred Music Program at Emmanuel College, and my mum had a dream about my Grandmother, who had studied at the U of T.
Even still, I find myself questioning, why am I studying overseas? University in Singapore does not sound as exciting, but certainly it is a safer option with career prospects? Get a proper job, save up money for a future Mission Trip. Certainly that is one way to "live missionally"?
While I am always attracted by the idea of rural subsistence farming, God has given me the privilege to come to Toronto, where I can connect not only with other International Students, but also distant relatives of my Grandma, incredible opportunities for outreach.
Which recent experiences have helped or hindered the ways you engage in missions?
While with the P2C Mission Trip "Nations Next Door" in Ottawa, inviting new friends to festivals, museums, churches etc., I experienced first-hand how art can bring people together, and when presented appropriately, speak volumes for the gospel. A favourite memory is: a Christian friend explaining Bible snippets featured in stained glass windows, at the Ottawa Notre Dame Cathedral where I had invited International Students to come hear me play the Pipe Organ. I can't wait to see more of that at the Faculty of Music Christian Fellowship.
While on the family's Mission Trip in Fiji, I see how Missions can take a toll on mental health, especially when the team does too much ministry, leaving insufficient time left for conflict resolution within the team. Even in a family where we know each other well, we need to care for each other by making space to hear each other out. When we embody Christ's love towards our family members, the people we minister to also receive encouragement.
What has been challenging or frustrating in your missional journey recently? How did you find hope in the midst of it?
Amidst the usual Cross-Cultural difficulties, a major challenge for me was returning to a family environment. I found it difficult adapting to making decisions in a group, considering the needs of my family above my own.
For example, while (at time of writing) currently on my last week here in the Fiji Mission trip, my family wants to take this opportunity to move to a more remote part of Fiji to rest.
However, I was frustrated with this. To me, I felt I could be just as well-rested staying put here, spending more time connecting with friends here. Furthermore, it seemed to me that we were retreating back into our comfort zone (of our nuclear family), not being willing to sacrifice our time, connecting with the people where we are at currently.
As always, I realize that this is another lesson in honouring my parents over my own desires, considering the needs of others in my family, who have been in Fiji a month longer than me, who need time to rest before returning to Singapore (to start school).
I remain hopeful that God has a special plan for us, and while we are weak, God makes us strong.
What are you hopeful for moving forward?
I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my family and friends in Singapore, it has been close to a year away from home, and I only have less than a month with them.
Coming back to Toronto in September, I am also very excited to plunge back into the various Campus Ministries, like the Mandarin Chinese Christian Fellowship, Power 2 Change etc.
I also hope to make more visits to the different churches (to play their Pipe Organs!) exploring the history and worship traditions of the churches in Canada, discerning what God is calling me towards.
