1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Bro Joshua Nah
“…just over a month since I arrived at FEBC...”
~3 min read
Dear Bethelites,
It’s been just over a month since I arrived at FEBC and commenced my studies, so I thought I would update you on how I’ve been doing. Thankfully, I think I’ve adjusted well to life here. On the day that I arrived, Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo told me that many people think of FEBC as an extended church camp, and that they’re wrong. FEBC is probably better likened to spiritual NS (national service). Since I haven’t started studying the biblical languages yet (I’ll start Greek next semester), I can’t say that I understand the full rigour of FEBC life yet.
But, needless to say, I think Dr Khoo was right. Apart from the 2-4 hours of lectures each day, my time is spent completing my assignments (which are mostly reading and writing) and cleaning the college. Yes, something that was not fully advertised to me before I arrived here is just how much cleaning seems to be a part of the curriculum. As a friend told me, “We’re learning not only to serve with our hearts but also with our hands.”
Other practical parts of my week include a game of Captain’s Ball (which the weather doesn’t make easy), door-to-door evangelism (which is testing my highly limited Chinese), and a choir rehearsal of the college’s anthem in preparation for the graduation ceremony at the end of the semester.
I will say that the part of all this that does feel like an extended church camp is definitely the fellowship. I’ve made great friends here and each day is full of laughs, exhortation, encouragement and even debates.
Concerning my weekends, I’ve decided I’ll be worshipping at Gethsemane BPC. Currently, I’m still considered which ministries and fellowship groups I’ll be involved with long-term, but everything has been a blessing so far.
There are many more things I could share, but, lest I bore you with the details, I’ll wrap up with a couple verses that seem fitting. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, Paul says, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father”. Arriving in Singapore and not being actively involved in a church was and still is a strange experience. But being in this sort of limbo between Bethel and Gethsemane has helped me pray and give thanks more for you all and the work you are doing in Melbourne.
And I want to thank you for your prayers too. There are many things that I’m realising are potential pitfalls and temptations for me in this Bible college, and in the future. The example of Moses’ reluctance to serve God because of his own weaknesses has become quite relatable. Yet, at the same time, I’m daily reminded of how God’s grace is sufficient to overcome all our weaknesses, and that it is through prayer that we call down this grace upon ourselves. So, as I pray for you all, please continue to pray for me. Namely, please pray that I’ll grow in my:
- Love for God and His Word with each assignment, reading, sermon, and everything in between.
- Dependence on God to overcome the challenges I face.
- Stamina and discipline to work hard despite feeling quite tired most days.
Every other day the thought occurs to me that I’m in a Bible college. It’s quite surreal. I still feel like I’m on a long holiday that should end soon. I thank God for this opportunity and pray I’ll remain faithful with it. I wouldn’t have reached this point if it weren’t for your prayers. May God help us all to grow in our love for Him in Melbourne and Singapore!
Your brother,
Joshua
PS. Happy belated Chinese New Year!
![Past FEBC Student Meets Present FEBC Students [Joshua, Timothy, Pastor, Biboy, and Jonathan.]](https://images.spr.so/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/j42No7y-dcokJuNgXeA0ig/90e73338-8a9e-4dbb-8eed-7d257449e8e3/f4b4bb0b-254a-4626-9c48-e60b4737a7a9/w=1920,quality=90,fit=scale-down)
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