St James' Church

Oblivious to what was taking place, I saw a handful of people scattered around the hall standing to their feet. Jerry, seated to my left also stood up. Still ignorant of the situation, I stood to accompany him. I then asked Jerry why we were standing up and he answered, “We have just responded to the call to serve God.” “Oh oh” I exclaimed and immediately buckled my knee to sit but Jerry grabbed me across shoulders and lifted me back up and said assuringly, “it’s all right, it’s all right.” Well, there you go, that was my accidental call to full-time ministry!!
That was in December 1990 and I was just 2 month old Christian. In honesty, I believe that my call to serve God came during my conversion. Having experienced God’s love in such a powerful manner, I knew that my life and life’s goal would take on a different direction. There was an insatiable desire to know and serve the one whose love has turned my life upside-down and right-side up.
Upon returning to Singapore from my studies in 1991, I was set on attending a particular mega church but decided to visit St. James’ Church with my mum on my first Sunday. Coming from a Pentecostal church, it was a strange affair, the wooden pews, the liturgy and the insipid hymns. However, whilst wrestling sleepititis, I somehow felt a strong impression to stay and worship in this church. And so I did. Becoming an Anglican was also something quite accidental too!
I was warmly welcome into the church and cell group which provided me a great environment to grow and serve. It was during those years that God began to speak and challenge me about full-time ministry, which was often a huge struggle as I was thoroughly enjoying my burgeoning career in the aviation industry. However, as I served I found my heart gravitated more and more towards ministry and in August 1997, I submitted my resignation and made my entry as a Parish Worker.
Serving the Lord was exciting. Here, I experienced the highest-highs and lowest-low and in 2002, Pastor Terry felt it was time I develop further so he dispatched me to Trinity Theological College (TTC). It was a Sabbatical of sorts having served for 7 years. The 3 years in TTC were precious as I was able to sit back, to learn, grow, discover anew and enjoy the Lord.
The years spent in TTC were my preparation for my greatest challenge ahead – Marriage! And perhaps ordination as well. There was certainly a counting of the cost to leave blissful bachelorhood but only in return to find the greatest joy in being loved and to love – unconditionally.
So, 2007 is indeed a momentous year, first marriage then ordination. Like marriage, considering ordination was a tall order. There was a counting of cost too but it is with the support of Diana and the confidence that we are putting our lives in the hands of our wonderful Saviour that we took this step of faith. As we undertake this pilgrimage together, we humbly ask you to journey with us in prayer. Asking God to set our hearts towards Zion and asking Him to lay the path for our call to Missions.
My heart is overwhelmed with thanks to you, my St. James’ family for accepting me, loving me and affirming my call. I am thankful to Pastor Terry and William, for their friendship, mentorship and unvarying encouragement. And my special thanks to Pastor Richard who has often picked me up and walked with me in my lowest moments.

Andrew