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I started my school years in SDA Kindergarten, now known as Adventist Schoolhouse, back in 2010 to 2012. I cannot really remember what was taught during school, but I find the physical features of the classroom and the mini swimming pool quite familiar. I also remember that the teachers taught us some Bible stories, which was how I got to know God at a very young age.
Throughout the pandemic, I had to connect with my friends via voice calls because of all the regulations and how we couldn't meet up physically. I got really close to this friend, who is also a Christian, and we would often watch his church’s online service together. Frequently, he would also share with me what he does at his church, and I thought that it was quite meaningful. That was when my curiosity for Christianity sparked.
During the pandemic, I felt quite lonely, and what made things worse was that I was also struggling with my studies. At the same time, I also realised that most of the friends that I hung out with were Christian, and that was when I started wondering what this religion was really about. I asked my friends whether I should attend a church, and they encouraged me to do so.
Since Jurong Church is located on the same grounds as my old SDA Kindergarten, the location felt familiar, and it is close to my home. So, it was a natural choice for me to reach out. I think at first it was a bit awkward and scary because even though I knew this place — the physical features of the place —I didn't really know the people here. Moreover, this is the first church that I've ever been to, and I don't usually know what people do at church.
Initially, I thought that this was a very weird experience but the people in the church were friendly to me, specifically Jeven, Aaron, Valentia, Jolyne, and Alyssa. They were welcoming and made me feel accepted into this church. I'm very grateful for that because it made me feel more comfortable fitting into this new environment and coming to church in general.
I think coming to know Jesus has changed my life drastically. Firstly, I used to study every day, including the Sabbath. That non-stop studying made me feel very burned out easily. I wasn’t getting proper rest away from my studies.
Ever since I became part of the church community, I have tried my best not to study on the Sabbath. Instead, going to church helps me to spend more time with God and my church friends. As a result, I’m able to feel more relaxed on the Sabbath, and I don't get burnt out easily anymore. Ever since I got to know about God, my mental health has improved a lot.
In the past, I used to be very anxious and worried about my responsibilities or when things in life didn't go my way. I didn't really have anyone to talk to about it. So, I tended to bottle up these emotions. That was detrimental to my mental health. Ever since I got to know God, I have been able to readily depend on Him even when I stumble in life.
Now, when I feel anxious or worried about things at school, I talk to Him about it. It makes me feel more peaceful because I know I'm not alone. I'm also very grateful to be able to find a very supportive group of friends in the church, a community who will pray for me when I'm facing difficulties in life. I want to get baptised because I feel that because of my personal experiences with God, I am sure that He's the right person to follow, and I want to follow Him.
After I get baptised, I want to be able to help more people know about God and continue my Bible studies. Hi everyone, I'm Christelle, and I'm 17 this year (2023). Right now, I'm studying in my first year of junior college.
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