Eunice was a businesswoman before she joined Trinity Theological College.

She is a good friend of mine and was in the same family group (04). This testimony had been published in the TTC monthly bulletin, Trumpet , May '05 edition. I put this good testimony in this web with her pesmission. Thx to my kind sister, Eunice. May what you have written in this testimony, that you have left everything behind for the glory of God will encourage many people to the same thing.-

Mangapul Sagala

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“Finding the Right Answer"

by Eunice Li-Low

Life evolves around a string of questions. We keep ourselves busy throughout the day and indeed, throughout our whole lives asking what, where, who, why, how and when, and trying to answer them. But the nature of the questions we ask makes all the difference. Asking the right questions helps us to move one step closer to a more fulfilling life; finding the right answer brings us closer to our destiny.

In the past 23 years, I continually asked myself why I was not making as much money as my competitors, how I could improve the performance of my staff and where to find more capable people to fill the job vacancies. One day, it was God’s turn to ask me two vital questions: “why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?” (Isa55:2)

These two questions reminded me of a vow I once made to God to serve Him full time. I realized that two thirds of my life had been spent traveling along a detour which took me further away from my destiny. I knew it was useless looking back, so I asked myself what I should do with the remaining third of my life, were God to grant me another 23 years. Would I still be useful to God at this age? Isn’t it too late to equip myself for full time ministry? Will I be able to cope with the studies? Just as I was torn between leading a comfortable life after retirement and beginning full time ministry, God answered these questions in a most remarkable way-- He took my business away miraculously.

TTC was the natural choice for me when it came to deciding where to receive my theological training. A couple of months before I finally decided to study full time, I was told that the average age of full time students was over 40 years and many mature students had similar backgrounds like mine. This more or less allayed my fear of not being able to handle the academic workload, having left the books for more than a decade.

Another reason was the calling I felt ever since TTC moved into my neighbourhood. Compared to the 45-minute drive I used to make many years back to get to the old campus at Mount Sophia Road to audit courses, this distance is a breeze. Ever since its relocation to Upper Bukit Timah Road, whenever I passed TTC, the Trinity logo on the chapel roof seemed to call out to me with a gentle voice: “come, my child”.

Some kind-hearted co-workers asked me: “Isn’t it more effective for you to serve God in your present capacity as an Elder in the church? Isn’t it a pity to waste so much time studying?” My soul searching confirmed the need to equip myself—God deserves our best. We cannot fight a modern war with outdated weapons; neither can we serve Him with inadequate knowledge of the truth. It might seem that time is running out for an aged soldier like me, but if God wants to use me, He would surely know which battle ground to place me. For now, my duty is to obey His commands and be a diligent student, doing the best I can. Time is, as it always was, and always will be, in God’s hands. I simply need to surrender myself to His sovereign will.

Life in TTC is challenging intellectually, spiritually and physically. Wrestling with scholars, lecturers and fellow students in theological debates can be extremely draining for the mind, body and soul. I find myself constantly begging God to activate my brain cells that have long been in hibernation! My body took a while to adapt to the new routine and lifestyle. I must confess that life in TTC is tiring, but God is ever the Provider, and I am amazed at the rejuvenation and restoration that He provides. The chapel services and vespers here are especially refreshing for me – my badly battered soul has finally found the rest it has long desired.

The option of starting as a part-time student eases the transition back to a student life and permits me to take care of the tedious chores of winding up my business. Additionally, it allows me to be in sync with life in TTC so that I do not grope in the dark like the newer occasional students. I get to belong to a family group with a lecturer as my mentor and am blessed with the opportunity to discuss problems with senior students, clarify doubts and even learn intellectually stimulating games. The synergy of a multi-national body of Christ is a marvel to witness and experience.

As a part-time student, I am also part of the class group which consists of all the year one students. Here, I have seen the dynamics of team work and fellowship—joys and sorrows are shared, supplications are made, burdens are lifted, birthday cakes are cut and bonds are reinforced. It is this fellowship that gives me a sense of belonging in TTC.

After spending eight enriching months in TTC, I am finally ready for full-time studies. While I still have reservations about whether I can cope with the demanding task ahead, I am now very certain that I have not given God the wrong answer. With the help of the lecturers who teach and motivate me, the friends in TTC who never fail to encourage me, and family and church members who are constantly praying for me, I trust that the Lord who called me will see me through. Indeed, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13)