WHEN GOD CALLS YOU, HE ALSO EQUIPS YOU

MATTHEW ONG

Have you wondered what happens after God calls you? For me, ever since I responded to His calling to Mongolia, He has been equipping me to do His work. God has used every aspect of who I am - such as my background, my level of education, my past occupations, and experiences - to do His work.

God had put children and people with special needs in my heart. He had clearly shown me in Luke 14: 12-14 that He is inviting us to have a banquet that includes people from all walks of life, including the people with disabilities and special needs, and that we are called to serve without expectation of reciprocation. I also believe that when God calls me, He will equip me. As the Bible says, “May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 13:21 NLT).” Hence, by His grace, I was led to Grace Orchard School as a Teaching Assistant in 2020 and as a Pastoral Guidance Officer (PGO) in 2021. My role as a PGO is to look into the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the students.

God knew my needs and brought the right people into my life to aid and equip me in my preparation for Mongolia. I got to know brother Enkh, a Mongolian pastor who was willing to teach me the Mongolian language. He has also given me a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by Mongolian churches and society. I also got to know Rev Dr Danny Goh, my mentor, who allowed me to better understand myself and my gifts in serving Him. Another person whom I got to know is Preacher Jeremy Chew; he taught me that member care for missionaries is practised through prayer as well as visitation in the mission field and to their parents in Singapore. God also provided me with GPC Mission Board members who have been praying unceasingly for me and encouraging me to move forward to serve God confidently with their support.

Dear friends, the Bible also says that we are God’s handiwork and that it is He who works in us (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13). I pray that you will respond to His calling and be equipped. All Glory unto Him.

WHO IS MATTHEW ONG?

A member of Glory PC, Matthew is currently preparing to be deployed to Mongolia. He served in church, Boys' Brigade 56J Company and visited elderly who are staying in the nursing homes when he was a pastoral intern, and continues to visit them now. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries with East Asia School of Theology. As God has called him to serve in the children and people with special needs ministry, he was led to serve at a special needs school while waiting for God’s leading in current situation.