Synopsis: Though living under the same roof, siblings Nicholas and Wendy were worlds apart. Listen to their story of how God turned their lives around and how both of them are now living a life of purpose, serving God together in church!
Nicholas :
Hey guys! I’m Nicholas and I have an older sister called Wendy. Come, let’s go find her…
Wendy:
Nic! Are you using my camera to film?
Nicholas:
Oh yes, this is my sister’s camera. She’s the one that studied film in university! She’s the one with all the creative juices…
Wendy:
And my brother is the studious one, currently, he’s studying medicine in university too! Well, we kind of look alike, what do you guys think? We are actually worlds apart. And we both have our different stories of how God changed our lives.
Nicholas:
Before becoming a Christian, I was stuck in a vicious cycle. I was always studying for the next exam or training for my next basketball competition. I was a nerd in class but at the same time a cool kid on the courts. Getting good grades and winning – it did feel good, but the happiness never really lasted. Instead, I was running an endless race with no finishing line.
At the same time, I was so self-centered. Despite being the basketball captain, I never really cared for my teammates. Whenever we didn’t win, I would complain and even blame my teammates.
However, my turning point came when I was 17.
I stepped into Heart of God Church for Christmas. I sang during the worship and listened to Pastor How preach. As I sat there, faith arose in my heart. I felt a peace that I’ve never felt before! And at the end of service, I said YES to starting a journey with God in Heart of God Church. And there was this one person that I knew had to experience all of this as well. And that one person was… Wendy!
For me, I was always comparing myself to my younger brother. He did so well in his studies, but not so much for me. I couldn’t match up to him, nor even my friends’ grades. And that made me really insecure. My results didn’t make me feel so good. I looked to my friends for acceptance instead. It was SO tiring trying to fit in. And then, I started to notice my brother’s change at home! Usually, he would be using his phone at the dinner table, but this time, he finally started to ask questions about my life!Then once, he came into my room and he said, “It’s “Siblings Weekend” in my church. You’re my jie [sister] right? You’re my sister! So you should come and join me!”
Nicholas:
That’s true!
Wendy:
Well, I agreed, and I never regretted that decision! When I came to church, everyone was so friendly and they asked so genuinely about my life. Pastor Lia also preached the sermon, “When Your Dreams Die”. She said that we can always dream again and have an endless hope for our future. I was really very touched. Somehow, I just felt that God had a purpose for me. That day, I opened up my heart to God and said yes to becoming a Christian!
Hey Nic! Come over here. So what is the one thing we love MOST about our church??
Together:
- Hmmm… THE FRIENDS!!
Nicholas:
Yes! People like Seob! When I had some trouble in army and I felt all alone, I dropped him a text. That very night, I was super touched because Seob called me just to cheer me on. He also prayed a prayer that hit straight into my heart. And during my birthday, my friends planned a secret birthday celebration with my sister!
Wendy:
Yup!
Nicholas:
I remember my sister coming up to me, sneakily asking me, “Hey Nic, I need some help!” But… I knew something was up. Here in church, the friendships are the most genuine and the most inspiring.
Wendy:
Yes, and talking about friends – my connect group were the people that I was able to open up so freely with. There was one time where I had to go through a tough internship, they actually sent me gifts right in the middle of the day just so that they can see me smile. They also sent me Bible verses so that I could stop feeling so terrible! Their love and care got me through that period. This circuit breaker period, we still enjoy hanging out with each other virtually. I even volunteered to sing for our zoom CG’s Talent Time. We all had a good laugh! And that’s why we love church so much. It’s because of the great friends that we have here!
Wendy:
One area that is now completely different is our relationship as siblings! I used to think that Nic was very ignorant towards our family. And I didn’t know anything about him too, besides what school he was attending.
Nicholas:
And to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered to connect with my sister. Every conversation felt like an argument that I needed to win.
Wendy:
But in church, we grew to realise that, yes, we need to treat each other better! So we took the effort to catch up on each other’s lives, set aside time to pray and worship together. When he prayed for my presentation at work, I was really really very touched!
Nicholas:
Aww!
In one service, I asked God, “What do You want me to do with my life?” Then I heard a still, small voice in my heart saying, “Nic, I want you to be a doctor for Me”. I just knew it had to be God because I squirm once I see a bit of blood. That day, it hit me how meaningful it is to be a doctor – I get to be there for other people as well as to live a life that is both giving and others-centred. And now I am also still doing well in medical school. Truly with God, I get to live a life that has BOTH success and significance!
God has filled our lives with so much joy that we wanted to express that by loving others and serving in church. And so, we joined our church’s Basic Ministry Training together! After that, I joined the dance ministry and my sister… She joined the sermon illustration ministry.
Wendy:
I always LOVED design! The slides in church are BY FAR THE BEST! Going behind the scenes to create each slide… It’s really really amazing! Oh by the way, I also sing in our children’s church – Heartkidz worship team!
Nicholas:
And… Wendy! Wendy!
Wendy:
Yes?
Nicholas:
Do you remember our FAVOURITE moment together?
Wendy::
Of course! It’s on 3rd of August last year! And you were also dancing to guide the kids in praise and worship…
Nicholas:
And… You were singing in that very same service too!
Together:
BEST MEMORY!
Wendy:
Here in church… Friends become family and family becomes friends! We have found the BEST FRIENDS in church! And with them, we serve together…
Nicholas:
laugh together…
Wendy:
cry together…
Nicholas:
We grow up…
Wendy:
And we grow old together
Together:
with them!
Nicholas:
God has changed our lives completely! And He has given us an amazing purpose to live for! So… to all of you watching this – God has changed our lives, we believe He can change yours too. Thank you!
