HEART TO HEART WITH UNCLE J - WHERE GOD WAS LEADING

When I first came to GPC as a pastor, some of the young people were intrigued by my title, “Preacher Doctor.” I told them they could simply call me “Uncle,” and, with tongues firmly in cheek, they addressed me as “Uncle Preacher Doctor.” After my contract with GPC ended in July last year, I felt the need to take a sabbatical from my 35 years of ministry. During this period, I was neither “preacher” nor “doctor,” so those same young people began calling me simply “Uncle J.”

While I was enjoying this season of rest, others around me were not always as comfortable with my situation. “So what do you do if you don’t work?” is a typical concern in our achievement - and significance-oriented Singaporean culture. My honest answer would be, “I am waiting,” but few people fully understand that. Waiting is not the barren desert between nothing and something happening. Rather, waiting is a journey from something to something more.

During this season, I learned afresh that I am not defined by titles, recognition, or what I do. First and most fundamentally, I am defined by my relationship with God. I am loved by Him, and I belong intimately to Him (Isaiah 43:1–7). Freed from the fear and pressure that often come from performance and significance, my heart became open to God's invitation in this liminal season of life, wherever He might lead.

One such opportunity came in January, when I was invited to teach an Old Testament course in Mongolia. For five full days, I taught and interacted with students from breakfast until dinner. Yet I did not feel tired. Instead, I rediscovered the joy that comes from using my gift of teaching together with my passion for missions. In those moments, I sensed God's delight, as though He was smiling down on me as I found joy in serving Him.

As I continued waiting, opportunities to pastor churches and teach in local seminaries also came my way. Then a friend who had recently returned to Taiwan invited me to teach at his Bible college. As I prayed about it, I sensed that this was where God was leading me next.

Naturally, questions arose. What about the original mission field I had intended to go to? Is this still a form of missions? Honestly, I do not have all the answers. What I do know is this: I am God's beloved, and I trust His perfect plan for my life. My response is simply one of love and obedience. Over the past year, I have become increasingly comfortable with uncertainty and simplicity. I have found great freedom in moving beyond titles and formal recognition. My primary concern now is simply to obey when God says, “Go.”

So what will I be doing in the future? The simple answer is this: Uncle J is going to Taiwan to teach in a seminary.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our church leaders for journeying with me during this season, and all of you who have shown care, encouragement, and concern for my well-being. I am deeply grateful for your friendship and support. As I embark on this next chapter, I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for God's guidance, wisdom, and faithfulness in the days ahead.

With love and gratitude,

Uncle J