I received a free scholarship to study a 3 year course that I have wanted so badly for so many years

Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”

After graduating from polytechnic with a Diploma in Civil & Environmental Engineering. I have always wanted to pursue a degree in either Social Work or Psychology. Thus, I applied for my degree with SIM, which promised to give me an 'answer' by end of May 2006, regarding whether I am accepted for the course or not. I waited and waited for a response from the university and despite numerous calls and clarification, the school was not able to give me a confirmation on the success of my application. Soon later, I decided to go to work. I found myself applying for Singapore Prison Service, as a Prison Officer. Guess what? I saw a parcel from SIM on my dining table, after booking out from training school for the very first time. I received a letter stating my confirmation of my placing with the university. They approved my application but it was too late. I was so agonized! Either I pay the penalty for the bond or I continue my service. Needless to say, I chose the latter.

After serving about 3 years of service with the Prisons Department, I decided to resign, as during this period of time, I also managed to save up a certain amount of money that could help me to pursue my degree in Psychology. However my father was retiring at that point in time and he started to express concerns about the financial needs of the family. After much thoughts and discussion with my family, I decided to shove away this idea until the next opportunity comes. I was utterly disappointed though. After all I was the only child in the family.

After serving my bond with Singapore Prison, I decided to change my career to 'Social Work'. This is where my passion lies. My stint in prison actually helped me to bridge my relationship with the students. The students seem to be very interested in what is happening in prison and I was able to speak into their lives. During my career also gave me the opportunity to know Veronica. She is a Christian and she actually brought me to church later. I turned my life to God the first day I visited His Harvest Church. It was such a wonderful decision that I made.

Soon after, life continued as usual. I did not really think about pursuing my studies anymore as it has passed so many years since the last time I wanted to pursue it until one day, my supervisor offered me a scholarship to get a Degree in Social Work at uniSIM. He even said that I would be fully paid with my salary during this 3 years study period. I was thrilled!!! I could not believe this was happening to me. This offer was so much more attractive as compared to me actually paying for the course myself if I had made it previously. Praise God!

Looking back, God was certainly good to me. Seems like He is charting my life step by step, little by little even before I was a Christian. I believe the experience gained working at Singapore Prisons served to help me in my current job.

Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”

Perhaps some people might see this as luck but I knew in my heart that this is from God. Anyway the bible says,

James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

There are certain good things that happened to Christians which they know very distinctively came as a result of God’s grace and goodness. Very often only the person involved would know because there will be an inward witness in the spirit that confirms it. There is a sense of “knowing”.

God is never late but He is also never early. He knew exactly the right time to answer the desire of my heart. Thank you Jesus.

LX