Gerald Chua shares how he came to faith and his heart for the church, especially after serving as an Elder Associate for the past ten months. This sharing was originally provided as a part of the Elders' elections at the English Congregational Meeting. 

My name is Gerald Chua. I have been married to my wife, Jo for 26 years and we have 3 children: Sophie (20), Megan (20) and Louise (17).

I accepted Christ in Primary 3 at the age of 9. It was by God's grace that, after years of seeds of gospel truths sown by Christ Methodist Church Sunday school teachers, He
transformed my heart into good soil. My faith in Christ continued to be strengthened by friends and teachers in Sunday school and in secondary school and junior college. Jo introduced me to GBC when I was 18 and it has been my home church since.

The demands of work in my mid-20’s alas triggered the start of a prolonged period of thorns choking my spiritual growth: the pursuit of worldly treasures and promise of reward divided my heart and outweighed my love for Christ.

In 2012, when I was 42, God drew me back to Him when, challenged by Jo, I committed myself to the regular study of His Word with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). By 2015 God had ridded the thorns, and the soil was ready and in good condition once again after 2 decades of barrenness.

I was baptised in 2015 by immersion, and since then have served as a teacher in the Children’s Ministry and as a Children's Leader in BSF. Jo and I stepped forward to start and co-lead a care group in 2019.

In my 10 months as an elder associate, I have seen how the elders work hard as a team to tend the flock during these times of challenges and opportunities. I am reminded that we lead, teach and shepherd only through the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and that God ultimately determines our steps despite our best efforts to plan our course.

I regard eldership as the stewarding of a talent entrusted by my Master; an opportunity to serve GBC with humility, faithfulness and complete dependence on God.

Please pray with me that in this season of service, I surrender to the yoke of Christ as I learn more and more how to shepherd God's people like Christ did. I pray that and in all that I do I reflect His love, glory and grace.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
(Matt 11:28-30)