Two sisters, volunteering in Secondary School and Junior College Ministry

Eve (right) and Esther (left) Lim, 23, started volunteering with SJM seven years ago. Eve works as an Outward Bound Singapore instructor (undergoing training) and Esther is a fourth-year social work student.

How did you get to know SYFC?

Eve: One of our Christian friends invited a non-Christian friend and the two of us to an event called Case Closed. She was really hoping for the non-Christian friend to hear the gospel and she knew the two of us like to solve puzzles. So, we signed up as a group. But, guess what? Our Christian friend couldn’t come. In the end, my sister and I decided that for the good of our non-Christian friend, we should still go even though we didn’t know anyone at SYFC.

Esther: Subsequently, our group leader and SYFC staff, Jessica Tan, invited us for Bible study with her. After our O-levels, she encouraged us to join Project Serve.

What encouraged you to volunteer with SJM after Project Serve?

Eve: I was helped in my walk with God in Life Group and during Project Serve. So I hope to help someone younger in her Christian journey too.

What struggles do you face as a volunteer and what encourage you to press on?

Eve: When work and what I need to do in SJM clash I would be very overwhelmed and want to throw in the towel. But each time, I am reminded that these busy periods will soon pass, and I can rely on God’s strength to go through them.

Esther: I was not as confident when it came to leading Life Groups because I did not know the Bible well. But thankfully, over the years, I’ve grown in my knowledge of God and His Word, and I don’t struggle with this as much now. When I struggle, I would talk with my sister, and she does likewise. We can then pray for each other.

What are your joys on this volunteering journey?

Esther: Students! Sometimes I am so tired and busy but when my students take the initiative to ask if we are meeting, it really lifts my spirit. When they still turn up for Life Group meetings during their examination period, I am so encouraged.

How can our Reach readers pray for you?

Eve: Good time management. I want to prepare my Bible study well for the sake of the students but sometimes it can be challenging when I’m tired. But now I’ve set aside Saturday mornings to do that.

Esther: Pray that I will guard my time with God intentionally and grow in my walk with Him.