As the saying goes Silence is also precious moment. It is the absence of any sound or noise; stillness and the state of being silent; forbearance of speech or utterance. Is that why the Lord said in Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”?

In the hustle and bustle of life, it is very difficult to keep calm. Not only physically one is too exhausted, but one is also mentally and emotionally drained out. Where to find rest and be still? It is in the midst of seemingly ‘busy’ and over a number of huddles, God brought me face to face with ‘silent-ministry’.

It started in the year of end 2004 to year 2005. At that time I was a trainer and stay-in staff at Asian Cross-Cultural Training Institution (ACTI). ACTI became a stepping-stone for me where God allowed me to go through some experiences that taught me to be still, and to focus on what God really wanted me to do.

Somewhere in early March 2005, God kept prompting on me this sentence ‘silent ministry.’ It came very strongly upon me but I push it aside as I was not sure what it means. But I took it as the mellowing period by God for me. Because I was free from all church commitment and activities, and meetings, I was able to enjoy my time alone with God – just being silence.

All this while, God gently and graciously was leading me into this ‘silent ministry.’ I just wait and pray.

On Oct 9th 2005, I attended my youngest brother Daniel’s church at Living Sanctuary, and he happened to be the speaker. Daniel spoke about the courage in God. I broke down and knew that I had lost my courage and hence kept pushing aside the stillness of God’s voice about silent ministry. On December 10th 2005, my 2nd younger brother David emailed about his dream where he found my confidence was not there.

I took these two messages as from the Lord, and I fasted and prayed.

In between that time (June to Dec 2005), the Lord convicted me strongly about this ‘silent ministry.’ I confessed my lack of confidence and courage, and I was determined to find it back from the Lord.

In November 2005, the Lord gave me I Thessalonians 4:11, 12, and 2 Corinthians 4:16 respectively. I evaluated my whole year of 2005. Despite my own weakness, the Lord has led me to minister to a number of people outside of church, people from all different walks of life.

In fact, for the whole year of 2005, God was graciously letting me find my confidence back, and preparing me for the step ahead. The conviction was so strong, I said yes to the Lord. Then I decided to register it as ‘silent ministry’.

That was where the Lord indicated to me about the kind of silent ministry He intended for me.

“Silent Ministry” is reaching out to those ‘silent’ needy people, going into intensive prayer for them, counseling through emails, phone and correspondence, spending time with them – most of the time giving listening ears. It is what I called ‘behind the scene’ ministry.

“Silent Ministry” is for me to step back in leadership and take the supportive role.
The last two years, I have never known, in the past, the beauty of serenity and peace of mind in the midst of stillness more than now. Praise God.

Now I understand what it is all about when I uttered the serenity of prayer: