New Staff in ODBM: Being Part of God’s Family

For many years, I had been searching and wondering about my career path. In my previous jobs, I thought I knew what I wanted. But I soon found myself lost, without vision or direction. In my heart, I pleaded with God, asking, “When will I ever feel like I’m doing what You want me to do?” “What do I even want?”

Thank God, with His perfect timing and guidance, I started to be able to dream, set goals, step out of my previous endeavours, and take a leap of faith. I followed the path He laid out for me, and I don’t know if it was Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM), a Christian ministry, that found me or if I found ODBM. One thing I am sure of is that God found me and chose me to be a part of His family.

My journey being accepted into His family

When I got the job as ODBM’s content marketer, I was excited to work in a faith-based role. Previously, I only considered working in a Christian ministry in my later years. I also felt nervous and asked, “Was this God’s calling? Would it help me grow in my skill sets?”

I was tired of switching jobs again and worried that Christian ministries were too “comfortable” and not the right fit for someone like me looking to grow my career. I worried that I would remain in a comfort zone and bubble.

But as I started my job, I found myself enjoying it because I could directly engage with God’s Word and present it in a more understandable way to others. One of the main things that I learned in this new journey is about being a part of God’s family.

Who is considered a part of God’s family?

When a person hears the gospel, confesses their sins, and places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, they are then born into God’s kingdom, becoming His children and heirs for eternity (Romans 8:14-17).

For me, I am accepted not just within my biological family and my church family, but now I’ve gained a new family at the workplace. As in all families, there are ups and downs, but we are all accepted and loved, and we are to be brothers and sisters in Christ to those around us. So what’s it like being part of the ODBM family?

1. All cultures, ethnicities, ages, genders, and citizens belong. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we focus on the same goal: to love God and serve people. We share the same mindset, and I easily found my place without feeling like an outsider (Ephesians 2:19).
2. We trust that God works everything out for our good. (Romans 8:28). No matter what positions or responsibilities we take on or are given, we are there for each other and to fulfil the roles. This helps us not be calculative and submit to what we are given to accomplish.
3. We learn to be honest and to rebuke with love. In the few months I’ve been here, I’ve experienced misunderstandings (read more about handling conflict at the workplace) that have led to offence and hurt. But I thank God that my colleagues are willing to talk it out, offer advice, and allow me to learn from it. Indeed, “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).
4. We’re here to minister and not just excel at work. To minister is to show concern for others. My colleagues are patient, empathetic, good listeners, offer guidance, and share their knowledge with me. They also pray with me and help me be accountable towards my goals. I’m thankful to Caroline, Pastor David, Sam, Mano, Joshua, Mic Sew, Day Day and more, who bend down low to help me as God does (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
5. We strive to engage with the Word of God. During our staff devotions, we strengthen each other in our journey of loving God and serving others. Right now, we’re doing our Bible study in the morning using the Journey Through Series: Colossians, which helps me understand God’s Word and moves me to worship Him deeper.

To me, being part of God’s family and being able to call God “Abba Father” is the greatest privilege of all. Therefore, my only hope is that I and the people I love will know that we belong to Him and are part of His family.

Lorilee Craker in his book ‘We Are His: Belonging to The Family of God’ aptly says, “We may nod our heads in agreement – yes, yes, of course that’s true – but do we truly trust in and live out the fact that our primary identity is as love-showered children of God?”

Thank you, ODBM, not to mention my current church friends and other brothers and sisters in Christ, for making me feel like I belong. I’ve learned not to escape situations and people, but to remain in God’s family. Daily, I wear a Christ-like lens and go beyond receiving His blessings, but work to strengthen His family together with others.

Serving with ODBM has helped me to practise being a member of God’s family. I hope that as you read this article, you will be encouraged that you are always part of God’s family, wherever you are working, studying, or living. I joined ODBM as I was touched by God to serve, and if you feel the same in any way, whether as a volunteer, part-timer, or thinking of serving full-time, let’s talk! Check out our vacancies or email us at malaysia@odb.org.

If you don’t yet know Christ and wish to know more about Him and be part of His family, drop us a line, and we will be delighted to pray with you.

Celine Heo contributes to the content marketing of Our Daily Bread Ministries. She writes a blog called “One Kind of Vessel” and loves studying people through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Her motto in life is Dolce Far Niente – seeking carefree relaxation so she can give her best at work after being recharged.

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