God has blessed my life through many people. When I reflect on the biggest influences in my life, I see clearly how God used ordinary individuals to shape my character, faith, and direction.
My Parents: Foundations of Character
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
Proverbs 20:7
My parents were the first and strongest influences in my life. My late father worked hard to raise eight children. During World War II, he returned to China and spent many years there before coming back one year before Malaya declared independence. He worked diligently but was never greedy. From him, I learned honesty, discipline, and contentment.
My mother also worked to support our family. Together, my parents kept our household in order, even when we were not easy children to raise. Their faithfulness shaped the way I live today.
My Teacher: Learning Courage Through Language
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity and seriousness.”
Titus 2:7
I attended a Chinese primary school, where Chinese was our main language. Later, in Catholic High School, many of us still spoke Chinese. In Form 2, my form teacher, Mrs Parameswara, became one of the biggest influences in my life by pushing me to learn English.
She required every student to speak in English. I shared a synopsis of The Fly, based on what I read in a Chinese newspaper. When I finished, she said, “Finally, we have someone who can speak English.” That moment gave me confidence. I began reading, speaking, and learning English seriously.
My Pastor: Guidance in Failure and Grace
“He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms.”
Isaiah 40:11
While in high school, I attended the KL Chinese Methodist Church, where I met Pastor Gan. Although we did not speak often, he noticed me. Years later, when I made serious mistakes, I sought his counsel. He was disappointed but patient. He helped me see where I was wrong, prayed for me, and guided me forward. His pastoral care remains one of the most meaningful influences in my Christian life.
My Son: A Gift from God
My late wife often said I spoiled our son by letting him play games. Yet I thank God that he grew up well. He is intelligent, calm, and thoughtful. He is now happily married and living in a foreign country.
From a young age, my son helped me see life from different perspectives. Whether through games like Skyrim, Call of Duty 2, and Borderlands, or through quiet moments, he pulled me back more than once when I was close to falling. My son is truly a gift from God.
Pastor Chris Kam from Damansara Utama Methodist Church told us we should always have one mentor and someone we are mentoring. Who are they in your life?
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