Hello everyone. I’m Fredrick, a year 3 Mechanical Engineering student. I was born a cradle catholic. I wasn’t very close to God as I did not have a proper prayer life. Back then, I served in the wardens ministry in my parish but was just a Sunday Catholic. This was before I came to know community and encountered the Lord.
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When I was in poly, someone invited me to the poly catholic community, but I didn’t join as I felt that I was not ready. I had so many CCAs and external commitments that I did not have time for community. At that time, I felt that I only needed God on Sundays and during exam periods. I treated God as an ATM and would only turn to Him in prayer when I needed good exam results. I felt that God was far from me, despite still attending mass. This just went on for many years.
Fast forward to a few weeks before uni began, I was scrolling through my IG when I saw a post by OYP on my suggested posts. Curious, I went to look and saw NTU CSA. I then went to find out more about CSA. That’s when I realised that perhaps God was inviting me to join the community. Not knowing what to expect, I gave my YES to the Lord.
Honestly, I didn’t expect the community to be so hospitable and welcoming. It was a whole new experience for me. I had like-minded brothers to journey with me. They constantly checked in on me, ensuring I am doing fine. They also requested meals with me and walked with me on my faith journey. Through the CGs and sessions, God has spoken many truths to me that motivate me to deepen my relationship with Him. Through community He has shown me that despite not choosing Him in the past, I am always His beloved Son and He has never abandoned me.
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Just as I thought that I was very close to God, I was to put to another test. Studies and other commitments soon began to pile up and take up most of my time that my prayer life began turning unstable. It took me some time to realise that I have to start committing to my prayer life. My personal struggles come in too and I soon find myself distancing from God again.
One day, OYP released the sign up for Exalt 21. Initially, I was reluctant to sign up as I had weekends plans but I considered it again when my parish youth community said they were attending. I prayed about it and was prompted by the Holy Spirit to attend Exalt 21. I watched the entire event online but went for evangelistic night physically with my parish. When I reached the OYP compound, I couldn't believe my eyes! There were so many youths present! Through the program, I felt that God spoke to me. During the adoration at the field when my friends were praying for me, tears started flowing down. I received an image of me running back to the Father. The Father upon seeing me started running towards me too and hugged me tightly. He smiled and welcomed me back home. After the evangelistic night, I went for midnight adoration. I felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. The surrounding was quiet and the light at the Eucharist burned bright. As I sat in the hall looking at the Eucharist, the true presence of the Lord, I could sense my tears flowing from my eyes again. My heartfelt a poking pain and started beating very fast. I knew it was the Lord. God’s voice spoke to me: “Fredrick, your faith has saved you. Come back.” Again, I realised that He was finding me and inviting me to turn back to Him. I felt like I was the prodigal son who was coming home to the Father. In the silence of my heart, I said Yes Lord, I trust you and I’m ready to come back and follow you. As I left the hall, I felt joyful and peaceful. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in me.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I got back into my prayer life, and I am now praying every day. Despite my internship, I spend about 10 to 15 minutes praying the divine mercy or in adoration. At times I will pray the rosary too. I realised that through prayer my faith has grown quite a lot. From a Sunday Catholic who looked at God in a transactional way to a young man with great faith. I can trust Him and surrender my desires to Him. Today, I can proudly proclaim that I am His beloved Son.
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God knows my past and sins, but He still chose to call me by name. He continues to find me and welcome me back home. Brothers and sisters, the Lord today invites you to come back and follow him. Will you say your Yes to Him? Amen.
God knows my past and sins, but He still chose to call me by name. He continues to find me and welcome me back home.