I attended the Haggai National Leadership Seminar without knowing much about what it was all  about. Since I am retired and seeking God’s will for the next season of my life, I decided to  attend with an open heart. 

One thing that impressed me greatly was the preparation before the seminar. Fourteen days  before it began, daily devotional messages were already being sent to our phones. This helped  prepare our hearts and minds for what was ahead. 

Chairman Ritchie Tay, in his message titled “The Discipline of a Leader,” asked two thought provoking questions: 

Why are you here? 

What is the rhythm and heartbeat of God? 

These questions impacted me deeply because they were the very questions I had been asking  myself as I seek God’s direction for this new journey in my life. 

I believe God is inviting us to respond to His heartbeat for the salvation of lost souls and the  harvesting of lives for His Kingdom. Pastor Leroy, in his session on the Biblical Mandate,  reminded us that we are God’s representatives and stewards of His creation. 

He asked, “Who was the first missionary?” The answer was God Himself. After Adam sinned and  hid among the bushes, God sought him out and called, “Where are you?” From the very  beginning, God has been reaching out to restore people to Himself. 

The Biblical Mandate is rooted in God’s amazing love for humanity. As John 3:16 reminds us,  God sent His one and only Son to die for our sins so that we may have eternal life through Him. 

I was also challenged to share my own testimony by answering three simple questions: Who was I before knowing Christ? 

Who shared Christ with me? 

How has Christ transformed my life? 

Before knowing Christ, I was a rebellious girl in school and was often among the last in my class  during my lower secondary years. My third brother brought me to Sunday School when I was in  primary school, but he later left for the UK to further his studies. 

At one point, I challenged God and prayed, “If You help me do well in my studies, I will believe in  You.” God answered that prayer in a miraculous way. Not only did He help me succeed  academically, but He also opened the door for me to pursue my degree in the UK. Praise the  Lord! 

One lesson that deeply impacted me was that God wants to use us even when we feel unworthy  or insignificant. Moses was an example. He was once somebody in Pharaoh’s palace, then  became a nobody during his forty years as a fugitive in the wilderness. Yet when he was eighty  years old, God called him to lead His people out of Egypt.

This reminded me that God can call anyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or age. As  long as we are willing, He can use us for His purposes. 

I would encourage anyone who has not attended the Haggai Leadership Seminar to consider  registering for it. I believe you will be challenged, inspired, and equipped to return to your  community and make a lasting impact on others for God’s glory.

Joanne Lee