Dara Choo
Every step I take toward ordained ministry is a reminder to myself and the testimony of God's gift of grace and forgiveness to me.
I don't count myself qualified, but I rely on him. Who qualifies?
I wasn't born into a Christian family. God showed up in other ways and enabled me to come to faith. In my 20s, I took my faith more seriously and I was baptized. The idea of serving full time in church grew as I grew in faith. I had a knack for bringing people together. I love building community and connecting with new people. I was naturally drawn to nurturing faith, and I enjoyed exploring God's Word with others.
The work of feeding his sheep really spoke to me. For the next 10 years or so, I would become increasingly involved in youth work and discipleship, just as working full time in church became more and more likely.
My marriage ended in a divorce, my plans upended, and I stepped away from serving in church altogether. I wrestled within myself, wanting to heal, yet unable to forgive myself. In one of those moments, John, chapter 21 spoke to me, Jesus restores Peter. And three times Jesus told Peter, Feed my sheep.
Confronted with God's grace, I was reminded that there is no betrayal Christ cannot forgive. I needed to receive His forgiveness and let go of my mistakes. My mistakes don't stop God's purpose in my life. God restores. God knows me from the start, and his call upon my life has not changed, feed and take care of my sheep.
What is my response to such grace? Do I insist that I'm not good until I can make it good? Or do I say I need your God? I need your forgiveness. God restores and makes good. Since that John 21 moment, I've slowly allowed myself to take on leadership and discipleship roles in ministry as opportunities are given to me. After 10 more years, I've come to a point where I say it is truly only by God's grace that I'm now ready to be considered for ordained ministry. I want to feed God’s sheep and take care of his flock.
The Ordination Service for Dara Choo Loong will be on Saturday 23 November at 2 pm at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
