On February 3, 2020, my boss who was posted from China to Singapore for a work stint, began to display COVID-19 symptoms – chest pain, flu and cough.

In fear of the coronavirus, none of my colleagues offered to bring him to the clinic. But I knew that I had to act in a faith-filled manner.

I was motivated by the Great Commission – the last words of Jesus on earth before He returned to the right hand of God. Realising the importance of the Great Commission to Christ grew a newfound conviction in me to live a life that shines His light into places of darkness.

At that moment, I felt there was no point in just preaching the good news, I had to live out my conviction of the good news.

So on February 4, I brought him to a clinic at Raffles Place. The clinic was fully booked, but I managed to secure him an appointment because I personally knew the doctor (who happens to be a part-time missionary).

When my boss found out the doctor was a Christian, he shared with me that it was his first time encountering such a detailed doctor who really cared to ask about how he was feeling. 

After all, he had very little exposure to Christianity back home. That was the reason I wanted to share the good news and shine God’s light to my boss when he was dispatched to work here. 

The next day, on February 5, I started to feel tightness in my chest.

I didn’t think it was cause for any worry, and attributed it to the hectic schedule that I had for the day.

But because my boss was still displaying symptoms, I decided to bring him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) on February 6 for the swab test.

When we arrived at TTSH, they isolated me in the “higher risk” wards because I had travelled to Hangzhou as recently as January 12.

When they ran my X-ray, they noticed white spots in my lungs. Even though my swab test proved I didn’t have COVID-19, they kept me in the hospital for another 2-3 days just to be safe. 

And in the mean time, my boss had tested negative for the coronavirus and was discharged that day.

There was no point in just preaching the good news, I had to live out my conviction of the good news. 

I could have worried over the white spots in my lungs, having perhaps come into contact with patients at the clinic, but I was at peace.

I knew that God is sovereign. Because He has won the victory over death, I don’t need to fear death. 

My certainty in God’s good news, coupled with the prayers that my life group and worship team made for me in the few days I was isolated in TTSH, brought me much comfort. 

And thankfully, the second X-ray showed that the white spots in my lungs had cleared up.

All in all, I’m glad that I responded obediently in faith to this situation. 

Having had the privilege to visit Alibaba’s headquarters in China, I have witnessed for myself how smart and hardworking this group of Chinese people are.

Because of how much they have achieved in their careers, sharing the good news wouldn’t be enough for my co-workers to accept Christ into their lives. Many of them just don’t see the need for the good news in their lives.

It’s only when Christians live a life that is set apart, can they then be convinced that there is more to Christianity, that it isn’t just another religion – but an assurance and hope of eternal life with Christ.

As I chose faith over fear, I trust that God will use my decision to make my boss wonder: “Why wasn’t he afraid of contracting the virus like so many others were?” 

I am glad to share that God has used this little act of obedience to soften my boss’ heart, who shared with me that he is starting to see the difference between Christ followers and non-believers.