Contributed by Wendy ML Tan • Sep 8, 2026

Over cendol on a hazy afternoon, I looked at my young friend as she enthused about her idea of a niche retail venture and the opportunity to enrol herself in a university to do a business degree. Years ago, she had to drop out of the seminary and return to her hometown. I kept in touch with her because I believe in second chances. Indeed, she has matured over the years. From the way she expressed herself, I am glad that her faith in God has not swayed. Rather, she is grounded in the Word of God. Curious, I asked if she was in any relationship. She shook her head. We talked about not having to rush into relationships. She agreed because she saw the brokenness of those who gave in to unequally-yoked marriages. She knows the boundaries of choosing a life partner and would wait on God for His timing and divine match.

I also think about a few other ex-classmates that I met up for dinner last month. There was much laughter around the table as we shared memories and updates on our lives. Two of them have been ordained as pastors in their respective churches and another is now a lecturer at her local seminary in Nepal. They have grown out of their insecure doubts and playful goofiness; putting to good use the years of laboring through their theological studies. I am inspired by their faithfulness to serve God and to love people.

Then, I found out recently that a group of our own pastors, already with hectic schedules, signed up to further their studies in order to be better equipped for the long haul of serving in DUMC. Surely their minas will increase and multiply too!

I am aware that not 100% of Christians will grow their minas. Jesus warned us that there are those who would give excuses and justify their weakness and wickedness. They would blame and accuse Him for being a hard person. This is far from the truth of who Jesus is. He is fair and just, not hard. If we view Him as the latter, then we hardly know Him at all.

In my personal journey, I believe my mina grew as a child and into my teenage years but I hesitated to make it known when I backslided for many years. I was like a nominal Christian who hardly did anything for God, His Kingdom and the church. It was only at the point in time that I found myself extremely tired and lost that I knew I had strayed too far. I had nowhere and no one else to turn to but Him. It has been ten years since.

I believe that if God were to ask me today about my mina, I could confidently say that it is more than what He had originally given to me. I am not at my peak yet but I am glad that it is not stagnant as it once was. And by His grace and love, I would continue to pursue His calling upon my life.

Whatever amount of mina that I would achieve, I would give thanks to Him. Unto God be all glory and praise. Amen.