Thirty-five moving stories.

Thirty-five true accounts of believers, from entrepreneurs to chefs, ex-offenders to CEOs, whom God called into the marketplace to be light in a dark world in spite of tremendous challenges and setbacks.

In the two weeks since Salt&Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith at Work was launched (we are now in our second print run), the 35 testimonies in the book have affected readers in powerful ways.

We asked three profiles featured in the book to take us behind the scenes.

Salt&Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith at Work is now available, just in time to illustrate the grace and living hope of Christmas. Photo courtesy of The Treasure Box SG.

Anita Fam’s story

When is a walk not just a walk? 

When God meets you halfway and gives you a divine download.

That was how the Invictus Fund was birthed.

Fam, the president of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS), witnessed how God took a $1 million donation and enlarged it to $24.7 million in a matter of weeks.

More than 400 NCSS agencies reaped the benefits, with beneficiaries ranging from persons with mental health conditions to families in need.

The Invictus Fund is “an amazing story of God’s goodness. We’re talking loaves and fishes”, says NCSS president Anita Fam (left), seen here with President Halimah Yacob (middle) and president of the Association of Social Workers Long Chey May (right). Photo courtesy of Anita Fam.

What were some of the reactions to your story?

Anita Fam: Many have been blown away by how God works.

The reactions have been mixed – mainly incredulity, gratefulness and a recognition that only God could have done this. 

Any updates on your story since it was published?

To-date the Invictus Fund has raised more than S$28 million!

So far 89 social service agencies have benefited from the first tranche which has raised $9.9m to-date.

We are in the process of allocating funds from the second tranche of $18.3m, which was the Government’s top-up from the Fortitude Budget. 

What are your takeaways after reading the book? 

The testimonies have been so inspiring. I gave a friend a copy of the book and he couldn’t put it down. He read it from beginning to end with just a short break for dinner!

Seeing the hand of God up close and personal like this in the various testimonies is just what we need during these challenging times.

It’s through testimonies like these that we recognise His power and know that He is real.

What is your hope for anyone who reads these testimonies of faith at work?

That God is so real and that He is there for each and all of us.

Mason Tan’s story

Businessman Mason Tan brought in popular burger joint Carl’s Jr to Singapore and Malaysia. But he lost millions when the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2008. That worldwide crisis led to his own personal crisis.

But he resolved to honour God both in his life and with his businesses. He now runs Garden Impact which provides jobs and social change for thousands regionally.  

Mason Tan (left) visiting local villagers in Indonesia to understand their needs for home-based toilets as opposed to communal toilets. Photo courtesy of Mason Tan.

What were some of the reactions to your story?

Mason Tan: People can resonate with what I went through, especially when they try to shift away from a secular work mindset/environment to become more Kingdom-minded/conscious.

When I met a few young adults who were also juggling their time between spouses, young family members, job security, I was able to share that this “transition” will take time and only God can touch the hearts of our spouses and other family members.

I reminded them that we need to balance both God and family needs well, not sacrificing one for the other. 

Any updates on your story since it was published?

By God’s grace, I have been able to become more open about my own faith journey with others in the marketplace ministry, including to pre-believers.

We are currently in the midst of launching a bigger fundraising effort to see how we can become more intentional in investing by scaling up business-led social changes that are resilient and sustainable.

Naturally, I also needed to become more savvy in sharing God’s heartbeat in helping vulnerable groups.

I speak at more market-driven meetings and conferences, sharing on how patient capital can transform these lives.

What are your takeaways after reading the book?

God is certainly alive and walking with each of us every day! 

I can resonate with some of the profiles’ experiences in the book as they shared their struggles. 

What is your hope for anyone who reads these testimonies of faith at work?

I hope more and more Christians will actively share their faith at work, instead of merely being a Sunday church-goer because our God is a full-time God.

He is working 24/7 – not just at home, or in church, but everywhere.

Steve Loh’s story

His friends and business contacts were aghast.

Steve Loh left an illustrious career, sold his three companies and donated his assets to join YWAM Singapore, doing menial tasks such as cleaning toilets, mopping floors and painting walls.

That was just the beginning of his faith-at-work journey. 

Loh, now the CEO of YMCA Singapore, is mobilising hundreds to run social enterprises and serve the most needy in the community. 

What were some of the reactions to your story? 

Steve Loh: It was heartening to have many family, friends and strangers come up to me to say that they were encouraged to step out more in faith in what they believed God was calling them to do after reading my story.  

Any updates on your story since it was published?

Leaders are born for  crises. In this Covid-19 stricken year of 2020, it is the year every leader in every sector of Singapore is called upon to go beyond themselves and lead with integrity, strength and perseverance.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF Salt&Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith at Work

Holding on in faith in the Lord’s goodness and grace helped me navigate these difficult times whereby His peace that passes all understanding allowed for clarity of thought and extending ourselves to serve our staff and society at large.

It is our Christian duty to be light in the darkest times to those who are in most need.

What are your takeaways after reading the book?

There are many “missionaries” in Singapore who hold corporate jobs but have committed themselves to lay down their lives for Christ. Awesome.

What is your hope for anyone who reads these testimonies of faith at work?

To live by faith and not by sight. And have the courage and conviction to deny themselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus in laying down our lives for the benefit of others.

And that all may know the love and grace of God.