Full-Time Training - Testimonies

Learning to be a Little More Normal, Alfred C. Huang

Deciding to come to the Full-Time Training in Anaheim (FTTA) was not always easy. I graduated as the chief resident at my family practice residency program, and I had some very promising, high-paying job offers. Moreover, I had just been married one year earlier. Before we came to the FTTA, I felt that my Christian life was a little “stagnant.” I still loved the Lord very much, read the Bible, attended church meetings, and remained very involved. However, something was missing in my life. Something was still not quite right, and no amount of success, money, or accomplishments could make that feeling go away. To some, it seemed that we gave up two years in pursuing our careers, or making good money. However, to us, we gained more than we could have imagined. The following is a brief personal testimony of what I had gained over these past two years in the Full Time Training.

In the training, my experience is that I may not necessarily get the training I want, but the Lord will definitely give me the training I need. I thought I would become an outstanding gospel preacher, or a more “spiritual” person. I also thought I would be more knowledgeable of the Bible, so that I could answer any questions and face any situations. Although there is the help in the gospel, in cultivating a healthy spiritual life, and a considerable amount of study of the Word, what has helped me the most is learning to be a more genuine Christian towards God, towards myself, and towards others.

The reason I felt spiritually “stagnant” before was because my Christian life was not consistent. I would behave very “holy” in front of others, yet I would be very self-seeking, self-justifying, and self-glorifying in my personal life. I often lived and relished in my past accomplishments, or I dreamed and dwelled on future possibilities. Although not sinful in themselves, they took the place of my “present” experience and enjoyment of Christ causing me to have a stale Christian life, which ends up being sinful. Thus, I treasure my whole two years here. The Full-Time Training is a place that encourages me to enjoy the Lord. Face it, everyone goes through difficult circumstances. Most of the time I tried to handle things “myself.” After all, that is how I was trained in medicine: “Evaluate, diagnose, treat the problem, and live with your decisions.” However, to be able to go through circumstances while enjoying the Lord at that present time took learning. I have realized that the world does not need just another well-meaning physician. What the world needs is more enjoyment of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Great Physician. It is absolutely normal to want God and depend on God. In the training, I have realized that I am a failure at my very best, but there is Christ living in and through me who is perfect. The more I let Him live in me, the more normal I become. The training does not just help me live a better marriage life, a better work life, or even a better Christian life. The training has helped me live Christ (Philippians 1:21).

Now, the past no longer holds me back, and the future distracts me less. The Full-Time Training has helped me to live, enjoy, and partake of Christ today. What I take with me is a training that will help me be a little more normal day by day.

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