I was raised in a Christian family, and growing up, I had the opportunity to attend church, youth group, student group, and home groups. Being part of these growth groups over the years helped me settle into church life, and they became my church family. I was always encouraged to join a growth group and to be consistent in attending, so that I could build deeper relationships and learn how to support and care for one another.
I have always enjoyed being part of these growth groups, where we could share both the ups and downs of our journeys through life. Having people who genuinely care for you and pray with you is very special. Through these relationships, we experienced God more deeply and were encouraged to extend the same care to others. Together, we could build each other up and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Together, we could build each other up
Over the last year, I moved to Hong Kong, and finding a new church and a growth group became very important to me. It is always challenging to meet new people, especially in a new country. It would have been easier to stay within my comfort zone and keep to myself, but I knew that over time, this would become lonely and meaningless. Joining a growth group felt less daunting in a smaller setting, and I saw joining Oxygen as a wonderful opportunity to connect and belong.
We meet once a week to study God’s Word and pray for one another. Having brothers and sisters in Christ around us is truly a blessing, as there is a deeper level of care and support that comes from our shared faith. Adapting to a new place and a different culture came with many challenges, and at times, life felt dark amidst the busyness and pressures of this world.
During those moments, my growth group encouraged me to continue trusting in God’s promises amid the hardships. It is so easy to fixate on our problems and feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Yet we are reminded that God is far bigger than all of it. My growth group became a safe space where I could come just as I am, openly share my struggles, and commit them to God in prayer. I am deeply thankful that God provided both physical and spiritual support when I was far away from home.
Being part of a growth group encourages us in our faith. Through studying the Bible together and sharing with one another, we grow in our knowledge of God and are shaped more into the likeness of Jesus. No matter our age or stage of life, we all need support; we were never meant to walk alone. As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:9–11: “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
