by Francis Leong

It is my hope that my testimony will edify those brethren who are working under the shadow of retrenchment.

While there has been much talk about retrenchments these days, I have been actually working under the shadow of retrenchment during the last 3 years! As I look back, it is indeed the Lord's mercy that has preserved me and my job. For this, I truly would want to give praises and thanks to our faithful God.

Towards the end of 1996, I was offered a job by a Norwegian company which is involved in the marine industry. Everything seemed to be going well until about 2 years later when the company was acquired by a British concern. At that point in time, the threat of retrenchment was very real as the new management was talking all the time about cost-cutting and costs containment. This is to be expected with every merger and acquisition. Apart from some a few job losses ( which also included 2 from my department), the Singapore operation was largely intact.

Just as we thought that the threat is totally over, the company was again sold in December 2000. This time, it was sold to a Japanese concern. There was a great deal of uncertainties as this new owner has on the very beginning indicated that they have no interest in the part of the business which I am attached to. So, for the whole of last year, there was frantic search for another party who would be interested in taking over that part of the business which I am attached to.

Finally, a new buyer was found (this time, a Swedish concern) and the whole process should conclude by end March this year. Will there be retrenchment then?

I want to thank God that over the past 3 years as I worked with the clouds of retrenchment constantly hanging over my head, God has taught me to trust Him fully and He has also given me a new mindset. God has helped me rationalize in my mind that my job is only a part of my life. Even without a job, life should go on.Furthermore, a person can never be truly out of job! This is because, the Lord's work is always waiting for us.

In all these, I want to thank God for His providential care for me and my family and for giving me peace in my heart as I continue to trust in Him and submitting myself to His will.

May God bless you all.

Francis Leong