Mila‘s testimony-1

Kia ora everyone, I’m Mila. On 22 June, I was baptised at OTBC.

That was the first time I stood on a church stage to share my testimony. I thought I’d be far too nervous to speak, but to my surprise, as I began to share, I felt God’s gentle touch and the tears just kept flowing.In that moment, I knew it was Jesus who calmed the trembling in my heart and filled me with a peace and strength beyond words.

Before my baptism, Pastor Jane said to me, “After your baptism, the Lord will prepare a gift for you.” I smiled and nodded, though in my heart I still had a little doubt, would God really give me a gift? But within just one week of being baptised, blessings began to pour in like spring rain, gently knocking on the door of my still uncertain heart.

The first blessing was a car that felt as if it had been perfectly prepared for me.

The day after my baptism, my husband and I bought a car that was just right. Before that, we’d spent months discussing - big or small? Safety features or price? European or Japanese? We test-drove many cars, but nothing felt right, and we often came home disappointed. Once, we were nearly scammed. There was a clean, low-mileage car on TradeMe at a great price, and we almost went to see it. But just one hour before leaving, we decided to check the PPSR report, and found out it still had unpaid debt. Thank God for His protection—He stopped us just in time.

That night after my baptism, we were browsing TradeMe again and suddenly saw a car we both liked. The colour, mileage, year, price, everything was just right, and all the reports were complete. We immediately contacted the seller and arranged to see it the next day.

On the way there, I silently prayed, “Lord, if this really is the gift You’ve prepared for me, please open the door. If not, please stop us.” To our amazement, everything went smoothly. We were welcomed by a kind Kiwi grandmother who gently explained the condition of the car and why she was selling it. After a short test drive, we both knew, this was the one.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17

The second blessing was a job offer that came on my birthday.

Four days after my baptism, on my birthday. I received a message from PAK’nSAVE’s HR inviting me to a phone interview for a job I’d applied for. I could hardly believe it. For six long months, all my applications had gone unanswered. Since arriving in New Zealand late last year, I had been sending out CVs nonstop. At first, I confidently applied for design jobs, thinking my experience in China would be enough. I even boldly told myself I’d find a job in my field within three months. But reality quickly shattered my assumptions. Language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar work systems made my background feel insignificant. My confidence slowly eroded.

I then started applying for entry-level jobs, restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses, florists, cafés…But nearly every reply said, “We’ve found someone more suitable.” Each time I hoped, only to be disappointed again. As time went on, my anxiety grew. I felt like I was sinking. Eventually, I began to let go of that anxiety. I chose to focus on what I could do each day, entrusting the future to God. I learned to be humble. I learned to trust. And on my birthday, God gently answered me and made His presence so real.

First He prepared a car, then straight away, a job, step by step, in His perfect timing. Although I still had fears about my English, my lack of local experience, driving on my own. I came to believe that every storm is a test of faith. We’re called to keep trusting Him and to make Him our example and foundation.

With God’s leading and encouragement from my church family, I passed the phone interview smoothly.Two days later, I passed the in-person interview and training. That same day, I signed my official employment contract.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” – Psalm 40:1–2

The third blessing was a visa I never expected.

Less than ten minutes after the job offer, I received another email: my Australian visitor visa had been approved. It was such a surprise. Before applying, I’d been really worried, no stable job, no income. Friends told me people in my situation are often declined. Still, I gave it a go. I included a sincere cover letter explaining my ties to New Zealand. I wrote that I’m a Christian who regularly attends OTBC’s English classes, Bible group, and Sunday services. I shared that Pastor Jane is like a spiritual mother to me, and the church whānau has become like family. This church is where I’ve found belonging and trust in a foreign land.

I committed everything to God—and He fulfilled it. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” – Psalm 37:5

After my baptism, something also began to shift in my marriage.

Misunderstandings, suspicions, and conflicts that once felt impossible to resolve are now slowly being replaced with trust and understanding. We’re learning to listen from each other’s perspective, not just from our own feelings. We’re learning to be more patient, more forgiving, and to grow together. I believe these changes are all the work of Jesus in our lives. Though I still feel like a child in the faith, and my spiritual life is still being shaped, I know this for sure, God has never left me. He’s always been with me.

Looking back now, all those moments of confusion, tears, and doubt were filled with His grace and purpose.In every little detail, He responded, guided, healed, and slowly built a stronger foundation of faith in me. He helped me see hope through hardship and light through waiting.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6

All glory to our faithful and everlasting God. May all glory be to Him!