My parents grew up in an impoverished environment where all kinds of sources were extremely limited. They had to work on the farm all day long so that they didn’t have much time to receive education. My mom dropped out from primary eduction. My dad completed his elementary school fortunately. They expect their children to require education and be delivered from poverty.

When I was born, my parents named me “tiam-jai”, meaning either “to increase riches” or “to increase talent, skill or knowledge” (genius).  To some degree, I’ve been doing everything I can to meet their expectations. I kept learning and studying until I received the highest degree in education. I worked diligently to have more money and increase my riches.

One day I med the Lord and my whole perspective of life changed. My name is still “tiam-Jai” but with a different meaning, which is to increase heavenly blessing. “Tiam” stands for “increase or heaven in Chinese” and “Jai”, “treasure”. I still keep learning and studying, not the worldly knowledge, but the word of God. I am still working not for myself or anyone else, but for my Lord & Savior.

Paul in 1 Corinthian 2:2 said, “For I resolved t know nothing while I was with you except Jesus and Christ and him crucified.” “Tiam-Jai” (T.J.) is no long “to increase riches”, “to increase knowledge”, or “to increase heavenly blessing”, but “Teaching about Jesus”. That’s what T.J. means.