Interview with Michael Aulia

Michael Aulia is the author of WriteforGod.com, a blog designed to share Christian articles and resources.

He lives in Melbourne, Australia where he is an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. In fact it was there where the idea for his blog began, writing sermon summaries for the web each week.

Michael is a single Christian whose hope is that people will encounter Christ's grace and kindness through his blog and he was kind enough to share his thoughts on singleness with me. So here is Michael's perspective on singleness.

CSW: Thanks for so graciously honoring my interview request and taking time to answer a few questions.

Though you’re not new to blogging, please tell my visitors a little bit about yourself, why you decided to create a Christian blog and how it has blessed both your life as well as the lives of others.

MA: After months of learning about how to blog (and how to get visitors to your blog), I realized that there is a potential to use a blog to bless people and glorify God. Therefore, I decided to create a Christianity blog, dedicated solely for Him (which was why I chose “Write for God”.com as the domain. I think it clearly explains the goal of the blog).

I realized how important it is to understand the true meaning of the Bible and how important it is to share that with other people through the blog, mainly other Christians (even when there is only one person reading the articles/blog posts!)

CSW: Writing a summary of each week’s sermon to publish on your church’s website requires focus. How has that enhanced your understanding of God’s Word?

MA: Honestly, there was a moment a few years ago when I felt that all those sermon summaries I wrote were useless. I only saw a few people reading them and I thought it wasn’t worth the effort. Until God opened my eyes through a couple of people: a stranger on our Guestbook and an old congregation member through our mailing list.

On that week, they mentioned how they were blessed by the sermon summaries and wanted to thank whoever wrote them. Those moments struck me and transformed me. I never complain now when I do little things for God because I knew at that time, God spoke to me directly that whatever you do for Him, is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58).

It’s amazing how you can experience so much from the Word of God by doing something “so simple”. While writing the sermon summaries, I also try to relate my life to the Word of God. It helps me to learn and meditate on His Word at the same time.

CSW: Several of those sermons have to do with marriage and family, so what lessons have you gleaned about being Christian husband and what are you doing to prepare for marriage?

MA: Even though I’m still single at the moment, I've learned a lot from those sermons. I learned that it takes great effort to maintain a good relationship and to nourish love. I learned that love is not about a feeling but a true commitment. I was also taught how to be a good husband and a good father.

It’s like studying and preparing yourself for the exam when you were still in college. Of course, the real challenge (or test) awaits at the end. Although doing it is much harder, at least you already know what God wants you to do when that time comes!

CSW: You’re an active member of your church (Emmanuel Baptist Church), including the Singles ministry (or cell group) I presume. What do you like most about participating in singles ministry or cell groups?

MA: Similar to question number 3, I think it’s important for us to prepare for the future and to understand what God wants us to do when the time comes. Most of my cell group members were still far away from marriage (most of them were 8-10 years younger than me) :), but in one session, we learned about how to become a future good father for our children by following an example of our real Father in heaven. The reactions were quite positive from every member in the group.

Most singles normally have more time to spare than families and it’s an honor to be able to serve more for God together in our church. Their passion and their energy are limitless! (Although I’m not saying that a Christian family can’t be full of passion and energy when serving God!). That’s probably what I like most about participating in a “singles ministry” or a “singles cell group”.

CSW: Admittedly, you spend quite a bit of time on your computer. You work in the IT field, maintain two blogs and an avid gamer, how do you find time to date and maintain a relationship?

MA: Haha, good question! It’s actually amazing how you can use your computer to maintain a relationship (through online chatting, for example). Of course, I have to be able to choose what I do wisely. Playing games every single day won’t help you find a date or improve your relationship with someone. You just have to know your priorities. Choose the right priority at the right time :)

Although honestly speaking, sometimes I wish I have more than 24 hours in a day!

CSW: Like most guys you love technology, gadgets and games, but what do you find most appealing in a single Christian woman?

MA: Although I’d love to be with someone who has the same passion/hobby as me, I think it’s more important to have someone who can serve God with you together. Someone who loves God and someone who can support you through life. We all have our own criteria and requirements, but there is no perfect person (hey, I am not perfect myself). So it’s important to find someone who can complement you and vice versa.

CSW: You have a pretty robust tips section on your technology blog; do you have any tips for Christian single women struggling with this season of life?

MA: Haha I guess giving technology tips is quite different than giving relationship tips.

Being single myself, I think it’s important for you to first realize that God loves you so much. There may be times when you feel lonely or questioning God why you are still single when everyone else has someone by their side.

When those times come, remember that you are never alone because He is always with you. Thank God for loving you, focus on Him, and keep praying for God’s perfect timing (which is different than our “perfect” timing). While waiting for His time, continue to learn how to be a good Christian woman, have your life transformed by His Words, and continue serving Him.

I am doing the same and have faith that He knows what’s right for me and I believe wholeheartedly that He knows what’s right for you too.

CSW: Finally, as a technology buff, what are a few of your favorite Christian or biblical apps and/or games?

MA: Unfortunately I find that killing zombies and people are more fun than doing evangelism and saving people in a game :(. So I haven’t actually tried a real Christian game but I’d be interested, though.

My favorite biblical app is Pocket E-Sword or Olive Tree Bible Reader for my PocketPC handheld device. This ensures that I have a Bible with me at all times and I encourage every Christian to have one too. I'm sure there are good Bible applications on iPhone or on other popular phones as well.

MA: As closing words, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity in this interview. It’s a new experience for me and I’m honored to be able to serve Him through these series of Questions & Answers.

May God bless you and everything you do on Christian-Single-Woman.com as much as He has blessed me and my readers through WriteForGod.com.

CSW: Thanks Michael, you have a servant's heart and it was indeed a pleasure to learn more about you.