Called to Serve: Moulded for a Deeper Purpose

From the moment the clock strikes 9:15 until the evening when the doors are locked, there’s one name that echoes most within the CIM office walls: Mr. Lokesh Joshua, our office assistant. He joined CIM in April 2023, and since then, he has been hardworking and attentive in his tasks. Mr. Joshua’s life is a story of second chances, unwavering grace, and a lot of fishing.

There was a man in the 8th century BCE who was known for achieving some daring feats. One was that he ran away from God—which isn’t that daring, considering all of us have been in that place. The other was that he was inside a fish for three days and three nights. His name was Jonah, the runaway prophet. For the most part, Mr. Lokesh Joshua’s life has been like Jonah’s. He has had his running-away moments and his “fish belly” moments; yet, through all that happened in his life, he found himself under the extravagant wings of God’s grace.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Quoting Jeremiah 1:5, Mr. Joshua says that this word has always been a promise he will never forget. Even in deadly situations, this verse echoed in his heart, giving him encouragement and confirmation from God that, until His purpose was fulfilled, he had to live.

As it is written in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Mr. Joshua reflects that even the bad things that happened in his life were used as tools by God to bring him to where he is now. He also mentions that in God’s timing, everything He has purposed will come to pass—his life being a perfect example of that.

Mr. Joshua has extensive experience—over ten years—in the food sector, especially in delivery and cooking. He worked at Domino’s and Swiggy for three years, and also at Aachi Kitchen as a chef, specialising in both Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. Though he experienced failure in academics, it didn’t stop him from working hard, ultimately paving the way for his calling.

Cooking has always been a keen interest and passion for Mr. Joshua. He learned to cook during primary school, following his mother’s recipes and instructions. He liked the order in the process of cooking, and it gave him the ability to express his care for his loved ones.

Mr. Joshua has another deep passion, one that developed later in his life—fishing. He seldom leaves home without a fishing rod in his bag, carrying it with him everywhere. He says that the act of fishing has taught him many things and made him reflect on his life decisions and events. Though it began as a relaxing weekend hobby, it became a necessary solitude in his life. Beyond the peaceful hours, it also offered him a sense of achievement when he brought home his catch of the day. This quiet adventure helped him regulate his emotions, balance the pressures of work, and even foster deeper moments of connection with his family. Fishing, he says, “feels like a gift from God—it lets me live like in the olden times, providing for myself and my family with my own hands.”

In the CIM office, Mr. Joshua is like Barnabas: everyone’s friend and encourager, never ceasing to reach out his hand when there’s a need. He has been married to Judith Joshua since 2018; the couple are blessed with two sons.

Mr. Joshua’s story highlights God’s extravagant faithfulness, showcasing that even the darkest days can bear the brightest fruits of life.