Church Family Stories

My encounter with God through prophetic stone painting began during my Crossover in Secondary 3 leading the Primary 6 to the Youth Ministry. This was in 2019 when prophetic painting seemed only like fun and games to us teens. We would pray and ask God what was on His heart but turn to apps like Pinterest for ideas to reference and copy.

During the Crossover, we laid the completed painted stones along our makeshift Jordan River and one by one we would pick a stone in faith that resonated with us. I picked a stone with a painted rainbow with the words  “The rainbow represents my never-ending promise” written on it. I knew this verse Genesis 9:16 where God said He would remember His covenant between Him and all living creatures of every kind, a covenant promising His everlasting and living presence in us.

Then 15 years old, I was unable to grasp the depth and breadth of the meaning of the verse. I wondered… what covenant? What promise did He give me? Little did I know that He promised to journey with me through my valleys and assured that He would never forsake nor leave me at all times.

In my growing years, I struggled with fear, rejection, abandonment, loneliness and failure in many aspects of my life. The turning point came with the Holy Spirit’s manifestation when I saw that dusty painted stone rainbow parked in a corner of my room five years later. Somehow it captured my attention that afternoon. I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed as I was rostered in the band to play drums that weekend.

God has gifted me a passion for music and I yearned to serve and worship Him. My fear is that I’m not good enough! Yet.., over the years, I’ve been given opportunities to serve and play drums in many ministries such as Silver Boxes, Youth and Filipino Services before advancing to the band at the main service.

I do feel inadequate in my drum skills and had started off poorly – once, the video camera had even captured me carelessly dropping my drumsticks while playing, much to my horror and embarrassment! I am thankful for  some great leaders/mentors in our church family like Uncle Alex, Uncle Tach and Uncle Jamin who built me up with so much TLC, encouraging and comforting me, giving me constructive feedback to better myself. The church family has given me a safe place to be nurtured and refined so that I can draw close to God.

And I am thankful for the inscribed stone painting of God’s promise of His presence in life’s challenges. I have gained much confidence in my drum playing now. Working in partnership with the Holy Spirit has made me realized that it is not through my effort alone, but that every good and perfect gift truly comes from heaven above.

Prophetic stone painting is now not just about a simple art activity to me but also a powerful tool to edify and encourage. It reminded me of a truth that I did not see immediately but experienced many times over since.

For over a year, my husband and I have been trying to conceive a child but had not been successful. Our hope began to wane, and the emotional toll was significant.

One Sunday, I attended church feeling particularly disheartened. During the service, the pastor and the congregation prayed for a couple who had been trying to have a baby for five years. I saw this as a sign and prayed fervently for my own situation.

As the entire church prayed, I poured my heart out to God, crying and pleading for His blessing. I visualised the joy and gratitude I would feel if I were to become pregnant. That moment of prayer was incredibly powerful, and I felt a renewed sense of hope and peace.

Miraculously, the following Sunday, I received the joyous news that I was pregnant.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief at how quickly our prayers were answered. This experience has profoundly strengthened my faith and made me realise the power of collective prayer and God’s responsiveness to our deepest desires.

I now understand that when a community comes together to pray, God listens and acts. This journey has been a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and the support of a loving church family. I am eternally grateful for this blessing and for the prayers of everyone who supported us. My story is a reminder that God hears us, even in our most desperate times, and that miracles can happen when we least expect them.

I wish to share how the Lord has been faithful to my late grandmother throughout her life. She was bought up by her grandmother (my great-great-grandmother) since birth after her parents abandoned her.

Her grandmother was 80% blind and struggled to take care of her. However, she was a very faithful believer, full of joy and energy, and she always said God would provide and help them. One day, she prayed to God to let her see so that she could continue to take care of my grandmother, and dedicated my grandmother to Him.

God is good and a miracle actually happened. Great-great-grandma’s eyesight suddenly regained to 50 percent! She remembered her promise and my grandmother was baptised at the age of five.

Grandma got married at the age of 18. My grandfather was a gambler so she was forced to work as a part-time maid to help bring up their five children. Though her life was not smooth-sailing, she always believed God would provide and help her like He had always done, continued to give thanks to Him and do her best for the family. She even helped others around her with whatever little she had.

Once, her employer wanted her to wash clothes in water that was burning hot. When the family knew about it and asked Grandma if she was angry with the employer , she answered no, because God has forgiven us and as children of God, we should not bear anger or hatred towards others too.

Grandma took care of three grandchildren, including me. She did not have much money to provide them with toys they wanted but God never forgot her. Many times, she would suddenly find money on the floor to pick up!

Grandma moved in with my family in her later years, and attended the Mandarin service at Paya Lebar Methodist Church. After she had a fall and was wheelchair-bound, she could not go to church anymore. She continued to look at the Bible (as she can’t read) and pray faithfully for her family, giving thanks to God daily.

God brought Grandma home on 22 October last year, without much suffering, My mum and I were with her when she passed away. 

I thank God for Grandma’s example of faith that has passed through the generations, and for His faithfulness to her and the family. His great love and compassion never fail, and His mercies are new every morning.

On 8 December 2022, a bright and sunny morning at about 9.30am (US time), my family and I were making our way to Las Vegas after holidaying in Lake Tahoe when we had a car accident. We were making a turn into a side road to check our map, not knowing that it was a ditch covered by tall bushes. Our car plunged right into a nine-foot deep ditch, hit a sign board and came to a stop.

My son and my husband who were seated in front were not hurt but I was badly injured.  My collar bone, sternum,four left ribs and lower spine were fractured.  I was conscious but I couldn’t breathe or move. I just cried out to Jesus to save me.

The Lord provided many angels in the form of passersby to help us.  The driver in the car behind us called an ambulance and I was taken to Carson Valley Medical Centre. Because of the multiple fractures, though, I was then sent to the Renown Medical Hospital in Reno.  I was put in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for observation.  I activated my friends and staff team to pray for me.

Just before going through the MRI scan, I was anxious about having to go through any surgery.  As I prayed, I felt a lightness come down over my heavy body and I knew that I was healed. God heard our prayers. The next day the orthopedic surgeon told me that there was no need for surgery, I just needed to wear a brace and continue to be monitored by a spine specialist back in Singapore. I stayed in the hospital for five days before flying to Los Angeles for the evacuation flight to Singapore. I was put in a business class seat so that I could lie down during the 16-hour flight home.

Back in Singapore, there were waves of healing when I was being prayed for.  After just four weeks of medical leave, I could go back to work. Today, I am able to resume all my daily routines. The doctor told me that it would take six months for the fractures to heal. In June 2023, I went to Perth and could move around with ease.  Indeed, I was completely healed. All glory to God!

After the accident, my son was traumatised and did not dare to drive again.  In December 2023, when we went for a family holiday in Japan, we decided to drive for a day to visit the different lakes in Gotemba. Praise God, after we prayed and encouraged him to drive again, he did. it was a breakthrough for my son.

We can truly testify that God is with us and He is good all the time.

Cindy was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and the fear and loneliness nearly convinced her to give up on life until she heard God spoke. The ordeal made her angry with God but deep down inside, she knew her life's purpose was to give glorify God. 

Through the encouragement of her community and her close walk with God, she decided to submit and follow God's lead. As a result, she experienced God's intangible presence, comfort like no other, and renewed faith that became so real and powerful. 

Today, Cindy's recovery is a living testimony of God's healing and she continues to use her experience to comfort and encourage other cancer patients in their walk. 

My recent trip to England for the birth of my eldest son's first baby gave me an unmistakable glimpse of how prodigal God can be to His children.  "Having or giving something on a lavish scale," is how the dictionary explains the word ‘prodigal’, aside from its more common association of being wastefully or recklessly extravagant.  And how Father God lavishly spoilt me!   

First of all, my family made arrangements so that despite the long 14-hour flight to Heathrow airport, my flight would be hassle-free and restful (no jetlag either way!) so that I arrived in top condition to give postpartum help. And even though I arrived at the airport lugging nearly 50 kg of baggage, there was no shortage of hands reaching out to help me, right up to Daniel and Faith’s flat, and even to my own rented room in Cambridge. Fortuitously, ‘as lavished upon by my prodigal Father, Daniel had found this room which was within the same compound, just about 100m across the garden. My daily stroll at 6 am to and at 9 pm from the flat was a time filled with praise for God that chased away all fears of the dark and spooky. 

Another sign of His goodness was how Sophie, my newborn granddaughter, was born around the time I arrived, even when she was not expected till a week later.  This maximised the time I could spend with her in her first month. The clearest sign of God’s lavish love was how I could magically cook confinement meals that Faith enjoyed and finished up, even though I had not been cooking for the last 40 years! God’s marvellous culinary help be praised! Not being able to get silkie chicken or garoupa in England was inconsequential as God helped me to improvise when making the meals. God be praised that the new mother could get the best nutrition to recover her health and to lactate more successfully! Despite warnings of below-zero late winter temperatures and snow, the temperature was mostly double-digit throughout my time there, sparing me the English chill. (After I left, Daniel reported a return to single-digit temperatures there!)  

In the mild weather, I had the luxury of daily walks in this pretty university town to do the usual tourist things and have my afternoon coffee and cake. God indeed indulged the Anglophile in me. Even after my return to Singapore, I am assured of His continued extravagant blessings as Sophie is growing very well and Daniel has been granted approval to resume his doctoral studies back in Singapore. Soon, we will be reunited in June. Our prodigal Father God be praised!

In Sep 2023, a month shy of my 51st birthday, I noticed that a small hard lump just below my right earlobe had grown rapidly in size over a few weeks. It bothered me enough to bring it up during dinner with the family. The dear wife straight out told me to go and get it checked ASAP, in spite of my protests that my schedule was packed. A morning slot happened to open up at the doctor’s so I went, expecting to be given a cream and a time-off chit. Instead, the doctor arranged an appointment with the hospital, marked with a priority stamp. What followed in the next three weeks was a whirlwind of medical appointments for a battery of tests, consultations and an urgent parotidectomy to remove the tumour in the saliva gland, as pre-op tests had been inconclusive for cancer. I would only know for sure when the lump was removed and investigated.  Nothing prepared me for this uncertainty. I have a young family, I have aged parents, and I have responsibilities at work. My time here is not done yet, I prayed, and asked that God heal me. He can do it. Just say the word. I felt abundant hope, even though with the symptoms I had, nothing on Dr Google presented a positive picture. I clung to a verse that I dub the “Don’t worry, be happy” verse – Matthew 6:34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I asked the Lord to remove all worries from me and my loved ones, and that all will be fine. He can do it. Just say the word. I informed my family without any anxiety, just a feeling of deep peace.

With hope and peace, it was easy for me to be open and share my situation with people I know. Prayers and well wishes poured in. A couple of friends sent daily word for me to focus on and increase my reliance on the Lord. My fellow Silver Boxes leaders actively prayed and checked on me regularly, even activating their cells’ prayer warriors to pray for me. Our church pastors and staff also prayed for me, sending me encouraging notes, and a nourishment hamper. Carolyn and Soo Hoong also visited me post-op to pray for me. My daughters committed me to prayer each time they said grace before our family meals. God’s warmth and love enveloped me through my family, friends and church.

My op to remove the lump went well but it was only 2 weeks later that the biopsy outcome was known.   When my surgeon told me was that the tumour was benign, relief swept over me. The Lord had been faithful once again. He never fails us.  

With God’s grace, I am recovering well from the surgery. Through this episode, I could see that God is very much in control of all situations, and all His children need to do is to obey and rely on Him. His timing was so perfect – I was worried about my busy work schedule but meetings either moved or someone would cover my duties. He is Jehovah Jireh – the surgeon assigned to my case was the Head of ENT, my insurance took care of the major chunk of the medical bills, my family ensured I had the best care, and my in-laws even prepared my post-op recovery meals. I found new things to be grateful for each day. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 says that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." He is indeed REAL and I experienced Him each step of the way. No one will ever say thanks when they get sick, but THANK YOU, Abba Father!

In May 2023, I was diagnosed with cancer, but today, by God’s amazing power and grace, I am fully healed.  Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! The journey I went through, from despair to hope and joy, has taught me three things that I would like to share: 1) DEFERENCE to God; 2) DEPENDENCE on God; and 3) DELIVERANCE by God.

1.      DEFERENCE TO GOD

After several tests and scans, doctors found two cancer tumours, one on my liver and the other on my kidney. Imagine my shock when I was told that I had not one but two cancer tumours!! My immediate emotions were that of denial, fear, and anxiety. It was a situation where I felt I had no control over it. I felt totally helpless and there is nothing I can do, except to turn to Jesus. As the song goes:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace”

John 14:27 says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When I turned my eyes to Jesus, a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding came over me. I knew then that I am in good hands!  As we DEFER our situation to God, He gives us hope when we are out of options. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in time of need.” Our loving God is our source of help! We can run to Him and not be afraid.

2.  DEPENDANCE ON GOD

I learnt that healing begins when we do something, when we reach out and take a step of faith. We simply need to pray and trust in the Lord.  We can depend on the Lord for He is a God who never fails!

During this period, the song Trust In God by Elevation Worship has greatly encouraged me:

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine

He’s been my fourth man in the fire time after time

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I know the Author of tomorrow has ordered my steps

I trust in God, my Saviour

The One who will never fail

He will never fail”

There were many people who prayed for my healing; my family, cell group, the Worship & Music ministry members and my colleagues. My cell group even took turns to pray for me for every hour I spent in surgery. My colleagues would pray for me every day during our daily office morning devotions. Knowing that my family and friends are praying for me gave me strength and encouragement through those challenging moments, and I am thankful for each and everyone of them. On one occasion, at my friend’s house, as I was being prayed over by a healing ministry pastor, I was asked if I felt any heat on my hands. I said no, but instead, white particles began to form on my hands! I cannot explain how the particles appear but I believe that God is saying to me “I am real, I have heard you, I will heal.”  What a divine encounter I had with God!

I am reminded of the story in Mark 2:3-12 where Jesus healed the paralyzed man. Because Jesus saw the faith of his friends, He healed the man. I believe that God will do the same for me. We can DEPEND on God for He is a faithful God, a way-maker and a promise-keeper! As we seek the Lord in prayer, He hears and He will answer!

3.      DELIVERANCE BY GOD

The surgery to remove the two cancer tumours took place in June 2023. After spending a total of almost twelve hours in the operating theatre, doctors declared the surgery a success and four days after surgery, I was discharged from hospital!  Not only did the doctors successfully remove the tumours, but the histopathology also indicates that there was a “complete spontaneous necrosis of the liver tumour”. The liver tumour had completely died on its own!! The doctor even asked if I had sought other medical treatment from another hospital (which I did not) to try and explain the necrosis of the tumour. It can only be God’s mighty hand that caused the tumour to die. Furthermore, post-surgery, there is no need for medication nor any therapy at all. 

I am healed in Jesus name! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Jeremiah 30:17 says, “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” What a promise by our Jehovah Rapha! We prayed, He heard, and He answered!  He has DELIVERED me from my affliction! Praise the Lord!

I would like to encourage anyone of us who is going through a difficult situation; 1) DEFER your situation to God, turn your eyes towards God and look to Him for help; 2) DEPEND on God, pray for His healing and restoration, and 3) wait for God to DELIVER you from your situation, trust in Him and praise Him for His deliverance!

I give thanks and praise to our amazing God for His healing grace and love. He deserves all the glory, praise, and honour. Our God heals and He still heals today. 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

My Son Isaiah had very, very, very bad warts all over his head. He had been going for treatment for months but to no avail. The warts seemed to be growing bigger and spreading. I constantly prayed for God to heal him.

The first photo was taken a week ago. However, I told Isaiah to declare God's word into his situation. I asked him to say out aloud "By Jesus' stripes I will be healed!" 

He repeatedly declared this every day. This week, all his warts miraculously dropped off as the second photo shows. PTL indeed! Thank God for Isaiah’s child-like faith and for God’s amazing healing grace on Isaiah. Also, this reminds me to memorise more scripture verses! Thank you Lord! 

On 9 February 2022, Wednesday, in line with PLMC’s 90th Anniversary theme - “The Year of Celebration TAPESTRY of Power and Love” - members from Precious Gems Cell Group had the pleasure and honour to partner with Pacific Activity Centre, Compassvale Ancilla, to bring Blessings, Joy and Gifts to the Seniors at the Senior Activity Centre.

Through the collaborated efforts of Cell members, contributing their love, time and money, the Outreach was a success!

The Seniors were treated to a gift bag that came with a thermal lunch box, tableware, soup bowl that were microwaveable and freezeable, a jar of homemade cookies by Aunty Lucy, handmade lantern and Chinese New Year crafts by our cell member Choi Fong.

Alice, Carolyn, Choi Fong, and Magdalene from another Cell Group, were at the Centre to facilitate songs and dance items with the seniors.

Importantly, the cell members’ presence, love, and contagious joy blessed the hearts of the seniors, especially during this unprecedented period of Covid-19.

Due to the contagious nature of the Omicron variant, safe management measures and restrictions imposed for safety, the seniors’ Chinese New Year Celebration were, once again dampened.  Gatherings and visits with families were restricted. Seniors risked being socially isolated and heightened feelings of loneliness, particularly among those living alone.

This Outreach effort brought the seniors out from social isolation and loneliness.  It gave them the opportunity to “celebrate Chinese New Year”, meet up with their friends and make new friends with the PLMC Cell members.

The seniors thoroughly enjoyed themselves, appreciating the kind gesture and love from PLMC. Indeed, PLMC is “Blessed to Bless the Community”

Our Beneficiary:

Pacific Activity Centre is a one-stop activity centre and main connecting point among the seniors in the community. Pacific Activity Centre’s mission is To Engage, Enrich & Empower our Seniors to Live Actively and Age Joyfully.

Through various programmes and activities, Pacific Activity Centre aims to help the seniors be able to integrate into their new living environment and neighbourhood, and, thus, age in place. Pacific Activity Centre also works hand-in-hand with other partners such as schools, institutions and organizations to organize activities for the seniors.