The Men’s Ministry Retreat 2024 was held on the 31 Aug 2024 at the Jordan Hall. The event drew 60 participants and was well-received. The theme of the retreat was Men in Engagement.
The event was under the cool and engaging control of James Tham as our poised host/ He was also heavily involved in the planning and execution of the retreat. Kicking us off with the opening address and prayer was Chong Soon Fook. We were then spiritually led into worship by our worship team of Ezekiel Ang, Emmanuel Ang and Michael Aw Yong.
The first speaker was our beloved Director of Outreach Eugene Cheong. He spoke on Men in Engagement and we were all enlightened on how we as men have gifts to reach out in Power and Love. Our next speaker was Jason Wong, founder of Dads for Life and the Yellow Ribbon Project. Jason pointed us to the tip of the iceberg as he spoke on ‘Men and the Family’. He challenged us men to be in tune with God and to receive forgiveness, healing and restoration from the tree of life (the cross).
The speakers rounded up the evening with a fireside chat where questions and feedback was gathered and addressed with Slido. The Q&A session was engaging and many of us wished we had more time for it. Phototaking was then followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner.
The retreat offered us a glimpse of the wonder of how we as men could influence our loved ones and community to be all that God intended for us to be. We are blessed, so may we bless. To God be the Glory!
Special thanks to Cell Ministry Director Samuel, Senior Executive Justin Hu and the organising committee.
At the 9am English service on 1 September 2024, Brother Kwang Meng was giving the Word of knowledge when he mentioned someone has a growth on the right side of the neck. I was shocked to hear it and said to myself, “ Wow! Spot on!”
I had gone for a heart MRI in July. The doctor said my heart is beating well and strong. The only thing was that they had found that my right thyroid was enlarged. The doctor referred me to the Ear, Nose and Throat department and ordered a scan before my appointment there. On Monday right after the service (2 September), I was told that the scan results were clear. The growth was nothing but soft tissue which can go off by itself and there was nothing to worry about. I was curious and asked the doctor, “How sure are you?”
She mentioned that the images of the scan are different from that of cancer. She added: “I don’t need to see you again. You are discharged!”
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! He is always with me and beside me. He is greatly to be praised.
Thank God for sending the message through Brother Kwang Meng and thank you all, my church family, for your prayers.
The D6 Family Ministry Conference is an annual event focusing on generational discipleship in churches and homes. It aims to equip families and churches to pass on a spiritual legacy to future generations.
Co-founded by Ron Hunter Jr. and Randall House Publications, the conference is based on the principles of Deuteronomy 6. The Singapore edition of this international conference has been organised by The Bible Society of Singapore since 2016.
PLMC hosted this year’s conference, which was held on 26 and 27 July. We witnessed a significant increase in participation from PLMC, with 60 participants and volunteers compared to just 10 in previous years. It is also heartening to see more young parents participating. This is due in no small part to the active collaboration between Family Life Ministry and Children's Ministry in the organising and publicity of this event.
The conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Scott Turansky, with workshops conducted by Carol Loi, BP Kuan Kim Seng, Tim and Patsy Tan, and Derek Altom. The panel sessions included Daniel Lim, Dr. Calvin Chong, and Janice Teo.
The plenary sessions by Dr Turansky focused on the mandate to reach families for Christ as well as a heart-based approach that can change our perspective. Workshop topics ranged from equipping children to self-regulate emotions and raising leaders through obedience and correction, to grandparenting digital kids and parenting the parents of children and teens. Two worshops were dedicated to unleashing the power of marriage and the married team. A panel of expert speakers also discussed what is at stake for our children in postmodern culture and progressive Christianity.
PLMC member Marcus Ang, who is married with two young daugthers, said, “D6 conference opened my eyes to being very intentional in raising my children. From navigating the world of truths and almost truths to understanding the bent of my children. There is so much more to learn!”
He added, “Moving forward, I would like my communication with them to be driven by being 'understood' rather than by being 'heard' and hope they pick up the same. I would also be actively seeking to understand their bent and nurture them in their God given gifts.”
Another PLMC worshipper Lin Xin, volunteered as an usher with her husband Troy, They have a young daughter and another child on the way. She shared, “We are in a season of seeking God's will for our family. Together with other participants – grandparents, parents and spiritual parents – we learnt that parenting is "heart" work, as it often involves the deconstruction of our desires, emotions and beliefs.”
She added, “If marriage was about a lifetime of growing closer with God at the apex of the relationship, parenting pushes us to see God all around, to allow His presence to fill our homes, our conversations and activities. One practical insight shared by the keynote speaker Dr Scott Turansky was on building lasting relationships with our children. He posits that parents have a sacred responsibility of forming healthy relationships with our children, which then becomes an open door for us to instruct and guide them lovingly through scriptural truths.
“Indeed, D6 has inspired us to raise a generation that fights on their knees, who will worship God with their whole hearts and turn others to Christ!”
The next D6 Family Ministry Conference is scheduled for 25-26 July 2025. The keynote speaker is Dr Timothy Paul Jones, Professor of Christian Family Ministry at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information and early bird registration, please visit d6family.sg
By Joseph Mok, Chris Cardano, Calvin Ng, and Rianna Cardano
After a five-year hiatus, Paya Lebar Methodist Church Camp was back. A total of 824 members gathered for the camp, which was held from 9-12 June 2024 at Hatten Hotel Malacca, Malaysia. Some 78% attended the English track, while the Mandarin track and Children’s Program each saw 11% of attendees. Most of the camp participants (65%) were working adults.
With the theme “Fires of Revival, Lord Do it Again!”, Pastor Philip Lyn, Pastor Eunice Choo and David & Cynthia Leong shared Spirit-filled and heart-transforming messages during the respective English and Mandarin sessions as well as the Children’s Program. Many were blessed by their messages and teaching.
It was a time set aside by the church family for the Holy Spirit to fan the flame in our hearts. The congregation lifted songs of praise from the beginning until the end of camp. Many campers came with hearts of surrender and witnessed the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for many responsive hearts during altar calls and testimonies of miracle healings. Such was the hunger for the Lord that even the Sunrise Worship & Prayer attracted more than 100 campers, a turn-out that had not been seen since the bi-annual Ohana Camp started in 2009. To God be the glory!
This year’s camp also introduced new workshops such as Blessing Cast in Stones, Flagging, Prophetic Arts, In Rhythm In Scriptures (IRIS) and Missions talks, where we had the pride and joy in witnessing youths and young adults, our next generation, stepping up to lead. In each of the activities, God revealed prophecies and the works that PLMC would continue to do as a church. The attendees had a great time learning about spiritual gifts and the Giver.
One of the highlights of camp was Gala Night on Day 3, where we gathered in our athletic costumes for the theme: OLYMPICS. It was an amazing dinner program led by our energetic youths with games, videos and performances. Of course, there were also awards for the ‘Best Dressed’ of the night and other notable campers!
From games to great food, we had a jubilant time as one family, watching different generations showcase their talents and gifts. It has been the heart cry of the Camp Committee to mentor and raise up the next generation of leaders in PLMC to take the church to greater heights and glory in the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth, and the Lord heard our prayers!
As the camp drew to a close, we took part in the Holy Communion, and honoured the Hatten Hotel staff and volunteers. Finally, we recognised our lovely and hard-working Committee Members who helped put this camp together. Fun fact: Did you know that the camp committee spent over 21 months planning every detail of the camp? We give thanks to the Lord for their hard and heart work!
We thank the Lord for a blessed and safe time before, during and after camp. We’re excited to see how God is continually on the move, bringing revival upon PLMC again and again. Indeed, Lord, Do It Again in Jesus’ Name!
“Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” – Psalm 85:6
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.
by Nishanthini Tharmarasa
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.
by Irene Qiu
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.
By Leong Oi Leng
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.
Gladdy's Story
By Amanda Lee
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.
By Joy Lee
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!
By Ian Yap
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!
By William Toh
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!
By Mona Seah
My son sent me to church on Holy Communion Sunday in August 2023. I was not able to walk because of the excruciating pain in my right knee. Ps Vincent prayed for me and one week later I was able to walk with less pain on my knee. I am praying for complete healing so that I can walk without pain on my knee and lower back.
I want to thank and praise God for answering our prayers. Thank you, too, Ps Vincent, for praying.
By Jas Mah
24 April 2023, 9:40am.
God is Living & Real. I just want to share my testimony.
This morning I went for a meeting but upon alighting the bus I accidentally walked in the wrong direction. Mobile phone GPS was not helpful and my meeting was to begin at 10am.
Anxiously, I prayed to seek God’s help and he sent me a cyclist to show me the way. Before I even had the chance to say anything, he said: “you want to go MINDS right?” I was surprised, how did he know? He gave me clear directions and even asked me to repeat the route to ensure that I understood him.
Along the way, I also met 3 older ladies, who also guided me to my destination. In less than 10 minutes, I reached the main road. To my surprise, the cyclist was there waiting for me. He said he wanted to ensure that I was walking the “right path.”
I reached MINDS 7 minutes before 10am. This encounter really reflected Emmanuel in my life. Miracles still happening in modern world and always happen in our life. I fear the Lord because God is watching. There are joys because I know my God is the provider and my hope. If you have faith that he will lead you where you need to go, he will be there with you, unfaltering, all the way!
My brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray in all circumstances. Our God is with us.
“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
By CC Siang
As the world has opened up after 3 years of Covid restrictions, I had decided to go for a holiday to Japan in January. However, I was saddled with a few worries prior to this holiday.
Firstly, I had been having back/shoulder discomfort for many months and was afraid that it would be worsened during the trip. Secondly, I was still concerned about catching Covid while on holiday. I supposed all these fears ended up with me having gastric pain about 2 weeks before my trip. Everyday, I prayed to our loving God for healing physically and mentally so that I could enjoy myself.
God was so silent! Would I be able to carry on with my trip? I told God that since I had made a hasty decision to travel and there was no going back, please help me and see me through. Well, our God who silently hears our prayers, is always faithful and compassionate. He really ANSWERED my prayers.
My gastric was gone just before the holiday started and during the trip, my back did not give me any issues. On top of that we were blessed with good weather throughout despite the news about heavy snow storms occurring in Japan.
God also gave me a bonus! To my surprise, He arranged for my niece to pick me up to the airport . Praise the Lord indeed.
This testimony serves as a reminder to me that we should never be discouraged and never give up on our prayers. We have to press on although the temptation to despair is always there.
Hallelujah!! And Thank You Father God!
Click here for stories and photographs of the PLMC Conference
By Chong Soon Fook
I would like to share a testimony of the Men’s Ministry (MM) team of 4 who attended the Silent Retreat at the Cannosian Lifespring Spirituality Center on 30 April 2022.
Late in 2021, the MM decided to take year of rest in the Lord in 2022, and as part of this rest, a quiet day of rest and seeking the Lord was planned for end April.
Our spiritual director for that day was Soo Hoong. At the start of that day, she provided us with guidance on how we could spend that day, and gathered us to provide spiritual guidance on how the Lord loves to speak to each of us, so much that we were encouraged to communicate with God as we brought our prayers to Him.
We had a wonderful day hearing God calling us His sons. We all heard God during that time and some of the testimonies were that it was an unhurried day for us men calling upon Jesus and seeking Him to commune with us, which is not an everyday experience. One of us pointed out that it had reminded him of his first love for Jesus and how God has rooted him in Christ. Another brother also testified that God had called him to be very strong and courageous in Him.
We ended the day refreshed and rested. Our spirits and hearts were also strengthened by the experience that we had been touched by God in very special ways, with the personal messages spoken to us.
To God be the Glory!
By Jeannie Pang
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!
By Sally Tay
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.
By Sunny and Yeok Ming
We want to testify to our Lord’s love, goodness and faithfulness in His protection and healing of our family members when they contracted Omicron. Jingki, our daughter Clara’s maid told Yeok Ming (YM) on Sunday 14 Feb that she felt itchiness in her throat and had a slight fever. She had had her booster vaccination jab on Saturday 13 Feb. YM told her not to worry as it could be just a reaction to the jab. She prayed for healing upon her.
My daughter sent the maid to the clinic for a check-up as she was feeling uncomfortable. Subsequently her PCR result turned out "positive" for Covid-19. On Tuesday night, Rebecca, our granddaughter, was pyrexial and her body temp went up to 39.9 degree Celsius. Her parents rushed her to the A&E at KK hospital. They managed to get some medicine and brought her home as the hospital was unable to admit her as it was full. We were very concerned about her condition as she is only 2 years old. We went on our knees to pray for God's divine intervention and healing. We also requested our inner circle of godly friends and church pastors to uphold us in prayer.
Praise the Lord! Her temperature came down to 38.4 degrees the next morning but she was feverish for 3 days. We continued "to press on" in faith in our prayers and God answered our prayers. Praise God, her temperature subsequently came down to normal on Friday. Thereafter, she developed rashes which looked like shingles on her neck, corner of her mouth and body. We were concerned about post Covid-19 complications. My daughter contacted the tele med doctor but to no avail. We felt so helpless at the fact that admission to KKH was not possible as the A&E was packed with crying kids and anxious parents and there were no beds. We called private hospitals and they did not admit Covid-19 cases. The only way was to go back to the A&E and queue for advice & medications.
We told our son-in-law, Jimmy, and daughter to pray and trust God for His healing and protection. Only God could help us! Praise the Lord, the rashes didn’t get worse but subsided after 5 days. However on Wednesday 16 February, Jimmy developed a fever and his ART tested positive, too. Now 3 out of 4 persons in the household were infected with Covid-19. We thank God for His divine protection over Clara. God had protected her from Omicron infection despite the close contact with Rebecca daily as she had to take care of her. Praise God that He gave her the grace and strength to look after her husband and the maid, too!
We were close contacts with them as we helped to look after Rebecca daily and interacted with their maid, too. We were concerned that we might be infected with the virus and transmit it to our own household. Our daughter, Sara, son-in-law Calvin, their 6-month-old baby and 2 maids are living with us. We prayed and trusted God for His supernatural protection upon us as we stood on His Promises in Psalm 91.
As it is written in Psalm 91:7 - A thousand may fall at our side (with Omicron), ten thousand at our right hand, but it will not come near us!
Indeed God is faithful! He has protected our household and Clara, our daughter from the virus. He healed our son-in-law, granddaughter and the maid too! We praise and thank the Lord for His goodness, love and faithfulness! All Glory and honour belongs to our God who loves us with His everlasting love!
By Siak Chee Meng
The evening of 9 February 2022, as I was driving back from work up the flyover that runs next to PLMC, a wonderful sight caught my eyes. It was not one, but TWO rainbows that started from the PLMC steeple and making an arc reaching over the HDB flats across the road. The immediate thought that dawned upon me was God’s blessing and protection flowing forth from our church to the surrounding community. A family blessed to bless the community and the nations. I believe the church has special favour from God and through the church the community will surely be blessed and people will come to know Christ.
On a personal note, the rainbow shows God's glory and His faithfulness. It is also to remind me of God's awesomeness. When I see a rainbow in the sky, I will always remember God is near and not to worry but to trust and have faith in God no matter what the current situation we are all facing, especially during these times living with Covid-19 for the past 2 years.
By Cindy Yeo
I'm writing this because I want to share with brothers and sisters who have difficulty sharing the Good News with their loved ones who have not accept Jesus. I'm the last member in my family to accept Christ. This series of events happened before I accepted Jesus into my life.
My Mum once sent me a piece of music with no singer and no title. It was just a random message she sent me – nothing significant to her, and certainly nothing significant to me. I listened to the song and found it nice. As I listened to it again, something else caught my attention and I forgot about the initial message my Mum sent me. But somehow, without realising it, I'm humming the song she sent me without even knowing what the song was. I was humming that song for more than a month and the tune caught my brother’s and sisters-in-law’s attention. My sister-in-law asked me what song it was that I was humming. I simply answered, “I don't know” and the conversation ended there.
Weeks later, my brother found me humming that same tune when we were in the lift and he told me that he realised I had been humming this song for quite some time – even when I was showering, doing chores, etc. “Do you even know what you’re humming?” he asked.
My reply was still “I don’t know.” So, we recorded me humming that tune and he helped me search for the title of the song. To my surprise, it turned out that I had been humming Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons” all this while! I had been worshipping God before I even knew God on a personal level. I only discovered how significant this song was after I accepted Christ.
Dear brothers and sisters, maybe just simply sending Christian worship music to your loved ones can help them find God, too!
By Sarah Ng
Fellowship/BSF was something I kept putting off since I became a mum in Jan 2016. Fast forward to 2021 as a mum of 3, the logistics of it felt impossible. But when I saw the notice in PLMC Today for Risen Mums, I felt God's prompting to sign up even though I had doubts over being able to commit the time for the weekly sessions.
Praise God for protecting the time and for an understanding spouse who took over my parenting duties. It was so so good to learn that I was not alone in my struggles, and have fellow sisters in Christ who understood the daily challenges of trying to love like Christ when kids (and spouses) test our patience.
The fellowship and encouragement through the teaching was a much needed pouring out of His love and grace into my parched and tired spirit. Can't wait for Season 2!
By CS Siang
At the beginning of this year, I was down with gastric pain that lasted about 2 months. During this period, I prayed to God for His healing power. As I tried very hard, to listen to God’s voice, the word “faith” flashed across my mind. I was told that this word “faith” would appear 3 times. I proceeded to read the scripture for that day. Usually, I would close the bible after reading one chapter. However, something prompted me to turn the page, and the title on this page was “Faith of a Warrior”. I was excited and carried on reading and the word “faith” appeared for 2 more times. The 3rd appearance of the word “faith” ended with the sentence - “Woman, your faith has healed you”.
A couple of weeks later, I went for my gastroscopy, colonoscopy and CT Scan. Doctor said that the results were all OK.
I was also informed by my Doctor that my cholesterol was on the high side and he suggested that I commenced my medication. However, I put on hold my medication and again prayed to God for His healing. 10 months later, when I had my blood test review, my cholesterol had gone down and my Doctor informed me that I need not have to take statin.
Glory To God who always listen to our prayers though sometimes, we feel He is so far away. He never forsakes us, and always shows His compassion for His children, especially when we press on with our faith.
Thank you Father!
A Spiritual Lesson from my Hibiscus
By Su Mei Lenden-Hitchcock
A couple of months ago, I noticed some white grainy stuff on my hibiscus tree. It was just a small patch so I sprayed some meds on it every other day and didn't think much about it. Just recently, I noticed that these white grains spread across most of the tree and almost all the branches were covered in it. When I sought the Internet for answers, I found out that it was a euonymus scale infestation, which I should have dealt with at first sign, because now I might have to take pretty drastic measures if I wanted the plant to survive (ie hard pruning - cut till completely botak 😭). This morning, I found a red hibiscus on the ground and thought wistfully of my own hibiscus plant which had the most beautiful red blooms. And I realised “Hey, actually, the moment my plant started producing fewer buds and its leaves started looking a bit limp, I should have paid more attention because those were signs that something was wrong somewhere and it was not so healthy’
Later on as I was doing my QT, I came across John 15:4 which says this:
Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.
John 15:4 AMP
I was immediately reminded of James 2:18
But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”
James 2:18 AMP
A branch connected to the vine will show evidence of healthy growth from the fruit and flowers it bears. Similarly, our fruit (of the spirit) and our deeds are evidence of our faith. As Christians connected to Jesus, we should be producing fruit. We need to produce fruit to know that we are healthy.
I immediately thought of my hibiscus tree.
The moment we notice that our lives are not producing buds that indicate fruit is coming, or when the other aspects of our life are looking a bit limp, we need to stop what we are doing and pay attention to our spiritual life. Something somewhere may be sick or not getting enough nourishment, and we need to rectify it before it spreads to the entire tree and requires hard pruning to save.
I know that some trees don't bear fruit the entire year long. But if we look at psalm 1:3 we see that the tree planted by the stream yields fruit in season and its leaves do not wither. In Ezekiel 47:12, it also says that the tree shall bear every month; its fruit will be used for food and leaves for healing because the water flows from the sanctuary.
Depending on the type of tree God has created us to be, we may bear fruit (to feed and nourish those around us) at different times but what we will see across all trees fed by His waters, is that their leaves will not wither.
So even if we aren't bearing fruit in this season, it is important to monitor our 'leaves' which not just bring healing to others but also indicate healthy growth.😊
~~~
Father, I thank you that you are able to use the things around us to speak to our spirits. Lord, I pray for every sister and brother here, that as they go about their days, that they will keep a close watch on their branches and leaves. Keep them alert so that they will notice any sign of less than healthy growth, and seek to solve the issue. I pray for your rivers of life to feed and nourish them, so that they will bear fruit in season and leaves for healing. I pray also that they themselves will experience your blessings for them, even as they serve those around them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
~~~
And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].
Psalms 1:3 AMP
By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They shall bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel 47:12 AMP
Miracle on Me
By Ruth Tan
This may not seem like a life changing healing by some, but I felt like it was important to share. My current job, as a grocery shopper at a supermart, requires a lot of walking and running. I knew I had overexerted myself in the course of my work on Monday morning. I told my team leader I had pain on my right foot as I rested on the seat.
The pain was concentrated between the big toe to the second toe bottom. It is a sensation that is often described as pins and needles, prickling on my right foot. My foot would hurt as soon as it hit the floor. I couldn’t walk and had to limp around the house with my left foot. In medical term, I understood it is Metatarsalgia. It is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot.
That day at around 8pm, my landlord gave me a bottle of Chinese medicated oil to relieve the pain. I applied and massaged on the injured part before heading to bed. The couple persuaded me to take a day's medical leave off from work and seek a doctor the next day. I nodded and said softly to myself, "Jesus heals!"
Sitting on my bed, I decided to take authority over the injured foot with the power of God's healing. I commanded the pain to go and the injured foot to heal in Jesus’ name! I proclaimed Healing of God with vigour, and I kept at this repeatedly till I dozed off to bed. I kept believing, without wavering, my God, who is the same God who has healed Auntie's (the landlord) right knee will heal me now. "Pain be gone! Healing be on my foot now. Be healed in the name of Jesus." I professed in my night prayer before bed. That night, I put up my injured foot on a stool and slept.
The next day, I still felt a sharp pain on the ball of my right foot. I pondered for a moment, "Should I go and visit a doctor for my right foot?" However, deep in my spirit, I kept believing God will heal me. I wanted to see my healing MANIFESTED! I bore the pain and limped slowly to take a train to work. As I sat down in the train, I felt sleepy. While I took forty winks during my journey to work, I sensed a warm sensation at the ball of my injured foot. I thought the plaster was working and had forgotten God was healing me. When I alighted the train, I realised the pain was all gone! It was awesome! All glory to God!
Modern medicine may have a solution for a problem, but as Christians I know my God is a miracle doctor! Hence I share this with you now, "No matter how big or how small your need is, God wants to meet you and touch you today."
Will you let Him in today?
By Vera
In your heart
You believe
Yet your spirit is tired.
Weary.
Frustration with the situation,
Tired by yet
Another virtual meeting and
The problems at work.
You look up and
See the
grey clouds above.
The grey clouds above.
You asked God
Where is the rainbow,
Where is the hope that goodness will follow?
You wonder
Where is the blessings
That He has promised.
You looked up again.
And saw
The grey clouds
Fashioned like a heart
The heart that represents
The love of Jesus.
Surely,
The grey clouds will pass
The storms will pass
And through it all,
His love will remain.
By Dorcas Khong
Thanks be to God who saved me from unbearable pain in my right leg. The pain started in June 2020 and caused me not to be able to walk without help, and I also couldn’t be independent around my home. After months of pain, I asked God to help me and heal me of my pain.
God gave my daughter the name of a pain specialist, her friend’s son, and said he might help me. We met up with him on 3 July, and again on 13 November with my MRIs. We discussed it, but because of the price and uncertainty of the whole procedure, I wasn’t certain, even though there wasn’t risk in the procedure itself.
But God played a part in it. He made the doctor say something like, “Do you want to see your loved ones live happily in your last days?” So I made up my mind to take the risk to have the procedure in spite of the cost.
God helped me overcome my deep fear and gave me peace. The night before the procedure, He gave me a deep sleep through the night and I woke up in peace.
Immediately after the procedure at around 12pm on 3 December, I felt I was carried up by a slim tall man and at the windows, he was showing everybody my exposed right leg, shaking it and crying out, “I have healed her leg, it will not be painful anymore.” Then, suddenly I was carried through a tunnel of pink lights right to the end and then quickly came out again. I woke up and found myself eating.
When I told my other daughter about it, she said that it couldn’t be the doctor who carried me. “You are too heavy for him.” Then it must be Jesus who carried me and healed me!
Thanks be to God who is my Healer. I am thankful for all the prayers of my husband, Mr Khong, and my family and church who prayed for healing for me all these months and my husband who took care of me. Now I can move around the house and the doctor was delighted to see me walking into his clinic.
By Heng Cho Hiong
By Carolyn Chew
I had stiffness in my ankle for a few days. On 24 Jan, I attended the 11.15 service and Ps Jacob gave a word of knowledge for healing for Achilles tendon. I claimed the healing. When I woke up the next day, my ankle was fine. Praise God!
By Ken Lim
Due to business restructuring, I was retrenched from my former company on 31 Dec 2019. Being the sole breadwinner for the family, I was stressed up, and cried to the Lord.
Initially I thought the retrenchment would only happen in February or March 2020 when the unofficial news spread, but the cruel reality made it faster.
I started my job hunt, with much worry as the job market wasn't looking good. To cut everything short, I landed in a new job on 1 Jan 2020; there was no job loss period, and I was selected for the role over 200+ job applicants. Hallelujah, we trust a God who provides!
Even as we are all now affected by COVID-19, I realise how much God loves me! If my retrenchment had taken place later in February or March, I would have been more stressed up! We know that almost all companies have frozen their hiring. At that moment, I felt somehow like the Joseph in Genesis, where he was sold to Egypt, but God had plans to help his entire family from the great famine. God made my retrenchment sooner to save me and my family from the COVID-19 employment situation - it could be really a job loss and my whole family stressed up! Hallelujah! We trust a God who foresees!
Come to know Him as your personal Saviour rather to hear from me. Jesus loves you! 😊
By Rea Seterra
Rea, one of our Filipino Service Sisters was suspected of being infected with the COVID-19 virus as she showed some symptoms of the illness. Here is her testimony of God's amazing healing grace and the love shown by the Filipino Service worshippers.
April 15, it’s Wednesday, I’m still not feeling well, it’s getting worse. I cannot eat and I just drink water. On that night, I decided to talk to my employer and tell them to bring me to a doctor for check-up the next day. But on that day, the clinic was closed.
April 18, Saturday noon, I’ve finally seen a doctor and I have medicine to take and thankful that it is Sunday, day off and I can rest.
April 21, I’m still not feeling well. I still felt weak and still breathless. I asked my employer if I can get a rest and not go to market, but they still ask me to cook and after that I go inside my room, cried and prayed and thinking what to do. And there’s a fear inside me and question how if I got COVID-19 since I have the symptoms.
I called one of our church leaders, Sister Raquel and asked for help and advice. On that day I asked again my employer to bring me to the doctor again. We go to the clinic and the doctor advised us that it’s better for me to go for a test to make sure.
My employer brought me to National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) in Tan Tock Seng for a swab test. I underwent X-ray and ECG, too. The doctor told me that if my X-ray result is clear I can go home. While I’m lying down having my ECG, I saw the paper come out and in there I saw UNCONFIRMED. I closed my eyes and thank God. While I’m sitting down and waiting, the Pastor in my place in the Philippines message me and ask me how I am. And I called him and tell him what I’ve been through. And he advised me to be positive and prayed over me. God’s word is so powerful and I remember Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and be courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never forsake you.”
The doctor approached me after that. He gave me medicine and told me to isolate myself and wait for the result of my swab test. After 2 days, I received the result from the hospital and it’s NEGATIVE. I cried and prayed and was thankful this God heard my prayer and prayers of my Church friends. I rested for 5 days and after a week I felt better.
In Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Thank you, my Filipino Service Family, for all your prayers and support during my time of troubles. God bless all of us!
To God be the Glory! Amen!
By Irene Wee
Most of us would naturally hope for a smooth journey whenever we travel to get to our planned destination. If we are going to our work place, we would wish for smooth traffic along the journey, so that we could start our work for the day in a timely manner. If we are going on a vacation, we would hope for a pleasant and relaxing journey with beautiful scenery. When we journey through life, we would probably yearn for growing up in a caring family, attaining good education, working in a job with stable income and having extra time to pursue our hobbies or other pleasures of life for as long as possible. It’s quite unlikely for anyone to be looking for “suffering” – the state of undergoing pain, hardship, distress, or even sickness. And yet, we all live in a world where no one is immune from “suffering” – just a matter of differing degrees of “suffering” at different stages of our life.
I once read of an interesting perspective on “wisdom during suffering” (from one of the YouVersion’s daily devotions) – “if someone were to ask one thing when they face suffering or trial, what would they ask? Maybe they would ask that the suffering end. Or maybe they might ask for the reason behind their suffering – such as, why this suffering? Why me?”
One of the greatest trying times in my life thus far relates to the period when I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in March 2019. By the time the diagnosis was made, the cancer tumour had affected a few areas of my bones (pelvis, shoulder and neck). Yes, everything seemed to have progressed fairly fast as I was feeling perfectly “normal” prior to that – both physically and emotionally. The questions which first came to my mind then were not so much of “why cancer? Or why me?” but more on “what” and “how”. What does God want me to learn or develop through these testing times? How do I exercise my faith in the face of challenging times like these? [N.B. This is not my first encounter with cancer for I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in May 2016 and have been in remission since.
My journey experience through the cancer treatment (chemotherapy and targeted therapy) which started on 25 April 2019 and recovery from a cervical spine decompression surgery in May 2019, followed by a 5-day radiotherapy in June 2019 have been most rewarding thus far! Whilst it is our natural instinct to resist and resent “suffering” in life, trials actually present a great opportunity for growth in a person.
Here are some of my personal growth moments I have picked up so far: -
1. God’s presence is all I need in life
Most people believe that God exists but not many have experienced God’s presence personally in their life. I used to think that I “have” God but never really knew with certainty if that’s a reality.
My cancer journey is like a test that reveals my relationship with God. Through many uncertain moments (e.g. cancer diagnosis, lab test results, prognosis of the disease based on statistics), God’s peace with me is the greatest weapon against worry and fear. That peace, that comes from knowing that God is in control of my life, including my future. The sense of God’s presence which comes from believing that God loves me - so much so that He sent His son to die for my sins just so that I can be restored to God to have abundant life. The “abundance” in life as promised by Christ Jesus is beyond material wealth which only lasts temporarily; rather, it is an everlasting promise that God will walk with me no matter what happens around me because Christ has overcome death!
2. My “problems” are not as big as my God
Having a right perspective helps me to navigate through trials of life. Someone once said this - “if you were to put a coin close to your eye (right in front of your eyeball), all you can see is the coin itself and nothing else.” That’s so true when it comes to how we perceive our problems in life.
I remember vividly the negative emotion I had to overcome one afternoon just a few days after I received the biopsy report from my oncologist. As I was googling on the term “metastasis” while at home alone one afternoon, I could sense the anxiety was rising within me the more I read about the medical conditions of bone metastasis - e.g. the risk of bone fractures or immobility, amongst others.
Thank God that at that very juncture, He sent a timely, reassuring and comforting message to me through a Cell Group member. It was at that critical moment when my mobile beeped notifying me of an incoming message – it was a timely prayer for me from this brother in Christ that reads as follows:-
“Heavenly Father, please hold Irene close at this time of need. Remind her of Your promises when she is feeling overwhelmed. Whisper words of love when she feels alone. Lie her down in peace when she is weary. Give all who care for her great waves of wisdom. Lead her through this journey singing songs of hope over her trust and faith in You. Quiet her soul as she faces the treatment. Come quell the fears that she might have, and fill her heart and mind with your everlasting love, peace and eventual restoration. Amen.”
What is truly amazing is that I had not had any chance of telling anyone that I was feeling overwhelmed by reading about the term “metastasis” then and yet, God knew exactly what I needed and ministered to me through the church community just at the right moment.
Upon reading the above mentioned prayer, I turned off the webpage I was reading earlier about “metastasis” and decided to sing; yes, singing praises to God for who He is - a loving, merciful and faithful God. Instantly, the fear was replaced with peace.
That experience has taught me a valuable practical lesson on fixing my eyes on the right perspective, a reminder of how big my God is and that I can face tomorrow confidently because He walks with me!
3. All things work together for good
In the last one year or so, lots of things may have changed. For instance, physically, I am different as I can no longer turn my head as flexibly as before due to the surgical implants fixed on my neck to strengthen the structure of my cervical spine. I am not able to enjoy my favourite badminton game like how I used to play badminton weekly with my husband and friends.
Nevertheless, there are still many things I can still do - swimming, baking, reading, etc. Instead of sulking over the minor disability I am facing, I choose to continually discover the gifts God has for me in this journey of life. I am eager to grow deeper in relationships - be it with God, the Creator of the universe, or with all whom I come into contact with – more than ever. I thank God for friends who came to render support to me and my family in many ways - some offered to chauffeur me from hospital, some helped to arrange seafood supplies to my house, my colleagues stepped in to relieve me of my workload and many who interceded for me, praying for healings and so on. Somehow, I sense that the trying times have brought me closer to my family and friends, and definitely to God.
I may not know what lies ahead in this journey living with cancers; I just know that I am not alone in this journey. God is able to turn all trials or “suffering” in my life to something wonderful for His plan.
Just like the verse recorded in the Bible - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV), I pray that my journey will continue with living this truth throughout.
To God be the glory!
Look out for more stories here weekly! If you have any stories of PLMC life to share, please email them with photographs (if any) to communications@plmc.org.
We'd love to hear from you!