JEDI Testimony and ThanksGiving
[ Megan , Grace , Sally , Jabez , Hendry ]
JEDI BLESSINGS Q1&2 2008
Testimony to God’s Greatness and Love for Us!
Testimony 1
SIS MEGAN – Testimony of breakthrough in commitment
( March 08 )
Landed onto Singapore
The story begins quite sadly – there was a bottle neck at my work, though I had given up my serving as a church pianist for it. The cell group members started the movement of backsliding and I attended church less frequently. Despite sending out countless application letters, and some of them got me into final interviews, I was still being idle at home, totally depended my living by my parents.
After all, I remembered there was a calling from God when I was studying in university that I would be called to somewhere overseas and fulfilling missions. Therefore, I started searching the Internet and applied two physiotherapy positions in government hospitals in Singapore.
I did not tell my parents about this until I had got an interview appointment. No surprise that my parents were shocked, because I did not have any connections nor networks in Singapore. But thanks to my family which supports whatever decision I make, I flew over to Singapore for interview, and both hospitals offered me a position, almost on the spot.
Therefore, I chose one of them, which is my current one and signed a contract for 3 years. On 11th May 2006, I packed up all my luggage and kissed goodbye to Hong Kong…
Settled down physically and, yet, spiritually
Time was never been easy for a single lady without any networks on a foreign land. The administrative things were really strained until burnout for the inexperienced. I remembered the days when I stayed in a temporary place which the hospital offered originally for some nurses from China. I managed to talk to one of them with my limited Mandarin (at that time). Although they were all pre-believers, they did like to enjoy the times being in church and meeting up with people. Through the discussions with my preference about services and sermon styles, she guided me to Hope Singapore. And this is the first and ever church I attended to until this time being.
But there was another barrier that I had to go through. I was arranged to attend English congregation as there were more young adults and professionals. My background as a Chinese-Bible-taught Christian found difficult time reading the Bible, listening the sermon and singing praise and worship songs in English. Thanks to the Lord to ask me to buy a bilingual Bible when I was freshly converted 6 years ago (which I am still enjoy using it right now) so today I know “傳道書” was actually “Ecclesiastes”.
I also met a lot of devoted Christians who never give up guiding me Biblically, spiritually and how to settle down in Singapore. But my sense of being as a foreigner was still very strong that I talked to myself not to be too much involved in ministries. I was known that I have not been water baptised and not so driven by calling for membership. There were some occasions even the care leaders and my Shepherd caught me to one corner out of the care group and urged me to be water baptised and joining Hope as a member.
At that time I still had a strong mind that I must go back to Hong Kong after finishing the contract. Any extra involvement, to me at that time, was dangerous as I did not know how people think how the things could be settled after I leave. As a result, my attendance in church service and care groups was not so stable, and I enjoyed staying up late and went out shopping on Sundays.
Revived through ministry
Thank God and fellow brothers and sisters for enfolding me in from an outsider. There was a call for vocalist in Hope Choir. Without second thought, I joined and started the practices. Thank God for choosing me even I had not prepared for the audition, and despite my scarce knowledge to English contemporary praise and worship songs which got me embarrassed when Howjoo asked me to sing parts for a song.
It was another tough time. The loneliness I had as the only choir member in my care group was overwhelming. Moulding myself to a group of people who are already in a team (choir) for certain period of time needed a lot of effort from God and the team members. And the most terrible time was every time there were new songs coming up to me and we were all asked to sing in main melody, tenor and alto parts in a short period of time.
The songs were for the praise and worship part of the anniversary. This was the first occasion when I stood in front of a crowd more than 600+ people and sang after graduation. To my surprise, I was totally not stressed and nervous at all. Together with the companions fighting for this battle for months, we did deliver our very best to God and it was amazing to see people cried, jumped and praised God in another angle of vision on stage.
I started to be more involved in choir practices and started to serve regularly for Sunday services. I must mention in here about the Sunday service before Christmas when I was chosen to sing duet together with the choir and the leader. I was asked to sing in classical tone for the song “O Holy Night”. In the plan I was supposed to be singing just alto part. Just before the service Howjoo then asked me to sing main melody in the last reprise. That was really too high to my vocal range as an alto. I prayed very hard and put this song presentation back to God. But still my voice slipped in the rehearsals repeatedly.
The sisters started to pray for each other as we held hands together. When the service started I was shivering and felt unsecured. Thanks God for lifting me up in my voice and spiritually and the note was hit just accurately nice and the whole team in the song presentation (the choir, guitar and Erhu) were totally immersed in the applause by brothers and sisters.
By my surprise, I honoured this back to the Lord and not stealing any glory to what He has done, instead of getting proud as a performer on stage.
My breakthroughs
This is the incident which made my hard decision to water baptism and membership easier. Before joining this church, being water baptised was not an easy thing. People need to go through a lot of sessions, get recommendation from church leaders, being held in a nice Baptist church, and to be witnessed by countless relatives and invite tonnes of pre-believers to witness like a wedding. When I served in my previous church, it was not a must for people serving in ministry to be water baptised. So I did not think there was such a need, and I wanted to have my water baptism when I go back in Hong Kong and become as a testimony to my parents and pre-believer friends.
I am driven by God by the encounters of His love, blessing and protection through my new life in Singapore and ministry. There is a call for me to further His Kingdom. I know it does not make sense to one who is pledged to serve the Lord but not declaring the identity as a citizen of the Lord’s Kingdom.
So, very naturally, I wrote to my shepherd and care leader about my decision to become water baptised and a member of this church.
It is supposed to be a BIG day for one who is going to be water baptised. However, my heart was absolutely peaceful without any emotions which drives ladies cry. Instead, I treasure the route God, brothers and sisters walked with me and this will be my milestone for walking through further tough and exciting journey with God.
I would be grateful if you can walk with us. God bless!
Megan
Testimony 2
SIS GRACE – Testimony that obedience brings blessings
( 30 April 08 )
Obey the Lord and Experience the ever sweet moment with the Lord
I thank the Lord for leading us to meet and to know each other in Singapore. This is God’s purpose and not an accident, I believe. For His wisdom, I want to praise the Lord again, because He had led me out from a difficult relationship in my life. Looking back, I see a little girl searching for love, failing unfortunately, and consequently being hurt. But how wonderful is God as He shows His love to this little girl and gives her peace to comfort her broken heart. But is this perfect ending we read in fairy-tales, “From now on, Princess and Prince live happily ever after?” But the fact is knowing true love is not the end of the story, it is just a beginning.
I shall keep this day – 19th of April, 2008 Saturday in my life long memory and praise God for His protection and blessing in my life. You may ask, “why?” This is because God’s mercy is upon us and He has set me free from my sin so that I can reunite with Him, with Father again. It was the date I had to meet my long time boyfriend, of 8 years, from just being friends to a romantic relationship. We had been in a cold war for a month. What is the reason for it? I think there’s many: different characters, hard to communicate with, different values… I guess I was too tired to analyze the problems of our relationship. What comes to my mind now is a scripture: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Thank you Lord finally I understood the meaning of love in this scripture.
Dearest brothers and sisters, please forgive my honesty to tell you the fact that it’s not easy to obey the words of God. But on the other hand, when I think of the situation if I disobey God’s words and suffer in life that would be more torturous. Therefore, I decided to do the thing that could make my life better. After discussion with some sisters in Lord, I started fasting and prayer for one week. Confess to Lord of my sins and commit to Lord that I would obey to His will, please guide me and save me from this sin.
That day was the day which I had prayed for, but after we met and I was about to back at my place, still I couldn’t say a word of it. What should I do? The only thing I could do was to keep praying in my heart. At this crucial point he spoke a common, unrelated sentence which was the “key” to enter into topic of going our separate ways. It was so amazing that during our “discussion” there was no quarrelling, no fighting or horrible dramatic scene but calmness and peace. Wooa!! Thanks be to God. We ended this relationship so peacefully. Even though I knew that both of us were hurting deeply in our hearts, we were trying hard to pretend nothing was the matter. Sadness is expected in ending a relationship, but thankfully, our God is a loving God and also a comforting God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Yes! Our God would console us and heal our broken heart. Let’s praise our Lord for His love and mercy on us. During the first week after the relationship ended, there was sadness, bitterness in my heart and also happiness and sweetness. The feelings were complex, but I do feel relief of my burden on my shoulders. This feeling was so good and now, I know the meaning when Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 )
Brothers and sisters, God loves us and He willing to save us with His love. If today you are suffering like I did, have some areas that you cannot break through, cannot fully surrender and obey God, I want to encourage you be open to God! Confess to God! Because God’s mercy is upon those who sincerely confess their sins and He would protect us from all darkness and light up our life. Let’s reunite with our Heavenly Father and step out with faith that God would solve our problems, as the bible has said:
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” (Mark 5:36)
And I would like to strengthen everyone in Christ that our God is the living God. Let’s be awake and re-energize in our pathway following Jesus every day. “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.”(1 Corinthians 15:51) At the same time, daily learn to obey God in every circumstance, for the bible has said, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”(Acts 5:29) Have faith to pray and believe for the strength and the power of prayer that can make us change!
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. (James 5:13)
Lastly, may we grow and love one another in Christ. In Jesus name I pray.
Grace
Testimony 3
SIS SALLY – Testimony of God’s Providence
( 30 April 08 )
God’s faithfulness and blessing
I would like to start off by thanking God and praising Him for his faithfulness and blessing in my life. As most of you know, I have been looking for a job in since I came to Singapore in the middle of February. It has been a long journey of trusting God and growing in faith that in His time He will provides me with a job.
As I sent the resume, there were times that I was discouraged as there was no reply from any companies. In the middle of March, I get a call for interview but it was a disaster as felt that I did not do well in the interview. Then, on the same week I was blessed with another interview and I remembered praying and asking God for a nice interviewer. It was so amazing when you know that God does listen and know what you need. Although I was a bit jittery, the interviewer was nice and friendly. I was asked to wait for their reply but the reply was negative.
I was a bit frustrated and discouraged as I can’t seem to secure a job. As I was seeking God, a question came to me. “Why am I looking for a job?” Even though it is a simple question but I just realize that my aim of getting a job was wrong. I wanted to be able to pay off the bills. But, God shows me more…reminded me that I am created for His glory. The reason why I want to work is simple- to glorify Him.
I am grateful and thankful for the brothers and sisters in Christ that God put in my life. I thank God for their encouragement and prayer as I continue to apply for job. And I took the two interviews as an experience that will prepare me for the next interview.
On the early April, I went for the third interview which is dealing with gene therapy, in NUS. I was actually without any confidence in this interview as my previous experience was totally different from the thing that they are doing. As I headed for the interview, the only thing that is in my mind is God’s grace and His will be done. I told God that if this is the job that He wants me to be in, open the door for me. It was very amazing as compared to the previous two interview, the interviewers were very nice and even offer me the job on the same day.
Last week, I meet up with them to clarify some query and asked for 2 days off (for church camp). Even though, it seems impossible (as the contract start on 1st of June) in human eyes and understanding, but God is a possible God. God open the door and I was really amazed on how God move in this situation. The employer was the first to initiate and asked me to start work early. In return, they will give me the days off in early June and I don’t even need to take 2 days of unpaid leave. Throughout this experience, I was reminded of God’s provision and He knows what we need (Mat 6:8) even before we asked Him. And, as we seek His kingdom and His righteousness, God will provides and bless us (Mat 6:33).
I pray that this testimony will encourage all of you to sign up for the church camp (this year and the years to come) J
Sally
Testimony 4
BRO JABEZ – Testimony that God is Omniscient & in control
( 20 May 08 )
Praise to be the Lord, God Almighty.
Just wanna thank all of you for your prayers and greetings. Been quite busy and also fell sick along the way, thus this info is abit overdue. As frens have been asking how things so I decided to ride on this mail to update everyone.
On the 9th of May, I went back to CGH for a review with the doctor. Thank God for answering prayers, firstly, after seem by three specialist doctors on the review, they feel that there isn’t a need for surgery on the collar bone itself. Due to the fact that, operation might cause the bone not to heal at all which will end up with worst off situation. Thus the decision was to go back on the 5th of June for another review to see if the bone is healing properly on its own. If it does, there won’t be a need for operation at all.
The only thing is that I need to monitor for any blisters appearing on the part where the bone is jutting out as this is a sign for which the bone is extremely near the surface of the skin and op is required then. So far, my arm is slowly getting stronger and able to hold my utensils and bowl stable and steady, there is still discomfort in certain areas still.
Also, God answered my prayer to start work on last Monday, 13th of May.. Its been a long wait and I am enjoying working at Mitsubishi, the pple there are great and friendly. Really thank God for keeping the door open. Along the way, caught a cough, flu, fever, and now feeling much better with the long weekend of rest. After all that happened in the past 1/2 yr, I could really see and sense God’s love and covering throughout. Recently, God reveal the purpose of the 1/2 yr events as well. Truely indeed, God is great and omniscience!! God bless everyone, have a great wk!!
Jabez
Testimony 5
BRO HENDRY – Testimony of God’s faithfulness & great love
( May 08 )
Water Baptism ( 4th May 2008 )
This was the second visit of the year back to Indonesia. After receiving news that my parents are registering for water baptism, I was rejoicing in my heart and thanking God for what He has done. I really wanted to witness that beautiful moment but seems that I can’t leave my work. I was really not sure about the leave approval and some other things. About 2 weeks before the event, I did share to some people in the Caregroup and they were so shocked and i remembered how they responded so positively. One sister ‘Tian-tian’ did say that she is willing to quit her job to see this event happening in her family and that statement really bother me a lot….., I was thinking in that moment, what should I do ????
I finally decided to go back on the 1st of May, went online to buy my tickets
Singapore – Jakarta – Pontianak , Thank God for online purchasing…..and e-ticket.
Arrived at Pontianak about 5pm (local time). My parents were waiting in the airport for 30 minutes because of the flight delay. Then we went home for my mom’s home-cook food. yummy…..
At night we went shopping and managed to buy some food for supper….
It was amazing how my parents were so excited about water baptism. They got up early on that day and prepare everything (towel and clothes) and then left early for the church….
The Baptism started at 8am. When we arrived, my parents registered their attendance and then put on the white clothes like choir uniform or maybe more like angel….really jealous that last time I didn’t get to wear those cloth during my baptism.
It was really God’s plan that i went back because there was no photographer stand by for documentary, at the end i was asked to take picture for everyone….
I can see the face of my parents really happy after the water baptism, their life, speech and many things has been transformed by God greatly….after that event, there were like a wholeness feeling in me, that now my whole family have came to know the Lord Jesus…..
We went to church service after that, I saw with my own eyes that both my parents lifted up their hands and worship God…..they clapped during praise songs…..it was just amazing….unspeakable..
There are a few things that really impactful from this trip:
My dad has removed the chinese worship altar in the shop
It was passed on from my grandpa, and it has been there for about 16 years ++.
I actually thought that my dad might remove it when the shop to be renovated by the government, but suprisingly he had already remove it not long ago…….praise God
My parents regularly listen and learn to sing worship songs at home
My parent has to wake up very early like 3.45am and leave 4.30am for work, but they will always spend about 25 minutes listening to worship songs before they make a move. every night they will also play and learn to sing worship songs. They even bought the karaoke worship vcd for practice… it’s really encouraging……
My parents will be opening up our house for cell group
They have been attending few cell group meetings, my dad will be opening up our house for the next CG, he was so excited and started to plan the seating arrangement, even re-arranging the furniture, and I really believe that our house can be a blessing to many people.
My parents encouraged me to pray
My dad says that they always pray for their children before bed and he has experienced the power of prayer. In one occassion, he got sick in the shop and just felt very weak, so he went to the back and pray for the healing from God through the water that he was going to take….God did heal him immediately…and also he encouraged me to pray for my sis’ health, she got some problem on her neck…so now we join forces as family to pray for her….it’s really amazing if the whole family can pray together.
I am looking forward for more growth and good news from my next trip….
Praise God from the bottom of my heart……..Thank you Jesus
Hendry
