I started to go to church when I was around 12 years old. My family comes from a Buddhism background. My mum was a Buddhist herself until she started going to church after being invited by my uncle, Henry. That is how my mum started to get to know God. There were lots of challenges when my mum took a stand to be committed to church every Sunday, including persecution from family members.
I was naïve at that time and I remember I begged my mum to give up going church as her Christianity was threatening my parents’ marriage. There was much quarreling. My mum, sister and I were devastated. It was very hard for my sister and I at that point in time. My mum prayed very hard during that period of time. God answers prayers – my dad started to change and allowed my mum to go to church.
As a result of my mum’s persistence and perseverance, my dad gave in
and even joined some of the church retreats. My dad even witnessed the
baptism of my mum. After God came into my mum’s life, everything
changed. My mum used to asked me to kneel in front of the altar of
idols when I did wrong. She had a problem with her temper before
knowing God, but she completely changed. I started going to church very
often because my mum was persistent and I saw her big heart to serve
God. She does her QT and prays everyday.
I had a few bible studies before I turned 18. David Tan and Chee Wai
studied the bible with me before but it did not worked out because I
wasn’t ready and kept giving excuses not to meet up, until Vincent
picked up on me and helped me understand what spirituality is all
about. He dug deep into my life and was very open to share his personal
struggles too. Vincent and I can relate a lot to each other as both our
family backgrounds are quite similar.
I often studied the bible during my summer break with Vincent, Marcus
and Philip. Philip is an encouraging brother. He came from a strong
Catholic background and never stops to share his thoughts to spur me
on. Marcus is a really awesome brother too.
I learned how it feels after a working day when I started work for
Standard Chartered Bank during my summer break. Marcus would always go
out of his way for me regardless of how tiring his workday has been.
We’d have prayer walks and meet up at least twice a week to catch up.
Marcus has made such an impact in my life. He shared his struggles with
me, his past sins and how he overcame them.
Everything is possible with God. I heard that one of my close mates,
Kuan Sing and my sister, Natalie, were studying the bible. I was
thrilled by the news and overjoyed. After I got baptized, Philip and
Marcus did not stop spending time with me and continuing post-baptism
studies.
Before I studied the bible, my life was chaotic. I spoke foul language
and even got into lustful acts. After studying the bible, I stop
sinning although temptations are still there. I’d do my best to
overcome and always pray whenever I’m tempted to do such acts.
Now I’m a new man, with a purpose and mission in life. I pray that God
makes full use of me. I want to love God as how he has loved me. And I
know my battle isn’t earthly.
This article is courtesty of www.icochotnews.com.
