MY WALK OF FAITH
Sim Shun Ching (Mrs Koh Kim Song)
I had spinal scoliosis, i.e. a crooked spine, for many years. I thank the Lord for his loving kindness and tender mercy for He had kept me free from any pain at all, all these years. I was in “X” hospital for regular check-up to monitor the condition for at least fifteen years until the orthopedic specialist resigned from the hospital for private sector. I registered at “Y” hospital, which was nearer home, with another specialist to continue to monitor. A year later, the specialist was seconded to another hospital and I was given another specialist. I was treated by a chiropractic specialist too. However, there was not much improvement.
I Prayed, He Guided
But, for the last two years, I discovered that I could not walk too far, I had to sit down quickly after a while. The condition was getting from bad to worse. I was burdened with this problem. I sought the Lord repeatedly in prayer for a solution. The Lord gave me the wisdom to understand that if nothing was done, I would not be able to walk soon and be wheelchair-bound. I had great fear of that, therefore, I prayed again to the Lord that my desire was to be active and independent. The Lord was good. He guided me to read whatever articles concerning scoliosis for information. Although I was still having regular check-ups with the specialist doctor, no constructive suggestion was given as to what should be done. So I prayed and committed to the Lord my problem. As I look back now, I realise that the Lord had, in fact, answered my prayer by giving me a disappointed outcome in my last visit to the “Y” hospital which led me to look for alternatives.
Somewhere in the beginning of this year, Sister Lillian passed me a brochure which she had obtained from a seminar on orthopedic surgery she had attended. With this brochure, I read about the latest spinal surgery options and was so impressed that I decided to see the doctors at the National University Hospital (NUH). I prayed to the Lord again for wisdom to decide on what to do. My encounter with NUH was pleasant and interesting, e.g. I was able to get my first appointment with the Head of Spine Centre after a few days; I was able to see the doctor at the appointed time; I did not have to wait for long too to get the blood tests, X-ray and MRI done. It was very different from some clinics or other hospitals where I had to wait for long hours to see the doctors for five minutes. Everything was very smooth-going this time. Each time I left the hospital, I felt very light-hearted, was able to walk very fast. I even felt that I was smiling all the time. The Lord was indeed with me in each step I took.
Complete Trust in the Lord
No words can express my gratitude to the Lord for giving me a strong faith and complete trust in Him and that He was leading me all the way. He had granted me strong assurance to lean on Him. I saw the surgeon only three times before the surgery. On the first visit, I told him I would like my case to be transferred to NUH. On the second visit when he told me surgery was the only solution, I said I was ready for it and on the third visit I fixed the date for surgery. After a surgery date was fixed, I had peace in my heart. I was relaxed and I had no fear or worry. I was looking forward to the day of surgery in fact. The hymn, “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me” came to my mind swiftly: “All the way my Saviour leads me, what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thru life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell; for I know whatever befall me, Jesus doeth all things well, for I know whatever befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.” I have been holding these words dearly in my heart and able to fully comprehend what they mean. These words are very relevant, touching and comforting to me. What a wonderful Saviour we have!
Not Nervous at All
At last, I had the major spinal surgery on the 18th of September 2012. As I was rolled into the operating theatre, I sensed that it was very crowded; but as I looked around, I did not see many people. I noticed that my X-rays were pinned up; two doctors were standing in front of these X-rays and discussing. I was calm and not nervous at all. Again, I was certain that the Lord was with me! After the nurse had checked my identity, I uttered my prayer which I prepared earlier. I prayed, “My Lord, be with me throughout the surgery. May thou be with the surgical team too, especially Prof Wong. May thou give him thy wisdom as to how to operate on me. I submit myself to thee totally now. Lord, may thy will be done!” As far as I could remember, I fell asleep immediately without even knowing when the anesthesia was administered on me. I believed the Lord had since taken me into His hands before the surgery. Surely, He was present! An estimated six-hour surgery turned out to be a ten-hour one. Praise the Lord, I awoke! Thereafter, I was in the Intensive Care Unit for two nights. I stayed in the hospital for eight days altogether. The Lord is great. My recovery was fast; I could feel the progressive recovery every day.
Witness to Non-Christians
Through this surgery, I also had a good opportunity to witness to my non-Christian friends about my faith. When they commented that I was brave, I explained that it was my Lord who gave me the courage and strength and that He had led me step by step to make such a decision. I shared with them the gospel, and added that I had no fear if the surgery failed because I was certain I would be going to my heavenly home. I gave them the details on how I could see my Lord leading me and there was no coincidence. I thanked the Lord that they had the patience to listen to me and not to brush me off like before. Praise the Lord, at least one soul was touched. This particular friend enquired more about the gospel and mentioned that perhaps she would come to our church one day.
Submission Brings Assurance
In my life, I have learned to submit to the Lord and to lean on him for important decisions. My conclusion is: A total submission to the Lord begets a perfect assurance from the Lord.
I am now almost fully recovered. I thank the Lord and may all glory be unto His name! Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto me and I will answer thee, and I will shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
2ND BIBLE LANDS PILGRIMAGE
FEBC will embark on its 2nd Bible Land’s Pilgrimage from 10th to 20th December 2012. The 1st Bible Lands Pilgrimage saw us taking the route of Paul’s Macedonian Call to Europe in his 2nd missionary journey. In that journey, the Apostle Paul entered Greece from Troas (Acts 16:8-10). This 2nd Pilgrimage will see the pilgrims traversing the length and breadth of Asia Minor (Turkey), in the steps of Paul’s 1st and part of his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 13:1-16:8).
As a pilgrimage and not a tour, the pilgrims will spend time worshipping the Lord and studying the Scriptures as they visit the many cities and places where the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel and planted churches. The pilgrims will also visit the seven churches of Asia as found in the book of the Revelation, and meditate on the words of warning and comfort from the Lord Jesus Christ to the seven churches and to us who are living in the end times just before His return.
Asia Minor is full of Church history. Among other things, we shall learn about the historic battles for Faith and Doctrine in the first four centuries of the Church. The story of the Cappadocian fathers who defended the Faith against the Arian heresy will be told. Many faithful Christians died for their faith in the hills and plains of Asia Minor in the days of the Roman persecution. Despite all the powerful and relentless efforts to persecute and exterminate the Church, she has not only survived but also thrived. Why? It is because the Christ-believing and Bible-defending Church is solidly grounded on the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and on His forever infallible and inerrant Word which can never be destroyed. Jesus said to Peter, “upon this rock (ie, the Christ the Son of the Living God) I will build my church; the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18). Peter later encouraged the persecuted church with these words, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (1 Pet 1:24-25). Our God and Saviour who has preserved His inspired words to the last jot and tittle (Matt 5:18) is also powerful to preserve His faithful saints until the very end (Heb 10:23).
Please remember us in prayer. We have a total of 46 pilgrims from eight churches— Berean, Bethel, Calvary Pandan, Gospel Light, Sharon, True Life, Truth BPCs and Wesley Methodist Church. JK
ENCOURAGEMENT TO CHOIR AND YAF
Dear Choirmaster of True Life BPC, Congratulations! What a grand church choir! I’ve yet to see a church choir of that size. The enclosed small gift is to encourage the choir members to continue to sing praises to our Lord. Emmanuel! ($100).
Yours in Christ, Leong Yin Chu
Dear Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo,
I wish to express my desire to rejoice with you and all the YAFers in the inauguration of the Young Adults Fellowship with the token of a small love gift. Be the light and salt of the world! ($50).
Yours in Christ, Leong Yin Chu
We thank the Lord for Elder Leong Yin Chu who spoke at our Chinese service last week and played two tunes on his erhu—Amazing Grace and O Come All Ye Faithful. Pray the gospel seed sown will bring forth good fruit. JK
