How Great is Thy Love!

I was in the midst of my 18-days Youth Expedition Project in a hill-tribe village known as San Jaroen village in Northern Thailand. It was free time as I wandered along the edges of the village alone.

Guilt-ridden, I desperately needed to spend time with Daddy. Though I was miles away from my spiritual family at that point in time, I was reminded of what Meijin once brought up - nature would help us get closer to Him. Should I try?

I trudged to the peak of the hill, the highest point in the vicinity. Maybe, just maybe, I will be closer to the Heavens and Daddy will be able to hear me better. Karen urged me to pray for the Lord to open my eyes during the trip. What was my purpose? Why was I led here? Lord, please open my eyes. Please! And I prayed.


Has an hour or two passed by while I was basking in the sweet presence of the Lord? With the breeze gently stroking my cheeks and the ravishing view laid out right before my eyes, I was reluctant to return. The foot-long grass danced and swayed to the rhythm of the wind. Balls of fluffy clouds were strewn artistically across the bright blue sky. Beams of sunrays streamed down across the Earth to gently kiss the flowers. The Lord is indeed a great architect and I was mesmerized endlessly by His works. But I had to leave.

I got up, dusted my pants and ambled back to the village. I udutamade-ed to an elderly grandmother I met near the entrance. She returned the wai and rattled off in ‘Akha’, but I did not understand. From the earnest expression painted across her face, she was desperate to convey her message. She held my hand and led me to her house. That was when I met her.

Pontip. Her name is Pontip. Pontip laid sprawled on the dusty, cracked soil outside her dilapidated bamboo house. She could not neither walk, nor talk. Does she feel disadvantaged because of her cerebral palsy?

For the past 10 years, she has been spending all her days in the village, in her house. Deprived of a chance to attend school and without Thai citizenship (which is a MAJOR problem in most hill-tribe villages), school fees and healthcare are much more expensive for her. She has no money, no rights and no transport. There was no way Pontip could ever attend school or even basic intervention programs.

I had to do something. I ran hard and I ran fast. I ran till my slippers nearly broke and I almost fell because the mud was so sticky. I narrated my story to my teammates in the church and pleaded them to spare me a toy for Pontip. Sadly, my teammates displayed reluctance to follow me.

It was a challenge to communicate with Pontip. I could speak neither ‘Akha’ nor Thai, yet I yearned to enter her world. Was she feeling like she was at the top of the world? Was she in pain? (Oscar said that people with cerebral palsy are in constant spasms. Boo.) Day after day, I continued to visit and play with her. I even managed to get some of my teammates over. Pontip was always laughing and smiling, though she never did respond to me. Were you happy to see me, Pontip? I knew I was. She delighted me with her presence and the carefree smiles she generously gave away.

I bought milk tablets with the hope of strengthening her bones and decaying teeth. One day, she just might be able to stand. It was a futile attempt thought as she drooled out ¾ of the tablet.

A few days before my departure, she finally wai-ed to me. I was jubilant! She finally acknowledged my presence! It was a wai seemingly crooked yet sincere and perfect in my eyes. It was a wai that inspired me to chase my dreams and ignited my flame of passion to serve people with special needs. Though I never heard Pontip utter a word, through the wai, she communicated her feelings and thoughts with me.

As she peeked at me shyly from her doorway on the day we left the village, her twinkling eyes met mine. I wept silently. I wept because life was so unfair. God has been so good to me! I am so blessed not to be disadvantaged physically or mentally; so blessed that my life is so sheltered; so blessed to be a Singaporean. I wept because there are so many people who are suffering yet there was so little I can do. I wept because I could no longer play and talk to her, nor hold her on my lap and sing into her ears.

Pontip, wait for me. One day, I will be back!

Ten months later, after praying and praying, the Lord revealed to me why He led me to that expedition. Pontip had such a great impact on me because Daddy chose her to be an important motivating factor (of course, Daddy is the most important!) behind my burning desire to take up Speech Pathology.

The Lord reassured me that this is His chosen path for me and He was keen that I embark on this journey. I realized that when I asked Daddy to open my eyes during the trip, there was a reason why I met Pontip the moment I returned to the village. It was not a case of pure coincidence. Thank you, Father. How amazing are your works!

I never dared to ask Daddy for the many things I secretly desired. I felt that the selfish desires of Man should not be showcased and brought to the foot of the cross. I felt that Daddy had millions of people to listen to and He had issues more important to deal with.

My life was smooth-sailing and I was not bereft of my basic necessities. Outside my sheltered homeland, there are so many people who are deprived of food, clothes and shelter, which is immensely urgent compared to my heart’s desires. Why should I ask for more?

However, the Lord wanted me to ask Him. The Lord is omnipotent and omnipresent! I do not have to book an appointment to seek Daddy or be placed on a waiting list just because my wants are deemed less important. He can see to the needs and wants of each and every one of His children! He told me He will give me whatever I sought. "For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds." (Matthew 7:8) And so, I began to ask.

Shortly after encounter weekend, the Lord entered my dreams. The Lord saturated me with questions on whether I wanted blessings. The Lord asked and asked and asked and asked until I finally said yes, I want. Yes, I want! To further assure me of His presence and His blessings, He woke me up to do something for Him. The very next day, I was accepted into University College London (University of London) which only accepts up to five foreign students for that particular course per year. Praise the Lord! He has blessed me!

Due to financial limitations, I would be unable to pursue this course unless I get a scholarship. I wondered how I was to execute the plans Daddy entrusted me with. I committed everything into the Lord’s hands and believed that the Lord will provide. He is Jehovah Jireh, my provider! Subsequently, Daddy promised me the scholarship. He assured me that He will give it to me but I have to work hard for it.

The night before the interview, I went to sleep filled with uncertainty and worries. Daddy, are you sure this is the path you want me to take? Daddy, what if I fail to impress? Daddy, what if I can’t answer their questions? The Lord entered my dreams that night again. He gave me a prelude to the future and He said that He will bless me. With a fresh streak of confidence, I strode into the interview room.

I was subsequently awarded the Ministry of Health - Health Science Scholarship! Praise the Lord!

As I reflect and look back, I realized that every single detail has been intricately planned for by our Daddy. "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

It has been a tough fight chasing my dreams and the Lord helped me through it all. I missed the UK university applications but God was gracious enough to miraculously extend the deadline for me. My entire university education will be provided for without me having to fork out a single cent. The objections I faced from my parents previously have been lifted.

Each step was filled with a message that Daddy wanted me to receive and learn. Each step was filled with God’s overwhelming glory and sovereignty! Daddy taught me to rely and depend on Him. Daddy wanted me to trust Him totally and to be patient. He did not want me to worry and He wanted me to pray fervently for anything and everything. The steadfast love of our Lord never ceases! God fulfills His promises and He never forgets! The Lord has given me the best of everything and I will do my very best for Him! He loves me so dearly!

That was the end of my expedition but the beginning of my mission for God. Amen!

Written by:
Teo Yafen
Meijin's 12

July 1st Network Prayer Meeting

After seven hours at work, I was drained, both physically and mentally. I had not recovered from my cough since a week ago and my project research was due the next day. Still, I desired so much of Him. I believed that I would be blessed at the network’s prayer meeting and as it turned out, I was right.

We started off with thanksgiving. I thanked God for knowing me so well inside out. Even without verbalizing my thoughts, He knew every whisper in my heart. I thanked God for the cell, for the spiritual family that supported me through my ups and downs, for the sisters that I shared my deepest thoughts with and for the leaders that God has blessed me with.

We carried on with a short worship. Although I was not familiar with the songs, I prayed as others sang. Karen led us into praying for something we desired. Desire? My immediate desire was to serve God. Use me, God! I knew that it was not just another prayer meeting. God wanted to teach me something…but what? I searched for the answer and I prayed for the presence of the Holy Spirit to fall upon all of us.

Breaking up into our cell groups, we prayed for the people we invited for the miracle catch which was the day after. At 7pm, only one of the people I had invited confirmed her attendance. However, she was deciding between the adult service and the youth service. If she chose to attend the 9am service, I would not be able to go for post encounter class. I uttered to God that if it was His will for me to skip post encounter, I would do it for Him.

My cell sisters seemed so excited and jubilant as they shared their testimonies.

“Crystal, are you excited for God?” I questioned myself.

Yes, I was but God did not think that it was enough. He wanted more!

As Pastor talked about the Jabez prayer, he shared about Hebrews 11. According to Hebrews 11:1, “now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It was followed by a list of people being commended for their faith. Hebrews 11: 6 says that “and without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” We moved on to Hebrews 12:1-2 which says, “therefore, we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endures the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We continued to pray for the people we invited, prayed for ourselves and the miracle catch. We repented and interceded with the Holy Spirit. My mind was flooded with names for the miracle catch. There were names of people who rejected me as well as those I lost the faith to invite again. Pastor Fei Fei then stepped out and prayed for us. She shared with us this verse from Matthew 21:“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.”

“Faith? Is that what you are asking from me, God?” I prayed sincerely, asking God for names.

“Who do you want to me to bring? Him, her? Is this the best timing?”

Finally, God convicted me with two names. Immediately, I took faith and messaged them. I waited anxiously by the phone. My two friends expressed interest and requested for more details. Praise God! I was elated and exuberant! I urged my cell members to text their friends immediately. God works! They did not have any prior knowledge of FCBC yet they still agreed to come. God is great! Time after time, I faced rejection when I extended my invitation to others. I was discouraged, I was disappointed and I lost faith in evangelizing. However, my God is great for He knows my desire and He built my faith in such a special way that I will always remember it.

Whatever problems you are facing now, take a step of faith. We are weak but He is strong. He knows your heart and your desires. Take the bold step out of your comfort zone and be blessed!

P.S. I managed to attend post encounter class!

Written by
Crystal Yong
Meijin’s 12

My Camp Ohana Testimonial

Praise the Lord! Camp Ohana was truly an extraordinary camp set apart for Godly purposes.

Hi, I’m Boon Bing, the worship steward with Priscilla. I would like to share the goodness of God and how this camp had such an impact on me.

The world sees responsibility as an agenda and work of strategies only – Many a times I have been like this too. Yet as I was given this opportunity to lead worship, God spoke to me. I felt that this is more than an agenda and work of strategies. It is also about serving and expecting. As I continued to prepare myself, God dealt with me in becoming an empty vessel to be used by Him and prompted me to change doubt into expectancy (faith). I was brought to two verses, which I used to mediate upon and prepare myself. Meanwhile, God continued to prompt me to use these two verses as an effective prayer o just like the Jabez prayer.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” – 2 Timothy 1:7

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” – Galatians 5:18 (also read Galatians 5 to mediate)

Day 1 (Learn to Please God):
I was grouped under Quan Wei (Group 3) and I must really thank him for being so understanding and funny. Whenever I felt tired or stressed, I experienced such family-togetherness in my group, which gave me strength to carry-on. There was a guy who was introverted and quiet at times, yet Quan Wei’s unconditional and fatherly love shown to him motivated me to learn more about his motivation to love the way God called us to love.

At the night session, Pastor Lawrence preached about learning to please God with the PHD (Pacesetter, History-Maker, Disciple-maker) concept. God not only wants to hear our pleas but also our faith prayers and what we specifically want from Him. I asked God to lead me by the spirit and to be sensitive to Him. As Pastor advised us to review our goals and measure how far we are to success, I started to visualize Livingstones worshipping God as one family. And I told God that I am ready to be used to lead His people to worship Him.

Furthermore, Pastor spoke about reaching out to make disciplemakers. God showed me a vision of a person sitting on the sofa and watching news on TV. Soon, I realized that the person is in fact me. God showed me His compassion for the people around us, yet my fire for Him was not pushing me enough out of my comfort zone. Again, I was reminded that it is up to me to stand up and step out of this zone. As I shared this with Junming, Clarence and Andrew, they prayed for me and I felt a stirring inside me to press on.

The night worship at the beach was truly a miraculous worship. During the debriefing, Pastor told us the story of the miraculous voice of Jesus even as He called out to Simon Peter in deep water from the shore. Similarly, I felt that my voice was too soft. Yet he said that my voice was audible from the back even without shouting. I believe this is just one story of how God moved that night. For me, God emptied my heart that night and for the first time, my heart, mind and soul were totally empty as I worshipped Him. It was a break-through for me as I always had to force myself to clear my mind to worship Him. This time, it came naturally.

Day 2 (Love to Please God):
After jogging to the beach before sunrise, we had solitude and God showed me a vision after bringing me to re-mediate on Galatians 5. The vision was an open heaven with chariots of horsemen literally pouring down on us. I prayed for engagement with the Spirit.

The first all-male session was on knowing the difference between a ‘Godly’ man and a ‘Worldly’ man. Though us guys may know how to be Godly males, not all of us are working towards it. That is why we have to be accountable to our spiritual fathers to be mentored and watched over. As males, we have to live a life of manhood and service to the sisters.

During the evening worship, I was prompted to pray for some of the people present. One of them is someone with a pain in his/her bone at the lower body. And the other were people with financial problems, whom God wants to touch with His love. By faith, I asked these people to raise their hands and I prayed for them. I prayed for faith to arise in them to receive this love: love of healing and freedom from financial bondage. I spoke the renewal of the liberty we have in Christ as mentioned in Galatians 5:1. Indeed, I was affirmed when I saw people raise their hands in response although it was my first time doing something like this. (For those in this category, continue to pray in faith and review the miracles of God by testifying before your family)

In the afternoon, I had a great time of fellowship with my group through the games we played and the fun we had, especially throwing water-bombs at Pastor and Kelvin, our camp commandant.

The all-male session at night was the climax of day two where Alvin spoke on giving up all our sins, pleasures and desires to God. As guys, we may look strong on the outside, but buckle inside due to lustful desires. That is why we need God and His protection from the evil one. I decided to confess and give up my all to God to discourage any foothold of the evil one. In return, I felt His love pouring into me. After pastor prayed for me, I felt like crying and as soon as I realized, my eyes were flowing with tears. The words that Alvin released from the Bible came to me hard and strong.

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words” – Isaiah 58:13
“Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord, And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with heritage of Jacob your father” – Psalm 37:4

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart” – Isaiah 58:14

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10

Day 3 (Live to Please God):
Pastor released us two by two into the streets to evangelize. As according to Luke 10 principles, evangelizing begins with blessing, followed by fellowship, meeting felt needs and then sharing of the gospel and not the other way round.

My group went to the cable car and Carlsberg Tower. My partner was Sky. Though we met many ppl who didn’t wanted to talk to us, we still encountered a few people open to our sharing. I met a group of NUS engineering students consisting of a Christian, Muslim, Taoist, Buddhist and an atheist. We chatted about the stress and hectic lifestyles of youths today. Though time did not permit me to speak more to them, I was given the chance to pray for them and bless them with the cards. Through this, I realized that there are still many ppl around us who need God. Faith to believe and boldness in actions must be put into practice as we make reaching out to others a lifestyle.

Conclusion:
The camp for me was filled with spirit and vision just like the prophet Daniel in the Bible. As we ended the camp, I left in my heart to continuously learn, love and live to please God. I was reminded of the book ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ which mentioned that God created us to be a part of the family in order to worship and please Him. By doing so, we are no longer His servants but rather, His children who know the Father’s plans and will carry His burden to save the lost.

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Chris” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” – Galatians 5:13

I hope that my testimony has encouraged you, the reader. Let us spur one another for God and to reach out. Thanks to the camp committee and all present at the camp for making this camp possible. And thank God for being present which really mattered the most.

“Lord I pray that Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend and know the love of Christ; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Written by:
Boon Bing, Dennis
(Alvin’s 12)