My Testimonial

I came to know the Lord only when I was in secondary 1 although I had been exposed to Christianity since young as I followed my cousins to Sunday school. I went with my mother to the Chinese service on September 2003 and when pastor asked the congregation to follow in saying the sinner’s prayer I just followed my mother and to the Chinese service, I simply followed yet not taking my decision seriously. I was baptised a week after accepting Christ together with mum after encounter weekend. After my schoolmates know that I was a Christian some began to avoid me and to gain acceptance among them, I joined in their activities.

This got me into trouble with the law in January 2004 when I was in Secondary 2. God showed His mercy and I didn’t have to go to court and was allowed release after a warning, but I didn’t learn my lesson and got into trouble in September, but again because of His mercy, the police wasn’t involved. My life was already in a chaotic state then. But I did not take God as my first priority even though I know He will never let me go. I became even more rebellious in school and met some new friends in Secondary 3. We hanged out often and even skipped school together. I learnt that it is important to choose wisely the friends and company I spend time with because you will become more like those you spend more time with and joined in those activities under their influence. Then I got myself in trouble with the law again. This time there was no more escape. I knew that God wanted me to learn my lesson. In April 2005, I was called to the Juvenile Court. My mother was the only one beside all the time. She prayed to God for mercy on my sentence. Even though I was at court, I still did not learn my lesson and defended my friend, thinking of being loyal. Till later did I realise that my friend has already told the truth to the authorities although he told me never to do so. This was another offence for hiding the facts from the authorities. By then, I had a total of 3 cases and could have been sent to a girls’ home. My mum cried day and night praying to God and he heard her prayers!

During the trials I was never handcuffed nor did I had to stay in the lock up cell. On 3 May 2005, I was sentenced to 15 months probation. This was very short, considering that I had a record of 3 cases.

During my probation, I was transferred to TOUCH Youth Learning Centre (TYLC). God made a change in me ever since I was transferred there. I used to dislike participating in school activities and was rude to teachers, thinking that being expelled from school was the best way to avoid getting into trouble. I was very quick-tempered and very often, got myself into arguments with teachers and principals. At TYLC, I learned to control my temper and not being rude to teachers in class and to take my education more seriously.

I thank God that He sent Weiling, my cell leader, to affirm and remind me that God is always there for me. She tolerated my mood swings and hot temperedness and even wrote letters to my probation officers just so that I would be allowed to go for camps and church events. As a requirement of the probation sentence, I had to serve community service. Pastor Fei Fei even took the trouble to let me help out in TOUCH Young Arrows children’s club. Also, during church events and outings, my fellow church friends often encouraged that my probation was ending soon so that I would not get myself into trouble again. God also allowed me to serve in the video technician ministry which allowed me to use the video camera which was one of my interest.


By November 2006, my probation had ended and I managed to complete my N levels and by God’s grace I managed to pass. It was better than I had expected compared to my results in the past. Unfortunately, I got into trouble again. This time, it was when I was in close contact with two ex-schoolmates. On the 24th December 2006, instead of attending church service, I went out with them and we stole from a departmental store, in the name of having thrilling fun. Needless to say, we got caught. However, I refused to admit it and became defensive. As we were brought back to the police headquarters, we were handcuffed and locked up time and time again. That experience was one of my worst nightmares. We could not get away with the offence as easily as before. If it were not for the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence with me, I would have gone crazy - I managed to sleep throughout the time in the lock up instead.

A month later, we were charged in court under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 read with Section 34 of the same act. If it were not for the support for my parents, church friends, pastors and cell leader who have been covering me with their fervent prayers and encouragements, I might not have been to pull through. Though the outcome of my case has yet to be finalised, I trust that God knows what’s best for me, as stated in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” and Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Thank God for providing a lawyer whom I am able to feel at ease with as he fits the requirements which I had in mind.

The reason I am sharing this testimony is because I made a promise to God to do so. I hope through this sharing, many would come to know that our God is an awesome God and works miraculously. Above all, He’s our comforter and friend!

Vashon
(Weiling's 12)