I Have Peace Because of Jesus – Sister Ethel Thian
One day in 2006, I was sitting under a large tree enjoying the breeze! My heart was troubled, I felt that life was extremely depressing, my emotions were down, and my outlook on life was filled with fear!
An older woman, Kim, passed by me as I sat beneath the tree. She saw that my expression was bitter! She said, “Do you want to listen to songs?” This church was right beside my house! I replied, “Is it not only for Christians?” She answered, “It’s just listening to songs and enjoying the air conditioning!” From then on, every time she passed by she would invite me to church! As last, because of her perseverance, I stepped into church! When I first entered church and started singing, tears would flow without restraint. Yet, when I stepped out, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief from deep within my heart! I said to Kim, “Can I come listen to songs every Sunday?” She then smiled and said, “Of course, you are welcomed to!” Afterwards, when I listened to the songs, they would touch my heart, accepting Christ Jesus’ calling, the gospel also entered my heart, giving me peace!
When the pastor asked, “Who admits that they are a sinner? Please raise your hand.” I raised my hand. He asked again, “Who is willing to accept Jesus Christ as their one and only Saviour who washed away all your sins!” I raised my hand once more! The pastor then asked, “Please step forward to the front of the stage; let the pastor pray for you.” I also stepped to the front of the stage, letting the pastor put his hand on my head to pray for me! I now know that I became a true believer of Christ Jesus.
Slowly my downcast mood began to be alleviated. My depressed days progressively disappeared! As life became calmer gradually, I felt joy as a true warmth from deep within me that slowly spread throughout all of my heart. This must be what it feels like to accept that Jesus loves me! I am thankful for that church’s pastor. His sermons happened to be on marriage life for more than a year! During those years, my husband was always on business trips. I had to become the head of the family, facing life’s pressures and handling life’s big and small problems alone. When I was so weak and helpless, I met life’s Saviour, Jesus. He has finally found me!
After believing in God, I received the blessings that filled my soul, and filled my heart with love. I could then give love to others as I have been filled with love first! If I am empty and without substance, how could I give strength to others!
I have been listening to sermons for over a decade. Yet, I have never truly studied the bible—from 2006 till 2019, it has been over ten years! This was until I prayed over it. In 2021, Jasmine, my sister-in-law, called me over to visit Tree of Life Christian Church! Because I wanted to understand more about Christ Jesus, I prayed about finding a church that taught the bible! At last, I found Tree of Life Christian Church, a church that taught the bible. It is here that my spiritual life could have an environment to grow in. I am thankful to Sister Chen Ming for doing follow up work, she kept on following up on me and helping me to stay in this church!
I decided to be baptised now because I am thankful that Tree of Life Christian Church is willing to accept me as a member! This is truly a blessing from Jesus. I thank God and the Holy Spirit—you have redirected my life back to you! Praise the Lord! Thank God for giving us life and for giving us the wonderful meaning of life!
translated by Davina Seet