My Changed Perspective towards Life – Brother Fabian Teo

According to my mother, she always reminded us that being a Christian and growing up as one was never an easy journey to begin with. Since I grew up in a Christian family, I had to attend a Christian kindergarten that was also the same kindergarten that Jerry attended too. Ever since I attended a Christian kindergarten, I was constantly grounded in Christian values. I accepted Jesus when I was a child, and I had to live a completely different life as compared to my peers. During weekdays, I would be in school (kindergarten) studying and learning God’s word. On Sunday, my peers were staying at home watching TV or even going out for sports courses while I had to follow my parents to church to attend Sunday service. Out of the seven days in the week, six days were already used to learn about God’s word. That leaves Saturday as my only day to enjoy and do whatever I am pleased with such as going down the block to play, going out, or even staying at home to watch TV. Because of that, I felt annoyed that I couldn’t do what normal kids around my age do during the weekends. If I wanted to go for a football trial or training, it would usually be on a Sunday morning. If I wanted to watch my favourite cartoon series on the TV, it would usually be on a Sunday morning too. This made me hesitant to go to church as I would prefer to go for my football trainings or stay at home and watch my favorite cartoon series. From what I was feeling, I didn’t dare to tell my parents what I felt. I controlled my emotions. Instead, I asked them a simple question, “Why are all these football trainings and my favourite cartoon always on a Sunday morning? I really want to go to my training or watch my favorite cartoon.” My mother would follow up by replying, “Because the devil is trying to find ways (such as having my favourite cartoon being shown on a Sunday morning) to tempt you from not going to church and learning God‘s word.” From her response, I didn’t dare to say anything to let her know that I was irritated and that I really wanted to go for my training or stay home and watch my favourite cartoon show. Instead, I would just keep silent and do absolutely nothing about it. It was not because I wanted to, but because I really could not do anything about it—as a small kid with no resources to make anything work according to the way that I desired.

As the years pass by, with the help of God’s word through church service and Sunday School, I’ve changed my attitude towards doing activities on Sunday mornings. I would use that time to attend church and learn about God’s word. If I had to participate in any activities on Sundays, I would only do so after church and I would completely leave my Sunday morning for God. I have also recognised that I am a sinner and have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Through the years of attending Church, my priorities on Sundays have changed drastically from not wanting to go to church to enjoy Sunday activities. I now ensure that I dedicate my Sunday mornings to God and learning God’s Word. As my priorities and values has changed for the better, one phrase that has always stuck with me is that “From the seven days in the week, we have six days to do whatever we want, therefore, we should not use the Lord’s rest day to do what could’ve been done on the other six days of the week. It should not be so hard to even give half a Sunday to God.”

Peace in Sufferings – Brother Ethan Soon

I was born into a Christian household and was exposed to many Christian beliefs and ideologies. As a young boy, I learned about God through the church and its people. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior as a child. However, as a young boy, I did not understand the true significance of this acceptance. Growing up, my attention wandered, and I was directionless. I was simply living life as it went—I was mostly a lukewarm Christian. I did not take God seriously and did not live a spiritual life. The only times I thought of God was on Sundays.

When I became a teenager, I started to think more deeply about my life and my faith. Life was getting harder. It made me look toward God a little more. I was, however, still not completely dependent on him. At 18, I was miserable. I was studying something I didn’t like and was worried about the future of the path I was on. On top of that, I was far from God, and sin was comfortable. I prayed for months, and I finally dropped out. The following year was the hardest year of my life. It was filled with the greatest sufferings and hardships. I struggled with areas like family, friends, and mental health, among others. Life was extremely difficult, and I often wept to the Lord.

However, this trying season of my life also gave me the most peace. These sufferings had brought me closer to God. I began to seek his word and his favor, and to depend on him. Day by day, the Lord gave me sufficient grace and strength to push forward. Life has not become easier since then, but it was much more bearable because I started living with the strength of the Lord instead of my own. The understanding of Jesus and his sacrifice has brought me a peace that the world’s sufferings and hardships could not take away. I now live with gratitude to God. I saw improvements in all areas of my life. I was more disciplined and productive. My sleep, health, and fitness improved. I took sin more seriously and strived to live a more holy life.

I thank God for placing me in a Christian family and allowing me to come to the Lord at an early age. I now recognise that I am a sinner and that I need Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. It was the knowledge of salvation brought by his grace that has given me true peace. The burden and challenges of life have brought me closer to God and have reminded me to stand firm on his word. I also thank God for the godly people that have helped me get to where I am today. I cannot imagine life without God—how painful and miserable it would be. I thank God for peace and salvation.

Jesus Answered My Prayer – Sister Koh Sheat Ying

Before I came to know Christ, my life was filled with confusion and a sense of independence. I didn’t feel the need for God, as everything in my life seemed to be going well—no struggles at work, a good relationship with my family, and a belief that I could handle things on my own.

In 2022, I met Hur Yun at work. He shared with me that he was a Christian who attended church regularly. Initially, I was hesitant to visit a church because I had no experience with it and my family members were mostly Buddhists. But I decided to go. While I didn’t understand much of the sermons, I felt welcomed by the kindness of the people. After a few months, I joined the Basic Bible Class to learn more about Christianity.

During the class, Pastor Andrew asked a question that stuck with me: “Where will you go after you die?” I had never considered this before, and I couldn’t answer the question. He explained that without accepting Christ, we would all face eternal separation from God. This idea was hard for me to accept, as I felt it was unfair as I’ve always thought I was not a sinner.

Over time, due to my work schedule, I began attending church less. But one day, during a difficult period at work, I reached out to God in prayer, asking for His help. To my surprise, God answered me with mercy and grace, guiding me through that tough time. Despite my previous distance from Him, He didn’t turn away from me.

After that experience, I recognise that I am a sinner and need Jesus to forgive me of my sins. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Then, I made a decision to prioritise church by requesting time off from work on Sundays. Since accepting Christ, I’ve felt a deep change in my life. I now rely on God for everything—praying during both good and bad times. Even when challenges arise, I no longer blame God or others. Instead, I trust that He has a purpose, and I feel a sense of peace in my heart.

I Trust in God – Sister Chue Chin Yee

I was busy working and earning money to make ends meet for my family. My life has been all about providing for my family and how to earn and save more money for a better future.

I saw my son receive Christ and become a better person over time. He was also surrounded by many good Christian friends who helped in a lot in his life.

I too decided to know and accept Christ into my heart too as I was moved by my son and his living testimony. I admit that I am a sinner and need Jesus to forgive my sins. I am still working hard to earn as much money as possible. The only difference is that I also began to trust God and start reading and listening to the bible and pray. I also got to know many good Christian friends and enjoy going to church every week.

God would never abandon His sheep – Sister Cai Lei

I was a staunch atheist and a believer in scientific theories before becoming a Christian.  I would only be convinced if it was proven with science.  At the same time, I was also a true blue “love brain” who believes that love is all.  But no matter how sweet the love is, my heart would still feel empty. I classify this as a lack of belonging when in a foreign country. As a result, I decided to change my nationality. I chose to trust my own strength in managing my love life, marriage and career, which failed miserably in the end. I was plunged into nine long years of depression and self-doubt.  I confess that I am a sinner, in need of Jesus to forgive my sins, and I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.

Recalling the times when I was a new believer, it was pure as a newborn, receiving everything with joy. But when I left Singapore, thus leaving the church and my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as leaving the Lord’s embrace, my life went on a divergent. I thought that I would just live the rest of my live with no clue and no goals, like that of an ostrich who’s ignorant of its surrounding. Occasionally there would be a voice deep in my heart, questioning: “Cai Lei, do you want to continue living like this? If your parents are not here anymore, what would you do alone?  How can you bring up your child? Is this the example you want to set for your child?”

In a moment, I was touched. I decided to return to Singapore, even if it means to start from the beginning with my daughter. At the same time, I felt strongly that I should be coming back to God. I needed to come to church. I chanced upon sister Hai Yan when I signed up for a course in HMI. I felt a sense of familiarity towards her for no reason, and also trustworthiness. Thus, I followed sister Hai Yan to TOLCC, even though it was far from my home. I had not touched the Bible for the last 10 years, I am still determined to come with her. In truth, when I first stepped into TOLCC, I felt a sense of returning home, I was triggered by the sudden emotion and was on the verge of tears. Recalling my journey so far, these have all been God’s arrangement—He would never abandon His sheep, even though I ran away from Him for 9 years.

Now I am back. I brought with me a new thirst for the Lord. I started attending Basic Bible Class, got to know God afresh, and learned about the Bible, and how to live a Christian life. Every Sunday service and Sunday school gave me a deeper understanding of God’s word. I also understood the reason for wayward days when I was young.  God’s love is the only thing that is everlasting and that will never change. Only God’s covenant is trustworthy and faithful. The omnipresent, always present and omnipotent God is the only Savior and worthy of eternal trust.

Renewing my faith made me fearless, I am no longer hesitant nor worrisome.  Although I encounter problems of every kind daily, I would occasionally feel fearful and worry. I still make mistakes. But I would not fear because God has all the answers for me. With the love and care of Pastor and my brothers and sisters in Christ in TOLCC, I am not alone anymore.  Thus, I would like to conclude my testimony with the verse that I love from the bible:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

May God bless all who hear His word.

translated by Chew Elaine