This is Adrian Ng's story
Being born in a Christian family, one’s salvation is often overlooked. I was in this perplexing situation for years. In the past, many people would ask why I’d believe in Jesus, "My parents believe in Jesus, that’s why I believe", that’s my swift reply. Thank God for bringing me to Australia in January 2007, and then I realized that salvation is never inherited by family tradition, but is the personal relationship with God.I was a young man who was selfish and vulgar and only cared about things concerning pride of life. As a worldly person, everyone wants to be famous, but academically, I am not any good. I decided to show off myself in action through dancing. At first many people opposed me for this choice, thinking there is no future in it. However I knew that I could be a pioneer due to this reason. Introduced by a friend, I entered a dancing academy, I learned everything a beginner has to learn in only three months; I even went beyond some seniors. My tutor realized my potential and decided to promote me. I said to myself, this is a great chance, and I must treasure it. Things didn’t happen as I expected; I injured myself during a practice, and the joint on my left arm was dislocated. At first I thought it was just a minor sprain, so I didn’t pay attention, as there was a performance that evening. I consulted a doctor a few days later; he told me it would take three months for my arm to recover and so my tutor allowed me to get rest. During recovery, I never visited the academy, but when I returned, my tutor’s attitude toward me totally changed, as if telling me I am trash, there’s no more value in me. I thank God for showing me one fact, under whatever circumstances, He will still say, " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." It seems that God was punishing me, but in fact, God saved me. If those things had not happened, I would not have returned to God, enjoying His matchless love, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:23) God uses different ways to deliver us from the world and sins, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9)I truly began to know God in Australia. I could feel His love for me, and His amazing works. Looking back on His arrangements, preparations and guidance, I realized God has always been leading and keeping me. March 2007, I returned to God and prayed the prayer of repentance. Since then, my life began to change. God led me to study here, to learn how to evangelize, to know His Word, to pray and even how to serve God. In the past, I only knew what happiness was, but now I know what joy is, for God is my source of joy; only God’s joy can last forever. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). The joy from God can never gain in this sinful world. Before I landed in Australia, the church I used to attend asked if I want to get baptized. I rejected them immediately without giving any reason, due to this question. I clearly saw my relationship with God, at first was very uncertain, even no relationship. But it’s different now, I know I am a child of God, my life’s purpose is to glorify God, the pride of life has no meaning anymore, for it is only temporary, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corinthians 4:18) Since then, I believe whenever I face difficulties, I will claim God’s promises. Have not I commanded thee (Adrian Ng)? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou (Adrian Ng) dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee (Adrian Ng) whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)
Monday, August 4, 2008
God’s Chatisement and Kindness
Friday, December 21, 2007
Changing a sinner's heart
This is Gavin Wong's story.
Since I was very young, dinosaurs and astronomy had fascinated me. I grew up liking science because it made sense to me and thought that the big bang theory, science and evolution could explain everything. I grew up in a non-Christian family but spent a few years attending Christian high schools. There, I became familiar with some common Bible stories, but to me, they were just that, stories. I had also never thought about what would happen to me after death. I had always assumed that if I was 'good', I would go into a heaven-like place.
The creation versus evolution topic was always my main hurdle to believing in a supreme being. Early in 2007, I was invited to a DVD screening of 'Unlocking the Mystery of Life' which also included a panel of academics to answer our questions afterwards. Many questions were raised including ones I had always wanted answers too. Their answers seemed plausible. This got me thinking……then, a friend began a Bible study group every Monday night which addressed this same topic. As the weeks passed, I became more receptive to new ideas and concepts. During one of these Bible study nights ，I asked my friend how to pray. I began to pray or rather, began to talk to God, not in a proper prayer format, but more of a conversation. I began asking Him questions about why certain things happened in my life and what their ultimate purpose was.
During the same time, I had been offered a job that I had been working really hard to get. Many people applied for the same position, but I was one of the few who got it. After carefully thinking about all the circumstances in which this happened, I realized that all the seemingly 'lucky' breaks I had gotten weren't just luck or coincidence because it was too perfect. It was God's plan.
A month or so later, I was invited to the 2007 BPCWA Youth 180 winter retreat camp and by this time, had already been asked a few times by my friend "what is stopping you from accepting Christ?" I didn't know. I just knew that I wasn't ready. However, I was free during the holidays so I decided to go to the camp. The camp was the first time I had been in close contact with so many true Christians. It was like living in a different world. Everyone was kind, helpful and genuinely cared about each other. At the camp, I was moved, changed, and I knew I was ready. I asked my friend at the end of the first night of the camp what things to say in the sinner's prayer. I walked to the car park, looked up at the moon and the stars on the cloudy night, confessed my sins and truly believed Jesus died for us. It was June 24 th, 2007, the day my new life began.
It has been more than 5 months since that day and I have noticed some considerable changes in my life. Before accepting Christ, I found that there was a void in my life. I would always try to fill this void by succeeding in jobs, finding a partner or scoring well in exams. And this would work temporarily because I would be filled with pride from receiving other people's praises and felt superior due to my achievements. I also had an uneasy feeling about my life ahead of me. I could try my best in all that I do, but that still didn't guarantee success or happiness in the future because it partly depended on 'luck'.
Now, it is completely different. The void is filled. I feel like a whole person without the need for other people's approval. I feel a sense of security in my future because I know God has planned it out for me and will guide me. The world and its design also makes a lot more sense now because it has been all created by God rather than us being evolved from bacteria. I am more calm, patient, caring, understanding and forgiving. When people ask me how I am, I answer "Great!" because that's how I feel everyday. They ask me "What happened?" expecting me to say that I got a new job, won the lotto or something along those lines. But I simply answer "God".
Since I was very young, dinosaurs and astronomy had fascinated me. I grew up liking science because it made sense to me and thought that the big bang theory, science and evolution could explain everything. I grew up in a non-Christian family but spent a few years attending Christian high schools. There, I became familiar with some common Bible stories, but to me, they were just that, stories. I had also never thought about what would happen to me after death. I had always assumed that if I was 'good', I would go into a heaven-like place.
The creation versus evolution topic was always my main hurdle to believing in a supreme being. Early in 2007, I was invited to a DVD screening of 'Unlocking the Mystery of Life' which also included a panel of academics to answer our questions afterwards. Many questions were raised including ones I had always wanted answers too. Their answers seemed plausible. This got me thinking……then, a friend began a Bible study group every Monday night which addressed this same topic. As the weeks passed, I became more receptive to new ideas and concepts. During one of these Bible study nights ，I asked my friend how to pray. I began to pray or rather, began to talk to God, not in a proper prayer format, but more of a conversation. I began asking Him questions about why certain things happened in my life and what their ultimate purpose was.
During the same time, I had been offered a job that I had been working really hard to get. Many people applied for the same position, but I was one of the few who got it. After carefully thinking about all the circumstances in which this happened, I realized that all the seemingly 'lucky' breaks I had gotten weren't just luck or coincidence because it was too perfect. It was God's plan.
A month or so later, I was invited to the 2007 BPCWA Youth 180 winter retreat camp and by this time, had already been asked a few times by my friend "what is stopping you from accepting Christ?" I didn't know. I just knew that I wasn't ready. However, I was free during the holidays so I decided to go to the camp. The camp was the first time I had been in close contact with so many true Christians. It was like living in a different world. Everyone was kind, helpful and genuinely cared about each other. At the camp, I was moved, changed, and I knew I was ready. I asked my friend at the end of the first night of the camp what things to say in the sinner's prayer. I walked to the car park, looked up at the moon and the stars on the cloudy night, confessed my sins and truly believed Jesus died for us. It was June 24 th, 2007, the day my new life began.
It has been more than 5 months since that day and I have noticed some considerable changes in my life. Before accepting Christ, I found that there was a void in my life. I would always try to fill this void by succeeding in jobs, finding a partner or scoring well in exams. And this would work temporarily because I would be filled with pride from receiving other people's praises and felt superior due to my achievements. I also had an uneasy feeling about my life ahead of me. I could try my best in all that I do, but that still didn't guarantee success or happiness in the future because it partly depended on 'luck'.
Now, it is completely different. The void is filled. I feel like a whole person without the need for other people's approval. I feel a sense of security in my future because I know God has planned it out for me and will guide me. The world and its design also makes a lot more sense now because it has been all created by God rather than us being evolved from bacteria. I am more calm, patient, caring, understanding and forgiving. When people ask me how I am, I answer "Great!" because that's how I feel everyday. They ask me "What happened?" expecting me to say that I got a new job, won the lotto or something along those lines. But I simply answer "God".
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Faithful Love
This is Tim Wu's story.
I grew up in a Christian family, and every week I attended church. I also went to a Christian secondary school. I was baptized as a child in Trueway Presbyterian Church. Through the years, I’ve delayed reaffirming my faith, coming up with various excuses.
Even though I fell away from God, the Lord has still blessed me in all manners. Whenever I feel down, or burdened by problems, the Lord is always by my side, carrying me through. In His wonderful and mysterious ways, He always manages to pull me back to him every single time. It was grace that I managed to enroll into my Law Degree.
It was also God’s planning that I should be given the chance to reaffirm my faith, as I had no chance back at Trueway, as I was travelling between Singapore and Australia. Therefore, I am grateful for this chance given unto me to reaffirm my faith in BPCWA.
I continue to have questions in my life, and the Lord is slowly teaching me, guiding me through the Bible, and prayer. During tough periods, my faith is strengthened through prayer, and all my troubles are resolved by the Lord. I hope to improve my personal relationship with Lord and lead a better life as a Christian.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
I grew up in a Christian family, and every week I attended church. I also went to a Christian secondary school. I was baptized as a child in Trueway Presbyterian Church. Through the years, I’ve delayed reaffirming my faith, coming up with various excuses.
Even though I fell away from God, the Lord has still blessed me in all manners. Whenever I feel down, or burdened by problems, the Lord is always by my side, carrying me through. In His wonderful and mysterious ways, He always manages to pull me back to him every single time. It was grace that I managed to enroll into my Law Degree.
It was also God’s planning that I should be given the chance to reaffirm my faith, as I had no chance back at Trueway, as I was travelling between Singapore and Australia. Therefore, I am grateful for this chance given unto me to reaffirm my faith in BPCWA.
I continue to have questions in my life, and the Lord is slowly teaching me, guiding me through the Bible, and prayer. During tough periods, my faith is strengthened through prayer, and all my troubles are resolved by the Lord. I hope to improve my personal relationship with Lord and lead a better life as a Christian.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Grace is Sufficient
This is Angeline Yong's story.
I have Christian parents, so naturally I was brought up in a Christian family. From very young, I remember attending Sunday school as a weekly activity. When I was about 7 years old, we heard many Sunday school stories and through those stories I learnt that about Jesus and that He loved me. In my heart I started to believe there was a God in this world and my belief came through simple FAITH. However throughout my growing years, I knew I was a Christian but I didn’t really understand purpose of life. In my teenage years I had the opportunity to serve in the church Junior Youth Group and through that service, God revealed to me why I needed to believe in Jesus Christ. In secondary school (when I was 13) my piano teacher asked me about Eternity and whether or not I was saved. Even though I was Christian, I honestly didn’t know whether or not I was going to heaven when I die. At that point I confessed my sins, said the sinner’s prayer and received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know for certain that I will go to heaven.
Although I have been a Christian for many years, I sometimes continue to live for myself. For example, I strive to achieve good grades in my study and perform well at work in order to prove that I am valuable. Even though I achieve good results in my study and career, my heart felt empty and dissatisfied. I realize now that this is because I have not fully submitted myself to the Lord.
Today, when I reflect over the years of my growing process, I know that I cannot determine my own future. It is God that has a plan for my life and it is an ongoing process. Life without purpose was meaningless and lost, especially when I did not know where I was heading when I die or the purpose of living in this world. Thank God that through the Bible, I now know what eternity is, and that it is only through Jesus Christ, that I can have eternal life in Heaven. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
I think back to when I first arrived in Perth to continue my studies. Living in an unfamiliar environment, which actually was not very easy to adapt to, let alone find the right church to attend. However, when it comes to living for God’s purpose, we can experience for ourselves how amazing God is. On one Sunday afternoon, I said a prayer to God about my needs in finding a church. Soon after, two girls walked towards me and began sharing the gospel with me. I told them I was actually looking for a church to attend. One of the girls said that “it was God who brought you here… no coincidence.” I really thank God that through BPCWA’s City Evangelism; He has led me to this Church and given me an opportunity to serve Him in Perth.
God has been gracious to me by showing me the way when finding a church. Furthermore, He continues to prove that he is gracious to me through the difficulties in my studies. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. In times where I almost cannot handle my studies, God has always been there to help me up by providing brothers, sisters, friends and lecturers to assist me. This has made me experience and understand even more that God is a faithful and gracious God to his children. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20. From the experiences in my life, I will never regret that I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. This is because He is an unchanging God, always with me when I need Him most and it is only He that is able to fill the emptiness in my heart.
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen!
Angeline Yong
Although I have been a Christian for many years, I sometimes continue to live for myself. For example, I strive to achieve good grades in my study and perform well at work in order to prove that I am valuable. Even though I achieve good results in my study and career, my heart felt empty and dissatisfied. I realize now that this is because I have not fully submitted myself to the Lord.
Today, when I reflect over the years of my growing process, I know that I cannot determine my own future. It is God that has a plan for my life and it is an ongoing process. Life without purpose was meaningless and lost, especially when I did not know where I was heading when I die or the purpose of living in this world. Thank God that through the Bible, I now know what eternity is, and that it is only through Jesus Christ, that I can have eternal life in Heaven. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
I think back to when I first arrived in Perth to continue my studies. Living in an unfamiliar environment, which actually was not very easy to adapt to, let alone find the right church to attend. However, when it comes to living for God’s purpose, we can experience for ourselves how amazing God is. On one Sunday afternoon, I said a prayer to God about my needs in finding a church. Soon after, two girls walked towards me and began sharing the gospel with me. I told them I was actually looking for a church to attend. One of the girls said that “it was God who brought you here… no coincidence.” I really thank God that through BPCWA’s City Evangelism; He has led me to this Church and given me an opportunity to serve Him in Perth.
God has been gracious to me by showing me the way when finding a church. Furthermore, He continues to prove that he is gracious to me through the difficulties in my studies. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. In times where I almost cannot handle my studies, God has always been there to help me up by providing brothers, sisters, friends and lecturers to assist me. This has made me experience and understand even more that God is a faithful and gracious God to his children. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20. From the experiences in my life, I will never regret that I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. This is because He is an unchanging God, always with me when I need Him most and it is only He that is able to fill the emptiness in my heart.
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen!
Angeline Yong
Sunday, July 1, 2007
simple faith
This is Rowena's story.
Compared to a lot of other Christians, the story of how I chose life lacks any shock factor or awesome turnaround story – it is simply a story of how a young girl with simple faith believed what she learnt in Sunday School to be the truth, and subsequently grew up, consolidated her faith and continued to learn more about the God who saved her.
Growing up in a Christian family, I have never known a time where I have not believed in Jesus. I grew up going to Sunday School every week and what I learnt in church was reinforced at home by my Christian parents. My memory is not that clear as to exactly how and when I got saved (i.e. when I changed from believing in Jesus, to trusting in Him to save me from my sins), but I know that my journey to this point in time was a slow one inhibited mainly by my stubbornness!
High School was a time of finding my self and defining my identity. My friends all knew that I was a Christian and that I was ‘religious’ because I went to church every week, but they also saw me as other things not necessarily in line with the ‘typical Christian’. Looking back, I regret having sent any mixed messages for my high school friends, but I also know that the person I was at High School has allowed me to have a greater perspective in life too. All things happen for a reason and that is to become who God wants us to be (Romans 8: 28-29).
In these years, I also attended a Youth Camp where I watched a video entitled A Thief in
the Night (crazy movie made in the 70s - check out the pic!) which was a real wake up call to a then-slumbering Christian. I was terrified that my relationship with God was non-existent and I immediately wanted to make sure that I was a true Christian who had a genuine relationship with God. That night, when the speaker invited us to pray with him, I remember rededicating my life to Christ. When I did that, I remember feeling a heavy weight being lifted from my heart - I was now sure that I was OK with God and that nothing could take me away from Him (Romans 8:37-39).
The next few years were a bit of a blur for me. I remember I started to go to church out of choice rather than obligation and I started to attend ‘optional’ meetings at church such as Youth Group and later Prayer Meeting. I also started helping out around church and participating in activities. I talked to God more and I started to read the Bible more too. Since this time, I have really seen that how real God is in my life and I have grown to love Him more and more.
Knowing God and having a relationship with Him has been awesome for me. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have come to realise that often what requires your effort is far more valuable than what costs you nothing. God has been real in my life. He has comforted me through His Word (the Bible) at times where I needed it most, and the guidance that God has given me in the past (and continues to give me now) has helped me really see purpose and direction in my life. God has taught me lessons that I never would have learnt without Him. Best of all, unlike a lot of non-Christians I know, I don’t fear dying because for a Christian, I know that death on earth means life in Heaven – and that brings me great comfort.
Growing up in a Christian family, I have never known a time where I have not believed in Jesus. I grew up going to Sunday School every week and what I learnt in church was reinforced at home by my Christian parents. My memory is not that clear as to exactly how and when I got saved (i.e. when I changed from believing in Jesus, to trusting in Him to save me from my sins), but I know that my journey to this point in time was a slow one inhibited mainly by my stubbornness!
High School was a time of finding my self and defining my identity. My friends all knew that I was a Christian and that I was ‘religious’ because I went to church every week, but they also saw me as other things not necessarily in line with the ‘typical Christian’. Looking back, I regret having sent any mixed messages for my high school friends, but I also know that the person I was at High School has allowed me to have a greater perspective in life too. All things happen for a reason and that is to become who God wants us to be (Romans 8: 28-29).
In these years, I also attended a Youth Camp where I watched a video entitled A Thief in
the Night (crazy movie made in the 70s - check out the pic!) which was a real wake up call to a then-slumbering Christian. I was terrified that my relationship with God was non-existent and I immediately wanted to make sure that I was a true Christian who had a genuine relationship with God. That night, when the speaker invited us to pray with him, I remember rededicating my life to Christ. When I did that, I remember feeling a heavy weight being lifted from my heart - I was now sure that I was OK with God and that nothing could take me away from Him (Romans 8:37-39).The next few years were a bit of a blur for me. I remember I started to go to church out of choice rather than obligation and I started to attend ‘optional’ meetings at church such as Youth Group and later Prayer Meeting. I also started helping out around church and participating in activities. I talked to God more and I started to read the Bible more too. Since this time, I have really seen that how real God is in my life and I have grown to love Him more and more.
Knowing God and having a relationship with Him has been awesome for me. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have come to realise that often what requires your effort is far more valuable than what costs you nothing. God has been real in my life. He has comforted me through His Word (the Bible) at times where I needed it most, and the guidance that God has given me in the past (and continues to give me now) has helped me really see purpose and direction in my life. God has taught me lessons that I never would have learnt without Him. Best of all, unlike a lot of non-Christians I know, I don’t fear dying because for a Christian, I know that death on earth means life in Heaven – and that brings me great comfort.
If you don't really feel as if you want a relationship with God, I would strongly encourage you to think about it. Seek Him until you find Him. It is the biggest decision you could EVER make in your life. It may sound too easy - but God made it easy so it is accessible to everyone. You may think that you aren't worthy, and you aren't really, but that's called love. It only takes the faith of a child to unlock the greater blessings in life that the God who has made everything has planned for you to enjoy. Take it, trust it, live it, learn it, and spread it. It's worth it.
with love in Christ,
Rowena Cheng
Friday, June 29, 2007
I raised my hand.
This is Jason Tey's story.
My journey as a Christian begins in 2000, a lot of things happened that year. It was the new millennia! I turned 18, moved out of home, juggled study, work and all the benefits of being an adult without any of the responsibilities. I was in my 2nd year of study to become an Engineer but to be honest, all I really cared about was myself, my friends and whatever entertainment this life could offer. My university results reflected my attitude toward study, I don’t remember any real direction or purpose other than to get a degree just like everyone else.
Toward the end of the year, a relationship started with a Christian girl. At the time I thought nothing of it, that Christianity was simply a religion, something people believed on Sundays to help them feel good about themselves. I remember my friends arguing with her over “stupid religious differences” and I just let it be. My friend Yves then mockingly said “haha you’ve gotta become a Christian now” and I said “Hey, don’t worry bout’ me, I promise you I’ll never be a Christian”. To tell you the truth, at the time I didn’t even know what it meant to be a Christian, I just couldn’t see myself going to church or needing anything religious in my life. However despite my thoughts and words, I did always believe in a god because I remember praying during sad or desperate periods.
Early 2001, I started going to church, seeing it as an opportunity to spend time together with my girlfriend. Perhaps it would make her happy? Over the next 5 months, my consistent visits built up an understanding of the beliefs and practices of the church, but nothing in the way of personal conviction or faith. In June, a 5-day winter camp had been organised during the university holidays. A perfect opportunity to get away for some fun so I rounded up a couple of friends and off we went. At the beginning there was nothing radically different or new compared to what I’d learnt on Sundays, except after each “sermon” we’d break into groups for discussion. I remember clearly being a right nuisance to my group leaders, asking curly questions about dinosaurs, evolution and vampires (as you do). My questions were never answered scientifically or even logically (to my satisfaction) so I thought “Christians can’t even explain their own faith” leaving me with a smirk and that warm sense of smug, self-righteous pride.
On Wednesday, things changed… The preacher (Rev Koshy) spoke on something a little different that night. The topic was on Sin, which wasn’t anything new, but instead of talking about general sin, he started naming different sins, and the whole time I thought “why is he talking to me? How does he know I do these things?” Then it dawned on me that if I were to die that night, and meet face to face with God, there was nothing I could say to explain or justify my sins… I trusted my fate to a hope that God (whom I didn’t even care about) would overlook my disobedience. At that moment, I knew my soul was bound for Hell and I didn’t like that idea at all. That’s when I realised Jesus Christ was my only hope. At the close of the message, the speaker asked who would receive Christ as their saviour. I had so many questions that were not answered, but never before had this invitation been such a heavy weight on my heart. Then at that moment, I felt a peace in my soul that I could not explain and despite my questions, it felt like the right decision… so with some nervousness, I raised my hand.
When I look back at my story, I think “why was it so hard? why was I so reluctant to believe?" Since that day in June 2001, I look at my life and realise that even before I became a Christian, God always provided for me, no matter what happened or how hard things were. Who am I to deserve that? So as I grow and learn about my God through the years, my faith in Him only grows. You realise that there is no question that cannot be answered with God’s word and you can absolutely trust Him. Not only that, but His faithfulness is demonstrated through my family as well. In 2005 He saved my brother Victor and now in 2007, my sister Mim Min. I can only watch His work in awe and see His promises fulfilled. “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.
My journey as a Christian begins in 2000, a lot of things happened that year. It was the new millennia! I turned 18, moved out of home, juggled study, work and all the benefits of being an adult without any of the responsibilities. I was in my 2nd year of study to become an Engineer but to be honest, all I really cared about was myself, my friends and whatever entertainment this life could offer. My university results reflected my attitude toward study, I don’t remember any real direction or purpose other than to get a degree just like everyone else.
Toward the end of the year, a relationship started with a Christian girl. At the time I thought nothing of it, that Christianity was simply a religion, something people believed on Sundays to help them feel good about themselves. I remember my friends arguing with her over “stupid religious differences” and I just let it be. My friend Yves then mockingly said “haha you’ve gotta become a Christian now” and I said “Hey, don’t worry bout’ me, I promise you I’ll never be a Christian”. To tell you the truth, at the time I didn’t even know what it meant to be a Christian, I just couldn’t see myself going to church or needing anything religious in my life. However despite my thoughts and words, I did always believe in a god because I remember praying during sad or desperate periods.
Early 2001, I started going to church, seeing it as an opportunity to spend time together with my girlfriend. Perhaps it would make her happy? Over the next 5 months, my consistent visits built up an understanding of the beliefs and practices of the church, but nothing in the way of personal conviction or faith. In June, a 5-day winter camp had been organised during the university holidays. A perfect opportunity to get away for some fun so I rounded up a couple of friends and off we went. At the beginning there was nothing radically different or new compared to what I’d learnt on Sundays, except after each “sermon” we’d break into groups for discussion. I remember clearly being a right nuisance to my group leaders, asking curly questions about dinosaurs, evolution and vampires (as you do). My questions were never answered scientifically or even logically (to my satisfaction) so I thought “Christians can’t even explain their own faith” leaving me with a smirk and that warm sense of smug, self-righteous pride.
On Wednesday, things changed… The preacher (Rev Koshy) spoke on something a little different that night. The topic was on Sin, which wasn’t anything new, but instead of talking about general sin, he started naming different sins, and the whole time I thought “why is he talking to me? How does he know I do these things?” Then it dawned on me that if I were to die that night, and meet face to face with God, there was nothing I could say to explain or justify my sins… I trusted my fate to a hope that God (whom I didn’t even care about) would overlook my disobedience. At that moment, I knew my soul was bound for Hell and I didn’t like that idea at all. That’s when I realised Jesus Christ was my only hope. At the close of the message, the speaker asked who would receive Christ as their saviour. I had so many questions that were not answered, but never before had this invitation been such a heavy weight on my heart. Then at that moment, I felt a peace in my soul that I could not explain and despite my questions, it felt like the right decision… so with some nervousness, I raised my hand.
When I look back at my story, I think “why was it so hard? why was I so reluctant to believe?" Since that day in June 2001, I look at my life and realise that even before I became a Christian, God always provided for me, no matter what happened or how hard things were. Who am I to deserve that? So as I grow and learn about my God through the years, my faith in Him only grows. You realise that there is no question that cannot be answered with God’s word and you can absolutely trust Him. Not only that, but His faithfulness is demonstrated through my family as well. In 2005 He saved my brother Victor and now in 2007, my sister Mim Min. I can only watch His work in awe and see His promises fulfilled. “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.
Jason Tey
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Predestined to become a Christian
This is Lee Lian Yong's story.
Before I accepted Christ into my life, I was brought up as a Roman Catholic for almost 19 years. . I always thought to myself that I was a strong believer in Roman Catholicism just because I recited the rosary daily. I was thinking that if I was earnest enough, God would surely hear my prayer through the intercession of Mary. Not only that, I was also worshipping idols made of wood and thinking to myself that they are god. I never thought that one day, I would be coming to Perth for further studies and become a Christian!
It is true how the Bible says, "A man heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9. When I first came to Perth, it was not just by coincidence that my cousin brought me to church. Initially, I was quite reluctant to come to a Christian church and the people over here kept sharing the gospel to me. I was really stubborn and rejected the gospel a few times. I was thinking, how could I possibly be able to reject my faith as a Roman Catholic after so many years of praying to Mary. I told myself that I won't be brainwashed by these Christians.
The time finally came when God has opened my spiritual eye on 3rd Nov 2003, with his words – "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." – Jeremiah 29:13. Indeed, if you search for God and you shall find him. I am happy that I found my God. People did not force me into accepting Christ. It was completely the guidance of the Holy Spirit and because of God's grace after so many months that HE softened my heart to come to believe in Christ alone as my personal saviour. Since JESUS has come into my life, I realise my life has been completely changed and I am freed from the darkness which I have lived for 19 yrs believing in the false doctrine without knowing where I would end up eternally.
My sins are forgiven and I know where I am going when I leave this earth. I was never sure of my own salvation until I received HIM into my life. Real joy and peace has come into my heart. It was only the spirit of GOD who could give it to me. I could never sleep so soundly before and always got the fear in me of sleeping alone. But Christ has taken it away from me and HE has given me peace.
Of course, by accepting Christ into my life does not mean that everything will go well in my life. There are trials and tribulations which I have faced each year and each trial is getting harder for me to face. However, I know that I am not facing it alone and God is always there by my side. There is always a lesson for me to learn and GOD has strengthened my faith in HIM. What comforts me during times of difficulty I face is that the days are coming nearer for me to be with Christ – even so, come, LORD JESUS.
Lastly, I never regretted having Christ in my life because there is really no other gifts greater than this free gift of Eternal life. All we have to have to do is to repent of our sins and through the grace of God by faith we accept Christ into our life as our personal saviour and we shall be saved! To God be the glory!
His unworthy servant
Lian Yong
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