1. Testimony of Allan Oh Ewe Yook
I was born in Penang and received my primary education in a Roman Catholic Missionary School. I did not know God then. I was brought up by my parents in Taoism and Buddhism.
Deep impression
After completing my schooling in Penang in 1977, I joined the Singapore Police Force. Life was tough, leaving parents and family, but God has his purposes. It was in Singapore that I came to attend a gospel rally at an Assemblies of God church.
This made a deep impression on me. I realised that I needed to be saved. Yes, indeed, I felt I was an awful sinner: ‘Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me’ (Psalm 51:5).
On completion of my basic training, I was posted to Jurong Police Station. It was here that I started to attend a Bible Presbyterian church.
Raised up
In God’s providence and good pleasure I came to believe in the true and living God. It was wonderful to realise that ‘even when we were dead in sins [God] hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus … For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:5-8).
There was a struggle going on in my heart as to what to do next. I continued to seek the Lord by attending catechism class. I prepared to confess the Lord Jesus publicly through baptism and was baptised on 26 December 1982. Baptism does not save us, but it is a sign of obedience and of love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Looking back over the years, God has graciously provided for me. For example, by the loving care of a Christian family when I was hospitalised during training at the Police Academy. I thank God that his grace is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2. Testimony of Lily Oh-Tan Chee Luan
Before I knew Christ, I was brought up in a very superstitious Buddhist family. I followed and observed Buddhist religious rites without much understanding.
First contact
From 1981 my dad had many ailments. He lost both legs, his eyes, had kidney failure and went through many operations. I had no peace, feeling depressed and finding no meaning in life. While nursing him at home for 4½ years, I went through the trauma of witnessing his pain, suffering, and dialysis treatments.
All this while my family had been seeking help for dad from a Spiritist medium. But his health deteriorated and I still had no inward peace.
My first contact with the message of Jesus Christ was in 1984, when I was invited to a Bible Presbyterian church by a friend. From then on, I began to refrain from carrying joss sticks, used for burning incense to idols.
Fearing darkness
In April 1985 I believed in the name of Christ (John 1:12). It began on a quiet night in March 1985, when I received news of my uncle’s death. I was told to carry my uncle’s clothing and belongings to Singapore General Hospital at midnight.
From that night onwards, I began to fear darkness. I could not sleep or concentrate for long on my work. I felt frightened because I was all alone in the house, as my whole family had gone back to Malaysia.
It was then I really began to search for true religion. As I was reading many passages in the Bible, I realised that it was the love of God that sustained my life. I read, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house’ (Acts 16:31).
Through the words of God, light came into my heart, and I was relieved from my burdens of fear and sorrow. I now understand that it is ‘by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast’ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Testimony of James Lim Kheng Leong
My name is James Lim. I am married with one daughter. I was brought up in a non-believing home, but at primary school I had the opportunity to attend a Christian fellowship.
However, I slowly drifted away from the Christian group. During my teenage days I smoked marijuana, and took hard drugs. We often ended up in gang fights. When I think of these notorious activities, I feel ashamed even to recall the bad things I have done in the past.
Seeking help
Due to my wretched lifestyle and drug addiction, I was sentenced several times to detention. I did not give up drugs, though I was in and out of the drugs rehabilitation centre. Even after I was married I was secretly taking them.
During 1986 I decided to quit drugs, not only for my own sake but for my family’s. I sought help in a Christian centre, but did not complete the required programme.
Subsequently I sought help there again, but still did not make it. My determination to fight my craving failed. These struggles made my life miserable and hopeless. I came to the point of planning to commit suicide.
I thank God that there then came a turning point in my life. By the mercy of God, I went back yet one more time to the Christian centre. After I had stayed there for about 14 days, I sincerely sought forgiveness for my sins and asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Saviour and Lord.
Freed
From then on I began to spend time with God in his Word, to learn to walk humbly with him, and to experience his love and faithfulness. I attended church for the first time and was baptised. I was freed from drug addiction.
The Lord has drawn me out of darkness into his marvellous light. He has made me an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. I praise God for saving a wretched sinner like me.
I have experienced his love in many ways. He has helped me, and given me strength to be a witness to his saving grace. I find life is meaningful and purposeful in Christ.
My heart is overwhelmed with much joy and God’s blessings. ‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed’ (John 8:36).
(Testimonies edited from Maranatha messenger the weekly newsletter of the Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore)
