When I was young, I always saw my parents going to the temple on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. They also encouraged us to study hard, to do good deeds, and to be kind and generous like my mom. In this way, Buddha would protect me and things would go well. At that time, I strongly believed that my parents’ devotion to the Deity was the reason we enjoyed peace.
I didn’t have any opportunity to be exposed to Christianity. My relatives were also in the same faith of Buddhism. I was thus naturally influenced by my family and accepted the faith as well. However, I seldom participated in any temple celebrations or activities. I went to the temple to pray only during times of difficulties and trouble. I then started to believe that doing good deeds, helping my friends and being kind would bring good luck and prosperity. In reality, this is not so, I often found that it was just the opposite. Being truly kind to others didn’t necessarily bring good luck but the other way round. Cunning people in this society still take the lead! I was very disappointed with reality and life. I was very dejected. Thus, I started praying to my god to bring comfort to my family and me.
Growing up in such an environment made me lack understanding of Christianity. While in primary school, one of my classmates mentioned that all her family members were believers and that God used earth to make human beings. The latter was truly unacceptable. I knew my mother gave birth to me! When I was in secondary school, many classmates around me were Christians and they came from rich families and were also haughty. That caused me to think that only the rich could go to church. So I rejected the faith.
Bad Impression Overturned
Early in 1999, I was posted to the Teachers’ Training College in Miri. There, I was also exposed to Buddhism. One day in 2001, a classmate invited my friends and me to a church activity. Out of curiosity, I went with a group of friends. It was the Youth Night at Yi En Methodist Church, Miri. The theme topic of the Night was “You Made Love Amazing!” This visit turned me around. I changed my previous bad impression and memory of Christianity. The members of the Youth fellowship were very enthusiastic, leaving behind a good impression.
Slowly, I started to join the cell group at the campus. At the gathering, the members would pray for each other. They shared their needs, difficulties and troubles and asked the other members to pray for them. They could share their hearts. I felt that it was like a family.
In 2002, I met my spouse and he brought me to participate in other church activities. I felt that I was learning a lot of new things. Rev Ting Hua Sing also made time to explain to me the faith in more detail. I was touched and believed that the Bible is indeed the truth. But I was not ready to put my faith in Jesus alone. I still thought that to be good person and to follow my conscience was good enough to enter heaven.
After a long while of listening to the gospel and learning the Bible, I was enlightened. I had a 180 degree change in life. I began to understand that we are born with sin and God is perfectly holy. We could not become perfect through our own deeds to meet God’s holiness. I came to understand that the world is created by God. My attitude changed gradually and I became keen on attending the fellowship. The pastor continued to make clear to me the salvation of Christ Jesus. Thanks to God that I could learn to know Him step by step. On 12 August 2007, I was baptized in Jesus’ name and I also became a member of the Methodist Church.
Blessed to be God’s Child
I am very grateful for many things after I became a Christian.
I am grateful that though I had been wandering outside the door of salvation for many years, God still tenderly led me to know Him. Jesus did not promise that a Christian’s life is always smooth sailing. We still have challenges but the loving God is with us in all our trials.
I am grateful for God’s divine arrangement in my life. Though I may not see what He has in store for me, I am assured that in every second and minute of my life, God has it all planned out for me for a good course.
I am grateful for the big Church family. I am blessed to be part of the family. The Adult Fellowship is filled with loving compassion and their spiritual sharing helps me and I feel loved.
I am also grateful for God’s love that I can become one of His children. I am grateful to God for showing me the meaning of living a Christian life, that is to serve the Lord, the people, the society and to work with Him for the glory of God and to make Jesus’ name known.
Written by Wong Ling Na
Yi En Methodist Church, Miri
Translated by Christina