Welcome to our Lights On The Hill series, where we illuminate the stories within our BRMC community. Through this series, we introduce you to familiar faces on the hill by taking snapshots of their daily lives.

Our journey in life is ever changing, right? Our friends and loved ones are there. The next moment they are gone. A relative or a friend may be hale and hearty, then we hear he is having early signs of dementia. I may be healthy and well, but something unexpected may befall me.

What can give me assurance that the present and the future are worthy of hope? I thank God for His loving kindness in sparking my faith in Him back in 1985. Despite the many uncertainties I experienced in my life, I humbly confess that it is our loving Heavenly Father who enables me to deepen my trust, faith and reliance on Him each time.

Let me share a recent medical challenge I experienced last year. I am part of several groups of friends who love to trek and walk in Singapore and overseas. I realised that my walking was not quite steady around September 2022. Subsequent medical investigations found that I had an acoustic neuroma (benign tumour) growing from my inner left ear into my brain. I was advised to go for surgery to remove as much of the tumour as can be safely done. The risks of the operation were explained to me and to my loved ones. The procedure was high risk and post operation recovery and rehabilitation expected to be long. My family, loved ones, friends and connect groups covered me with much prayers and practical care.

I was filled with peace as I went through the 12-hour operation. Thanks to God and the wonderful medical team taking care of me, I had a successful surgery in January 2023. And on top of this, I was discharged from hospital just after 4 days, when I was told by my medical team that I could expect to be in hospital and rehab for 2 months!!

As the remnant tumour continued to grow after the surgery, I had to undergo 28 sessions of radiation treatments spread over several weeks. I am so thankful that God enabled me to finish all the sessions without any adverse side-effects.

Through this period, I have seen my family members draw closer and stronger together. No doubt God uses all situations to shape our relationship with Him and in turn, with our loved ones.

It is so timely that BRMC Connect Groups are more focused on personal sharing and application of the Word rather than just studying the Word alone. The recent sermon series has spoken so much clearer into my heart.

There is clearly so much more joy and support for one another, especially for the seniors in church through the Seniors Brunch fellowship and connecting with God in the midweek monthly Chapel service. All praise to our Lord for all these wonderful opportunities to know more of Him and to extend love and care for the Seniors in our church!

— Chong Pak Yuen, 80

 

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Lights On The Hill is a new monthly series starting from February 2024 featuring real voices, real lives and real faith at Barker Road Methodist Church. Please get in touch if you have a testimony to share.