PLMC Stories
Being a Neighbour Workshop by Ian Yap
“I can’t see, I really cannot see!” Teresa Ng tried repeatedly to convince the disbelieving supermarket cashier who had just pointed her to the payment terminal, instead of guiding her there.
To be fair, there is little in her appearance to suggest that Teresa suffers from a degenerative eye condition, which causes blurred vision. It took a bit more explaining for the cashier to realise the situation and change her tune to be more helpful.
Teresa ‘s point was that one need not wear dark sunglasses and hold a white cane to be a person with impaired vision. Another encounter she shared was how a “kind soul” had pushed a wheelchair user down a ramp he had just taken great pains to mount, without being asked!
These were examples from the Being a Neighbour introductory workshop on 4 May that illustrated how many of us do have stereotypes or assume to know the needs of people with disabilities. It was conducted by Koinonia Inclusion Network (KIN), where Teresa is a consultant,
The sharing helped me understand the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) landscape better and how our church can be more welcoming for people of all abilities. The speakers provided an overview of various types of disabilities and their characteristics. Universally, there are many forms of disabilities and each person may have varying degrees of impairment, but they fall under three main categories – physical, sensory and developmental.
What was important for me were the ways that we can ensure the safety and accessibility of our spaces and events, and the respectful way to communicate and interact with them. I group them into three buckets using book analogies (sorry, occupational hazard of being a librarian!):
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
People with hearing loss or who are on the autism spectrum may not visually display a difference in abilities until we interact with them. Therefore, don’t assume that they are ignoring us when we speak to them, and get upset. Understanding the characteristics helps us to be more sensitive to people who are differently abled, and allows us to interact with them better. The church’s role in Disability Inclusion can be seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus taught us about the extent of being a good neighbour. In building relationships with people who are different from us, the Good Samaritan demonstrated 4Ps in showing love: To be Patient, Perceptive, Persistent and Prudent. And it all starts with having empathy.
• Give it the right title
The workshop shed light on a people-first language that aids to remove misconceptions and stereotypes. This refers to preferred words to describe people with different conditions, such as ‘wheelchair user’ as opposed to ‘wheelchair-bound”, and ‘person with hearing loss’ instead of ‘hearing-impaired’ or ‘deaf’. The main idea is that we are all differently abled, made and loved by God.
• If God created the story, stick to it to the end
The Good Samaritan did not just stop to assess the injured victim, but he also took care of his wounds, brought him to an inn to be taken care of, and told the innkeeper that he would come back to check on him. Our quest to be an inclusive church is not a one-time encounter or effort, but needs to be a life-long or long-term commitment. Our Lord is giving us the opportunities, so let us embark on this journey for the long haul.
Basically, all of us can do our part to fulfil our mission to be a family blessed to bless the community and the nations. It all starts with a simple prayer and an open heart.
Family on Missions (India Nov/Dec 2023 STM) by Derrick Choo
My wife, 11-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son and I began exploring missions as a family last year. Having previously served with Youth With A Mission, the core values of ‘To Know God’ and ‘To Make Him Known’ resonate deeply with me. Embarking on a mission trip felt like a natural extension of these values.
Last November, we joined the Short-Term Missions trip (STM trip) to Kolkata and Mumbai for 10 days. While my wife and I went on previous mission trips to India, it marked the first ever mission trip for our children. Despite common concerns about safety, hygiene and some objection from my in-laws, we placed our trust and assurance in God’s leading. We reminded our children not to compare India with Singapore and to treat it as an adventure. The children were not bothered by the dirt, dust or smells. We are so thankful they recognised the humanity of the people as preciously made in God’s image, and everyone’s need for Jesus.
Throughout our journey, each family member encountered God uniquely. My son enthusiastically became chief balloon sculptor and got along so well with everyone wherever he went that many field workers asked him to stay behind. As for my daughter, her passion for teaching saw her joyfully assisting the children’s ministry programmes. My wife shared a testimonial that God had put on her heart months before the trip which moved many mothers in the slum ministry. I was challenged to rely completely on God to deliver a last-minute message for the ministry to the blind, which was totally an unfamiliar area to me.
From young, we have intentionally instilled in our kids a heart for migrant workers and those forgotten, downtrodden or invisible class in society. But on this trip, they caught a glimpse of God’s heartbeat for the lost in nations out there! We are confident this trip has planted seeds of passion in our children’s hearts for knowing God deeper and sharing His love. We pray that missions will become an integral part of our family’s identity, and we look forward to serve as a family again.
I strongly encourage families to embark on missions together. As we strive towards becoming a missional church, let us begin by becoming missional families. Regardless of our age, experience, comfort level and time availability, if we are willing, God can use and will equip us in remarkable ways. “He is ‘able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think’.” (Ephesians 3:20)
How Jesus Healed Me by William Toh
In May 2023, I was diagnosed with cancer, but today, by God’s amazing power and grace, I am fully healed. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! The journey I went through, from despair to hope and joy, has taught me three things that I would like to share: 1) DEFERENCE to God; 2) DEPENDENCE on God; and 3) DELIVERANCE by God.
1. DEFERENCE TO GOD
After several tests and scans, doctors found two cancer tumours, one on my liver and the other on my kidney. Imagine my shock when I was told that I had not one but two cancer tumours!! My immediate emotions were that of denial, fear, and anxiety. It was a situation where I felt I had no control over it. I felt totally helpless and there is nothing I can do, except to turn to Jesus. As the song goes:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace”
John 14:27 says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
When I turned my eyes to Jesus, a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding came over me. I knew then that I am in good hands! As we DEFER our situation to God, He gives us hope when we are out of options. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in time of need.” Our loving God is our source of help! We can run to Him and not be afraid.
2. DEPENDANCE ON GOD
I learnt that healing begins when we do something, when we reach out and take a step of faith. We simply need to pray and trust in the Lord. We can depend on the Lord for He is a God who never fails!
During this period, the song Trust In God by Elevation Worship has greatly encouraged me:
“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
He’s been my fourth man in the fire time after time
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I know the Author of tomorrow has ordered my steps
I trust in God, my Saviour
The One who will never fail
He will never fail”
There were many people who prayed for my healing; my family, cell group, the Worship & Music ministry members and my colleagues. My cell group even took turns to pray for me for every hour I spent in surgery. My colleagues would pray for me every day during our daily office morning devotions. Knowing that my family and friends are praying for me gave me strength and encouragement through those challenging moments, and I am thankful for each and everyone of them. On one occasion, at my friend’s house, as I was being prayed over by a healing ministry pastor, I was asked if I felt any heat on my hands. I said no, but instead, white particles began to form on my hands! I cannot explain how the particles appear but I believe that God is saying to me “I am real, I have heard you, I will heal.” What a divine encounter I had with God!
I am reminded of the story in Mark 2:3-12 where Jesus healed the paralyzed man. Because Jesus saw the faith of his friends, He healed the man. I believe that God will do the same for me. We can DEPEND on God for He is a faithful God, a way-maker and a promise-keeper! As we seek the Lord in prayer, He hears and He will answer!
3. DELIVERANCE BY GOD
The surgery to remove the two cancer tumours took place in June 2023. After spending a total of almost twelve hours in the operating theatre, doctors declared the surgery a success and four days after surgery, I was discharged from hospital! Not only did the doctors successfully remove the tumours, but the histopathology also indicates that there was a “complete spontaneous necrosis of the liver tumour”. The liver tumour had completely died on its own!! The doctor even asked if I had sought other medical treatment from another hospital (which I did not) to try and explain the necrosis of the tumour. It can only be God’s mighty hand that caused the tumour to die. Furthermore, post-surgery, there is no need for medication nor any therapy at all.
I am healed in Jesus name! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Jeremiah 30:17 says, “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” What a promise by our Jehovah Rapha! We prayed, He heard, and He answered! He has DELIVERED me from my affliction! Praise the Lord!
I would like to encourage anyone of us who is going through a difficult situation; 1) DEFER your situation to God, turn your eyes towards God and look to Him for help; 2) DEPEND on God, pray for His healing and restoration, and 3) wait for God to DELIVER you from your situation, trust in Him and praise Him for His deliverance!
I give thanks and praise to our amazing God for His healing grace and love. He deserves all the glory, praise, and honour. Our God heals and He still heals today.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Even in Sickness, I Will Thank Him! by Ian Yap
In Sep 2023, a month shy of my 51st birthday, I noticed that a small hard lump just below my right earlobe had grown rapidly in size over a few weeks. It bothered me enough to bring it up during dinner with the family. The dear wife straight out told me to go and get it checked ASAP, in spite of my protests that my schedule was packed. A morning slot happened to open up at the doctor’s so I went, expecting to be given a cream and a time-off chit. Instead, the doctor arranged an appointment with the hospital, marked with a priority stamp. What followed in the next three weeks was a whirlwind of medical appointments for a battery of tests, consultations and an urgent parotidectomy to remove the tumour in the saliva gland, as pre-op tests had been inconclusive for cancer. I would only know for sure when the lump was removed and investigated. Nothing prepared me for this uncertainty. I have a young family, I have aged parents, and I have responsibilities at work. My time here is not done yet, I prayed, and asked that God heal me. He can do it. Just say the word. I felt abundant hope, even though with the symptoms I had, nothing on Dr Google presented a positive picture. I clung to a verse that I dub the “Don’t worry, be happy” verse – Matthew 6:34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I asked the Lord to remove all worries from me and my loved ones, and that all will be fine. He can do it. Just say the word. I informed my family without any anxiety, just a feeling of deep peace.
With hope and peace, it was easy for me to be open and share my situation with people I know. Prayers and well wishes poured in. A couple of friends sent daily word for me to focus on and increase my reliance on the Lord. My fellow Silver Boxes leaders actively prayed and checked on me regularly, even activating their cells’ prayer warriors to pray for me. Our church pastors and staff also prayed for me, sending me encouraging notes, and a nourishment hamper. Carolyn and Soo Hoong also visited me post-op to pray for me. My daughters committed me to prayer each time they said grace before our family meals. God’s warmth and love enveloped me through my family, friends and church.
My op to remove the lump went well but it was only 2 weeks later that the biopsy outcome was known. When my surgeon told me was that the tumour was benign, relief swept over me. The Lord had been faithful once again. He never fails us.
With God’s grace, I am recovering well from the surgery. Through this episode, I could see that God is very much in control of all situations, and all His children need to do is to obey and rely on Him. His timing was so perfect – I was worried about my busy work schedule but meetings either moved or someone would cover my duties. He is Jehovah Jireh – the surgeon assigned to my case was the Head of ENT, my insurance took care of the major chunk of the medical bills, my family ensured I had the best care, and my in-laws even prepared my post-op recovery meals. I found new things to be grateful for each day.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” He is indeed REAL and I experienced Him each step of the way. No one will ever say thanks when they get sick, but THANK YOU, Abba Father!
My Prodigal Father God by Joy Lee
My recent trip to England for the birth of my eldest son’s first baby gave me an unmistakable glimpse of how prodigal God can be to His children. “Having or giving something on a lavish scale,” is how the dictionary explains the word ‘prodigal’, aside from its more common association of being wastefully or recklessly extravagant. And how Father God lavishly spoilt me!
First of all, my family made arrangements so that despite the long 14-hour flight to Heathrow airport, my flight would be hassle-free and restful (no jetlag either way!) so that I arrived in top condition to give postpartum help. And even though I arrived at the airport lugging nearly 50 kg of baggage, there was no shortage of hands reaching out to help me, right up to Daniel and Faith’s flat, and even to my own rented room in Cambridge. Fortuitously, ‘as lavished upon by my prodigal Father, Daniel had found this room which was within the same compound, just about 100m across the garden. My daily stroll at 6 am to and at 9 pm from the flat was a time filled with praise for God that chased away all fears of the dark and spooky.
Another sign of His goodness was how Sophie, my newborn granddaughter, was born around the time I arrived, even when she was not expected till a week later. This maximised the time I could spend with her in her first month. The clearest sign of God’s lavish love was how I could magically cook confinement meals that Faith enjoyed and finished up, even though I had not been cooking for the last 40 years! God’s marvellous culinary help be praised! Not being able to get silkie chicken or garoupa in England was inconsequential as God helped me to improvise when making the meals. God be praised that the new mother could get the best nutrition to recover her health and to lactate more successfully! Despite warnings of below-zero late winter temperatures and snow, the temperature was mostly double-digit throughout my time there, sparing me the English chill. (After I left, Daniel reported a return to single-digit temperatures there!)
In the mild weather, I had the luxury of daily walks in this pretty university town to do the usual tourist things and have my afternoon coffee and cake. God indeed indulged the Anglophile in me. Even after my return to Singapore, I am assured of His continued extravagant blessings as Sophie is growing very well and Daniel has been granted approval to resume his doctoral studies back in Singapore. Soon, we will be reunited in June. Our prodigal Father God be praised!
