Few years ago, Raymond and the team decided to fully focus on localized Chinese ministry, concentrating on four pieces of land – Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. The most challenging and special among them all is none other than Singapore. Since our team is running the Gospel Concert through singing and sharing, basic music equipment is inevitable. Hence, this had become a big problem of our tour in Singapore. The city is not too big and so do the houses of brothers and sisters there. Finding an accommodation is not easy too during the tour in Singapore, let alone finding space for our equipment?! Once speaking to myself if there are none would be willing to host us, we have to let go the Gospel work in Singapore. It would be sad to see this happen, after all, the Gospel field in Singapore is not small, Hokkien churches are prospering but the resources for Hokkien services and serving team is less. We do not stop praying, hoping that God will make a way.
Out of our surprise, it was a young couple who responded our prayer and they are Amos & Genevieve. They gave us much convenience, a guest room to rest and allowing us to put our equipment inside. Without any constraints and give us full freedom to going in and coming out from the house. For 2 years time, because of their love and generosity, we have the opportunity to be a blessing for small and big churches in Singapore, leading people to the Lord! Their hearts of loving God and man, the persistence of faith and the unity have become an example for us. And not too long ago we heard a great news – Genevieve got pregnant! We overjoy with them! They were excited yet could not bear to “throw us out of door”. Even if they kept silence, we ought to let the room be their baby room. 😀 What touched Raymond was that this couple loving each other more because of this baby girl. The wife took a year unpaid leave to take care of the daughter and the husband share the burden of wife’s housework after working hour and during holidays. Hannah, you are blessed. May your life be a glorious vessel for God. Thank you once again Amos & Genevieve!
At the same time, the second angel appeared – Charles & Rebecca. This couple is very humble and love us so much. Rebecca is a senior executive and when they decided to have a child, the husband fully support her idea of letting go the job and fully taking care of the baby. They have children but never forget to put their love and heart in the Lord’s ministry. Besides church’s ministry, they become one of the angels of Singpetra Mission. We frequently send products to Singapore in advanced but a recipient is needed for delivery. This house has become a point of delivery. Occasionally when there are some problems in transportation, they will “seek justice” on our behalf. God loves us so much, isnt He? Thank you Lord! Thanks Charles & Rebecca! 🙂
Not every Chinese church have enough sound system and equipment (the least basic is Monitor system), therefore we have a great struggle, either to muddle through or giving the best or giving up this field of harvest?! With our attitude, it is of course “If you want to do it, give the best”. The fact is, where should we put our equipment now? We met Pastor Chai & Charis Evangelical Free Church, their love for us is not limited only to giving us a store space for our equipment but treating us just as a family or even more. Holding the principles of loving God and man, the church’s attendance is not only stable but with strong cohesive force, the saved souls are added to them every year. We have learned much from them, to humble ourselves in serving to glorify God and serving man! Thank the Lord for a huge problem is solved. We can move on in the Gospel field of Singapore! Hallelujah!
Singapore is a busy “small” city, many brothers and sisters have limited space in their house. So it is too hard for 3 of us to get accommodation during our tour in Singapore. There is a phenomenon among Chinese churches in Singapore, they do not have the consciousness of getting a hotel room for speakers or guests. There were few times we stayed in church member’s house and we felt bad because they let us rest in their master room and they slept in living room. Even though they were more than willing and host us with smiles but we felt so bad for them! When our young volunteer, Sarah, got to know this matter, she looks for any available houses for us but was unsuccessful. Early this year, she told us in excitement, “Great news! You guys may stay in hotel!” Raymond was so excited but what even touched my heart was that she paid for our hotel stay with her own hard-earned money. How our hearts not touched with tears? A young people, knowing how to sacrifice for God’s work, understand how to sacrifice own selfe to achieve greater things (The Lord’s Kingdom), clearly understand what is “more blessed to give than to receive”. Her life as what the Bible depicts in 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”She fulfilled the Lord’s ministry in Singapore, she edified our team and set a good example for us. Give thanks to the Lord for this beautiful life! Thank you, Sarah!
Sister Buck Hwa is a very special sister. An English-educated background and English is always her first language. Right after she put her faith in the Lord, God called her out of the comfortable English service and go into the Mandarin-Hokkien service. Initially, she was unwilling. After the first submission, she got to know the Lord’s heartbeat more and the compassion of His heart, putting effort in learning Hokkien and Mandarin. And now, she is able to speak in Mandarin and read Chinese Bible in general words. Her husband is serving with her in Chinese department. It is reasonable when she giving his effort in church just as she sacrifices for her own children. However, her love is more than her own boundary and extended to us. Sending us regards from time to time and offer the practical support by giving love offering to support our ministry. This selfless love as if adding strength to our Gospel work in Singapore! We learned from her about faith, simplicity, sacrifice and love. Givethanks.
Last but not least, two very special angels – Gillian and Mary, “the twins”. They take good care of the Lord’s servant, giving us red packet from time to time to support our ministry. They are not long-winded nor need a lot of attention; but they are willing to listen and speaking words of encouragement. They even take care of those elderly who are abandoned. This sisters look simple in appearance, giving the best for those who are needy. And we are one of them who receive the blessings. Selfless, not asking for a return, unconditional love… how precious to be found in this land! We appreciate you. Thank God for you!
Thank you once again for all (Singapore) Caring Angels who love the Lord and us!
The Lord’s servant,
Raymond and the team
Wow! Just read this today (3 years down the road).
Thank you for being a blessing with your sharing during the late nights, I have learnt much from your experiences. And also thank you for your love for the brothers and sisters in Singapore. God bless your footsteps, each and every one. 🙂