REAL people with REAL testimonies to testify our REAL God. Jesus is Alive!

Christ is present, in the lives of His people indeed...

Sunday, December 24, 2006

A testimony from His blessed daughter, Amanda Leo (Singapore)

It was on the second night of our Youth Camp 2006.

After the post-praise and worship session was our reflection time, I saw Jesus, sitting on a particular spot in the room, (This was after some people had already left the room). He was in a pathetic state, sitting down and it seemed like He was in a busy street. He was rocking himself gently, trying to attract the attention of the busy people in the street, yet at the same time, trying to hide himself.

I was there, I didn't feel anything. I just felt there.I was watching him and then he looked at me. His eyes were a crystal light blue, then asked me a question: "What about you?" Jesus was sitting there, like a homeless person, and multitudes of people walked pass him; Like they couldn't see him, or didn't want to. Everyone didn't stop to look, but I was sitting there watching. When someone stepped on the spot, I got a shock. I felt a wave of strong emotion and felt disorientated when someone stepped on the spot where Jesus was sitting. They couldn't see him, only I could.

Then I saw him stand up and walk over to Freda (my room-mate). Freda was sitting next to me with her head in her knees. I wondered if she was sleeping. Suddenly, a bit of noise came from within her and I saw Jesus bend down and hug her. She started sobbing a bit. Then I got an image of Freda as a little girl in the corner, vulnerable, crying. The walls were white. Then Freda got up a left. And Jesus came to sit down next to me. We sat there, I held out my hand to him, we sat side by side, watching people walk past. And I felt him say, with his eyes stay with me...stay with me a little while longer...stay with me...Then after a while, I went out.

Suddenly, I needed to tell Freda what I saw,I was wondering if I should have told her in the room, like go over an say, "Freda, I can see Jesus hugging you..."But I didn't. Later on I asked Joy for her, then I saw her come out of the toilet, all bubbly because there was a cockroach in the toilet. I took her and told her Freda, I saw Jesus hugging you and she sort of stared and was shocked and then she said, "I saw him!! I saw him hugging me too!"

We both stood there, too amazed to speak. What stood out in this experience, is that I saw Jesus as a person. Usually he in my comforter, but this time I saw him as a person. You know, this whole experience, made me realise how real this is,You know, Geri told me something like how we never are aware that each time you sin, you drive another nail through Jesus on the cross. Freda did tell me later on, that she was mad at God a bit, and that I was singing my heart out. And why can't I sing like that? And she was also looking for a sign that it wasn't just happening in her mind. I, myself, during the Praise and Worship session, I was singing, but somehow, I felt a bit detached. I was a bit frustrated at why I didn't feel the closeness I feel usually. So, it was confirmed that what happened was real, and that Jesus was really there. That it wasn't just my imagination trying to imagine things because I wanted to feel God there. Neither was it Freda's. It really happened.

And after that, after I just related this to my father, I realised that that wasn't the end. God has follow-up as well...There was more! You see, I was asked by a facilitator, Matt, to share "my amazing testimony" that he heard about with the rest and Freda and I were reluctant to, we only wanted to share it with the facilitators. The next day, we had an "affirmation" session. We sat in a sort of circle and someone sat in the centre and we affirmed that person. If you don't understand, you will after you read on...See, it was my turn and the last few days I had been feeling a bit insecure and the last few weeks. I feel like I haven't been able to find myself, my identity. I was worried that people wouldn't know what to say about me when I sat down in the centre, Reggie always was the first to start the ball rolling and he said this"Amanda, I was amazed when I met you because you are very blessed". He said that "It is evident that you have the gift of speech". He said that I talk with an eloquence and poise and a deep maturity for my age. I was amazed. I thought I lost my gift, I was told I had it before. But in the few short days and short sharing sessions, I found my gift of speech! I had never lost it. Mark also said that I gave a personal touch to it. I was so touched.

I promise here and now, with you as witness, that I will use it to get through to people, to touch people.This is who I am. I promise to myself. I feel a bit ashamed because I feel like I have been misusing my gift. Using it to destroy rather than build people up...

Well, you see, during the beginning of the camp, I had certain impressions formed towards some people. Now, I hardly knew these people. It was my first time seeing some of them and already I had judged them. But somehow, somewhere during the line of the camp, God proved me wrong. He showed me how wrong I was about these people and that was a lesson to me. For me, as a person, I know that I am quick to judge, but the Lord showed me how to see the beauty in people. During the affirmation session, I learnt that my impressions of each person changed during the camp, and we really, in a sense, bonded and got to know each other. We learnt to accept one another.

Each one of these people affirmed me. After the affirmation, I asked if I could say something. This is what I said:During the last few days, or weeks, even, I've been confused, trying to find myself, trying to look past the different personas, trying to find myself. And these last few days I've been feeling insecure here and there, but I want to thank you guys, for all you have done for meYou've helped me to go one step further in finding myself in finding my identity. Thank you guys so much. And after that, all of them applauded me and Nat reached out to hug meWhich was a surprise, this gesture of warmth, and Mindy as well. They all smiled at me and clapped in appreciation

It gave me the confidence to share it with everyone. I am filled with gratitude. Love is patient, love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.... There was a triangle, at the tip was a marker, Reading "God and at the two ends "Me and "My Friends"Love, uncondiitonal Love

Teacher, what is the greatest commandment?
The greatest commandment is to love you God with all your heart, all your soul. The second is to love your neighbour as yourself.

I thought about it carefully
Loving your neighbour is not judging hastily,
It is giving them a chance
Would you want to be given a chance?
I know I would want to be given that chance, for people not to judge me
Loving someone, is treating them with respect and kindness and love
The love that has been shown to you by Jesus!

This is my testimony to God and i hope it serves you in finding him. Each one, every person that reads this testimony, its no mistake. Because each one of you is blessed to be who you are.
"Our God is truly awesome"
God Bless You!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A testimony from His blessed daughter Freda Seto (Singapore)

Praise and Worship has always been a frustrating thing for me because it just don't struck me and I don't feel the Lord's presence. Or perhaps it had something to do with my faith. On the second night of Youth Camp 2006 after Praise and Worship, we were supposed to sit down and reflect. I was sitting, just calling out for God, asking Him about things. I was angry because everyone around me just seemed to be filled with the Presence during Praise and Worship. Everyone but me. I confessed, that I was one of those who sadly, needed to see to believe, and I asked the Lord with all my heart to show me something, a sign or something to show that I was not talking to myself.

I closed my eyes. It was bright. I felt like a little child and Jesus was right in front of me. It was like those artistic impressions you see of a little child hugging Jesus on His lap. I could only see from neck down to the waist but I knew, I feel it was Jesus. I just felt like hugging him. It was then I started to cry. I was having a headache, giddy but I felt light.

I opened my eyes and doubt slowly faded in. Maybe I was seeing what I wish I could see. Maybe it was nothing, just a dream. Maybe it was something else and not the Lord. Maybe, maybe, maybe. So I asked the Lord for assurance, to again, send another sign that it was really Him. I got up and left the room for the toilet.

When I came out of the toilet, Amanda looked for me. She told me, "I saw Jesus hugging you!" Then she told me about what she saw and we were like "oh my lemons!". Yeah. It was then I knew it was really Jesus.

Now, I can truly believe with all my heart and soul that God really does exist. All you have to do is call out for Him and He'll come to you. Seek and you shall find.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

A testimony from His blessed son, Matthew Heng (Singapore)

I just got home from Youth Camp 2006 and indeed it was one out-of-the-world experience. A beautiful camp that was indeed spirit-led.

Right from the first day of the camp, I was having an awefully bad sorethroat. It was so bad that my loudest roar was a pathetic whisper. I was totally cool with it actually for I was the guitarist for the camp. Thus, it doesn't matter if my voice was really bad. As long my fingers were working, i'm totally worry-free.

well, then of course, we all know our God is indeed one unexpected God. After the first day of the camp, I was asked by my friend Addison to plan a session on the second day of the camp (Sunday), which we did, and I was to lead the worship. I was terribly terribly worried. Even Addison was worried for me.. he didn't want to take lead in the worship as it was his first time, so it was really up to me to "make it happen".

That sunday, we all attended the 7am Mass, and indeed, I was still terribly worried. I prayed and ask God for my voice back... I really needed it... 5pm, my voice was still bad, 8pm, even up till 10pm, there were no improvements. I didn't want to go out of tune singing the songs as I know it will be very distracting for them.

Till 10.30pm, when the whole prayer session started.. I STILL HAVEN'T GOT MY VOICE BACK! the reflection started..and my heart was racing..but still, I trusted in the Lord.. when the worship started, I sung and exalt like I've never exalted before. I felt the spirit of the Lord outpouring over me, as the Lord used me as His instrument and I knew it wasn't me at all. It was a new experience, and I never had that special feeling before. It was my first time leading people I don't know in worship. I usually lead worship within my ministry. and the Lord indeed used me to touch the lives of many. Thank God for His awesome miracle. Truely, in faith we can move mountains!

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

A testimony from His blessed son, Addison Wong (Singapore)

What a lark! What a plunge! It was nothing like I've ever experienced before. YOUTH CAMP 2006 was the best thing that happened to me in the longest of time, now. It was truly awesome - fun and spiritual at its peak! Seriously, it was one of those camps, which was fantastic from start to end - no pauses or exceptions - excelling tremendously from how I expected it to turn out. Why? Because it was spirit-led, full fledged.

There were quite a number of changes that were made to the original programme - changes that made so much of a difference, in terms of how spiritually impactful the camp was for the participants.One such change was the prayer session that was planned for Day Two night. As the In-charge for that day, I had originally planned for it to be a normal reflection session for the day. But after Day One ended, I felt a calling to change it. In the end, my friend, Yvonne and I did a reflection session on "How God can play a larger role in my life". This was accompanied by a skit about youths unsatisfied with their lives. After that, my other friend, Matthew, and I led in a worship session, following the same theme. The reflection was executed beautifully, and the worship session that followed was, quoted from my friend Mark Tan, attendee of several youth camps, "one of the most powerful and spiritual sessions ever done in all the youth camps that I have attended. It was amazing!"

With that, I have another testimony to share. Before this camp, I had never led in a worship session before, although I'm from a prayer ministry. I've always used symbols, reflections, rosary or taize for my sessions. So this worship session was my very first. Naturally, I was nervous. Even just 15 minutes before the actual session, I was messing up the lyrics badly. But when the actual session took place, I felt the presence of the Lord, stronger than I had ever before. With the spirit's guidance, I was able to lead worship and pray in such a powerful way, each and every one of the participants and my fellow facilitators were all deep in prayer and worship. It was truly magical. To witness a community that deep in prayer was one of those lifetime experiences. But that was not the end of my experience. As the session became deeper in time, I felt a stronger sense of the Lord's presence and love. Such warmth surged through me. It was the feeling of God's love at its peak. Such a marvelous feeling - so much that, when the session ended, I went to a corner and burst into tears. I was THAT touched by the Holy Spirit. It was a spiritual high for me. I expected to lead worship and ended up experiencing something I haven't experienced for years, since Youth Camp 2003. Truly, the Lord works in such marvelous ways and in such unexpected times. Thank you, Lord, for the experience. You truly are an amazing God.

The next day, a testimony was given by two girls, who said that they saw the same image of Christ during the prayer session. Both were touched by the Lord in such a beautiful way. Hearing them describe what they saw, felt and experienced brought tears to my eyes. It was a very moving and inspirational testimony.

It was such a thrill planning for YOUTH CAMP 2006. It was an even greater thrill being in charge of Day Two, which turned out fantastic with the Vivo Challenge, Yak-a-ti-yak Journey and above all, that astounding prayer session I mentioned. Even in terms of planning, I was being the epitome of organised and professional! Haha! Such satisfaction I receive from thinking about how far I've gone in this youth camp journey and how much I've accomplished for God and for myself.Thank God for the great turnout for the camp.

Thank God for His guidance and strong presence during the camp.
Thank God for helping us achieve what we had set out to achieve through the camp.

There's no need for rewards or payback. There's no need for affirmation or compliments. Seeing the participants grow spiritually to such an abundant extent in just that short period of four days, together with that significant encounter I had with God, has left me with a reward that no worldly possession could take after. It's experiences and wonders like these that just make me want to cry out and proclaim, "Our God Is An Awesome God!"

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A testimony from His blessed son, Keagan (Singapore)

God indeed works and his miracle is shown when you least expect to..

On 12 dec 2006, i sent my guitar to a shop for adjustments and some repair work.. to my surprise, its stil under warranty so i need not fret about the money.. but that is not the main point.. i am leading worship for a cell group retreat the weekend itself, which is 15-16 dec 2006... and i need my guitar fixed as soon as possible!

When i reach the shop, it was extremely crowded, too little staffs to handle all the customers that is in there.. and when its finally my turn, i told the person about the problem with my guitar. and he said the LATEST he can repair it is 1 wk later.. my retreat would be over then!!!

However, by faith i passed the guitar to them for repair work, in my heart i was thinking to borrow another guitar from my friend for the retreat.. i didn't really think about using the guitar for the retreat anymore... to my surprise.. on 13 dec 2006, in less than 24 hrs..!!! the shop called me and told me, "THE GUITAR IS FIXED AND IS READY FOR COLLECTION ANYTIME!!!" i was utterly speechless and shocked.. i can't believe what i heard.. it was so obvious they are packed with a lot of other works and business from other people.. yet my guitar still IS ready for collection in less than 24 hrs..!!!

HOW AMAZING..!!! Now i can use my guitar for worshipping this weekend, and i need not pay for the repair.. even strings are new and is on the house from the shop.. God is indeed a great blesser even when you least expected it..

God bless us with little things in life, and this insignificant items shows how detailed and meticulous when God comes to care for us.. How Great is our God, Indeed...

Monday, December 11, 2006

A testimony from His blessed daughter Angelina Kwok (Australia)

God sometimes impresses you and works when you least expect it and for that I am so glad. For the past few months I've been having a slightly personal issue that would arise and die down at different points of time and it was really getting to me.

Just the other night a friend of mine (who is partially a lil of the issue) and I started talking and it was a deep and meaningful conversation online that went on for a few hours. Basically, my friend said a couple of things that any normal person in my situation would have been hurt or even angry by but for some strange reason I was perfectly fine. I was okay with it all, I took it in, responded and we carried on talking and sharing and opening up which is something I never thought would happen.

I just want to thank and praise the Lord for allowing to stay calm, have grace and accept the situation and be content with knowledge I've gained and then reward me with this bond and friendship that really means a lot. So, thank you Lord! You've been awesome.