A Journey of Meditation, Contentment, and Blessings

I am deeply grateful to God for His immeasurable grace. He sacrificed Himself for us on the cross and continues to work in our lives today. As I reflect on the blessings of 2024, I want to share a few thoughts using the acronym MCB, representing Meditation, Contentment, and Blessings.

Meditation

Christian meditation is more than passively reading the Bible. For me, it’s an active process of studying God’s Word, praying over it, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Psalm 1:2). By immersing myself in God’s Word, I connect with Him on a deeper level, learning His truth and His will for my life. This practice, exemplified by Joshua, King David (Psalm 77:10-12; 143:5), and Jesus Himself, allows me to minimize distractions from worldly affairs and experience the living and active nature of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12)

Contentment

Contentment is a cornerstone of my faith. Inspired by the Apostle Paul, who found joy even in the face of hardship (shipwrecks, imprisonment), I strive to cultivate this attitude. He reminds us in Romans 15:13 that God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him.

God is constantly at work in my life, even when I don’t fully grasp His plan. Just as the Israelites experienced God’s provision in the wilderness, I have witnessed His unwavering support throughout my journey.

Like Paul, who once zealously pursued the law, I have learned to find contentment in knowing God and experiencing His work in my life. As he wrote in Philippians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

Blessings

With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm. I am deeply grateful for the countless blessings God has bestowed upon me throughout my life:

• Family: I am blessed with a wonderful wife, a gift from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14), and the joy of our two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

• Relatives showing Kampong Spirit: I am thankful for the love and support of my relatives, especially the Iris/Young Kwang family and Michelle’s siblings. They have been a source of strength, providing emotional, financial, and psychological support in times of need.

• My ministry: God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve in full-time ministry both as a pastor and in the LCS seafarers’ mission, until the retirement age of 67.

• Discipleship: I am blessed to have been involved in the discipling process within two LCS congregations (QLC and BLC) where I served as pastor. Additionally, in my home congregation, JCC, I have had the privilege of partnering with individuals like Yew Neng, Pamela, and Sook Hoon in various ministries, including Bible studies, youth programs, worship, music, and leadership development. I am also encouraged by the impact of younger leaders like Chak Mun, now a missionary in Cambodia, and others like Joseph Liang and Justin, who continue to serve faithfully in JCC.

These are just a few of God’s many blessings in my life. I am humbled by His grace and thankful for the opportunities to serve Him. As Paul declared, ‘I can do all things through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:13).

I know I can only do so much, but I trust God to multiply my efforts, just as He multiplied the loaves and fishes. This is my testimony: God can and will multiply His blessings in each of our lives according to His purpose. Amen.

Jim Lee

God has chosen me

My name is Sim Sim. On my Transfer Day, November 24th 2024, the pastor mentioned that my Chinese name, ‘Sim Sim,’ which means “two hearts” – 心心 (xīn xīn) in Chinese. It was a name bestowed on me by my paternal grandmother.

As the only granddaughter among eight grandchildren in my extended family at that time, I was considered a precious child by my grandmother, her beloved 心肝宝贝 (xīngān bǎobèi). This endearment further emphasizes the significance of “heart” in my name.

My grandmother, who hailed from Penang, devoted to God and deeply valued Christian principles. During her visits to Singapore, she would instruct my parents to teach my brother and me Bible verses. One of these verses, learned in Hokkien, is Psalm 46:1:

‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’

This verse, etched in me from a young age, has provided me with immense comfort throughout my Christian journey.

My grandmother also taught me how to say grace before meals in Hokkien. As a reward for learning these blessings, she would give me a ten-dollar note. I cherish these memories and deeply appreciate the strong Christian influence she had on me. I am certain that she prayed fervently for her children and grandchildren.

Out of her five daughters, one became a pastor’s wife and another became a pastor. Her unwavering faith profoundly impacted our clan, leading most of us to embrace Christianity.

I’m thankful to God for three things:
1. His Eternal Plan: Before I was even born, God chose me to be His child. I am deeply thankful for this incredible grace.
2. My Introduction to Church: Because of my grandmother’s spiritual influence, I was inclined towards Christianity. At the age of around 9 to 10, I asked my classmate Lena to introduce me to her church, Church of the Good Shepherd (COGS). It became my spiritual cradle, where I was nurtured and grew in my faith. During youth fellowship meetings, I was often moved to tears by the powerful messages shared by the speakers. I truly believe the Holy Spirit was working in my heart during those times and is still working.
3. Opportunities to Serve: I am grateful for the opportunities to serve the Lord in various ways within COGS during my youth and adulthood.
This is just a brief testimony of my early life. Of course, I faced and still face many trials and tribulations along the way. However, I know that God allows these challenges to refine me and prepare me for the citizenship of heaven.

May all honour and blessings be to God. Amen!

Sim Sim

A Year of Reflection:
Finding Meaning in Service After a Busy Career

Looking back at 2024, it feels very different from the crazy busy year of 2023. I worked so much that year, often from morning until late at night. My husband would sometimes say I was always at my desk.

2023 was a tough year. I was deeply involved in a global project that required a significant system change. Meetings back-to-back, on Zoom, from morning to midnight, with colleagues in the UK and the US, were the norm. I constantly prayed for the project to go live on schedule, as I had promised my husband that I would retire after its completion. I’m incredibly grateful that the project was successful, and I was finally able to retire.

2024 was a period of huge adjustment. With no immediate responsibilities. After retirement, I initially felt lost and unsure of how to spend so much of my free time. My husband encouraged me to take up race walking. With his coaching, I surprised myself that I was still fit to compete and win some races despite my age. (I’m nearing 70!) For the races, I have travelled to places like Malaysia (including Sabah), Taiwan, and other destinations.

Beyond race walking, I also reflected on how I can best serve others. I was drawn to Manna Bridge. What prompted me is that Manna Bridge reminded me of my younger days in church when we would go door-to-door to share the gospel.

One particular experience stands out. Three of us sisters visited a Chinese family, and after two years, the entire family accepted Christ. It was a truly joyful experience, and I recently had the privilege of attending the wedding of their daughter.

Another impactful experience occurred during a kindergarten graduation. As part of my involvement in the Mission Ministry, I was assigned to speak with parents. While waiting for the graduation program to end, I encountered a woman who was deeply grieving the recent loss of her husband. She had two young children, one of whom was graduating that day.

I offered her support and visited her regularly. I also connected her with another sister from the Chinese section. Over time, she came to know the Lord. One detail that deeply touched me was her choice to move to a house in Block 316 not long after she became a Christian. She explained that she chose this address because it reminded her of John 3:16, a powerful verse about God’s love.

This experience inspired me to incorporate Bible verses into my passwords, starting with my workplace passwords which needed to be updated every three months.

Joining Manna Bridge aligns with my desire to make a positive impact, even if it’s just with one person. The story of the lost sheep in Luke 15:10 reminds me that the joy in heaven is great over even one sinner who repents.

I am truly thankful to God for granting me good health and the freedom to serve others. Thank you.

Lissa Low