A Special Tribute to Steven Teo the Marathon Woman • My Straying Sons • 4.10.1969 - 10.4.2017

PP2007/10/2012(031036) April – June 2017 Vol. 49 No.1

YOUR CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE

THE ARMOUR OF LIFE

Superbug Buster • You Have To Abort The Baby! • Lifted To Clouds Of Glory! • Left In A Home • A special Tribute to Steven Teo The Marathon Woman • My Straying Sons • 4.10.1969 - 10.4.2017

3 ASIAN BEACON 49#1 April - July 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 3 Editor’s Note

ife is precious, isn’t it? We wake up daily to news EDITORIAL BOARD Mr Goh Chee Beng (Editor) • Ms Ong Juat Heng (Sub-Editor) that is affecting our world – challenges, Editorial Committee: • Ms Joycelyn Loh (Chinese) • Ms Anna Teoh ADVISORS Pastor Dr Chew Weng Chee • Rev. Loh Soon Choy • problems, compromises, conflicts, terrorism Pastor Dato' Dr Daniel Ho • Dr Chong Kwong Tek LEGAL ADVISOR Mr Steven Fung and people. We work diligently to perform well FINANCE AND ADMIN MANAGER Ms Cheng Suet Lai EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Lin what we do by using our strength. But some issues in life CHAIRMAN Mr Tan Yoke Tee VICE-CHAIRMAN Mr Joshua Lee require a different kind of strength when we know that we are HON SECRETARY Mr Patrick Leong not up against flesh-and-blood enemies. They require putting HON TREASURER Ms Loke Che Ching COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mr Danny Cheah • Mr Andrew Tan Yih Full • on the armour of life to be able to resist that kind of enemy in Mr Goh Chee Beng ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Asian Beacon would like to thank Mr John Lim for helping to coordinate the the time of evil. We are up against evil rulers and authorities advertisement collection. PUBLISHER of the unseen world, and against mighty powers in this dark Persaudaraan Asian Beacon Malaysia An inter-denominational Christian magazine, Asian Beacon is published four times a world. We're up against evil spirits in the heavenly places. year by Persaudaraan Asian Beacon, a non-profit Christian society. http://www.facebook.com/AsianBeacon • Website: www.asianbeacon.org Scripture says that after we have prepared everything, we are PERSAUDARAAN ASIAN BEACON MALAYSIA 19-C, Jalan SS22/19, Damansara Jaya, to stand our ground, putting on the belt of truth and the 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (603) 7725 4109 • Fax: (603) 7726 1740 • Hp: 012-3931 453 Email: [email protected] armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on PERTH REPRESENTATIVE Tek and Goldie Chong - Email: [email protected] the peace that comes from the Good News so that we will be DESIGN & LAYOUT Twentyfivecents Creative Solutions fully prepared. Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery Facebook: Twentyfivecents Creative Solutions PRINTER arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as our helmet, and take Thumbprints UTD SDN BHD Lot 24 Jalan RP 3, Rawang Perdana, Industrial Estate, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 48000 Rawang, Selangor. Tel: (603) 6092 9809 www.thumbprints.com.my And finally, pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. CONTRIBUTIONS The opinions and views expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily When our human strength fails in resolving life's issues, those of the publisher. Contributors are welcomed to contact us for editorial guidelines. However, we assume no responsibility to return unsolicited materials. Kindly include your email, postal address and telephone number when you send turn to God for divine intervention and appointment. articles, photographs or letters to us. PERMISSION FOR REPRINT Meanwhile, read the inspiring stories featured within. You may Copyright Reserved © 2017. Please contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, photographs and illustrations. just find God’s unmerited favour as you flip the pages.

Goh Chee Beng

images © eric chew

SUBSCRIPTION & SUPPORT: For free subscription, please email [email protected]

Scan to read If you wish to support AB ministries, Volume 48 No. 1 • please make cheques to PERSAUDARAAN ASIAN BEACON MALAYSIA December 2016/January 2017 • for bank transfer/remittance: Public Bank Bhd 3150454509 4 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 Cover photo by www.pixabay.com CONTENTS

April – June 2017 Vol. 49 No.1 4 Editor's Note FEATURES 6 Eulogy For Steven 11 Without Prayer, 8 AB News Worship Is Meaningless 45 Dear Goldie 15 Aborting Destiny BEACON 24 生命因上帝的爱而美丽 STORIES Emily林佩琦 26 Top 3 Fitness Tips

12 28 Metamorphosis: Pain, Superbug Buster: Passion And Purpose Lam Shu Jie 30 My Straying Sons 16 You Have To Abort The 32 An Extremely Late Baby! Answer 20 34 7 Ways To Be Nice To Left In A Home Your Eyes 35 Escaping From The 22 Debt Web Money Is Important, But It’s Not Everything 36 The Crisis Of Truth 27 37 7 Stress Busters The Marathon Woman BEACON 38 Wounded Soldier STORY 40 The Power Of The Spoken Word 42 Money Matters: Putting On Your Financial Armour 44 5 Work-Life Essentials 18Lifted To 44 Armour Of God: Clouds Ephesians 6 Of Glory

New York…Through Jesus, we shall s a colleague, Steven was meet again; until then, though, much committed to the mission remains to be done. Aand team. As a friend, he was thoughtful and supportive. As a Rajen Devadason disciple, he daily treasured Christ’s gift of second chances. Steven’s enthusiasm for everything he put e will always remember his hands to was undeniable. That’s Steven when we travelled because he saw possibilities. If hope is Wwith him and the AB team to Penang for our retreat the ability to see that which is unseen, 4.10.1969 - 10.4.2017 then Steven was indeed a man of and promotional tour to different hope. May his testimony of hope live I remember your fortitude and towns. He was so hardworking and on in all of us who knew him. your steadfast Christian values with enthusiastic, lugging the heavy which you faced the challenges of magazines around. We needed a Charmain Sim the economic downturn. With your strong cheerful man to do that job! personality, qualifications, experience He served faithfully and joyfully in very and obvious gift in public relations, I tough circumstances. ou shocked us, Steven, by have no doubt you would have done leaving us so suddenly at the very well in different circumstances – Tek & Goldie Chong Yprime of health and perhaps including, doubtless, your passionate the happiest phase of your life! It contribution to AB. Still, as you moved didn’t seem so long ago that you on in Christian service, you graciously teven Teo suddenly passed took Agnes to visit me for fellowship kept us all in touch (we were even away on April 10 at the JFK and prayer and a simple early lunch supposed to have an AB fellowship SInternational Airport when near my house. It was clear that you Appreciation Dinner with you!) he was catching his flight back to both were truly committed to each Praise Him! We will still dine Malaysia after his meeting with his other. You gave me the privilege to in the presence of the Lord. It may new-found ministry, Operation walk along with you a little in both be sooner than we know for some of Christmas Child. It was unreal and your personal life and your ministry us as He sovereignly decides! So it’s heartbreaking. Steven had been such in Asian Beacon as an Asian Beacon not a goodbye but until-we-meet- a prominent figure in his term with long-time advisor, a much older again in His presence! Asian Beacon and was such a loss friend and retired pastor and an to friends in ministry, leaders and ‘interdenominational Seminary and Rev. Loh Soon Choy pastors whom he had formed great Christian NGO man’. relationships over the years. I thank you for the unfailing, At his recent wake service on professional, ‘gentleman’s image ‘ met Steven Teo through Asian April 23, leaders and friends spoke I have of you in all our encounters Beacon. I found him handsome, of his charm, friendship and passion and relationships – from our I well-built, yet shockingly self- in serving God. A beautiful love story then monthly Exco meetings, AB effacing! His life blessed mine through read by his beloved wife Agnes, functions, dinners, road shows and his transparent acknowledgement whom Steven left behind with son the personal delivery of the regular of failings and failures, coupled with DikSan, brought sobs but tender ( and extra ) consignments of the profound thankfulness to Jesus for smiles of a beloved father and magazines using your own car! permitting him to serve. I last met husband whose memories will be Not forgetting how you helped me Steven over lunch on March 30, 11 cherished forever. Steven will always change a punctured car tyre and days before he left us. He knew much be in our thoughts and our hearts many other courtesies rain or shine, remains to be done for Jesus in our here at Asian Beacon. including your frequent offers to fetch hurting, fractured land. But Steven’s me for AB functions or otherwise! mission ended abruptly on April 10 in Patrick Leong

6 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 7 AB NEWS

Asian Beacon AGM on March 25, 2017

LEFT: Former Asian Beacon Chairman Dr Ong Hwee Keng exhorting attendants at the AGM to pass on the legacy of the literature ministry from one generation to the next through skillful writing. The AGM held at the Asian Beacon office commenced with a welcome address by Chairman Tan Yoke Tee, followed by opening prayer by former Chairman Teoh Cheng Hock. RIGHT: Asian Beacon members pose with the elected Exco 2017/2018.

Asian Beacon Strategy Planning Session At Swiss Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on February 4, 2017

Great things in store for Asian Beacon… participants of the session.

Asian Beacon Chairman Tan Yoke Tee welcoming Dr Oliver Ho facilitating the session and sharing participants at Swiss Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. valuable insights on the Blue Ocean Strategy for the Asian Beacon framework.

8 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 Writers’ Moments on April 20, 2017

Bridging the gap… Ng Kuan Yew,19, exchanging tips with Dr Lim Poh Ann (left), former editor of Asian Beacon and a regular contributor. Both young and experienced writers gathered at the Asian Beacon office to brainstorm contents for the magazine. Many shared ideas on the relevant reading material for readers. The young writers highlighted hot topics that are not being adequately addressed by the community at large.

Young and old share a love for writing.

Planning the way forward.

Getting to know you.

Datuk George Ting, a long-time associate and supporter of Asian Beacon, making his closing remarks. His philosophy on keeping life simple – The gathering was graced by Dr Chong Kwong Tek, “Don't complicate things. Be God-fearing and keep life popularly known as Tek Chong, and his wife, Goldie, who balanced. Impart knowledge and share with others.” writes the Dear Goldie column for Asian Beacon.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 9 New Look, Fresh Enthusiasm Asian Beacon proudly presents its transformed office, injecting a sense of life, belonging and professionalism. The needed facelift was completed within a span of one month from April to May 2017 through a collective effort by the new Exco.

Revived

Goldie holding the first issue of Asian Beacon (Volume 48 No.1

December 2016/January 2017) after an 18-month absence. From left to right: Loke Che Ching (Treasurer), Goldie with her husband, Dr Chong (both former editors and founder), Ah Beng Goh (current Editor) and Tan Yoke Tee (Chairman). Delivery of the revived issue on January 18, 2017.

10 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 WITHOUT PRAYER, WORSHIP IS MEANINGLESS

By Patrick Leong

PERSONAL WORSHIP creative expressions through praise. posted on my Facebook Before we think we can cross the After all, the reason for worship is for pageome yearsthis statement back, I finishing line of a marathon, we’d be us to reflect internally the worth of about the intrinsic, a fool to overlook every single aspect God and who He is to us. And from the cause-and-effect of what it takes to compete. Likewise, inside flows our true worship. Not from relationship between before we think we can lead worship on our ideas and ideologies, formation prayer and worship. a corporate level, we’d better first learn of templates and structures, themes, In my early years how to worship in a personal capacity. branding, duplicating or adopting other as a believer serving in the worship Without prayer, worship is worship cultures and trends which ministry of a church, I thought that meaningless. You see, prayer cultivates are all cleverly engineered by men but worshipS revolved around music, songs, an internal condition that ovulates impoverished in spirit. musical instruments and the whole AV a coalition in expression to produce Prayer cultivates the condition technology to produce the ambience praise even before the formation of that produces the capacity within and sound that create a “heavenly words in thought or a spoken utterance. us to worship, which is liberating, experience”. Crude as the phrase “ovulates a exhilarating and truly captivating. We are great at being functionally coalition in expression” sounds, it is Without prayer, worship is efficient! The stage looks good and the almost a perfect explanation for the meaningless. songs from various genres appeal to internal condition to reach maturity, men and trends. But in the end, our which then charges up our entire worship may simply be spiritually inmost being to produce praise. dysfunctional and carries no power or One of the distinct features of presence, which in turn benefits no one. such a coalition happening is the Though all this engineering does tremendous sense of warmth and love enhance the overall worship experience that overwhelms your heart, naturally in the eyes of men, we must not be bringing you to the point of tears in carried away but remain central to the awe of and in deeper intimacy with posture of what worship is all about – Him. His presence and reverence. And that Perhaps this is a glimpse of what posture is only found in and through David, the man after God’s heart, felt prayer. in his intimacy with God as related in 1 How true Scripture is when it says Samuel 13:22. David’s many psalms are in Matthew 15:8-9, “These people a spectacular portrayal of his intimate honour me with their lips, but their relationship with God. hearts are far from me. They worship Finally, worship is the embodiment Patrick Leong is a singer, songwriter, producer me in vain, their teachings are but rules of one’s personal intimacy with God also the Secretary of Asian Beacon. taught by men.” through prayer, which evolves into and worship leader at Grace Assembly PJ. He is

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 11 BEACON STORY SUPERBUG BUSTER LAM SHU JIE

12 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 BY GOH BEE LEE PAIN AND JOY even adults, are fascinated by Her choice to work in research has led superheroes,n an age where whether children, on screen and her down a path of struggles, sacrifice or in real life, we now hear of and perseverance. Her delicate work superbugs.I They too seem to want their with polymers meant that she often place on the world stage. had to be in the lab at 4 a.m., working But what are superbugs? No, they diligently through long hours and often BUSTER are nothing super in size. In fact, they skipping meals. Weekends were like belong to the microscopic world. But normal workdays. do not underestimate their powers. For Scientist at work. ‘normal’ down-to-earth beings like us 2015 when Dad passed away suddenly who might never even get to peer into CHRISTIAN JOURNEY in Malaysia.“I faced aI hadreal tochallenge leave my in work June their world, let us consider Alexander Shu Lam, as she is popularly known in behind, so there was some anxiety the Great, the conqueror of empires, international circles, was born in Batu about that. But I knew family had to who was allegedly conquered by a come first.” Her beloved father, Dr mosquito! worship at Gereja Grace Batu Pahat. She Lam Pan Nam, had been her strong JIE Superbugs are bacteria that have becamePahat, Johor, a Christian where inher Sunday family School used to support and main source of motivation survived man’s use, or rather, misuse when she was only 11. Shu Lam, 26, left throughout her studies and research. of antibiotics on them. We hear more home and country to study Chemical Lam went through a trying time. While and more of people dying because they and Biomolecular Engineering at the work piled up in Australia, the filial have lost the battle to these microbes. University of Melbourne. Due to work daughter took a three-month break to Medical and scientific fraternity has opportunities, Lam now lives in Sydney help settle some family matters. termed this growing health crisis and worships at the Sydney Chinese At the end of the dark tunnel as a “slow-motion tsunami”. Nicola Presbyterian Church, where she however, there was that light when Smith of The Telegraph, UK calls it “an actively participates in a cell group and in September last year, her research impending Armageddon”. women’s ministry, serving the church on her little ‘stars’ was published within her capacity. in the prestigious journal, Nature SUPERBUG BUSTER “I’m blessed to have parents with Microbiology. She took the scientific a strong faith who were constantly world by storm and was hailed as a scientist’ superheroine, superbug encouraging and praying for me to have bright new star herself. (Drum rolls) Enters Malaysian ‘star a close walk with God,” shares Lam. Her Who could imagine that anyone so dad, a pediatrician who passed away A WONDERFUL SISTER busterlovely, soft-spokenDr Lam Shu andJie. gentle could suddenly in 2015 just about a year Shu Lam is the second of three wage war, even if it’s in the test tube? short of seeing her success, would buy daughters. Her elder sister, Harvard- Her doctoral research at the University her Christian books and share lessons of Melbourne – that promises to wipe from his theological studies so that she sister remembers their childhood with out superbugs without antibiotics would grow in her understanding of fondnesstrained Xin and Jie, pride. now lives in Oslo. The – has been hailed as a significant her faith. breakthrough that could change the “Mum is the prayer warrior in the have. She is one of the kindest, most face of modern medicine. She was family who constantly supports us in considerate“Shu Jie isand the humble best sister people one I canknow. recently among only 10 people who prayer even though we are apart. Both I can never forget how she would save received China’s Ministry of Health’s my parents were great testimonies of for me her only packet of snack or prestigious Award for “Illustrious how God has transformed their lives. I tidbit from school, just because she Young Overseas Chinese” for her look up to them as role models in terms knew it was my favourite. I am truly development of SNAPPS. of walking closely with God,” says Lam. fortunate to have her as a sister and Her baby, SNAPPS – structurally She speaks of a time during her nano-engineered antimicrobial peptide tertiary studies when she allowed polymers – directly destroys drug- study and work to become the focus Pohfriend,” Chou, confides a school-teacher-turned- Xin Jie. resistant bacteria without harming of her life. “But God spoke to me and I housewife,Both Xin let Jie us and into their the secretmother, of Seet Shu healthy cells. She patiently explains now realise He should be the centre of Lam’s success. “Since young, she has that her creation of the star-shaped my life. He leads and guides me every shown diligence, determination and molecules, each with 16 or 32 arms, is step of the way. Everything I do is for focus far beyond her age.” These are the like “putting together small blocks of the glory of God.” That was exactly how qualities which the world now knows Lego”. What a humble understatement she ended her acceptance speech in that have kept her going despite all of years of painstaking slogging in the Beijing recently. obstacles and challenges. laboratory!

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 13 BEACON STORY

person has to say to her generation. What does she think of the ‘curse of the age’ – modern social media? She does not scold or lecture the generation that is mostly bent over their electronic gadgets. On the contrary, she wisely accepts the fact that social media is now well-entrenched in the daily lives of modern society. One can almost imagine this young lover of good food might check out Facebook for the best eating places! “I think a lot of the negative stigma is associated with how people misuse or over-rely on it. But I do think that when used appropriately, social media helps to connect and build relationships. It can also be a tool for At the “Illustrious Young Overseas Chinese” award ceremony in Beijing, China. business and thought leadership.” Wisdom indeed. “Though she has not been the made us such that everything falls into She is grateful for modern loudest or most vocal at church place. So, contrary to popular belief, I technology that has been crucial to the gatherings or youth fellowship events, think the more I know about science, success of her research. the greater is my connection with God.” Shu Lam believes that scientists strong,” continues her sister. Does the fact that she is a believer in this age have been able to take Shu Jie’s faith in God has always been make a difference? advantage of cutting edge technologies HUMBLE AND UNASSUMING “I know that I have God to rely to achieve more than what their When asked how celebrity status on and that He will lead me through counterparts could do in the past. has changed her life, the unassuming every step of the way. Without God, I To the young and the brave, she Lam says simply, “Besides having a wouldn’t have been able to battle the has this to say: couple more emails to reply to and many challenges and circumstances “Keep an open mind. Be willing to engagements and interviews that I I’ve faced in research and in life,” the step out of your comfort zone. Embrace need to attend to, I do not think my life scientist concedes. continuous learning and development. has been affected that much. I am still Very often, failure is part and parcel doing what I have always been doing, STILL A MILLENNIAL of our learning process. We can all that is doing the best I can in the role With such an old head on her young contribute to help solve the many I am in now. I wish though that Dad is shoulders, she still identifies with the problems faced by mankind.” around to share our joy.” Y-generation. The whole world before Salute. We wish you well, Dr Lam She instantly stands up and bows her as her oyster, one wonders what when the Chinese former Minister of this young, talented and successful the stars. Health, Gao Qiang, who calls himself Shu Jie. May you continue to reach for her ‘fan’, pays tribute to her work. Not one to snatch the glory, she quickly shares it with her mentors, Professor Greg Qiao, Professor Neil O’ Brien- Simpson and her team of researchers.

SCIENCE AND FAITH Does she think there is a problem for a scientist to believe in God? In humility, she says, “No. The deeper I delve into research, the more I realise how great God and His creation are. I am amazed by the intricacies of His creation. And through a greater understanding of how things work, such as our anatomy, and why they are designed to work that way, I really marvel at God’s thought process behind His creation. It’s awesome how He has Shu Lam with her parents.

14 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 FEATURE

ABORTING DESTINY BY HANNAH YEOH

data on abortions in Malaysia is Ninety thousand abortions annually married, I asked the Lord limited. However, there are reports are mass destruction. That is like wiping forwo a years baby and after when I got He of an estimated 90,000 abortions out 90 schools with a thousand kids answered our prayers, we annually, with about five deaths due each year or about 376 aeroplanes with Tbegan searching for a name for her. We to unsafe abortions”. Read more at passengers. Malaysian Christians need to decided instantly that the name must http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/ see this and understand the weapon or reflect who the child is – a beloved gift health/2013/05/19/family-planning- stronghold that is used by the enemy to from God. saves-lives/#Mblw0uJYs405Utuq.99 resist salvation. That’s essentially what a child is in Ninety thousand lives aborted! Fighting abortion requires spiritual the womb of a woman – a beloved gift What about unwanted babies? In a warfare. Prayer intercessors must stand from God. The Word of God affirms the parliamentary reply on baby dumping in the gap. School teachers must push for value of every life formed: cases in Malaysia for the short period proper sex education. Parents need to of three years from 2013 to 2015, parent. Don’t allow the Internet to do it Psalm 139: 13-6 more than 300 cases were reported. for you. Senior pastors and youth pastors For you created my inmost Convenience takes priority over the must boldly proclaim that abstinence is being; you knit me together in my value of these young lives. And we cool. True love waits. There is no such mother’s womb. have yet to venture into child abuse or thing as safe sex. I praise you because I am neglect cases. Those numbers would be Consider this – don’t abort, choose fearfully and wonderfully made; equally alarming. adoption. There are many couples your works are wonderful, I know waiting to adopt and to provide a home that full well. ABORTION IS MURDER. for the child. I may not understand all My frame was not hidden from IT IS SPIRITUAL. the challenges or the circumstances but I you when I was made in the secret T know God can make a way if you decide to place, when I was woven together how Herod was determined to destroy do the right thing by not proceeding with in the depths of the earth. thehe young Bible recordsones in Matthewthe birth of2. Jesus and abortion. Your eyes saw my unformed 13 When they had gone, an angel of If you have committed abortion, or body; all the days ordained for me the Lord appeared to Joseph in a you have encouraged someone to abort were written in your book before dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child her baby, or you have decided to abort one of them came to be. and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going you feel. Tell a trusted Christian friend Some girls or women abort because to search for the child to kill him.” aboutyour baby, it, confess run to that the cross.sin of terminatingTell Jesus how of medical reasons; some abort because 16 When Herod realized that he had of rape. In some countries, there are been outwitted by the Magi, he was womb and be on the road to recovery. legal provisions to deal with such furious, and he gave orders to kill all There(or intending is forgiveness to terminate) at the cross. life in There the circumstances. I must admit that I don’t the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity is power in His blood to wash you clean. know enough to write about these who were two years old and under, in There is healing in His Name. difficult situations. accordance with the time he had learned However, I do want to address from the Magi. those instances when people abort There is a similar story during Moses’ out of convenience. They regret the time, recorded in Exodus 1:15 The king of wrong timing of the pregnancy or the Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose inconveniences the baby would bring names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When to their lives. Those are the reasons for you are helping the Hebrew women during most abortion cases. childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if ABORTION IS ILLEGAL it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, When I was first elected, I was informed however, feared God and did not do what that one unknown medical clinic in the the king of Egypt had told them to do; they vicinity of colleges registered an average 18 Hannah Yeoh is the Speaker of the Selangor let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt State Legislative Assembly and State of 20 abortions per week. That is for summoned the midwives and asked them, ONE clinic. Per week. Because abortion is “Why have you done this? Why have you was first elected into public office in the 2008 illegal, it is difficult to ascertain the actual let the boys live?” GeneralAssemblyman Elections for Subangat the age Jaya, of 29.Selangor. In 2013, She numbers. Why is abortion a murder? Because she was elected as the Speaker of the House, making her the first woman and youngest “An estimated 2.5 million teenagers God has a plan for every child conceived. Speaker in Malaysia. She obtained her Bachelor in developing countries end their The enemy does not want these lives to of Laws from University of Tasmania. She is pregnancies by undergoing abortions achieve their destinies, for every plan that married to Ramachandran M. and they are God has for each child is fitted into God’s the proud parents of two adorable girls, Shay performed by unskilled persons or Adora Ram and Kayleigh Imani Ram. in unsafe conditions, or both. Hard grand salvation plan for mankind.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 15 BEACON STORY You have to abort the baby! Margaret's heart sank upon listening to the possibilities. BY GOH CHEE BENG

could have brain damage resulting in 1974. being blind and even deaf,” the doctor he year"Congratulations, was September you emphasised further. are going to be a father!” the By now, Margaret was in total shock Tdoctor broke the news to Abraham. and did not know what to do. From the “That is one piece of good news,” age of 14, Margaret has tried to live said Abraham as he turned to his her life as a journey one must travel smiling wife. with a deep consciousness of God. She “O really, I am pregnant!” Margaret had gone through challenging times, exclaimed with joy on her face. and Margaret could not and would not The young couple were thrilled to agree to the termination of a precious learn that Margaret was pregnant with little life inside her. their first child. For weeks, Margaret Was Margaret fearful and anxious had morning sickness and vomiting, throughout those months? How would a typical symptom of pregnancy. The she cope? Did she have what it took? visit to the clinic that day confirmed She prayed fervently, passionately to their guessing game. A couple of God for whom nothing was too difficult weeks later, Margaret had rashes and and all things were possible. Over the swollen lymph nodes behind her ears months, faith and peace arose within and down the side of her neck. A fairly Margaret as fear left. Her mother high fever invaded her body too. After was a medical doctor practising in various tests, the obstetrician confirmed Abraham & Margaret’s Wedding photo (1973) Singapore. She suggested having the that Margaret had Rubella (German baby there, where she could call upon detrimental to the foetus,” the doctor the best obstetrician, paediatrician and “Margaret, it is better to abort the explained. “It will be crazy not to abort other specialists that might be needed babymeasles). now because the Rubella is quite now as the baby could be deformed, to attend to the baby and Margaret. strong,” urged the obstetrician. disabled physically and intellectually,” In April 1975, both Abraham and “What, I don’t want to abort now,” the doctor continued. Margaret made the trip as the baby was Margaret responded in a shocked tone. Margaret’s heart sank upon due on May 31. However, on April 22, “The second test showed the listening to the possibilities. 40 days prior to that date, Margaret Rubella titre is very high and extremely “And one more thing, the baby went into labour.

16 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 morning devotional time that God had you, plans to give you hope and a protected her first baby while in the future.”3 We have no idea what God has womb. Margaret was then pregnant in store for each life, but we have no with her third child. right to rob anyone of his/her destiny. In 2000, Margaret pondered over God is the source of every good and two scripture verses with regards to perfect gift and as we trust in God with Mark’s destiny which say: “Before I all our hearts, obey His voice and His shaped you in the womb, I knew all Word, acknowledge Him in everything, about you. Before you saw the light of God will guide us through life. Life is day, I had holy plans for you. A prophet not only about us, but seeded in each to the nations – that’s what I had in life are generations to come. mind for you. God put me to work Margaret’s verdict on life – choose from the day I was born, the moment life so that you and your children I entered the world He named me. He will live.4 And make sure you tell your gave me speech that would cut and children, and your children tell their penetrate, He kept His hand on me to children. Do not let this message die protect me.”2 out.5 Mark was a lawyer, and in It is God who creates and gives the obedience to God’s call, founded breath of life, and only He has the right Abraham & Margaret with their firstborn, Mark (1975) Kingdomcity in 2006 and is leading that to determine its end. What grows has At approximately 2.45 p.m., their church in multiple nations, continuing life! Babies grow from stage to stage in first child, whom they named Mark to impact thousands of lives. the mother’s womb for 40 weeks. Anand1 , was born. He was blue and God has a precious specific plan Celebrate and choose life. not breathing. As the staff desperately and purpose, filled with hope and a worked to stimulate and assist the 5lb good future for each human life He 8oz-newborn to breathe, Margaret creates. The Bible says, “I know what 4 Deuteronomy 30:19b pleaded with God, “O God, let my I’m doing. I have it all planned out; 3 Jeremiah 29:11 son live and not die!” His lungs were plans to take care of you, not abandon underdeveloped. Her prayers were 5 Joel 1:3 answered after what seemed an eternity. The baby was rushed to the neo-natal intensive care unit where he 2 Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 49:2 was put in an incubator for 14 days. Most of his organs were still immature. Being heavily jaundiced, the baby had two complete blood transfusions. Hospital visits were a regular feature over the next 12 months. The baby managed to recover. He looked normal and was able to see and hear! Having been oxygen deprived at birth, Margaret was concerned about possible inflammation of the brain that could affect his learning abilities. She spent time with him as a toddler, teaching him the alphabet and numbers. Within several months, both Abraham and Margaret were relieved to observe that Mark was a quick learner! The only symptom of the traumatic pregnancy and the baby’s premature birth was slight hand tremors when Mark engaged in fine motor tasks. Three years later, in the middle of 1978, Margaret experienced God’s assurance from her regular early

Family photo, 2017: Margaret and Abraham (seated together in the middle row), Mark (standing in the middle back row) 1 Mark (warrior, defender) Anand (joy, happiness)

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 17 BEACON STORY

Majestic Abba, Mount Aspiring No Fear, Jollie River LIFTED TO CLOUDS OF GLORY walked closer to the TV to check the their religious piety in various description on the screen. There was effryChinese Lim’s deities parents but he hingedwas a none. pious follower of one Chinese Then, she heard some background religionJ and spent hours of meditation and dedicated himself to its teachings. soothing music was playing. It was He was a professional 10.30voices a.m. saying Mei “Jesus, Ling was Jesus” surprised. while the photographer for over 20 years, “How can ASTRO make a mistake on a majoring in aerial, industrial, offshore broadcast station? If it is not a mistake, and marine photography but in this must have been meant for me,” 2015, he lost his job unexpectedly. she thought. Mei Ling texted her friend Depression began to cave in. “I have about the encounter she had that been doing this job for 20 years, and always looked forward to attending the children’s church. “Daddy, I want to go us like that?” Her friend replied, “It was is like a surgeon losing a hand. You church,” Zachary said. morning. She asked, “Can Jesus reach don’tsuddenly know lost what the tojob,” do, said and Jeffry.seriously, “It Mei Ling occasionally played people in their dreams one particular I wanted to die.” That was his weakest sermons and worship songs at home, nightreported and that at the Jesus same appeared time. Mei to Ling,many it moment. He also struggled to control is possible.” For Mei Ling, her encounter his temper. His unemployment began because of this, and I told her not to was too supernatural to explain! to affect his relationship with his wife. which Jeffry disliked. “We fought allow Mei Ling to go to church, she his son to the children’s church almost miserable under such circumstances. reliedplay them on live loudly.” stream When on the Jeffry Internet did not to everySoon week. Jeffry He startedwould stay to accompany behind and “IJeffry was confessed also under he medication was egoistic for and listen to the sermons. watch the children sing worship songs One morning, while doing her and do activities. One fine afternoon, no job and income, the family faced routine housework at home, she while having lunch with his family at uncertaintiesmy depression,” in lifeJeffry until shared. his wife, With Mei heard a strange song playing over the the church’s cafeteria, a pastor asked if Ling, decided to go to church one day. Internet radio station on TV. “I heard he could join them at the same table. “Why do you want to go church a very soothing music, which sounded like a Christian hymn. I have never A NEW LIFE “I am bringing Zachary to the heard it on the jazz station before,” “I don’t normally have my lunch here at children’sagain?!” Jeffry church fired. as well,” replied Mei Mei Ling recalled. She thought it was this hour,” said the pastor. The pastor Ling. strange for a jazz radio station to play “No need to go, can?” insisted an instrumental gospel music. She wanted to listen to instrumental jazz thestarted gospel a friendly messages chat among with Jeffry other and been following Mei Ling to church music while doing housework. Mei Ling his wife. They talked about Jesus and Jeffry. However, their son who had things. The pastor found out that Jeffry 18 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 Melodious, Stone Hut Stream

LIFTED TO CLOUDS OF GLORY BY GOH CHEE BENG SOARING HIGH rarely seen landscapes inspired by openly about his struggles with work andwas family.not a believer Towards yet. the Jeffry end ofshared the long adventure to take aerial shots of the 2016. landscapesFor 23 days, of Jeffry New embarked Zealand’s Southon his Jeffry’s travels around the country in “Do you want to pray to believe in Island. On the chartered plane, he snapped tells a story. conversation, the pastor asked Jeffry, discovered the abundant beauty of TheFor Jeffry,photo everytitled picture“Majestic he Abba” “We prayed until my tears flowed. the sea, air and land of New Zealand’s shows Mount Aspiring on New IJesus?” didn’t Jeffryknow answered,why as I am “Ok, a strong yes.” majestic mountains, fascinating geographical terrains, stunning aerial favourite photo as he shared the praying, I felt the noise around me views and colours of topography that reason,Zealand’s “I dreamtSouth Island. about It the is wordJeffry’s person,” Jeffry said. “When we were were unique, pristine and rarely seen ‘Aspiring’ one night and decided filtered out. I could only hear the by the public. to search for this place. This photo pastor’s(from the voice. crowded I could cafeteria) feel something was His aerial photography caught reminds me that prayer works. As the very light inside me after I prayed.” It the attention of the New Zealand plane approached the mountain, it was was indeed a remarkable encounter for High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. covered by clouds. No choice but had As part of its celebration of 60 years to ask the pilot to turn back. So as we of friendship between New Zealand turned back, I prayed and waited. As persistedJeffry. with no prospect of job and Malaysia, the High Commission I looked back to have another glance in sight.With His his passion new found for aerialfaith, Jeffryview at the mountain, I noticed the clouds photography had never waned and through the Aspiring New Zealand suddenly moved away, and we could he prayed to God for guidance and photosupported exhibition Jeffry’s held photo at thecollection Bangsar see the sunlight beaming through the direction during his most difficult Shopping Centre on April 25, 2017. clouds. Then I requested the pilot to turn back towards the mountain and had accumulated many travel points Malaysia on the world stage. His took the breathtaking beauty of the fromtime. hisLater, extensive Jeffry discovered work traveling that heover photos“It’s have great previously to see Jeffry been representing mountain.” the past many years. He managed to featured in National Geographic and After the New Zealand trip, convert the travel points into three air more recently, two photos from his Aspiring New Zealand collection won baptism. They removed all their make a dream trip to kill two birds with prestigious awards at the International formerJeffry and religious Mei Ling paraphernalia underwent waterfrom onetickets stone to New— to Zealand. capture Jeffrythe aerial began view to their home before Christmas last year. of landscapes of New Zealand and to York,” said YB Brigadier-General Khairy “Mei Ling and I felt better, fresh and have a family holiday. With some extra Photography Award (IPA) in New clean after water baptism. We sensed money his debtors had unexpectedly who officially launched the exhibition. that the chains were broken, and we Jamaluddin,Aspiring YouthNew Zealand & Sports featured Minister could sense God’s presence in the traveled to New Zealand with his family. over 50 large images of New Zealand’s paid him and a small loan, Jeffry home,” said Jeffry. ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 19 BEACON STORY Left In A Home Jia Huai understood later it was her mother’s love that had placed her there.

BY GOH CHEE BENG

alright?” her mother said calmly. They They then moved to Shah Alam where TV programme about went around the home and then her childrens they were living watchingin a home for a to put food on the table while battling cancer.Jia Huai’s mother worked hard daily A hadmother no choice. said, “Jia She Huai, cried you but try remained to spend place or not?children, Very nice, Jia Huai’sfun and mother can steadfasta night here as sheand watchedsee how, her ok?” mother Jia Huai “I WANT TO DIE” haveasked, many “Jia Huai,friends you there.” want Theto live eight- in that “Once when I was riding on my mom’s year-old girl replied, “I don’t want.” did not return to her own house. Her motorcycle when I was six years old,” motherleaving thevisited home. her The weekly. next Theday, weeksJia Huai had wanted to put her in a home. One in Mandarin, ‘I want to die! I want to For some time, Jia Huai’s mother her new home. She made friends and die…!’Jia Huai ” Thesays, quick-thinking “she suddenly six-year-old shouted school, her mother said, “Come, I waspassed well and cared Jia Huaifor. slowly adapted to told her mother, “I don’t want to die day, when Jia Huai returned from and I am scared of pain. You send me followed, not knowing where she was her mother’s love that had placed her home first and if you want to die, you going.want to When take youshe gotsomewhere.” there, she Jiafound Huai at theLater, home. Jia HerHuai mother understood discovered it was die yourself.” out it was a home for children and felt uneasy and anxious. two years old. Their world crumbled her mother’s house keys, opened the she had cancer when Jia Huai was only doorWhen and locked they got herself home, in Jia the Huai house, took

“Jia Huai, we see this place first, further when Jia Huai’s father left them. 20 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 journey might have been, it takes couragejourney liketo overcome Jia Huai’s. painful Whatever past our memories, and faith in God to turn the “Where is God when it hurts?” to divine appointments. “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains,” wrote C.S. Lewis. Are you in this situation right now? There is hope. Philip Yancey wrote, “Hope allows you to believe that even when hope falls down and the worst has happened, still hope has not reached the end of the road. Hope can stand up and continue.” For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do leaving her mother outside. Her mother bus, her schoolmates would poke not see, we wait eagerly for it with could not go anywhere and through the patience and composure.1 taunts and on one occasion, someone down, smoking away for the next one stuffedfun at her. some Jia trashHuai enduredinto her schoolthe daily bag! 1 Romans 8:24-25 hour.window, Her Jia mother Huai sawnever her attempted pacing up to and In the classroom, she was labelled as take her life after that incident. a “no-parent child” by some of her Three years later, her mother classmates.

nine. By then, she had stayed in the ashamed to let others know she children’spassed away home when for Jia a year. Huai was was Today,raised Jiain aHuai home. is no Instead, longer she is grateful to SHELTER for raising her and her father since she was only two when giving her all the support she needs. he leftJia them.Huai has “I have never totally really forgotten known She is now pursuing a degree in Media

to see him and I don’t need anything in Public Relations at IACT, and will fromabout him him,” because Jia Huai of says. what “I he don’t told want Mom completeCulture & herCommunication, studies in September majoring before she died.” 2018. Her tertiary education is made to see him before she died but he told possible through scholarships from her thatJia Huai if she explains, wanted “Mom money, wanted just tell universities that recognise and support him and not to use that tactic to make SHELTER. She also works part-time him come to see her. Then, he told her whenever she can to meet her financial he wouldn’t give her a single cent. He needs. SHELTER continues to provide thought she wanted to find an excuse to her an allowance and assigns a staff to get money from him.” guide and help her. “I’ve never had any fear of my since learnt to forgive her father after future because in my years in SHELTER, learningBy the about grace God’s of God, love Jia for Huai her. has I’ve seen my seniors sent to colleges

“NO-PARENT CHILD” Huai. and getting work placements,” says Jia home fondly. The Home Manager took and wants to give back. “I am one of the theJia Huai children remembers for getaways her years where at theythe 25 climbersJia Huai saysof SHELTER she has Charityreceived Climb much swam, fished, camped and watched 2017, and I want to help to provide movies. She even went on a Star Cruise other kids with quality education,” once. But there were tough moments she says. The 25 climbers will climb as well, especially during her school days. She didn’t want her schoolmates 2017 and though she has never hiked to know she was from a home but theMount mountain Kinabalu before, at the she end is of willing July to they found out because the school bus go through the rigorous training and stopped in front of the home. preparation. Every time she got off the school Some of us may have had a similar

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 21 BEACON STORY

BY CARISSA GAN

splitting crash jolted Emily Lim outt was of her 2 a.m. sleep. when A large the rock ear- had shattered one of the window panesI and the shards shone like little teardrops all over the floor. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as fear settled over her. Those men were back again, and they were fuming. The merciless loan sharks to whom her father owed a huge sum of money were crowded outside the humble home she lived in with her mother and younger brother. The angry mob couldn’t care less MONEY IS about stirring a riot in the middle of a school night. They barged into the house and screamed at her family, loud enough for all her neighbours to hear. IMPORTANT, As usual, her father was nowhere to be seen. The men threatened her mother that they would prostitute Emily to pay off the mounting loans that her father BUT IT’S NOT had accumulated. They spewed more threats before storming out. “I was only 16 at the time and the next morning, I had to endure that EVERYTHING walk of shame to school because my neighbours would stare and gossip,” said the beautiful Malaysian model- turned-actress as she recalled the traumatic incident that happened many she helped her mother clean hotels, Emily walked to her school with her years ago. “My family got into trouble and at age 13, she started working head hung low. She could feel her with the loan sharks because of my at restaurants to contribute to the neighbours’ eyes boring holes into her father’s gambling habits. My mother household income. as they stared and gossiped. It crushed went into bankruptcy because of my “My mother’s a very hardworking her self-esteem as a teenager. dad.” lady and she would do everything At 18, she moved to Kuala Lumpur From then on, money played a very to support us,” Emily said. “But my to pursue a degree in marketing and important role in her life and governed dad was always absent whenever we human resources, hoping to be a most of her major decisions. In her needed him.” businesswoman one day. She took on desperate attempt to rescue her family Her father’s addictive gambling had a part-time job at The Coffee Bean to from debt, Emily was convinced that propelled the family into debt, leaving support herself and her family, juggling financial security was the solution them to the mercy of cruel loan sharks. both school and work on her busy to everything. Little did she know To make things worse, he was never schedule. That was when the need for a that God was about to change her around. car arose, so she began saving up for a perspective. Emily described her childhood as humble little Kancil. something out of a gangster movie, Unfortunately, despite being THE BACK STORY with loan sharks attacking her house bumped up from a janitor to a barista, Emily and her brother grew up in in the middle of the night, painting her meagre income barely covered the Malacca under the care of their mother profanities on the walls, bombarding car’s down payment, so she ate nothing who single-handedly raised them in her family with threats and smashing but plain roti canai drenched in curry between babysitting and catering the windows. One morning after an for a whole year to save enough for the jobs. When Emily was a little older, unpleasant visit from the loan sharks, down payment.

22 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 Two years later she was offered to accept Christ as her personal Lord bought her dinner nearly every night. an internship at an engineering firm and Saviour. She offered to do his laundry and clean and found a huge improvement in her the house, but he wouldn’t let her. In salary. FINDING SECURITY IN CHRIST addition to his kindness, he refused “Even though I didn’t know God “I think I enjoy taking a slow journey to accept her rent at the end of each at the time, He still provided for me,” with God. After a year of knowing Him, month. Eventually, she made him take a Emily smiled. I decided to be baptised,” she said portion anyway. Because of God’s grace, She continued to work at the enthusiastically. Emily was blessed with a wonderful engineering firm after graduation, “I may have been the one who experience in Los Angeles. but the salary wasn’t enough to pay brought her to Christ, but she’s the That was just one of the many off the mounting debts that the loan one who brought me to know Him incidents when God swooped in and sharks had pegged on her mother. Mrs more deeply,” Alan smiled, proud of reminded her that she didn’t need a lot Lim was in bankruptcy because of her his girlfriend’s progress. “The pace of money in her bank to feel confident husband. that she’s achieved and the things that about her future. All she needed to do “I had no interest in the she knows now… it’s really something was to have faith in Him, and He would entertainment industry, because what I would admire for a young Christian. carry her through. I actually wanted was to climb the The hunger in her is something all Smiling, she said, “Money once corporate ladder,” Emily shared. “But Christians should have – the fire for played a very important role in my life. when I saw the advertisement for God.” I thought it could settle everything. But the Miss Astro Chinese International They laughed, explaining that as it was a wrong perspective, and after Pageant in 2005, I had my eyes pinned a new Christian, Emily always had so coming to Christ, God taught me that on the prize. I joined just so I could many questions about God’s nature and money wasn’t a tool to be worshipped. settle the debts.” the Bible. She directed all her enquiries So I’ve learned that money isn’t Thus began the next phase of her life. to Alan, who encouraged her to join everything – God is.” a Bible study group at the church. ENTERING A NEW WORLD Emily went faithfully every week and Emily emerged as the first runner-up her knowledge of Scripture increased and managed to pay off the loan sharks significantly. with the prizes she won. Over time, one of the greatest FIVE THINGS YOU However, that wasn’t enough. Even lessons she learned was not to rely on with the debts paid off, her corporate financial security for comfort, but to DIDN’T KNOW salary wasn’t enough to pull her mother seek refuge in God’s arms instead. She out of bankruptcy anytime soon. So, shared how God blessed her with the ABOUT EMILY LIM: when the opportunity arose to do TV opportunity of attending a three-month commercials, Emily had only one focus: acting course in Los Angeles back in the pay. 2013, even though she didn’t have the She’s into kickboxing, hiking She had to go through numerous funds to pursue the course at the time. castings like any other budding talent “I’d always dreamed of studying 1 and rock climbing. in the entertainment industry, but she abroad. So when the opportunity came pressed on because she was hungry up, I grabbed it without even thinking She is not a fan of roti canai for a quick solution to the financial about the cost. When I realised how 2 (bad memories), wantan mee situation that was eating her up. much it was going to cost me, it was too “A lot of the decisions I made were late because I’d already signed for it, and chicken rice. based on money, which honestly led me so I panicked,” she said. “But God was nowhere,” she sighed. “Slowly, it made good and He provided the funds on When she’s tired, she’ll me very materialistic. I didn’t know time. At the end of each month, I was 3 sleep anywhere, anytime. what was good for me anymore. I guess able to pay my fees. I was never in lack. I was blinded. I attended countless I studied acting in Universal Studios She owns a stuffed Winnie castings and finally got a big break in a and God made sure that I had the TV commercial for Ajinomoto. Soon, I best of everything – the best teacher, 4 The Pooh that she sleeps got other roles, including that big Dove the best course mates, even the best with every night campaign in Thailand.” accommodation!” From commercials, her career Rent was extremely expensive Whether it’s a day out at the slowly branched out into acting. She in Los Angeles. Most people paid met Malaysian actor Alan Yun on the 5 mall or a quick trip to the set of My Kampong Days and their apartment. But God provided Emily night market, she’ll prep relationship took off. They have been aover generous $1000 landlord for a tiny who shoebox allowed of an herself to look her best. dating ever since. As a Christian, Alan her to stay at his spacious home at brought her to church with him and one an affordable rate, and knowing that year later, Emily made the bold decision she was on a super tight budget, he

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 23 生命因上帝的爱而美丽

Emily林佩琦 BY JOYCELYN LOH

，是一位专业演员又是 3、4点，大耳窿砸坏了我们当时所租下清了大耳窿的债务。原以为终于雨过天营养师。可是，有谁会的排屋里的一面落地玻璃，结果整个社晴之际，母亲却被起诉，需要申请破想到总是以靓丽外表示区都被吵醒了。第二天走路上学时，听产。这对当时原本计划好于毕业后，就人的Emily 林佩琦曾因见了邻舍们的指指点点，让我感到非常开始在一家建筑行上班的她，简直就是荷尔蒙严重失调，演艺沮丧和百般无奈。” 晴天霹雳。她事业因此跌入谷底？单亲家庭长大的处在这样的生活窘境，让Emily从 “当时我简直要疯了，以为终于可 Emily自幼就有到国外留学的梦想。可 10来岁就开打工，例如周末或是假期就以债务自由了，却又发生了这样的事是为了帮助家里的经济，尽快还清所有到酒店做清洁工作等。尽管那个时候的情。那个时候，有一间建筑行在我的实的债务，便于2005年参加了Astro国际她在天主教的学校求学，但她承认自己习完毕后，就向我发出邀请，让我在毕华裔小姐选美比赛，开始了她的演艺生的心里是刚硬的，不接受上帝，因为她业后到他们那里上班。可是，老板知道涯。“进入娱乐圈是许多女孩子所追求认为如果真的有神，那么就不会发生这那一份工作的薪金没有办法让我还清家的梦想，可是我本身从来都没有想过要些事情了。里的债务，让母亲早日脱离破产的情进入演艺圈。” 上了大学的Emily曾为了购买一部况，因此建议我去娱乐圈闯一闯，万车成为其代步工具，以便求学和打工，一失败了，公司仍然为我保留一席位这世界真的有上帝吗？就去咖啡厅当工读生。为了存钱，整整子。” Emily分享到自己的父亲是非常急性子一年的时间，每天放工后的晚餐就只吃凭着亮丽的外表、模特儿的身形，的人，乃是属于高风险一族，不仅有赌印度煎饼（Roti Kosong）。她的坚持 2008年可以说是Emily事业的巅峰期。博倾向，还会做出许多生意的投资。最果然让她在一年后成功购买了一辆本除了模特儿的工作以外，她也开始了演终，欠下大耳窿一屁股债，离开了他们地车。艺的生涯，于2009年认识了Alan 袁锦的家。 “自从爸爸离开了家后，大耳然而，家里所面对的经济压力，还伦，随后更成为了恋人。身为基督徒的窿依然三不五时就找上门要我们还钱。有生活中所承受的困扰，让Emily决定 Alan，在2010那年每个星期都带Emily 那些记忆片段想必是我这一辈子都无法参加Astro 国际华裔小姐的选美赛。从去教会参加聚会和崇拜。 “我是一个忘记的。还记得15岁那一年，大概凌晨选美比赛中赢得的奖金，也让Emily还非常理智的人，再加上我的成长环境，

24 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 Emily林佩琦

我并不是在第一次去教会就相信耶稣。 “因着荷尔蒙失调、身材臃肿，让反而，在我每个星期去教会听道、读圣我与许多工作和机会擦肩而过。当时我经认识神的一年后，我才决志接受耶稣没有工作、没有收入，而且还有庞大的更多运动和维持良好的饮食习惯。基督成为我的救主。” 债务，但是我仍然为着这些事情的发生当Emily的健康状况开始恢复后，而感谢上帝，因为我知道所有的事情都许多的工作机会也陆续回到她的生命生命中最有价值的，并不是眼睛看得见在上帝美好的时间和安排中发生的。如中。靠着上帝的恩典，Emily甚至有机的金钱，而是看不见的耶稣基督果没有发生这些事情，我就没有办法经会于2012年信而受洗之后，到了美国然而，生命有时并不是一帆风顺的。Emily 历神，我的一生就只会是盲目地追求名洛杉矶的 Universal Studio完成了一项在2010年时，身体因负荷不了在剧中担利和地位，也学不会感恩。” 演艺的课程。“我从小就有到国外留学任领衔主角的压力，还有成年累积下来因着健康亮起了红灯，也让Emily明的梦想。可是因为我家庭背景和文化的的不良饮食习惯而发出了紧急信号。“ 白到其实我们需要善待自己的身体，也关系，尽管我考获优异的成绩，还是没因为身体荷尔蒙失调，我的经期停了，珍惜那么一个独一无二的自己。正因如有办法圆梦。但是，上帝是信实的！祂脸上长满了痘痘，甚至身体也出现了非此，她开始修读营养学，以便调理自己为我所预备的，都是上好的福分。祂让常严重的水肿状态。这样也导致许多的身体，继而成为营养师。“以前当模我能够在整个课程中，从学费、住宿、导演都说这是我的演艺生涯里的一个特儿时，为了满足商家要求的理想身形交通、学习和得着等等经历祂的信实和黑点。” 在许多人看来，这件事乃是而养成了不良的饮食习惯。举例来说，祝福。我甚至还能够有机会向我的同学 Emily演艺生涯中的一个黑点，可是对让自己饿肚子等，当中也见过许多非常传福音，带他们上教会，而且见证他们她而言，这是生命中的转捩点。不正当的偏激减肥方法。相信许多现代生命的改变。” 对于一位在经济上极度缺乏、成天的女孩子也一样想要美好的体型，但是看似温室里的小花，其实却是坚韧被大耳窿找上门，甚至母亲一度被大要知道，上帝的创造是美好的，我们应的小草。Emily的成长过程让她有许多耳窿恐吓以女儿作为债务利息，很自该拥有的是健康的身体形象。” Emily 放弃的借口，然而靠着神的恩典，还有然地，她生命中的安全感都建立在金相信成功不一两天的事，是由汗水和努坚持不懈，她决定要在职场上，还有日钱上。力累积的。她也鼓励现时代的女性应该常生活中成为上帝美好的见证。

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 25 TOP 3 FITNESS TIPS Living your best life as God intends it to be includes taking good care of your body. It is never too late to start! I would like to encourage you by sharing my top 3 fitness tips. BY HAZEL LOKE 1 2 3 EXERCISE FOOD INTAKE REST AND She clothes herself with strength Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. RECOVERY Return to your rest, my soul, for STRENGTH(Proverbs 31:17a) the Lord has been good to you. , such as carrying (1 Corinthians 6:12a)what you put into groceries, require strength. Strength your body. Maintain a balanced diet trainingSimple dailyhelps buildtasks stronger bones consistingBe mindful of wholesomeof foods rich in (Psalm 116:7) hard work you have put and increase muscle mass. Functional carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. into your workout sessions, you need to training is important as we gradually Carbohydrates are essential for brain, restAfter and all allow the your body to recover from lose calcium and muscle mass after the lung and muscle functioning; a deficit microtrauma. While getting sufficient age of 30. A 30-minute session, two to results in tiredness, slow recovery sleep is very important, foam rolling is three times a week, is all you need. after exercise and brain fog. Protein is one of the best recovery methods – it is required for muscle repair and healthy akin to self-massage using a foam roller CARDIOVASCULAR hair and nail growth. Healthy fats keep to release muscle tightness and increase runs the body well. the body warm and lubricate joints. blood circulation. Build your heart’s stamina to efficiently For vitamins and minerals, So, put away your gadgets and Acarry healthy oxygen heart and nutrients to the consume leafy vegetables and fruits spend time meditating on the Word of body’s tissues and expel carbon of various colours as these are the God as you continue on your fitness dioxide. Switch up your daily exercise nutrition ‘nuts and bolts’ for healthy journey! regime with walking, jogging, bodily functions. Drop fanciful diets – swimming or cycling. they never work in the long run!

FLEXIBILITY band, muscles get stiff from long hours of sitting or inactivity.Like a rubber Always start your workout sessions with basic warm-ups and dynamic stretching to increase your blood circulation and range of motion. Stretching also helps to regulate Beetroot Pasta breathing and releases muscle tightness to prevent injuries.

Breakfast of scrambled eggs, bread and fruits

Hazel is a fitness trainer who runs a fitness Grilled chicken and French beans centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

26 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 TOP 3 FITNESS TIPS

The Marathon Woman BY GOH CHEE BENG

most is crossing the finishing line. lot of things. Flowers, beautiful sceneries and the In 2016 alone, Cynthia Low competed in eight long- likesn today’s pass us hectic by unnoticed. world, we tend to miss a distance runs, ending the year with a full 42-km marathon Not for Cynthia Low who hails from Seremban, in Chiangmai, Thailand. INegri Sembilan. This mother of two adults and grandmother Cynthia continues her passion for long-distance running of four runs three nursing convalescent homes and a baby- this year by competing in the 10-km Police Run Shah mother care centre. However, her hectic schedule did not Alam and 10-km KL Marathon. She has signed up for a few stop her from taking up running, which has turned into more marathons for the rest of 2017, including the 10-km competing in marathons! Bakuteh Run, 21-km Firefighters Night Run and 21-km Cynthia, 62, started running with weekly jogs two years Highway Challenge. ago as part of her regular exercise. “As I jogged, I noticed When asked what motivates her to continue running at the details of so many things along the way since running her age, she says, “To run in a marathon, one must run with is much slower than driving. I found time to reflect and determination the race ahead. It is taxing on the body when appreciate what I saw.” you’re doing it. Nothing comes easy. For example, halfway Within a short two years, Cynthia graduated from casual through the marathon, I would wonder why I’m running jogging to competing in several long-distance runs last year, when I can be enjoying myself or relaxing. So, I have to an amazing feat considering that she could not even run 100 refocus and remind myself why I signed up for the run.” meters without fainting during her school days. “I love the feeling of ‘wow’ when I’m reaching the To run long distances, Cynthia started training by finishing line and the joy of crossing it. I feel the sense of walking and gradually moved to jogging two to five joy and satisfaction after each run. Never underestimate kilometres. your capability to run in a marathon. Start slow, learn along Her first run was the 22-km Skyhawk Nature Run the way and you’ll improve with practice. There are always other runners who are better but a marathon is not about a seasoned marathon runner, came to know about her who finishes first. We are not there to beat or compare participationin Malacca in andJanuary told 2016.her some Her horrorfellow runner,stories ofwho long- is ourselves with others but to encourage one another on. In a distance running without sufficient training. Before this run, run, we are actually running against ourselves.” Cynthia had only two weeks of intensive training! Marathon reminds Cynthia of running the race of God1 “My trainer told me to run behind him during training, with endurance. She observes that in every marathon, to start slow at my comfortable pace and never overtake everyone runs but runners who finish within the qualifying him as I would burn out and perhaps quit,” says Cynthia. time will get a medal. All runners are required to be This advice made sense as running behind her trainer would disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize help him to assess her strengths and weaknesses. that will fade away, but we believers run for the eternal During training, she learned to be patient and not prize. Therefore, let us run every step with purpose.2 be intimidated by runners who were ahead during a competition. She also learned that a runner must run at his/ 1 Hebrews 12:1 her own tempo, gradually building up speed. What matters 2 Philippians 3:24-26

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 27 khoo FEATURE natashya : credits

Metamorphosis: photo Pain, Passion and Purpose When over 450 women came together in one place, exciting things happened, as in the case of the ESSENTIAL2017 All-Women Conference on March 17-18. With exciting activities and a great line-up of real women sharing their unique stories of growing in faith, many were inspired to live more fulfilled, faith-filled lives. BY ANNA TEOH

BECOMING A WOMAN OF FAITH “I didn’t bring you to Uganda to be paralysed by fear, but for a purpose.” Marilyn Skinner tells the story of how God took her on a journey of choosing obedience over convenience after marrying her missionary husband, Gary Skinner, at 18. "Faith has enemies and friends. Among its enemies are fear, which renders faith powerless; and blessing, which rids us of our need for God. Faith’s best friend is the fire, trials we face in life which serve to strengthen us." Marilyn shares how in the first decade of their mission in rescuing war child soldiers, hope seemed bleak – yet she and her husband persisted. Today, after 32 years in Uganda, the Watoto Childcare Ministries that they established cares for more than 3,000 Ugandan children orphaned by HIV/ AIDS. The couple also leads Watoto Church with over 24,000 members. "What is the secret to miracles? Persistence. God uses ordinary women who step in to meet needs, and who are passionate and persistent. As women offaith, at the end of our lives, it would be an honour for our tombstones to read, ‘She never gave up’."

CAN A WOMAN SAVE A She shares her story with heartfelt God will give us the resources. NATION? conviction, of saying “yes” to God at “Think big, because God is big!” every step of the way, trading excuses “Everything is possible for one who A petite young lady who came to for His promises. And in just seven believes.”“‘If you – can’?”Mark 9:23 said Jesus. Malaysia for work to support her years, her cell group has grown from family back home at the age of 16, 10 people to the dynamic Myanmar A CHRIST-CENTERED WOMAN IN her dream then was to own a mobile congregation at DUMC, with a regular THE WORKPLACE phone, just like her friends. But attendance of 800 members today. Her The marketplace is where many young God had much bigger plans for life is a true testament that God can women today spend their time. At the Pr Sarah Aye. use any one of us. If we only believe, Women@Work workshop, one of 10

28 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 and crystallised through hardship. Start small and finish well.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES | Be tactful and diplomatic. Be clear on what you will not compromise on, for example, Sunday mornings for church.

JUGGLING WORK AND HOME | Seek help from those around you. Work-life balance/integration can be achieved when your compass is pointing to the True North.

DEALING WITH FAVOURITISM | Where is your identity? Remember, Faith has enemies and friends. Among its you are a child of God. enemies are fear, which renders faith powerless; LOVING PEOPLE | We represent and blessing, which rids us of our need for God. God’s justice. The marketplace is our Faith’s best friend is the fire, trials we face in life place to reach out. which serve to strengthen us. Put God, not yourself, at the centre of your work. We are the alternate community that the world looks at to represent Christ.

WHAT IS YOUR STORY? What has God given into your hands, and what can you do with it? Are you often caught up in what’s happening daily that you forget you are in the middle of a story? Stella Hoh, who leads the

recaps the conference with a timely reminderWomen2Women for all women (W2W) to movement, write their stories for themselves – to surrender their pains to God and allow Him to available for conference attendees EXCELLENCE | Your work has transform them into passionate women to choose from, conversations were intrinsic value, because it is for God. with a purpose in Him. thought-provoking and animated. Your work is a reflection of your The forum discussion with Eileen, value system. In everything you do, an International Policy Analyst; represent God. Seek not to please Essential is one of the avenues Rosie, mother of two and owner of people, but God. used by the W2W movement in a recruitment firm; and Lai Ling, DUMC to reach out to women, a partner in a law firm, covered GRIT | In the early years, you have providing a platform for them to various challenges faced by working to put in the hours to prove yourself. come together to learn and connect women. A few nuggets of wisdom: Your calling is sometimes birthed with other women.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 29 FEATURE:FEATURE FAMILY

MY STRAYING SONS

BY ONG JUAT HENG

ne day some 22 years ago, when

four years old, he said, “Mummy, I our eldest boy, Joshua, was about Oa young, fiery mother, I shot, “WHAT?! WHY don’t want Jesus in my heart.” As looked at me innocently and said, “I want him toDON’T come YOU out WANTof my heartJESUS?!” so I Mycan little hug him.”boy Phew… I heaved a sigh of relief. All was well.

30 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 “… there must I looked into the Bible and found was seven years old, he had a dream. some 'comfort' in the accounts of great When our second boy, Joseph, come a time men of God whose children did not turn out well. The sons of the mighty He told Joshua about it who excitedly when the soul prophet Samuel “did not walk in his wonderfultold me, and dream I still lastremember night.” AndJoshua’s ways; they turned aside after dishonest words clearly, “Mom, Joe had a searching gain, took bribes and perverted heaven, what he saw there, that he met turns into Joseph told me about his dream of children and some were downright surrender.” bad.justice”. Adam (1 Samueland Eve 8:3) had Davida godly had son many in JesusI heaved and he aknew sigh of straightaway joy, praising thatGod for Abel and a murderer in Cain. Are some man was Jesus, etc. children “bent” towards evil? I wonder. there’s anything I have learned about But there must come a time when melodygiving Joseph on his the lips. dream. When All he was was well. about our millennials, it’s that they hate the soul searching turns into surrender. two,Then he would came climb James, on born to our with small a hypocrisy. After all, I can’t turn back the clock plastic orange chair, raise his hands As I watched them slide away, I and undo my wrongs. All I can do is to in the air, close his eyes and belt out, began to do a lot of soul searching – come humbly before God, confess my “I worship you, Almighty God, there is where did I go wrong? am I the cause? shortcomings, ask Him for forgiveness none like you…” When he was eight or what have I done? what HAVEN’T I and entreat Him to impart wisdom and nine years old, he attended a children’s done? Perhaps I should have been a grace to be a better mother. prayer conference organised by NECF better mother. Perhaps I should have To parents whose grown-up Malaysia and during a prayer session, spent more time with them and less children are walking well with God, he fell to the floor and saw a vision of time on housework. Perhaps I should give Him praise and glory, for it really is heaven. have been gentler, godlier. Maybe I His gracious hand upon their lives. I heaved a sigh of thanksgiving to should have not been so busy with To parents like me whose children God for working in his life. All was well. church activities and spent more time need a spiritual zap, let us release Fast forward many, many years praying with them instead. Maybe I them to God. Pray that He will continue today and I still heave a sigh. Many should have been a better wife to their to reveal Himself to them and that sighs, in fact but they are more like … father, gentler, more submissive… they will personally experience Him. "Haiyoh, why are they like this now?" Indeed, there are no second-generation You see, over the years, I’ve watched INTO ETERNITY Christians – our children need to with deep concern, almost alarm, as Now, why am I so fixated on my encounter God for themselves. their exuberance for God wane and children’s spiritual state? Like any And let us hope. Yes, hope that they withered. regular parent, I want my children to will come around to know and have be smart, successful, good looking, a vibrant, intimate relationship with TURNING COLD talented, athletic, popular, etc. etc. But From their teen years to college to more than anything, my chief desire returned from the US for the summer the present, I watched their hearts for the trio has always been that they break.Jesus. Our Before youngest he left son,last James,year, he just was gradually become cool to the things of far, far away from God. We sent him to the Spirit. Slowly, questions and doubts success, talents, good looks and the Messiah College to do a double degree about what they have been taught in likehave are a relationship temporal and with fleeting. Jesus becauseBut their in Musical Theatre and International church crept into their hearts and froze relationship with God lasts to eternity; Business. Two days after his return, their fervour. Is God really real? Can it goes on forever and ever. I asked him how he was spiritually, the Bible be trusted? Is there really life During my soul searching, I made whether he was “alive”. He said yes, and after death? Did we really come from this observation – there are good godly expressed much gratitude for studying Adam and Eve? Are Adam and Eve even Christians who have devoted their lives in a faith-based college. I see sparks of real?… to raising their children in the ways of revival in his life and I continue to pray Going to church eventually became God but whose children have wandered and hope for the other two boys. a non-priority, and when they do far away; and there are lukewarm I don’t know how they will finally show up for Sunday Service, it’s “to Christians who don’t care much about turn out, even after all my prayers and see friends and have lunch with them” spiritual matters but their children are efforts because I’m a firm believer of walking rightly with God. It seems as if free will. But this I know – God hears when I asked them why they go to what we parents do doesn’t matter. my prayers, He loves my children far church.(their words). That’s their instant reply Of course there are godly parents more than I do and He knows what to No, they were not bragging, whose children have grown up to do. On that I rest. certainly not in the it’s-good-to-be- (P/S: I have permission from my sons to share bad way; they were being honest. If our children will turn out? this story.) follow Jesus but can we guarantee how

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 31 FEATURE AN EXTREMELY LATE ANSWER I mentioned Ursula Kohler and Irene Neville, who came to Serdang as missionaries in 1952. They had spent time studying Chinese until they couldn my storyread the “Long Chinese live Bible. the missionaries”, Upon their arrival in Serdang, they were unpleasantly surprised to find that the locals in the new Ivillage could not read Chinese or speak Mandarin; their lingua-franca was Hakka. Another round of learning began. They engaged a teacher at 50 Malayan cents an hour to teach them to read the Bible in Hakka. I remember Ursula mentioning a young man who had taught her to read the Bible in Hakka but he was a hardcore atheist, totally unmoved by the words of Scriptures despite her long and hard prayers for him.

the Canadian missionary BY DR ONG HWEE KENG Oct. 6, 1974. It was my baptism gift who came to Serdang in the 1980s, from TLC on my unforgettable day. usedFerne to Blair, inquire about Mr Chen, God to do what Elder Henry had urged So, 40 years after my baptism, Monica’s father who lived next to the me to. I was psychologically prepared I returned to TLC, armed with my church. I remember Mr Chen was to live and serve God in a rural area baptism gift. To everyone who asked hostile to the church although all his since I was studying agriculture. me why I had come to TLC, I showed children were believers. Some Serdang However, when I graduated, I was my book. I was now well-qualified folks identified him as the teacher sent to work at the headquarters of to be a senior citizen, so naturally I who taught the missionaries to read an agricultural research institute joined the Senior Members’ Fellowship the Bible in Hakka. He later regretted situated next to the then Agricultural teaching the missionaries and became University in Serdang. there was an invited speaker, there hostile to the church. It could be that I was in a dilemma. Serdang was would(SMF) ofbe TLC. a subsequent At the SMF, group whenever there were two teachers, one teaching neither a city nor a rural area. Riding discussion based on the topic that day. Ursula and Irene, and another teaching my motorcycle, I would reach TLC At one meeting, there was an 80-year- Ferne Blair. Whichever the case, I from Serdang in half an hour. If I went old brother named Wong Pak Leong in didn’t think much about the Hakka back to TLC, Elder Henry might say, my group. Upon learning that I came teacher since he was either a hardcore “You have come back to the bright from Serdang, he talked incessantly atheist or hostile to the church. Ursula lights of the city!” So I decided to take about Serdang Baru. No matter what told me she and Irene prayed very my bike for a survey of the area. I question the group leader asked, he hard for their Hakka teacher. If it was soon found out that the most densely would turn to me and talk about his Mr Chen, I wouldn’t want to tell her populated area was Serdang Baru, the Serdang days! Finally, the leader had since he was still hostile to the church second largest new village in Malaysia no choice but to ask him to keep quiet at the time of my visit to Ursula. then. Once, I rode so deep into the and talk to me privately later! To continue this story, I have to village that I got lost. While trying This is what Wong Pak Leong told tell my story. I was baptised by Elder to come back to the main road, lo me: “I was a 17-year-old student when and behold, I found this little church Ursula Kohler and Irene Neville came named Serdang Baru Christian Church to Serdang Baru in 1952. I studied studentHenry Philips at the ofUniversity The Life Chapelof Malaya. (TLC) At at the Confucian High School in the thatin Petaling time, TLC Jaya met in 1974 on the when first Ifloor was a I stayed with SBCC for 37 years. morning and the nearby Methodist of a shop lot. After finding out that I Many(SBCC). things The happenedrest is history. and one day, it Afternoon School in the afternoon. studied agriculture, Elder Henry said dawned on me that I had fulfilled my So I know both Chinese and English to me, “Don’t try to come back to TLC. pledge to God. I was retired and no languages. But I was influenced more Never be attracted to the bright lights longer gainfully employed. It was time deeply by my Chinese education of the city here. Where God sends you to let younger people take over. than my Western one. I had some to work after your graduation, you One day, while sitting in my living knowledge of the Bible but only in my serve God there. If there is no church room and staring at my bookshelf, I head and not in my heart. My parents where God sends you to, you come spotted a paperback book. It was “The were Hakka and I grew up in a Hakka back to see me. TLC will help you to Christian Workers’ Commentary on kampong near Serdang. With my plant a church there.” background I was recommended to After my baptism, I was on fire to turned yellowish. On its inside front earn some needed money by teaching serve the Lord. I actually pledged to coverthe Whole was aBible” type-written by James note Gray. dated It had two missionaries, Ursula Kohler from

32 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 AN EXTREMELY LATE ANSWER Switzerland and Irene Neville from school and was a self-confessed inconveniently far for me. Rev. Eu then Australia, to read the Bible in Hakka. I Christian. Probably he mistook me to graciously recommended me to attend did that only for money. In those days, be a Christian too! So my part-time 50 cents an hour was very good money job with the church not only earned for a youth like me. me money but also saved me from peopleThe Life like Chapel me in (TLC) the Senior in Petaling Member “They always prayed for me and potential detention. Fellowship.Jaya, where Ithere have are been many a regular retired urged me to become a Christian “After I finished Senior Middle worshipper in TLC ever since.” Three, I continued my studies at After listening to his testimony, saviour. I never wanted to oblige Nanyang University in Singapore. I said to him, “Don’t get me wrong. them.by accepting I often Jesushad to as work my personal in my family Upon graduating from Nanyang rambutan cum star fruit orchard. In University, I was a confirmed hardcore heaven one day, Ursula and Irene will the isolation of the orchard full of atheist with a socialist mindset. But to askJust you,take ‘What it as a tookjoke. you When so long?'"you get to trees, members of CPM (Communist make sure my children are bilingual He laughed and said, “You must like me, I sent them to English mission remember it is very difficult for brainwash me. I would not say I was a schools. To my shock, all of them a hardcore atheist with an anti- communist,Party of Malaya) but my would sympathy come tolay with became devoted Christians. When they colonialistic mindset to believe in God. them. I disliked what the British were started working, I was very upset to In fact, I later realised how difficult it doing in Malaya and I thought that discover that they gave one-tenth of was for Ursula and Irene to literally the Christian churches were helping their earnings, not to me but to their survive in Serdang in those days. to fulfill the British agenda because church! They frequently prayed for People hated the British for keeping the Bible taught people to obey the me and invited me to go to church. But them in detention in the so-called New authorities of the day. I never showed any interest, until I Village. I had believed that the British “The so-called new villages were retired at 55 years of age. My children government supplied the clinic with settlements to keep the Chinese under challenged me to go to church and see medicine to the foreign nurses so that control since the British suspected for myself that Christians were not they could provide the free medical them to be either communists or what I thought. care for the locals. I was wrong. It was communist sympathisers. The scheme “One day after my retirement, provided by China Inland Mission that was planned and implemented by I decided to follow my children to collected donations from Christians. General Briggs. We were rounded They actually worked under hostile up within a fenced area. Food was there were many old boys from Bukit circumstances but they persevered rationed and entry and exit needed BintangFull Gospel Boys’ Tabernacle School. True (FGT), enough, where and won the hearts of many locals for special passes. I was hunted down I realised that Christians were not their care and concern. by a Special Branch officer and was what I thought. By that time, nobody, Anyway, to answer that question, I on the point of being detained for including myself, had any animosity will say, ‘It is better late than never’!” interrogation when the Serdang with the British as coloniser. I began to As we bade goodbye that afternoon read the Bible, and my spiritual insight at TLC, I asked myself whether I would chairman came to my aid. He asked was heightened when I read about have met Ursula and Irene’s Hakka theMCA Special (Malayan Branch Chinese officer Association) how this Christ’s saying that His Kingdom is not teacher if I had not returned to TLC. young man could be a communist of this world. I realised that this world Irene went to be with the Lord in when he was always helping out in the is in a mess. Neither communism nor 1988. Ursula was called home in 2012, clinic run by two foreign nurses in the capitalism means anything. There is without knowing about Pak Leong’s local church. corruption everywhere in the world. conversion. If Pak Leong was 17 years “’You see, I am the Chairman of It is a matter of degree. The world is old in 1952 and came to Christ at the evil due to the sinful nature of every age of 57, the year of his spiritual birth and he is my Secretary. Further, he is man. There is eternity and I need must have been 1992, four years after teachingSerdang Branchthe two St. foreign John Ambulanceladies in the the home-calling of Irene Neville. I got church how to speak Hakka!’” my personal Saviour and Lord, at a to hear Pak Leong’s testimony only in The Special Branch officer latesalvation. age of Finally, 57. I was I accepted baptised Jesus by Rev. as 2015. decided to close the file on me, after Eu Hong Seng who soon became my Was it God’s way of telling me that confirming I was indeed teaching spiritual leader. After some time, I He had answered the missionaries’ two missionaries in the church. He moved to stay in SS2 area in Petaling long and hard prayers, even though it had himself also attended a mission had seemed very late?

Jaya, and going to FGT became ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 33 7 Ways to Be Nice to Your Eyes Reduce Eye Strain from Electronic Devices

The 21st Century has seen a surge in eye-related health issues due to increased exposure to laptops and mobile phones. Here are seven simple tips to take care of your precious sight. BY JOANNA LEE

Reduce blue light emission from your Use anti-glare screens or wear anti- device – blue light can harm our retinas glare glasses to reduce glare from 1 in the long run and disrupt our sleep 4 the computer and even wall surfaces patterns. Install free blue-light filter software, reflecting into the eyes. such as f.lux: for desktops or Twilight for mobile phones. Big is better – increase your font size to 5 reduce eye strain. Blink often – use the 20:20:20 rule – every 2 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away Stop looking at the mobile phone or laptop for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain. 6 screen about one hour before you sleep. Let there be light! Switch on the lights while Eye see the eye doctor – go for regular 3 looking at the computer or mobile phone 7 eye examinations to detect issues and get to reduce strain from the light coming from advice on how to take care of your eyes. the screen. Contrast between the screen and the room’s lighting can strain your eyes. Protect your God-given sight.

34 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ADVERTORIAL

Escaping from the debt web

By Joanna Lee

My credit card debt was getting out of control. wanted to overcome. By His grace, today, I am able to live on I knew I needed help for the long term, not just another less than half my income, which means I can whittle down rescue. The thought of being forever trapped in the vicious my debt figure by about 70 percent in less than half a year. cycle of getting into snowballing credit card debts, of living It has really been a joy seeing the credit card statement’s paycheck to paycheck and having my shrinking savings amount shrink while I surrender my fanciful desires. I feel spiralled me deeper into depression. With tears in my eyes, as if God wants me to learn that we need to do our part to manage things while trusting Him for the future. for Crown Financial’s contact number as he had spoken highlyfeeling about wretched, the transformation I reached out to he text had my gone mentor, through Josh, via TOTAL TRUST MoneyLife, a course on financial management based on One of the challenges I faced during that period was that biblical principles. I spoke with Yoke Tee of Crown Financial there were completely no open doors for extra income. I and he said there was a class that very night. I signed up had experienced God’s miraculous provisions many times immediately and prayed hard to never be found in the same in the past, with jobs that paid the exact amount that I had sinking situation again. owed. This time around was different. It was as if He really The first lesson was about having hope for my financial wanted me to go through the desert period (with a very situation. I loved the story of Ernest Shackleton’s dogged determination to make sure all his men survived diseases issues was. while waiting for rescue in the wretched, bitter climate of ‘deserted’I discovered wallet) that to find the onlyout what way toexactly save ifthe I didn’t root of have my the Antarctica after their ship had sunk. That story lent me extra jobs was to discipline my own spending. It turned out some courage to drop a small anchor of hope somewhere He wanted me to work on my own self-control! What an in the deep ocean of frustrations. Initially, I found having hope hard to swallow because it had been a long journey period, there was one offer for an extra job that came along, of being in and out of debt. The shame of it all can be quite anamazing, answer wise to our (and small humorous) group’s prayers.Father we That have. helped After pay that off debilitating but I persevered and prayed to go through the more of the debt. process to root out old habits. There’s really no other way I was also touched by hearing testimonies of how but to look up when you’re truly down. restored relationships through the power of forgiveness and restorative steps even brought about financial MONEY LESSONS breakthroughs. I worked through my own issues with God The engaging course materials each week began to as well. Yoke Tee’s discipling us through the small groups dismantle old thoughts as I came face to face with Scriptural and giving us creative “homework” also helped challenge truths. There was no magic. Only the painful realisation of me to think of entrepreneurial ideas and at the same time, where I had gone wrong. The poverty mindset. The hoarding increased my desire to trust wholeheartedly in the Holy of things caused by a fear of lack. All these wrong beliefs Spirit’s guidance in my daily life. were roots to the behaviour which I had to deal with. What MoneyLife has given me practical tools to undo and the Word says about “the truth shall set you free” is real. I rebuild my previous foundational beliefs about money was so glad to see how Scriptures can be applied to daily based on His word. I haven’t really got everything down financial decisions through Yoke Tee’s sharing of his and pat. I still struggle with self-discipline. But through the others’ financial testimonies. I actually marvelled at him lessons and ensuing months of learning how to manage and his wife’s commitment to be faithful stewards of His my expenditures, I’ve been blessed with a sense of hope money in their tracking of finances. That gave me an insight that as long as we never give up overcoming, we will find that true wealth isn’t about having lots but being faithful victory over our circumstances. I’m thankful for my small stewards over what we have in order to live meaningfully group’s sharing of their thoughts and insights, which has and serve others. also provoked my own. This has been a most encouraging What I’ve learned from MoneyLife isn’t only about channel through real life testimonies pointing to His love money but how our finances are tied to our calling and and His desire for us to venture out to become wiser and our personalities. It doesn’t take rocket science to see that stronger for His kingdom. personalities that are less structured (ahem, the creative

MONEYLIFE is an in-depth 10-week biblical personal discipline. But I found that it’s really a mindset issue as finance study. This study can be conducted through well.type) The have pain a challenging of living in time debt tracking reminded and me keeping how much to self- I online meeting or small group study. Course fee: RM200 wanted to get out of this “jail”. I didn't want to be numbered per person. For registration, contact 0163238044 or email among the 47 percent of young adults in Malaysia living with [email protected] serious debt issues, with many facing bankruptcy. I really

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 35 The Crisis of Truth

by Anna Teoh

a world wheree live in truth has become a thing of the past. The Oxford Dictionary named post-truth as Word of the Year 2016, a worrying Wreflection of the disposition of our generation to blatantly ignore the Number of Google searches for the term “viral” in Malaysia, Jan 2014-March 2017 truth, to stay oblivious to the obvious – and to choose, either consciously or subconsciously, to make judgments snug fit around the waist. pursue the truth of God’s Word; hold it based on feelings rather than objective Truth is a light that shines on the close, never let it slip away even for a facts. crevices of our hearts. It is a mirror with moment. As a loose belt is ineffective, Google Trends reveals Malaysians’ no distortion, silently revealing to us a loose grip on truth is also useless. increasing interest in viral content who we really are, graciously giving us Truth is what holds your entire armour an accurate view of our own strengths together as you stand firm to fight the our attention to frivolous, unverified and weaknesses, gently urging us to battles of everyday life – unpredictable, contents(see screenshot circulating on the rapidly right), on giving the acknowledge our sins and insecurities. exhilarating, bittersweet. Internet. Truth shows us our insufficiency on You do not change the truth; it We are a society distracted and our own. It points us towards our utter, changes you. overwhelmed. We prioritise appeal desperate need of a Saviour. It suggests to the masses, have fewer concrete that perhaps our greatest vocation in moral absolutes, and loosely consider this lifetime is to seek and to find the versions of the truth as shaky benchmarks upon which to make am the way, the truth, and the life.” decisions. We build our houses upon sourceTruth of truthis the Himself. straight Jesuspath thatsays, “I sand. And if we do not pause to test the beckons us to walk upon it. It is the pillars of what we believe in, it is only a compass that guides our daily choices; matter of time before we find ourselves it wields control over our thoughts and crumbling under the pressures of daily speech as we conform our wills to its life. ways. It is a path narrow and at times Anna Teoh writes digital advertising copy, and The apostle Paul instructs us to put lonely; such is the unlikely road that professes a love for beautiful charts. She believes on the Armour of God, the first piece paves the way to eternal life. in the power of the pen in bringing people of which is the Belt of Truth – girded In a post-truth economy, what is together. Born and bred in Malacca, she enjoys rainy mornings and long walks on the beach. tightly, buckled on confidently, with a scarce is of high value. So, diligently

36 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 STRESS

EXERCISE | Exercising regularly helps you to BUSTERS release stress and promotes health. You can start BY JOYCELYN LOH 1 with walking around the park or some other simple stretching exercises. 7 Proverbs 24:5: “A wise man is full of strength, and a man of LAUGH | Laughter releases endorphins that knowledge enhances his might.” improve mood and decrease levels of the stress- 5 causing hormones cortisol and adrenaline. So, laugh ENOUGH SLEEP AND REST | Eight hours of out loud! sleep and rest will reduce your stress. So, turn off Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a 2 your TV earlier, dim the lights and give yourself time crushed spirit dries up the bones.” to relax before going to bed. Psalm 62:5: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God: my hope comes from DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY | Take some him.” time to do something you enjoy – having a cup of 6 coffee, gardening, reading, hanging out with friends, BALANCED DIET | Stress levels and diet are etc. closely related. Research shows that fish with high Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So I commend the enjoyment of life, 3 levels of Omega-3 fatty acids helps in reducing the because there is nothing better for a person under the sun symptoms of stress. than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting under the sun.” along3 John well.” 1:2: LISTEN TO MUSIC | Research shows that RELAX AND BREATHE | Breathing exercises are listening to soothing music can lower blood something that everyone can do at any place and 7 pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Of course, you can 4 any time. Take 3 to 5 minutes to breathe in and out always play music that you can sing at the top of slowly. Deep breathing oxygenates your blood and your lungs as well! clears your mind. Psalm 59:16: “I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of Psalm 23:2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.”

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 37 FEATURE

WOUNDED SOLDIER BY CHRIS KAM

they will be inflicted on other people, tuning forks resonating to anything a pastor, I have recognised that causing even greater wounds. In some that will bring out the hurt in us. The nthe my unseen 23 years inner of emotional ministry as sense, they are “transferable”. Decent- Enemy takes cognizance of that and wounds are sometimes deadlier looking men or women may carry inner uses it to his full advantage in going thanI physical wounds. All physical wounds, passing unnoticed until they against everything our Heavenly Father wounds eventually heal, leaving behind rear their ugly heads. Inner wounds are treasures – people like you and me. nothing more than an unsightly scar. inflicted in so many different ways and In the battle field, the Enemy has We know our physical wounds are can even cripple a person for life. a simple strategy – to wound or maim healed when there’s no longer any pain a soldier so that it takes another one when we press on them. Our body is a THE DEEPEST CUT to care for him. The army’s fighting miraculous creation of God that heals Nothing hurts a person more than strength diminishes at least two-fold itself. unkind words. The tongue has great every time a soldier is wounded because Emotional wounds are a different power. King Solomon said, “The tongue it will take a healthy one to attend to story altogether. It can remain with has the power of life and death, and the wounded and carry him off the field. us for the rest of our lives. The wound those who love it will eat its fruit.” Now, that is a powerful strategy. In fact, opens up or closes, depending on our some weapons are designed purely to receptivity for help. Some wounds Unkind words maim a person maim and wound as they leave a lasting never fully recover until we die. The for(Proverbs life so much 18:21) so that the wounds crippling effect on the rest. worst part of emotional wounds is that caused in the human soul become like How is this worked out in reality?

38 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 The battle field of spiritual warfare is in our minds. That’s why our minds must be held captive by God and His Word.

be held captive by God and His Word. formation. There must be complete Church leaders today are often trust of the person behind you! preoccupied with tending to the hurts Let’s keep vigilant as a Body of of fellow Christians through counselling Christ so that we do not allow the and prayer so much so that they are Enemy to cast suspicion on one crippled in effective ministry to the another. The Enemy knows he is lost. There are many wounded disciples powerless with a frontal attack because Christ has nullified his power through more healthy Christians to tend to the the cross. His strategy is to cast discord oneof Jesus wounded Christ Christian. and it will This take is one not or an among God’s people. If we recognise issue as it is the ministry of the Church that strategy, then we can overcome the to bring about healing and wholeness. Enemy by simply practising what God But when the Enemy continues to fester commanded: “And this is his command: the wounds, opening them before they to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus are fully healed, that’s when it becomes Christ, and to love one another as he a problem. commanded us.” Hence, one of the most powerful UNDIVIDED BODY weapons of spiritual (1 Jn warfare 3:23) is love. Our challenge often is not from Without love, we are a resounding gong without, but from within. That’s why Christians are exhorted by our Lord nothing and we gain nothing. Out of and the apostles to love one another. In theor clanging triad of Faith,cymbal Hope (1 Cor. and 13). Love, We the are

We must recognise that loving and tofact build Jesus up prays one anotherfor us about and thethis best (John likinggreatest can of be these mutually is Love. exclusive. (1 Cor. 13:13). We strategy17). The thecommunity Enemy can of God deploy is called is to may not necessarily like a person, but cause Christians to hurt one another. we are commanded to love. We hope Apostle Paul warns the Church against that we can eventually like too, but we “quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, don’t have to be prevented from loving. factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” keep ourselves emotionally healthy He speaks strongly against and Sospiritually as disciples strong of Jesus by loving Christ, let’s lawsuits among (2 Cor. fellow 12:20) believers one another. It starts from our own without exhausting the avenue of household.

The Enemy will wound as many as he the creation of factions within the can so that Christians will be distracted Christian mediation (1 Cor. 6:1-8) and to tend to the wounded and not be disunite the Church by false doctrines involved in the battle out there for andChurch encouraging (1 Cor. 3). “unhealthy He abhors interestthose who in the souls of men and women in the controversies and quarrels about words kingdom of darkness. Counselling and that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, ministry for Christians keep the Church evil suspicions and constant friction busy in tending to the wounded. Broken between men of corrupt mind.” (1 Tim. relationships, hurtful words, unkind actions, etc. are all weapons of spiritual It reminds us to remain united warfare. When the Enemy gets the and6:4b-5a) loving in the face of the Enemy’s Chris Kam is currently the Senior Pastor of Damansara Utama Methodist Church(DUMC) man, he gets the whole family and the onslaught. The Greek army's phalanx and was instrumental in the transitioning Church springs into action, deploying formation, a densely-packed line of and development of DUMC as a Cell Church. precious resources for counselling heavily armed infantry soldiers, is a Married to Stella, they have three growing and ministry to what could have been good illustration of how we can stay sons, Ian, Shaun and Ashton. An electrical engineer by training, Pastor Chris is avoided in the first place as disciples of undivided. The phalanx is formidable passionate about people and training them as a battle field formation that is almost to achieve their potential in life. Inspiring, The battle field of spiritual warfare is impenetrable. The vulnerable part of equipping and modelling are the three key inJesus our Christ. minds. That’s why our minds must the group is the members within the words in his vision.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 39 FEATURE

Powerof the Spoken

WordBY DR LIM POH ANN

Speaking forth and declaring the truth in spiritual warfare

40 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 release that faith by speaking to the mountain. weapons such as the helmet, breastplate and shield, nwhich spiritual merely warfare,protect us andwe empkeeploy our defensiveenemy at bay. seemed to be telling them, “You may think that the mountain While having a solid defence is good, we must not Jesus told them, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). He forgetI to take the offensive. We must learn how to wield nothing is impossible when you have faith.” and thrust the weapon of offence – the Sword of the Spirit – (obstacle“Truly, or I sayproblem) to you, you whoever are facing says isto insurmountable this mountain, ‘Be but taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will whichin the wilderness?is the Word ofHe God countered (Ephesians Satan’s 6:10-18). lies by proclaiming the truthHow didfound Jesus in God’sovercome word. the Physically, devil when he Hewas was at His tempted Apart from having faith, there is a need to declare the weakest moment after a 41-day fast when Satan tempted truthbe done or expectedfor him” (Mark outcome 11: –23). speak to the mountain. We must speak out what we believe is true and in accordance There were three different attempts by Satan to make with God’s will. theHim Son (Matthew of God fall.4:1-11). He challenged the Son of God to: For positive results, our tongue must align itself with – Command the stones to turn into bread. our belief. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and

– Fall down to worship the devil in exchange for all the kingdoms– Jump of down the world. from the highest point of the temple. bythose rebuking who love the it evil will spirit eat its in fruit”the demon-possessed (Proverbs 18:21). boy: “You muteOn and another deaf spirit, occasion, I command Jesus exercised you, come spiritual out of himauthority and

quotingFor eachthree of times Satan’s from temptations, the book of Jesus Deuteronomy: overcame the To be effective in the spiritual warfare, we need faith. attacker– Man with does the not Word live ofon God. bread Jesus alone, rebuked but on Satan every by word Asnever we enterdiligently him studyagain” God’s (Mark word, 9:25b). our faith (shield that

refused to obey the devil’s instructions to turn the stones our rightful position in Christ – that Satan had already been intothat bread.comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deut. 8:3). Jesus protects us from Satan’s arrows) is strengthened. We know authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over resisted the devil by not jumping down from the temple. defeated by Jesus at the cross. “He disarmed the rulers and – FearYou must only notthe Lordtest the your Lord God; your you God shall (Deut. worship 6:16). him Jesus Believers need to know that we are stronger than the evil WordBY DR LIM POH ANN onethem because in him” He (Colossians who is in us2:15). is greater than he who is in the refusing to worship the devil. (Deut. 6:13). Jesus overcame the temptationScriptures. of power by His parents found him sitting in the temple, learning from worldThus, (1 John we need 4:4). toAnd constantly when we embrace submit ourselves the fact that to GodSatan and is the teachersEven as a and boy, asking Jesus hadthem a questionsfirm grasp beyond of his age alreadyresist the a defeateddevil, the evilfoe. oneWe dowill not flee fight from for us victory. (James We 4:7). merely enforce the victory that Christ has already won for us. with two believers who were walking towards Emmaus, He Every believer needs to declare: “I am a conqueror and confidently(Luke 2:46). referred Later, after to the His ancient resurrection, Sriptures while concerning talking Him, places with Him. Satan is defeated and has no power over In the second temptation, Satan even quoted Scriptures: victorious. I am reigning with Jesus, seated in the heavenly “Throwbeginning yourself with Moses down andand allGod the will prophets send angels (Luke to 24:25-27). bear you While praying and believing are important, we must also boldlyme.” (Romans confront 8:37, evil Ephesiansby proclaiming 2:6). the truth. must not test the Lord your God.” So, we too must not allow In spiritual warfare, being on the defensive is good. But Satanup.” But to Jesustwist withstoodScriptures. Satan’s We must suggestion know how by to saying, rightly “You we have to go on the offensive as well – declare the truth handle the Word: “Be diligent to present yourself approved found in God’s word. to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly The stakes are high in spiritual warfare. What is at stake is the eternal destiny of lost souls. The devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world – is the dividingon His ministry. the word Even of truth” so, we (2 have Timothy to be 2:15).proven faithful spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God These temptations happened before Jesus embarked to demonstrate our ability to overcome trials and testings but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places before we are givencalled the to do honour God’s of work. serving Like Him. Joseph, we have (Ephesians 2:2). We do not wrestle against flesh and blood As God’s kingdom advances, it meets with resistance from(Ephesians the kingdom 6:12). of darkness. For lost souls to be freed neededJesus the knew Word exactly to be victorioushow to wield against the Sword temptation, of the Spirithow from the grip of evil, God’s servants have to be decisive in muchwhen facedmore we,with weak each mortals,of the devil’s need temptation.to be well-equipped If Jesus with overcoming the forces of darkness. We must declare the truth knowledge and understanding of Scriptures. in accordance with Scriptures in order to withstand evil. Let’s examine another occasion that illustrates the power of speaking forth and declaring the truth. The disciples were Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner. He is the former editor of surprised that the fig tree had dramatically withered away as Asian Beacon page, www.facebook.com/AskDrLim, and blog, Porridge for the Soul: (Dec. 2008 – Oct. 2011). He can be reached at his Facebook to teach his disciples the importance of faith and how to http://bit.ly/1ijiXHp a result of Jesus’ curse. The Master then took the opportunity

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 41 MONEY MATTERS Putting on Your Financial Armour

BY RAJEN DEVADASON

of God, namely the Belt of truth, the equipping yourself and your family for appreciate the importance Breastplate of righteousness, the robust financial defence and consistent ofll donningChristians the full should Armour Readiness that comes from the gospel economic advancement, you will put of God, which Paul wrote of peace, the Shield of faith, the Helmet on what I believe to be the full financial Aabout at length in Ephesians chapter 6. of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. armour of an intelligent, proactive Interestingly, Bible scholars are Regardless of whether you think individual. divided as to whether there are six or there are six or seven distinct parts to As a Christian financial planner seven parts to this vital armour. Their that armour, do not get bogged down who aims to serve both believers in confusion arises from the wording in pedantic hair-splitting. What is of of Ephesians 6:18a, “And pray in the greater importance is recognising and even-handed way, please allow me to Jesus Christ and non-Christians in an Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of metaphorically cladding yourself with outline for you the three dimensions of prayers and requests.” all of God’s armour for your spiritual an integrated financial plan. Verses 14 through 17 list the six defence and advancement. They are Wealth Protection, Wealth readily identifiable parts of the Armour I also hope that when it comes to Accumulation and Wealth Distribution.

42 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 I use the mnemonic PAD (which stands cash and low-risk bonds; invest money for Protection, Accumulation and Second Person of the Trinity, is worthy in higher-risk bonds and risk-on asset ofin ourquantum utmost splitting devotion. terms), and the classes such as equities, investment those vital dimensions. I’ll elaborate on In light of this BIG TRUTH, we real estate and alternative investments, allDistribution) three at the to end help of me this remember column. would be wise to be smart about the which include commodities; minimise But before I do so, here are two way we handle our money on Earth. speculative activities and leave unwise salient points for Christians wanting to Money has no role in heaven but it is gambles to the foolish who doom integrate their Christ-centred beliefs necessary for our short lives here and themselves to financial mediocrity or with holistic financial planning. now. worse yet, catastrophic failure. First, I recommend ‘covering’ Second, the Bible makes it clear every personal action concerning that how we handle money here has WEALTH DISTRIBUTION. Write a will wealth-related Protection, repercussions on our rewards or to articulate your preferences, desires Accumulation and Distribution with responsibilities in the afterlife. and convictions for distributing your prayer. One standout Scripture illustrating assets when you are no longer on Earth Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to: “Trust this is Matthew 25:29, near the end of and won’t need them anymore; and, in the Lord with all your heart and lean the famous parable of the talents (or possibly, set up trusts to safeguard not on your own understanding; in all assets from rapacious relatives and your ways submit to Him, and He will key teaching point of that parable: to protect young, immature or naïve make your paths straight.” Common bags“For of gold) whoever where has Jesus will declaresbe given the loved ones, and also to fund causes and sense tells us that if we Christians are charities you care about. (I have curated to submit ALL our ways to God, then Whoever does not have, even what (he a shortlist of causes – secular and that covers every small, medium and more, and (he) will have an abundance. Christian – that will birth snowballing big aspect of life. To better understand this I need benefits to the world, possibly for Interestingly, the Bible makes it youhas) to will momentarily be taken from hold (him).” two opposing centuries, which I freely share with clear that money isn’t one of those ‘big’ ideas in dynamic tension. One: those who believe in doing good today aspects. Yes, in our day and age, we Money isn’t that big a deal, so don’t spend an inordinate amount of time squander your precious life chasing The entire process of strengthening fixated on money – how to get more of after it. Two: How we manage our yourand in personally- leaving legaciescrafted tomorrow.) financial it if we think we don’t have enough; and money in this ephemeral earthly life armour can be nurtured and what to do with it if we are fortunate affects what we receive from – and transformed into a multi-decade enough to have a reasonable amount. get to enjoy later throughout Eternity meaningful and extremely fun And, yes again, we do need to learn with – Jesus. adventure. So, I hope you have how to manage it intelligently, but Bottom line: When we don our full lots of fun learning, tinkering and only because it is a tool that should be financial armour, we focus on meeting experimenting even as you use Earth’s wielded well. the economic requirements of a well- currency as an effective tool. As your You see, money – our tool – must planned earthly life that somehow proficiency in handling money grows, never be allowed to become an idol mysteriously carries over into more I trust you will scrutinise your heart or god to us. The biblical prohibition important aspects of our eternal life so that you never ever allow money to against serving money (mammon or metastasise into a false god. In closing, regardless of your personal best known portions of the Sermon on beliefwith Jesus. system, these are the strategies, © 2017 Rajen Devadason material things) is clear. In one of the actions and relevant financial products us: “No one can serve two masters. for each of the three dimensions of an Eitherthe Mount you (Matthewwill hate the 6:24), one Jesusand love told integrated financial plan: the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot WEALTH PROTECTION. Use life serve both God and money.” insurance and general insurance For those who have fallen into the policies to shift some of the economic folly of elevating mere money to an idol, risks of living in an imperfect world please take a breath and figuratively from yourself to a robustly capitalised step back to better appreciate the truth insurance company; also utilise that money is mere stuff! As such, it is the power of diversification within NOT worthy of excessive allocations of the next dimension of our financial Rajen Devadason, CFP, is a Securities our limited, finite lifetime supplies of Commission-licensed financial planner, professional speaker and author. Read his free our armour’s overarching protective articles at www.FreeCoolArticles.com; he may Christ, the Saviour of the world who shielding.armour (Accumulation) to enhance be connected with on LinkedIn at https://www. diedattention, for us focus on a crueland energy. cross and Only then Jesus linkedin.com/in/rajendevadason, email at rose again, the Creator of the universe WEALTH ACCUMULATION. Save [email protected] and at Twitter @ RajenDevadason (or multiverse, if you prefer to think money in safer asset classes such as

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 43 Work-life Essentials for a healthy hectic balance in life: 5 BY HENG WEI YEE 1. Plan your days ahead so that you have time to do what you need to do and not deal with it later as it comes. 2. Me-time. Avoid activities that are tiring you out. Recreation brings leisure and relaxation. Take some time off to recharge. 3. Get some rest! We should rest when it is time to rest. 4. Learn when to say “No”. Offer help only when you know you are able to handle it. 5. Exercise! A walk in the park, and stretching to a sweat will re-energise the body. ARMOUR

THE HELMET OF THE SHIELD OF FAITH OF GOD Faith is being sure that God SALVATION Put on the Helmet will keep His promises. Faith EPHESIANS 6 of Salvation by in God protects you when you images © eric chew are tempted to doubt. Christ died for your sinsbelieving and rose that again. Jesus

THE BELT OF TRUTH Truth keeps us from giving in to world’s THE BODY ARMOUR OF beliefs. Compare your RIGHTEOUSNESS Righteousness is being honest, truth of the Word of God. good, humble, and fair to beliefs & action to the others. It means standing up for weaker people.

SHOES The Gospel of Peace is being THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT right with God and being God’s Word is our offensive weapon. contented in troubled times. When we tell others what the Bible Peacemakers are blessed. says, the Holy Spirit helps people see their bad thoughts and actions, and makes them want to be forgiven.

44 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 WHY ME, GOD? Dear Goldie Dear Goldie, I read in your blog* that unity is so important when you and your husband minister together. I find it very difficult to work together with my husband in our business. We are both profession- als and we have our own ways of doing things, different ways of thinking, etc. Our characters are also very different. We both insist we are right, resulting in a lot of conflicts. The Bible tells wives to submit to husbands but is that applicable in this modern day when women are equal to men in education, intelligence, capability, etc.? Uncertain wife

me to submit to my husband. To have Let me share with you a letter I received I said it would be too tiring to plan harmony in the home, God has assigned fromDear aUncertain wife after shewife, read my blog anotherLondon fortrip: a familybooking reunion flights inonline, June. different roles to every member. The about my experience of ministering planning our itinerary, preparing the husband is the head and the wife is to with my husband in unity. talks, etc. All these were very stressful. submit to his leadership. This does not “Thank you for sharing on your I told Tek he better tell the church mean blind obedience as many have blog about the lessons you learnt being we couldn’t go so that they could get misinterpreted. Normally the best way in unity with your husband during someone else. Over the days, I repeated to come to agreement is by discussion my feelings, telling him he would have and consensus – because both are at my study group and because of your to book his own flight (which he has intelligent, capable and see things from article,ministry. I was Today very my mindful husband to Joekeep taught different viewpoints, but when there is the unity so that God would use us. someone else to go with him. I told him a deadlock, the husband should have There were several occasions during emphatically,never done before), “I will gonot alone go just or because get the casting vote and the wife should you want me to but only if God tells submit. something and I didn’t want to but I me.” And I did ask God to speak to me God will honour her decision and heldthe meeting my tongue when from Joe refusing asked me and to diddo it. but He didn’t. give His blessing. In my case, because I A Much to my chagrin, Tek did was reluctant and unsure, I asked God stay back for lunch because one of nothing. But more than that was my to speak to me and He did, so that I the ladiesfter the had meeting ordered I herwanted lunch Joe but to concern: “How can God bless this would change my mind willingly and didn’t turn up at the last minute. I asked project when we are not in unity?” graciously. him to have her lunch so it wouldn’t Finally one day, I heard him make a call As I was writing this, I checked be wasted but he didn’t want to. So I to Kuching. He was in another room, with Tek, “What did you tell the got angry at him but didn’t insist he so I didn’t hear what he said. While he Kuching church on the phone?” He stay. Thank God he didn’t stay because was speaking, I suddenly heard God laughed, “I said we were coming.” He I was then able to have a one-on- say to me, “You go.” When he finished knew all along I would obey God. So to one time with a lady who has been his call, I didn’t want to tell him what summarise what you should do: obey attending the meeting regularly and God had said. I still let him think I God’s written principles and when in lead her to the Lord. God had arranged hadn’t changed my mind. Finally in the doubt, ask Him for clarification and this divine appointment because all afternoon, I told him. confirmation. those who said they would stay for The result? Surprisingly, my lunch couldn’t stay. So it was just the resistance turned to willing agreement. Goldie two of us. The lesson I learnt is don’t get There followed no stress about any *www.deargoldie.com angry, resentful or insist on my way. I of the issues I had feared. The topics, shouldn’t get upset when things don’t content, resources of the talks came Do you have an issue you go my way. God may have a better way!” flowing, flights booked without hassle, need advice on? Now let me tell you my own recent stopover in Kuala Lumpur programme Write to Asian Beacon’s Goldie Chong at experience. decided, etc. God truly keeps His [email protected] for her godly Tek and I were invited to speak at promise that when we are in unity, He counsel. You can also visit her new blog a church camp in Kuching in April. He www.deargoldie.com. was keen to go but I wasn’t, the reasons Not only did I learn this well-tested Selected questions may be featured in this column. being we had just finished our trip to principlewill bless again(Ps.133). but another important If you leave an email address, you will have your Malaysia and we would be going to principle was confirmed: it pays for question answered, whether it’s published or not.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#1 April-June 2017 45 46 ASIAN BEACON 49#1 April - July 2017

We understand your needs to keep up with the ever-changing demands and conditions of the financial markets. That is why we are excited to present to you POEMS Mercury - our latest standalone trading platform carefully tailored to grant you access to over 8 exchanges worldwide. Seamlessly integrated with sophisticated trading tools and advanced charting solutions for that unrivalled EDGE in trading.

POEMSMERCURY Your Edge.

No Subscription is required. Simply download & log in with your POEMS account. Receive up to 5 months complimentary SGX Market Depth when you start trading on POEMS Mercury!*

www.poems.com.sg/mercury | 6531 1555 | [email protected] Follow PhillipCapital on

Brought to you by Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (A Member of PhillipCapital) Co. Reg. No. 197501035Z

All forms of investments carry risk, including the risk of losing more than the invested amount and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks and costs involved by reading the Risk Disclosure on www.phillip.com.sg. *Terms and Conditions apply