14th Batch of STMS English Testimony Bro Andrew 林咸航弟兄见证分享
Good afternoon to all the reverends, lecturers, parents, brothers and sisters in Christ. It is my pleasure to be given this opportunity to share my testimony on the Graduation Day of Short Term Mission School 2019 on behalf of STMS English.
I was born as a Christian-Methodist but went to Catholic following my grandparents. I spent my years as a Catholic until when I was Form 3 as my mom thirsted deeper for God’s Word and was keen to return to Methodist.
My story began at the age of 8. I was diagnosed of having stress, anxiety and phobia when I was in Tung Hua Primary School as I couldn’t stand the pressures there. My parents pleaded for the best of me as well, my tuition classes were so packed that there was not even room for me to breathe. As I faced phobia to go to school, my parents transferred me to Sacred Heart English when I was in primary 3.
Again, by the age of 10, a neurologist in Singapore diagnosed that I had Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. I was on medication but gave up due to headache. I went for healing sessions, read my children’s Bible everyday and prayed hard.
When I was in Form 4, I was proud to be elected as the Head Prefect of Sacred Heart Secondary School. I was on for so many co-curriculum activities, Red Crescent, Innovation, Competitions and Camps. I put the pressure on myself to do the best for my academics and every event organized.
On 6 Dec 2017, I broke down emotionally. I kept blaming myself that I am not good enough since everyone managed to do their job well except me. The next day was the International Camp organized by my school – I failed to turn up for the camp at the very last minute, because I in a total disaster, psychologically . Thankfully, one of my best friends, Dennis Wong took over my responsibility as the MC . Thank you very much !
This time, I was suffering major depression and had my medication on. Rev. Wong Tuong Toh from Logos Methodist Church came to my house and prayed for me.
From all the anxiety and stressful life, I realized that I was not alone to face my fear. I know Jesus is in me and with me. Every time when I failed in something, I always achieved a better path from God. As I suffered depression, I learnt that I can’t be 100% perfect as I thought. What Rev. Wong told me gave me a bigger picture of whom I am, – “God wants me to come to Him so He can fill up my imperfections!” From then on, my Christian life had totally been changed, into a reborn , true and God-fearing one.
In these 3 months’ time, I really learnt a lot , from Christian Living to community life and also realized the need to evangelize. The part which gave me the deepest impression was the Mission Awareness Week of mine with Rev. Hoo’s Family Group and the time I spent with my STMS English friends. All of the love, care and concern forwarded to me by all of you really touched me deep down in my heart. Without all of you, I wouldn’t have gone so far.
Now, I am glad to tell all of you that I successfully finished off my course of Prozac (medicine for depression) during the MAW. I still might be fragile sometimes, but with God – who is the best medicine and foundation for me, I am convinced that I will be able to move forward in life. One night, as I was doing my homework in MTS here, I found a Bible verse that touched me. I was amazed because it was the verse that I am looking for , at the first flip, without bookmark…God is talking to me ; Matthew 11:28-30 ; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In short, always be thankful for everything God had given to us. Let God be our best companion, wherever we go and whatever we do. Remember, that He was, is and will always be there for us , forever and ever. AMEN. Thank you.