91. God’s wisdom to reach out to my great-nephew, an egoistic teenager

Name: Sis B requested to remain anonymous
Date: Dec 2009 (Testimony Shared in late Jan 2010)
Location: Singapore
Note: Sister B is from our Grace Fellowship

Sometime in November2009, I was concerned with the egoistic attitude of a 16-year-old great nephew. For sometime his parents had problems talking him out of the excessive playing of computer games. This resulted in some ugly incidents at home. I talked to his parents my intention to correct their son’s bad attitude. I was waiting for the right opportunity to confront him.

In December I left with Bro. Joshua, Sis Florence and their children for a trip to Cameron Highlands. On the way down from the Highlands heading back to Singapore, I talked to them about this situation and asked for their counsel. Their advice was that this “lecture-confrontation” way would not be helpful. It would only result in my great nephew resenting and avoiding me. Their advice was to spend time building relationship and communicating with him. At the same time, to use the platform of the family prayer to reach out to him through the Word of God. I then decided to give up the idea of confronting him. Meanwhile, I prayed to God for wisdom and guidance in this matter.

In January 2010, the GCE ‘O’ Levels results were announced and he scored 12 points. We were very pleased with this good news. I planned to pat him and say, “Well done.” My friend, in her wisdom, suggested that I reward him with a ‘hongbao’ (which was cash in a red packet). This, I did, in the presence of his parents and prayed for him - thank God for the good results and committed his future into God’s hands.

The next day, my nephew sent me a sms that the son who knew that the family was going through a financial challenge, hugged him and cried; and wanted to give the ‘hongbao’ to him. My nephew told him to keep it for himself. A few days later, my sister-in-law told me that this great nephew took $10 out of the ‘hongbao’ to give to her. I was happy to hear all these and see the good and generous side of him surfacing.

I thank God for His divine intervention in this family situation and the godly counsel of Bro. Joshua and Sis. Florence.

Sister B

90. Mei Mei – Praying in the Spirit charges me up and causes sickness to flee

Name: Mei Mei
Date: Mar 2009
Location: Singapore
Note: Mei Mei shared this testimony tonight during our Grace Fellowship on 26th March (written by Joshua)

Mei Mei shared that she woke up one morning and knew that her husband was praying in tongues in another room. There was some energy generated in the spiritual realm, or some waves that she could pick up. She checked and indeed her husband was praying.

One day, Mei Mei attended a prayer meeting with some 60 people praying in tongue simultaneously. When this happened, the spiritual energy generated was so strong that she felt it surge within her belly. The tongues that she was praying in changed and she asked the Holy Spirit what language was this. The Holy Spirit told her that it was Hebrew.

She said that as they prayed in tongues, she could see in the spirit realm that the force was driving sickness away from the people. Isn’t that awesome?

When we pray in tongues, it is the Holy Spirit making intercession within us (Romans 8:26-27). There is power (or energy, or waves) in the spirit realm. If there is power when we pray, think about the power when the Holy Spirit prays.

The Bible says that when we pray in tongues, we receive edification. 1 Cor 14:4, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…” To edify is to charge up – like charging up a battery. When 60 people pray in the spirit, a lot of charging up is taking place. This explains the energy surge.

Praying in the spirit is praying in the language that the Spirit gives. It could be the language of angels or the language of men. In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, the disciples in the upper room prayed in other languages of other men – the mother tongue of the diverse visitors to Jerusalem.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Life. He is the channel of the life of Jesus. The river of life brings healing when we pray in tongues. Sickness has to flee. Romans 8:26 says that the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Another version says that the Spirit helps us in our infirmities, which include sicknesses.

So the next time you need some charging up, you need an infusion of life, or you have a healing need, you can pray in the spirit. In fact, you can pray in the spirit anytime of the day even under your breadth. Do not underestimate this New Covenant prayer language. Treasure it and use it because they did not have the privilege in the Old Covenant.

89. Mei Mei – Look upon Jesus to receive the miracle

Name: Mei Mei
Date: Mar 2009
Location: Singapore
Note: Mei Mei shared this testimony tonight during our Grace Fellowship on 26th March (written by Joshua)

Joshua: As I share these testimonies, I know there are people who are wary of spiritual experiences. To such, we reaffirm that every personal experience or personal revelation should fall in line with the Word of God. If something contradicts the Word, we will have to discard it – even if it comes from any prophet. God does not contradict Himself. But I am glad to share these testimonies because they all came in line with God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit told Mei Mei that when we look upon Jesus, we will receive the miracle. Whatever the problem, the secret is to look to Jesus. Interestingly, that was the Holy Spirit impresses on my heart to share with the people as we ended the worship.

This is indeed a powerful truth of the redemption work of Christ and the New Covenant. It is so simple that most people miss it. People look for complex formula’s and they want to perform in order to receive the promise. But all it takes is to look upon Jesus.

When the Israelites were bitten by snakes in the desert, a number of them died. Then the Lord asked Moses to make a bronze serpent and raise it on a pole. Anyone who looked upon it would live. Anyone who kept looking at the wounds would die.

This bronze serpent on the pole is a picture of Jesus on the cross carrying all our sins, sicknesses and curses. It is the picture of the redemption work of Christ. When we see Jesus on the cross, we see that He paid the price for us. Our faith then responds to the grace of Jesus to receive the promise.

(Numbers 21:9)
9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

There is another powerful verse. We not only see Jesus on the cross. We also see Jesus on the throne. We see Him in all His glory because we are in Him and He is in us. When we see Him in His glory (without sickness, or disease, or depression, or lack), we will be transformed into the same glory. For as He is so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).

(2 Cor 3:18)
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the GLORY OF THE LORD, are being TRANSFORMED into the SAME IMAGE from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

So look to Jesus and be transformed into His image from glory to glory.

88. Mei Mei – The Holy Spirit told me about the rapture

Name: Mei Mei
Date: Mar 2009
Location: Singapore
Note: Mei Mei shared this testimony tonight during our Grace Fellowship on 26th March (written by Joshua)

Joshua: I had just started on a series on the Holy Spirit during Grace Fellowship. We had been talking about enjoying a living relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Last session, Sister Mei Mei shared some of her experiences with the Lord. As she is a very simple sister, she does not know very much about the Word. Perhaps her simplicity allows her to relate to God and to communicate with Him in a way that highly intellectual people cannot.

As she shared about what the Holy Spirit showed her, we simply confirmed it with the Word. The degree of consistency was amazing, so much so that the people had a new found faith in the reality of God, and the divine inspiration of His Word. Let me share some of these experiences.

Sister Mei Mei said (in Mandarin) the Lord showed her that when the rapture comes, we would be caught up first into the clouds and then into heaven. She repeated it with actions. She had a vision from the Holy Spirit of the Lord talking to her. Then after the Lord had said so, He pointed to heaven, turned His hands a few rounds. At that moment the wind blew and it started raining like the start of a thunderstorm. Her two children were with her, and they witnessed the incident and were in awe of God.

So I asked her if she knew any Bible verses that talked about the rapture? She said no. I just wanted to be sure that she only heard it from the Lord because I knew there was a verse that spoke of it. This meant that what Jesus told her through the Holy Spirit was 100% in line with the word of God.

So we turned to 1 Thes 4:17 and we read:

(1 Thes 4:17)
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them IN THE CLOUDS to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Yes it said that we will be caught up in the clouds, before we join God in heaven.

The amount of consistency between the Word and Spirit is truly amazing. We are to test every revelation with the Word. But this testimony demonstrates that the believer can enjoy a living relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. And we also have the privilege of receiving the inspired revelations of God through the Word.

We shall continue with more revelations tomorrow.

87. Jeffrey – Standing on healing ground for my daughter

Name: Jeffrey Teo
Date: Mar 2009
Location: Singapore
Note: Jeffrey shared this testimony tonight during our Grace Fellowship on 12th March (written by Joshua)

A few days ago, my daughter fell ill. She was vomiting all over the house, in the living room, in the room, in the sink. She choked up two sink. I wished she had vomited straight into the toilet bowl.

I prayed and stood on healing ground. I declared that by the stripes of Jesus she had been healed.

Then my mind went back into the natural mode. I got concerned that she had to wake up early in the morning to go to her secondary school. So out of a concern heart, I told her that if she was not well by tomorrow, she should rest at home.

At that moment, the Holy Spirit corrected me. I realized that I had just prayed the prayer of faith, and yet I was talking in doubt. So I corrected what I had said, and reaffirmed faith with my daughter that she had been healed by the stripes of Jesus. I wavered initially but stood back on healing ground when I started resting (sitting) on the finished work of Christ.

The next morning, when I woke up, my daughter was already well, dressed up in her school uniform, and she was off to school.

Thank you Jesus for the healing that you purchased on the cross.

86. Christina – Home alone and locked in

Name: Christina
Date: 2008
Location: Singapore
Note: Christina shared this testimony in Encounter Meeting in August 08 (written by Joshua)

Today, we shall share a testimony from Sister Christina that she shared during Encounter meeting.

This testimony happened a few months ago when she just moved in to her new HDB flat. One day, she was all alone at home, cleaning one of the rooms. Then suddenly, a strong gush of wind caused the door to be slammed. There was a problem with the lock and she realized she bad been locked inside. There wasn’t anyone around who could help her. She was home alone and locked in.

She did not have a hand phone to call for help. The flat was too high up to shout for help. She did not know the new neighbors, and even if she managed to catch their attention, they would be wondering who this crazy person who is screaming from her home. She could not get any help.

Being resourceful, she saw a metal hanger in her room. She tried to open the door by sliding it up and down between the door. After trying many times without success, she gave up.

Having come to the end of herself, her last resort was to pray. Only God could save her now. Immediately after praying, she took the same hanger and tried doing the same thing. Miraculously, the door opened and the Lord rescued her.

The following Sunday, she found herself in the same situation. The door was slammed again and she was locked in again. Oh no! Not again! So she found the hanger and tried opening the door again. It did not work. She was still stuck inside.

Then once again, she prayed to God for help. After praying, she tried to open the door, and it opened! If this happened once, you could say she was lucky. But twice! The Lord rescued her twice when she prayed. Perhaps God is reminding us that whatever the circumstances, we can commit to God in prayer. And when we start to pray, God is able to work.

85. Mary – God turns an enemy into a friend

Name: Mary
Date: 2008
Location:Singapore
Note: Mary shared this testimony at Encounter Meeting in Aug 2008

Today, we shall share another testimony from Sister Mary.

Mary works in a government institution. There was a colleague who was a thorn in Mary’s flesh because she was always finding fault with Mary. Mary does not even know why this colleague dislikes her.

This problem went on for 4 years, and finally Mary couldn’t take it any longer. She requested for a transfer to another government institution, hoping that things would turn out better in the new environment. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out due to other reasons. So after a while, Mary came back to her original work place.

Mary found that the particular colleague was still the same. She continued picking on Mary, and even complained to Mary’s manager over trivial matters. One day, Mary shared the prayer request with her church’s charismatic fellowship. Mary was at the end of the road, so she committed the matter to God in prayer. And thereafter, she continued praying over the matter.

Then the miracle came. One day, this colleague had a disagreement with Mary’s manager over some work matters. She was visibly upset and to Mary’s surprise, she came crying on Mary’s shoulders. Despite the hurts of the past, Mary had forgiven her. The love and compassion of God was on Mary. So Mary encouraged and comforted the colleague, and she was deeply touched.

After that incident, she became a totally different person. She became very nice towards Mary, and tried to be close to her. This problem was resolved after 7 years by the grace of God. God had turned an enemy into a friend. And Mary enjoys going to work now.
Remember that Jesus suffered rejection on this earth so that we may experience reconciliation in relationships. Reconciliation can happen when we depend on His grace, His love, and His empowerment to turn things around. If you have a need for reconciliation, like Mary, you can commit the problem to God in prayer

84. Mary – Praying for my son’s lost wallet

Name: Mary
Date: 2008
Location:Singapore
Note: Mary shared this testimony at Encounter Meeting in Aug 2008

Sister Mary was sharing about his son’s lost wallet. He fell asleep on the public bus and when he alighted, he realized that he had dropped his wallet. There were many important items in the wallet including his identity card, bank ATM card, etc.

He told his mother, Mary and they went to the Clementi police station to make a report. The bus route is between Clementi and Marine Parade, so if anyone returns it, it would likely be at one of the two locations.

However, they were not attended to immediately at the police station, and they were getting frustrated. So Mary asked his son to pray. They prayed together and asked for his wallet to be returned to them. Shortly after, they were told that the wallet was found and returned to the Marine Parade station. They went to collect it, and found that all the items were still in the wallet. Nothing had been lost. Praise the Lord!

A few months later, Mary’s son lost his wallet again. Mary was woken up by his son who broke the news. This time, Mary was angry with him for being so careless the second time. She called the police stations at Clementi and Marine Parade but to no avail. As she was frantically making those calls, she became angry to see her son watching TV in a relaxed state. She started to scold him for being so relaxed about the loss.

He replied, “Don’t worry, I have prayed already!” Her son remembered how the Lord answered their prayer the first time he lost the wallet. He believed that God could do it again. Mary realized that she had not entrusted to the Lord in prayer. So they prayed together.

Isn’t amazing how easy it is to depend on our own ability instead of trusting God. Whenever we are anxious, we are probably be depending our own ability. But when we trust in the Lord, we will be rested, like Mary’s son. Sometimes, the answer is only a prayer away.

There was no news for two weeks. They continued praying and trusting the Lord. Finally, the prayer was answered. A lady who had found the wallet brought it to the Marine Parade station. Everything was intact. This was the Lord at work through prayer – not once but twice. I know of many people who have lost their wallets and were never found. All glory be to Jesus. Miracles happen when we pray.

83. Mei Mei – Ministering to a stranger

Name: Mei Mei
Date: July 08
Location: Singapore
Note: This is a continuation from Testimony 79 to 82

Today, we will share one more testimony from Mei Mei. Life has been an adventure since she started being led by the Holy Spirit.

One night, while Mei Mei was in a bus, she saw a woman who looked mentally unwell. She was unkempt and her face looked terrible. The Holy Spirit told her to tell the woman about Jesus, and to ask her to go to a church for prayer. Mei Mei was hesitant because the woman looked unwell and she was a stranger.

The Holy Spirit kept prompting her. So she said that if the lady alighted at the same bus stop as her, she would talk to the lady. When it was time to alight, the lady alighted with her. This was somewhere near Queenstown area.

She went up to the lady, told her about Jesus, and asked her to go to a church on Sunday for prayer. She said that she did not need Jesus to help her. Mei Mei didn’t know what to say, so she asked the Holy Spirit for wisdom.

Then she told the lady that Jesus could make her look better. Suddenly her eyes brightened and she said that she would go to church for prayer. She became very happy. They talked and the lady promised Mei Mei she would go to church.

As Mei Mei was walking off, the lady turned back, ran after Mei Mei and told her again that she would go to church on Sunday.

That was the end of the encounter but we trust that the Holy Spirit would have met the lady at the point of need. Mei Mei obeyed the Lord, conveyed the message that was given, and we know that the Lord would have done the rest.

Things happen when we pray, and when we are led by the Holy Spirit in a living relationship.

82. Kevin – Sole breadwinner almost retrenched

Name: Kevin
Date: July 08
Location: Singapore
Note: Kevin is Mei Mei's husband

We have been sharing testimonies to demonstrate the power of prayer. Today, we will continue with the series of testimonies from Sister Mei Mei.

Recently, Mei Mei’s husband Kevin was faced with the prospect of a job retrenchment. The Indonesian employer was the sole distributor of a Korean product in Singapore, and they wanted to pull out of the Singapore market. This greatly troubled the family because he was the sole breadwinner. All the employees were bracing for the pending retrenchment.

After Mei Mei was touched by the Holy Spirit in our meeting, she started to depend more on God. She prayed for her husband’s job situation, and they also prayed together through the uncertain time. They must have prayed for close to a month. They were trusting God for a job.

Things happen when we pray. In a surprise move, the Korean principal decided to enter the Singapore market on their own to distribute their product. None of the staff lost their jobs. In fact, Kevin was even promoted and given full authority in his area of work.

And the Lord worked miraculously to turn things around for the family. God can turn problems into blessings. As a couple, they saw God’s provisions and they are full of gratitude for the grace of God.

81. Mei Mei – A domestic helper prevented from committing suicide

Name: Mei Mei
Date: July/August 08
Location: Singapore
Note: This is a sequence to testimony 79 & 80

Yesterday, we shared about how Sister Mei Mei started experiencing the leading of the Holy Spirit. She also started to experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

One day, while she was in her kitchen doing her chores, the Holy Spirit suddenly spoke to her to look up. She looked up out of the window to the park below. As she has poor eyesight, she had to strain her eyes to see what the Holy Spirit was drawing her attention to.

She saw someone under a tree but as it wasn’t clear, she asked her husband help her see. Her husband Kevin saw a domestic helper holding a knife at her wrist. She was trying to cut herself in an attempt to commit suicide.

They hurried down immediately. When the person saw them approaching, she threw away the knife. Sister Mei Mei asked the woman what was wrong. She explained that her mother had passed away in the Philippines but the employer did not allow her to go home until a week later. She had to go home immediately to help settle the funeral matters and to see her mother for the last time. She was also concerned that if she went home, she would lose her job. She was so troubled that she wanted to take her life.

Sister Mei Mei offered to pray with her and she agreed. Then suddenly, the Holy Spirit told Mei Mei that the employer had just returned. The woman said it was not possible because the employer doesn’t return home at that hour. True enough, the employer walked towards them and was angry that the woman was talking to Mei Mei.

Mei Mei prayed to the Lord that he would not scold the woman. She was already in a pitiful state. Suddenly his countenance changed for the better, and they went back to the house.

The Lord had heard the prayer and intervened miraculously through the circumstances. The following day, Mei Mei received an SMS from the lady that the employer had bought a ticket for her to return home the same day. Her desire was granted.

Then later, she also sent another SMS telling Mei Mei that her relative had an opening for another job opportunity in Italy and she would not be returning to Singapore. Mei Mei was joyful to receive the good news [during our meeting, she showed me the two SMSs].

I was amazed that God had so much love for the lady that though she was alone in her darkest moments, God intervened. She wasn’t alone because God was with her. Though her life was worth nothing to her, it was worth a lot to Jesus. God sent a willing vessel to intervene to avert the potential disaster. And God turned things around miraculously. All glory be to Jesus.

Note: Next Grace Meeting is on Thursday 28th Aug 08 7.45pm in Singapore. Please contact Jeffrey Teo at 81119307 for more information.

80. Mei Mei – Gifts of the Spirit imparted through prayer

Name: Mei Mei
Date: July-2008
Location: Singapore

In testimony 79, we shared the testimony of how the life of Sister Mei Mei was transformed when she was filled with the Holy Spirit. One month later, in July-08, our Encounter Meeting group met in a church as we had a guest speaker.

Our guest was Pastor Peter Tan – who ministers in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. During that Q&A session, Sister Mei Mei shared about her strange spiritual experiences. Pastor Peter gave some answers from the Word.

While Sister Mei Mei said that she often sees evil spirits, Pastor Peter told her that from today onwards, she would be sensitive to God, and would see angels. He told her that the Lord had preserved her life from danger all these years because He had a purpose for her life.

At the end of the meeting, she went forward for prayer. Pastor Peter prayed for her. Then he prophesied that the Lord would use her in the prophetic realm – in visions and prophecy. He also said that the Lord has given her the gifts of healings. Now, up that moment, Sister Mei Mei had not experienced the gifts of healings before.

These things began to come to pass. Yesterday, we shared about how the Lord spoke to her and gave her a vision that helped restore her marriage.

The Lord also began to use Mei Mei to pray for other people. She shared that occasionally when she is praying for other people, the Lord would open her spiritual eyes momentarily, and she could see angels. She is conscious of the presence of angels who ministers in her midst. She became more conscious of the kingdom of God instead of the kingdom of darkness.

Once, when she was in church, she met an elderly church-mate who had fractured her hand earlier in a fall. After that incident, her fingers gradually became twisted and she could not even straighten them. This had been for a while and the person suffered much.

Led by the Spirit, Sister Mei Mei said, “Can I pray for you?” She doesn’t even know why she did it without hesitation. As she held that hand and started praying, the fingers began to respond! One by one, there was a cracking sound, the fingers straightened out and were healed. She was in awe of the power of God.

The prophecy of God released during prayer in July-08 had come to pass. All glory be to Jesus for His grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

Note: Next Grace Meeting is on Thursday 28th Aug 08 7.45pm in Singapore. Please contact Jeffrey Teo at 81119307 for more information.

79. Mei Mei – The Holy Spirit transforms my life and marriage

Name: Mei Mei
Date: June 08 - Aug 08
Location: Singapore
Note: Mei Mei shared this testimony in Encounter Meeting (written by Joshua)

Last Thursday, we had our Encounter Meeting, and a sister by the name of Mei Mei shared some very awesome testimonies. I felt led to share some of these testimonies over the next few days, to reinforce our sharing on prayer.

What is amazing is the fact that this lady is a very simple lady with a child-like faith. A neighbor brought Mei Mei to our meeting in June 08. From the time she was young, she was very sensitive to the spiritual realm. She could see evil spirits and was often tormented by them. She would experience pain in her body when she was oppressed. Due to the oppressions, she had been in poor health for years.

On a few occasions, when she was asleep, she felt her spirit depart from her body and descended into hell. On many occasions, the devil had sought to take her life (through accidents, suicide, etc) but the Lord kept her from harm. The devil tried to destroy her marriage and they were at the verge of divorce on several occasions. They even went for professional counseling but to no avail.

After she had received the Lord Jesus, she became more conscious of the presence of God and less conscious of the presence of evil spirits. But she continued to experience spiritual oppressions. During her sleep one night, she had an out of body experience. Instead of her body moving down towards hell (as she experienced before she became a Christian), she experienced her body moving upwards. That is the change when we become a Christian – our direction is upwards.

During the meeting, we shared the word, and the leaders Eunice and Annie prayed with her for the baptism in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit filled her and she received the prayer language of tongues. She felt the presence of the Holy Spirit come upon her tangibly and she went home with a consciousness of the Holy Spirit. She felt the light shine upon her and the cloud lifted.

From that day, she began to experience the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit began to guide her out from the desert land into the land of restoration and blessings. She began to experience improvements to her health and her relationship with her husband.

One day she was quarrelling with her husband on SMS. Harsh words were exchanged. Suddenly, she felt the Holy Spirit tell her, “Do not let your hear be troubled, you have the Holy Spirit.” With child-like faith, she asked herself, “If I have the Holy Spirit, why should I still be quarrelling?”

Then she saw a vision of a spider weaving a web. The web became so thick until it became a ball of web. She felt like she was trapped in that web. But suddenly the ball exploded and a bird flew out. The vision was telling her that the Lord had set her free from that entanglement and she was free. At that moment, she felt the tangible love of God fell upon her like rain. There was so much love that she could not contain. All her unforgiveness was washed away and displaced by the Love of Jesus.

From that moment, she was able to love her husband with the love of Jesus. God’s love restored her marriage, and her husband who was with her at the meeting, also shared the testimony of how God restored their relationship.

Her husband said that God not only healed her physically, but on the inside as well. All glory be to Jesus for the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

78. Maurice – Making supplications for my son

Name: Maurice
Date: Mid-2006
Location: Singapore
Note: Maurice shared this testimony in Grace Fellowship in August 08 when we were sharing on prayer

Dear Joshua,

Back in mid 2006, the Ministry of Education was looking for two students to participate in the International Music Camp in North Dakota, USA.My son, Jasper, was nominated by his school to go for the audition. On the day of audition, I accompanied my son to MOE Co-Curricular Activities Branch in Evans Road. Before he left me for the audition hall, I wrapped my arm around him and prayed for him.

I waited for Jasper nearby and saw him practicing outside the audition hall before the audition began. I continued in prayer for him when the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance a sermon about the supernatural favour of God. So I sought the Lord’s favour for my son while the audition was in progress. As I prayed in the Spirit, my eyes started tearing and I knew the Lord heard my prayers and supplication for my son.

When the audition was over, I asked Jasper how everything went. His reply was that when he was practicing before the audition, the students who saw and heard him felt intimidated by his performance. He also said that the comments from the judges were favourable. When I heard that I knew he was selected.So in July 2006, Jasper was selected to go for the International Music Camp in North Dakota,USA. All the expenses for the trip were paid by the Education Ministry. When he was there he received the citation of excellence award which was given to him for outstanding achievement by a band member.

Upon his return, he successfully applied to join the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. Being a member of SNYO, he received music lessons from a tutor provided by the Education Ministry. Last month, Jasper participated in the 10th Florence International Music Festival in Italy.

It was a memorable experience for him.

Looking back, I am thankful to the Lord for bestowing His supernatural favour on my son. I attribute all these to that day when I stood in prayers for him during the audition. The Lord has certainly answered me beyond my wildest imagination!

All glory to Jesus Christ.

Amen!!

Blessings,
Maurice

77. Joshua – Delivered from typhoon Kammuri in Hongkong

Name: Joshua
Date: 2008
Location: Hongkong

I was scheduled for a trip to Hongkong recently. A day before I left, I received an sms from my friend, Alex in Hongkong that a typhoon was approaching Hongkong. He mailed me the website link to check the weather. I was naturally concerned for my safety.

I wondered if I should cancel the trip, but felt the peace to proceed. I merely prayed under my breath and received the peace of God. I believe the Lord intervened in the midst of the storm.

As I boarded the plane, I declared that the angels of God will bring me safely to my destination.

I arrived in Hongkong merely hours before the storm hit. I even managed to have fellowship over dinner with Alex. When I woke up the next morning, the storm Kammuri had reached level 8. Offices were closed, and roads were empty. It was raining and the winds were strong. In fact, I learnt that some 380 flights were disrupted that day. The powerful storm injured 37 people, felled 35 trees and caused one landslide.

I was scheduled to leave the following day. I could not do an internet check in because check in was not available. I realized that the flights may not have been restored. However, when I went to the airport the next morning, I realized that the storm had left and the flights were restored. I only experienced a 2-hour disruption to my flight, as the airlines cleared their backlogs.

I thank God for His protection. We dwell in the secret place of the most high, under the shadow of His wings.

76. Testimony from Indonesia – Child raised from the dead

Name: Joan Victoria
Date: 2008
Location: East Java, Indonesia
Note: This testimony was shared via email to Aaron Khoo who ministers to Bible school students in Indonesia. It was written by one of the students and I have edited it for easy reading. It is a real testimony and Bro Aaron was still in awe of God as he shared it with me.

On April 14-28, 2008 we went to a mission field in East Java. I organized them into 6 groups of 2 people. All of them saw miracles happened in front them. And many of the people we pray for were healed straight away.

Vicky and Karman went to pray for young boy Dicky who was sick for almost a week. His high fever caused him to collapse frequently. His family brought him to consult many doctors but to no avail. He would also experience great pain whenever he relieves himself in the toilet.

During that time, Rony and Fery came to Karman and Vicky’s place. So they went to the boy’s house together. Dicky and his family are Muslims. When they arrived in Dicky’s house, the boy was asleep. They started to pray for him in tongues. Vicky then said, “In Jesus name be healed, this body are belong to Jesus and every evil spirit go away in the name of Jesus.”

And when he prayed, the rest continued interceding in tougues. The boy suddenly screamed and he said he was in great pain. After half an hour, they prayed again for Dicky. They told Dicky’s family that Jesus is the one who heals. Then they worshipped Jesus and anointed Dicky with anointing oil.

While these things were happening, many people came to Dicky’s house to see what was happening. Even the village leader came. When they prayed, Dicky screamed and called his mom but suddenly, he died.

Everyone was afraid because Dicky was no longer breathing. When that that happened, Vicky saw an ugly old man come out from Dicky’s body. It was an evil spirit. All four of them very scared but they stood up to pray in tongues.

Together they said, “In Jesus name rise up!!” Suddenly Dicky rose up and called his mother. He said that he was hungry and wanted to eat. At that moment, Vicky and Rony remembered what happen in Luke 8:50-56.And now, Dicky’s whole family has received the Lord Jesus. They have been going to church and the family received baptism in water 2 weeks ago. Praise God!

Jesus Bless You Abundantly

75. Joshua – Making supplications for our children

Name: Joshua & Florence
Date: 1998 to 2005
Location: Singapore

Parents are able to bless their children immensely through prayer. We started praying for both our children from their conception, through the pregnancies and throughout their growing up years. We made supplications to God as loving parents who desire the best for our children.

Through the prayer of supplication, we drew on His grace for every aspect of their lives. In addition, we also proclaimed the blessings of God’s Word upon them through the prayer of faith each night. God has blessed both our children, but let us share Ronnie’s testimony.

Ronnie used to be easily agitated and frustrated. He would scream instead of verbalize his frustrations. I had to hold him tight for a few seconds just to calm him down. Through supplication, he has grown into a steady boy, full of faith and tenderness for God. Today, he remains calm even when other children try to agitate him.

He was also a quiet and shy boy. Whenever we brought him out, he would always be holding on to us. We never had to run after him. Through supplication, he has grown to be confident and independent. At the age of 7, we sent him for an overnight camp and he enjoyed himself. He even took on child-modeling assignments for several magazines.

At one point, we were a little concerned as Ronnie was not very fluent and did not express himself very well. His teacher said that he had a tendency to swallow his words. We prayed, and through supplication, he is now a chatty and sociable boy. Ronnie was selected by his teacher to be a buddy-reading tutor to other students. Recently, his teacher even commended him for being good in public speaking!

We also had some concerns about Ronnie’s grasp of the Mandarin language, so we prayed in faith for the “mind of Christ to be upon him”. By the wisdom of God, he has shown tremendous improvement. In his recent final examinations, Ronnie scored close to full marks for his Mandarin and was also the overall top student in his class!

Our supplications to God and prayers of faith have impacted our children and changed their circumstances.

74. Malcolm – Calling those things which do not exist as though they did (Rom 4:17)

Name: Malcolm
Date: Early 2000
Location: Singapore

This is an awesome testimony shared by Brother Malcolm in our last fellowship meeting. He has given his permission to share to the glory of Jesus and I am trying to tell it as accurately as I heard it. Today, Malcolm is a spiritual inspiration to many, but this testimony goes back to the early days.

A few months after Malcolm’s son was born, he was diagnosed with a kidney condition. From a young age, his son had to be on dialysis. Malcolm was depressed and began to spend more time at work to take his attention off the problems at home.

Soon, his marriage also suffered. The communication between the spouses was also affected. It came to a point when they had to go for counseling under their pastor.

He was counseled by the pastor while his wife was counseled by the pastor’s wife. After the counseling session, they came together to pray. He said that he started praying, like most other people, for God’s forgiveness for his shortcomings. He was conscious of himself and his problems, almost beating himself up in prayer.

Then it was his wife’s turn to pray. He was shocked. She prayed in a way that he had not heard before – in a way that he has not expected from the same wife whom he was having communication problems with. She started to call forth things which do not exist as though they did! She began to thank God for a WONDERFUL HUSBAND! And that prayer went on along those lines.

Today, through the prayer of faith, Malcolm is truly transformed by the grace of God. Those who know him are familiar with his radical passion for our Lord Jesus. He has been an encouragement to many. His marriage relationship has been restored. My wife and I had a good time of fellowship with them a few months ago.

His testimony was a reminder that we can call forth things which do not exist as though they did – by faith according to the promises of God. A number of people have already told me how they have been inspired by this testimony.

The other good news is that his son has received a kidney transplant recently. He believes it was the provision of God, but he also continues to call forth the full healing manifestation of God – to be free from post-transplant medication. We agree with prayer with him.

73. Florence - Healed in the womb during worship

Name: Florence Lye
Date: 1992
Location: Singapore

Last Saturday, my wife and I were sharing with a couple, encouraging them to believe in the miraculous healing power of our Lord Jesus.

During the session, we talked about many healing testimonies of our past, to encourage the couple. During times like these, the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance things of the past that we may have forgotten in time.

One such testimony that we recalled had to do with God’s healing power through worship. We were filled with thanksgiving to the Lord when we recalled that testimony. This is why we endeavor to document down all the testimonies in our life, so that our children can read them one day. It is like taking a photo that can be remembered in time.

In 1992, my wife Florence and I were studying in the university (NTU). Due to the stress from her studies, Florence did not have her period for 6 months. This greatly concerned her because it was a long period of time.

It was during those times when Florence experienced a revival in the Lord through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. She began to spend more time with God in prayer and worship.

One Sunday, we were in church. During the worship, Florence was enjoying herself in the presence of God. Suddenly, she felt tangible warmth descend upon her and touched her womb. It was the anointing of the Holy Spirit that brought forth healing.

Thereafter, her period resumed miraculously. She remembers this testimony after some 16 years. We have two beautiful children today.

This reminds me of the story of Obed Edom, whose family was blessed when the Ark of the Covenant was left at their home. The Ark represents the presence of God in worship. David instituted worship before the Ark of the Covenant. When we worship, miracles do happen.

God Bless
Joshua

72. Healed from a viral infection by intercession in the Spirit

Name: Jeffrey Teo
Date: 3rd July 2008
Location: Singapore

Dear Joshua,

I want to share this testimony about my son who was admitted to KK hospital (AE dept) because of an intense pain in his stomach.

It was about 1 pm when he was admitted and the doctor carried out some blood test on him. They couldn't find out what was wrong with him except that the doctor concluded that he was suffering from a viral infection.

From my son's facial expression, I saw that the pain was quite bad. A boy from the next ward about the same age as him was also suffering from the same condition and his mother told me that he had been in the hospital for already about 4 to 5 days.

I thought to myself that there was no way that my son was going to stay in the hospital. While my wife and I was attending to him and trying to comfort him, the Lord led me to go out of the hospital to a garden area where I begin to pray in tongues and intercede for my son. It was time the devil stopped tormenting my son, and I started to torment the devil.

After praying in tongues for some time and declaring the promises of God on healing in the scripture, I felt a release in my spirit and began to thank God that my son was well. At 9 pm my son was discharged from hospital with no pain and no medication given to him.

God is good! And He taught me to walk by faith and simply take Him at His word and believe what the bible says rather than believing what the doctor said and be worried by the circumstances.

Blessings,

Jeffrey

71. Richard Tan – Blessed by a book borrowed from Bedok National Library

Name: Richard
Date: 18 Feb 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: There are no strangers in Christ but family members whom we have yet to meet. It was a joy to receive this email

Hi Joshua,

I’ve read your book “Walking on Water” which I borrowed from the Bedok National Library.

This book was very well written which was beautifully blended with your personal encounters, testimonies with added prayers included; thus uplifting me spiritually. I want to thank God for using you to write such wonderful book which I’ve enjoyed reading it.

I pray that this book can also be translated to a Mandarin one, so that other Chinese readers will get to enjoy the fruits of the Spirit.

May God Bless you and your family abundantly. Thank you once again.

Love in Christ,
Richard Tan

70. Emily – A miracle child after 5 devastating miscarriages

Name: Emily
Date: 2006
Location: Singapore
Note: This awesome testimony was written by Emily and shared to me by Emily’s husband over lunch fellowship. Be blessed.

I’ll never forget the day I held him in my arms and his wide open eyes eagerly staring at me and my husband. That was 14 months ago and when I watched my son from afar now, he is walking steadily, clapping his hands, laughing with joy and uttering words, I know that this testimony is long overdue.

In year 2001, few months after we decided to start a family, I was thrilled to find out that I was pregnant, only to realize few weeks later that it didn’t work out. Subsequently, from years 2002 to 2005, I had four other miscarriages, one every year.

It was difficult and devastating for both of us. What made it worse was that my gynecologist could not provide us a satisfactory diagnosis, even after we had several blood tests and analysis done. We went to seek second opinion, and several other “experts in their field”, but all provided a typical script-like answer of “probably bad luck or bad timing” with no clear scientific explanations.

As a woman, and a wife, I felt like a part of my identity is shredded and murdered. The pain is magnified each time my prayer went unanswered.

I was truly disheartened and felt rejected. I wondered why God seems so distant and why is He hidden from me? Each time my husband assured me that it’s alright, the pain in my heart mounted. I cried and prayed very hard. It was only silence.

We went to the Healing Room of our church, sought prayers from friends, and responded desperately to altar-calling by our pastors.

We continued praying unceasingly and fervently to the Lord. During my husband’s quiet prayer time in April 2005, God first revealed that He will bless us with a son - “Do not worry. I will bless you with a son.” was such comforting words from the Lord. My husband began to journal down every words of God which he heard.

After I had the 5th miscarriage in May 2005, we began to doubt what we’ve heard. My husband prayed and God revealed again in July 2005 about the gift of a son for us – “Why are you filled with so much anxiety and worry? I’ve said that I’ll bless you with a son. It shall be done and has been done!”

While nursing the pain, we continued to hold on to the Lord’s promise, which He assured my husband a few more times over the months. The Lord’s words and promise are so powerful and personal that we stood in awe, even till today.

In August 2005, knowing my anxiousness, my husband asked God about the timing of the gift of a son. The Lord’s reply was so astounding once again – “What you have seen is temporary, what is unseen is real. You are dealing with principalities & darkness which are unseen. But take heart, I have overcome them. Tell her that she will receive this son very soon for I have delivered her. Do not be anxious of anything. Have faith in Me and it will be done. My covenant with you shall come to pass and will be accomplished. In a blink of your eyes, all will be done and have been done.”

In September 2005, I went on a holiday to Taiwan and Hong Kong with my parents. During his quiet prayer time on 1st October 2005, my husband asked God how soon we will receive this gift of a son. Again, the Lord’s reply was so amazing – “If I’ve told you the timing, you will not believe. My Will will be done on earth as in heaven. When you first heard the news of pregnancy, you will know that I’m your living God. Trust in Me, I say, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding.”

When I returned from my holiday on 3rd October 2005, I experienced an odd feeling inside my tummy which I can’t explain. I shared with my husband that I felt pregnant and so I did a urine pregnancy test. As much as we wanted to see it, the word “Pregnant” appeared on the digital pregnancy test kit!

By God’s grace & blessing, my 6th pregnancy went on very smoothly and I delivered a healthy & joyful baby boy at full term. We rejoice and praise God for this wonderful miracle gift of a son which He promised us. We gave him a Chinese name with the meaning “fruitfulness in God’s glory”.

I do not want to over-simplify any painful journeys nor do I claim to have an easy answer. As my life was crumbled by this grief, I began to doubt what I once believed about a loving God. I had my share of joy only to turn to bitterness when I had the miscarriages. God can be at times so distant, but He can also be so close and personal.

I remembered those times during the pregnancy in January 2006 when we were exploring different options on how to take care of our baby – infant care centre, nanny or parents, etc. My husband prefers me to take care of our child directly, but it was not easy for me to give up my full-time job because it was a good organization, the remuneration was decent and I like my boss and colleagues. However, we finally decided that I should quit from my job after our baby is born.

Before I could do so, never had I thought that God already has a good plan for us when we prayed and presented our wish to Him. The following month, in February 2006, it was announced unexpectedly that my organization in Singapore will be relocated to India and I was retrenched with more than a year of pay as severance package! My husband and I were flabbergasted by the hand of God.

God can intervene, He can perform all miracles, but we must know that His ways are higher than our ways; His thinking is above our thinking. We cannot claim to fathom His way, but we are glad to have a glimpse of HIS GRACE.

I cannot understand the victory and triumph of Christian life until I come to term with my true royal identity in Christ Jesus.

Glory and praise to the Almighty God! Amen.

At His Service,
Emily
01 August 2007

69. Dr. Edwin Khoo – Upgraded to business class again!

Name: Dr. Edwin Khoo
Date: Jan 2008
Location: Singapore to Sydney
Note: Dr. Edwin is a minister of the New Covenant from Sydney, and a founding member of the Gospel of Grace Fellowship (this testimony was shared by Edwin and written by Joshua)

Dr. Edwin Khoo is one person who really sees God as a loving Father, and he lives life with a constant expectation of God’s goodness. Each time we fellowship, I am edified by all his diverse testimonies - from his personal life to the operating theatre as an Anesthetist.

Just recently, he shared about how God delivered his home and properties from the destructive force of a hail-storm (see testimony 65). His testimonies often challenge others to start seeing God in a different light. I have made a request for him to make available more of his exciting testimonies – especially those in the operating theatre.

When we were traveling together in Europe, we found out that British Airlines only allowed a maximum of 2 luggages for check in. They were also very strict on the weight limit of 20kg per passenger.

After returning to Singapore, Edwin continued traveling to Malaysia. After some 3 to 4 weeks of traveling, Dr Edwin had accumulated quite a fair bit of things to bring back to Sydney – some 50kg of belongings to be checked in. He had to return to Sydney first while the rest of his family would return after Chinese New Year.

While he was checking in, the counter staff apologized that his economy class seat had been given to someone else who flew in from Europe to Singapore. So they had to “move him up”. He accepted without regrets. Considering that this was the third time he has been upgraded out of 4 times, it is truly the grace of God. The child of God is well taken care by the heavenly Father.

He managed to check in 4 luggages weighing 50 kg, with no extra charge. Considering that they had been so strict with the 20kg/ 2 luggage limit earlier – it was rather unusual. He did not just exceed 20kg – this was 2.5 times the weight!

When he reached Sydney airport, a few flights had just landed and the queue must have been one km long! But because he was in Business Class, his bags were tagged with the priority tag and they came out quickly.

During the flight, he had found out that he could use an I-Express lane. So he did not have to queue. He probably saved an hour of queuing time, and got home speedily.

Let his testimony encourage us. We can live life with a constant expectation of God when we see God as our loving Father. And when we do so, His favor comes upon us in our everyday lives.

During one of his earlier flights together with his wife Janice, they were also upgraded. This seemingly insignificant experience challenged Janice to truly see God as a loving father. When Janice had that revelation of God, it released her faith, and she went on to experience complete healing from her incurable thyroid condition (see testimony 11).

68. Aaron – The Gospel of Grace is changing lives in Indonesia

Name: Aaron
Date: Jan 2008
Location: Indonesia
Note: Aaron is personal friend and a minister of the gospel. He preaches in churches and teaches in a Bible school in Indonesia. He is on Daily Rhema.


Dear Joshua,

After being exposed to about 12 Indonesian churches, sometimes having preached more than once in some of these 10 churches (in Jakarta, Batam, Medan and Surabaya), I realized that they are deeply entrenched in the law approach. Living the Christian life is a struggle for many of them.

For many of these churches the emphasis is "to do” in order for God to love and accept them. Messages like "if you don't give God can't bless you", "the tsunami is a sign of God's judgment because of sin", "and you must be holy before you can approach God" - is without the revelation of the finished work of Christ.

Each time I preach on the lavish love of the Father from Luke 15, the people had reservations about God’s unconditional love. As long as the believers are taught to believe that they have to do something to be accepted and loved by God, they will be frustrated because none of us are able to be perfectly righteous to deserve salvation.

It was only in 2004 that I decided the only way to help them is to bring to them an understanding of the Gospel of Christ because it is the power of God which brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16-17). The Gospel of Christ is about what Christ has done for us on the cross. It is about the righteousness of God through Christ.

I started to study all 16 chapters of Romans and each time I preach in the churches or teach in bible schools it is all about the Gospel of Christ.

The Gospel of Christ is also called the "Gospel of Grace" or the "Gospel of Peace". When believers believe that God is no longer angry with them but at peace with them, their hearts begin to be receptive to God. And they begin to see God as a loving Father. They begin to experience His grace.

I have since taken time to teach them slowly line upon line until they begin to understand that meeting together on Sunday for a formal worship service is not to do something to please God, but to keep seeing how much God has DONE FOR US.

Having taught about 3 batches of bible students totaling about 30 students, the process of change have begun - this is because they told me that they are now able to differentiate between the good-news message and the "bad-news message" which they have been hearing for such a long time. They are responding to the good news of the gospel, and many are experiencing revival.

One evening, after teaching on the gospel of grace in a church, an elder came to shake my hands and told me how he appreciated the teaching sessions - he also said that he never understood the Bible that way before and hoped that I would come back soon.

Another sister in her late twenties told me that what I taught concerning the Gospel of Christ should be taught to everyone in Indonesia.

I had the joy of hearing a fulltime worker said this to me: “During the worship in church on Sunday I just started to weep - I have never wept like that before - I could not continue playing the keyboard and asked someone to take over my place. I went to sit with the other believers but I continued to be overtaken by tears.” It was the work of the Holy Spirit.

These are some of the things that have happened because God loves His own people. The Gospel of Christ is drawing many people back into an intimate relationship with God in Indonesia.

Aaron

67. Jeffrey – These signs shall follow those who believe…

Name: Jeffrey Teo
Date: Jan 2008
Location: Singapore
Note: Jeffrey is on Daily Rhema and has been a channel of God’s grace to others

Dear Joshua,

I was informed by my wife's friend, Wendy that her brother had blood clot in the brain and was admitted in ICU. He was badly beaten by some thugs.

Wendy wanted us to go to the hospital to pray for him. So I called a friend Ronnie to come along to agree with me in prayer. At the hospital, we prayed in faith looking to Jesus. About 2 or 3 days later, when I went to the hospital to see him again, he was discharged. Given the severity of his initial condition, this was indeed a miraculous & speedy discharge.

Truly, as Mark 16:17 says, "These signs will follow those who believe…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” May all glory be to Jesus, our Savior and Healer, who works miracles through us!

We are still praying for his salvation. Wendy, his sister had already accepted Christ during Christmas. I know that Jesus is a Very Present Help in time of need and will meet this family at their point of need. Do join your faith with ours in prayer.

Blessings,
Jeffrey

66. Mary – I confronted an idol in my home

Name: Mary
Date: 17 Jan 2008
Location: Singapore
Note: Mary attends Encounter Meeting (this testimony was shared in Encounter Meeting and written by Joshua)

Last year, my husband received a gift from a friend. This gift is an idol in the shape of a frog bought from Thailand. It was placed prominently at the entrance to attract good luck and prosperity. My husband does not really know Jesus and I was troubled with the idol. From my past experience, he would not readily listen to me if I told him to remove the idol. We would even end up in an argument.

During one of the Encounter meetings, I shared this with Joshua. Joshua then shared about how the Lord removed the idols from His childhood home. Whenever he is at the home, he would look the idol eyeball to eyeball, and declare to the idol: “Your time is up, you have to go. This is my home and I am a child of God. I apply the blood of Jesus; bind every demon, and you have to go.” Then within a few years, his parents miraculously received the Lord and he had the pleasure of removing the idols from the home.

He told me that I can use my authority as God’s child to speak to the idol likewise. I was encouraged in my faith. So I went home and I got my children to pray with me. Then when everyone was asleep, I would declare to the idol, “You have no place here, you have to leave.”

Within a week, the prayer was answered. My church-mates were scheduled to visit my home. I felt the boldness and leading of the Lord to speak to my husband. I told him that my friends were coming and it wouldn’t look good to have the frog there. I told him to throw it away and he said, “Throw it away.” I was pleasantly surprised. There was no contention or argument. So I hurriedly threw it away. God’s miraculous intervention worked so quickly. Christ in me is bigger than any idol in the world. I am now conscious of the glorious presence of God in my home.

65. Edwin & Janice – Delivered from a hail storm that turned the suburb into a disaster zone

Name: Edwin & Janice
Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sydney
Note: Edwin & Janice are Joshua’s friends from Sydney (this testimony was shared in the GOSPEL OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP meeting and written by Joshua)

Edwin & Janice’s family live in a suburb in North-West Sydney. Two month’s ago, there was a hail storm that hit the area. The size of the hail was between to size of a golf ball to that of a fist. It inflicted sever damage and the area was declared a disaster zone.

Edwin’s family walks in the constant expectation of God’s love and favor upon them. Their lives are a constant testimony of God’s grace. They believe that they dwell in the secret place of God’s divine protection in Christ. And indeed, they experiences divine deliverance that baffled others.

After the storm, they went out of their home to survey the area. The saw hail about the size of golf balls littered over. They had a vehicle that was parked outside. As they checked the vehicle, they realized that there was not a dent or even a scratch on the car.

Their home also has a lot of glass shelters & windows. The glass would have been shattered under normal circumstances upon impact of the hail. But there was no damage to the glass.

Considering that the suburb suffered significant financial losses to damaged property, and that it was declared a disaster zone, this is an amazing testimony of God’s deliverance. Those who witnessed this miracle could only attribute it to the power of God’s grace. To day, we too are all in that secret place in Christ Jesus.

64. Jeffrey Teo – Testimony of my brother's healing & salvation

Name: Jeffrey Teo
Date: December 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Jeffrey Teo is on Daily Rhema & he is an effective minister of the New Covenant. This testimony was shared in the GOSPEL OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP

I want to glorify God regarding my eldest brother. The night before my family was to go to Bangkok for holiday; my niece informed me that my brother was in critical condition. He was admitted and was in ICU because a cyst in his stomach had burst. He had to undergo two operations because of internal bleeding and had a heart attack during an operation.

I was in a dilemma as I wondered if I should cancel my family trip. But we prayed and committed him to the Lord. I received an assurance of faith from the Holy Spirit in my heart and I told my niece that he will recover when we come back from Bangkok.

After coming back from holiday, I went to see my brother again. There was a turn-around in his condition, and he had stabilized. He was asleep at that time.

On my next visit he was awake and I was able to pray with him to accept Jesus as Savior and Healer. Glory to God!!

He is recovering and we are praying that he would be out of hospital soon.

Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever!!!

Blessings,
Jeffrey Teo

63. Joshua – Experiencing God’s grace in Europe

Name: Joshua, and family & friends
Date: December 2007
Location: Europe

We just returned from a 2-week holiday in Europe with the children, and with a few good friends. We had a good time of fellowship in the gospel of grace with our friends, Edwin & Janice.

We spend our time mainly in London, followed by a tour of Spain. Prior to the trip, and during the trip, we encountered many challenges, but we thank God that all things worked together for good for His beloved children.

We had booked a tour of Spain well in advance with a local tour agency but three weeks before the tour, we received news that the airline had overbooked capacity and had to drop the tour groups (lower margin). When we tried to book alternative land-tour packages, everything had been sold out prior to Christmas. We visited many tour agencies and all the tours were fully booked and closed.

It was a stressful time and there were moments that we felt like giving up. However, Janice managed to reserve the last few seats on the flight to Spain. If we were to get 7 seats (not one or two) on a land-tour under those circumstances, it would have to be a miracle.

Two weeks before the date, I made a call to a tour operator in the US and the person on the line told me what I had heard many times before – “the tour is full and closed”. But we asked God to open the way refusing to give up. Before he hung up, he said he would try to call the land-tour operator to see if they could open up a new coach (they had fully booked two coaches already). He reverted within the next day confirming that they had opened up a new coach for us!!! After receiving negative answers for a week, we were quite shocked to receive positive news. It was a miracle.

Because of the change in the schedule of the tour of Spain, we found ourselves with extra days to spend in London, where we were transiting on our flight. It was an extra extension that came as a bonus. The bad news of the initial cancellation turned out for good. All things work together for good for God’s children, even if it starts off as a problem.

During our trip in Spain, which cut over Christmas, some of the tourist attractions were fully booked. There was a top tourist attraction in Granada called the “Al Hambra”. We were initially told that we may not get the tickets to go in. But the following day, we received news that we managed to get some tickets for our coach. There were two other coaches under the same company that did not get the tickets to go in. When we were there in the morning, there was a huge crowd and there were announcements that tickets had been sold out even for the afternoon. We felt so relieved and blessed to get the tickets because of God’s unmerited favor.

During our last day in Barcelona, our friend Edwin had his bag stolen along with his camera. There were three people working in-hand, one to distract the tourists and the others would then steal the belongings. Being alert, he realized it immediately and managed to catch one of the three. Another Irish tourist who was also robbed earlier, managed to catch another of the three. So the syndicate was busted with the majority caught.

The Lord protected Edwin & our friends and two of the three thieves were caught. Edwin made a police report at the police station, and took the experience as part of the adventure of the trip. There was no financial loss as the insurance company would replace Edwin’s camera with a brand new one. He said that the old one had started to give some problems, so a new camera was more than welcomed. None of the photos were lost as they had been downloaded to the laptop daily.

During the trip in London, I fell ill because of the cold weather and the strong winds. It was sub-zero some of the mornings. During those few days, I didn’t even have the energy to pray. All I did was to cry out the name of “Jesus” – the special name that could deliver me. The name of Jesus means Savior. When we are sick, our Savior comes to heal us. He saves us as our Healer.

And the Holy Spirit brought one verse to my mind to meditate upon. Romans 8:2 says that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death. I meditated on the Spirit of life who was at work in my body – giving life to my mortal body in the same way that He had raised Jesus from the dead (Rom 8:11). I allowed the Holy Spirit to help me visualize Jesus healing the sick in the Gospels books. By the time we had flown from London to Madrid, I had recovered.

Our friend Janice was also down with food poisoning, but as she trusted in the power of God, she also bounced back to health in a day. In spite of the challenges, all of us depended on the grace of God, experience the power of His deliverance and His protection, and we thank God for a fruitful holiday.

62. Willy - daughter blessed by the Lord to be top in class

Name: Willy
Date: 13th November 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Willy is on Daily Rhema

My girl, Zoe is in Primary 2 this year. We hardly pressure her about school work, only guided her when she faced problems with homework. The week before her final exams, we spent some time to revise with her. We committed her to the Lord, told her to pray and believe God for help. Praise the Lord, she came in 1st in class and will be receiving her Gold Award this Thursday. It is the power of God’s grace and the wisdom of God. God is good. Amen.

61. Caleb Lee - Blessed by Daily Rhema

Name: Caleb Lee
Date: 12th November 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Caleb Lee is on Daily Rhema

Dear Bro. Joshua,

My name is Caleb Lee and I only came to know about your daily devotion messages after I attended your talk at the "Acts" bookshop some time in Sept/Oct 07. I really enjoy your teaching on grace messages. I like to read your earlier series module 6 on 1) Who we are in Christ 2) What we have in Christ and 3) What we can accomplish through Christ. Can you please advise me how to access to the website to get those teachings? Thanking you in advance. May God continue to bless you richly as you faithfully expounding God's truth to the body of Christ.

God bless
Caleb Lee

60. Jeffrey Teo - Testimony of God’s amazing grace

Name: Jeffrey Teo
Date: 11th November 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Jeffrey is on Daily Rhema

Dear Joshua,

My wife Linda had asked me to accompany her to meet her clients Michael and Esther at Burger King. That was 2 months before Michael and I met you and Florence.I had never met them before.

Linda told me that they were Christians, so we had something in common. Michael was quite outspoken and so I had the opportunity to share the Gospel of Grace with them. Little did I know that Michael and Esther had already caught the Gospel of Grace.

Several days later, he introduced me to your blog. That's how I met Stanly at his footstall and also came to know about your book, "Walking on Water." I was so excited about what I learned from your book that I bought one for Michael.

After about a week, I asked Michael if he enjoyed your book. And he said he wanted to meet up with you, the author. That's how we got to meet you and your wife, Florence.

The reason why I'm so excited about Jesus and the Gospel is that for so many years I thought that I knew a lot about the bible. Hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Grace) preached without mixture with the law for the first time a few years ago, had challenged my "foundation" to the core.

I now know that the life of a Christian is not a journey to attain, but a journey to discover and to experience what Christ has already accomplished for me. Ha Ha! My Christian life is no longer a struggle of trying to find favour with God by praying hard and serving hard. I am now full of passion for Him.

Few weeks ago, a truck hit the back of my car as I was driving to work. I was surprised and so was the driver that knocked into my car that there wasn't any dent or damage at all. Glory to God! His favour covers and protects us!!!

Looking forward to your next book.

Agape,
Jeffrey Teo

59. Reginald – Learning to walk in faith - by surrendering everything to God

Name: Reginald
Date: 25 October 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Reginald is a former Asean Scholar and a final year student at NTU, Singapore. He is on Daily Rhema.

This is my testimonial on the past few weeks:

I was really busy with school works. This semester, I decided to take a lot of modules, take up leadership several leadership positions, and be involved in overseas case competition, while busy as fellow/guardian in my boarding school. Several times I kept forgetting about surrendering all to the Lord.

About a month ago, due to my busy schedule I skipped a lot of my daily reflection time and bible study, as I always did them at the end of the day, and I always felt really tired after the long days in school. I felt I was always running against time and it really exhausted me. God's gentle reminder came through email from Joshua Lye. He reminded me to send him my recent testimony of my encounter with the Lord to encourage others.

I told him that I was too busy to write, and he reminded me to remember to let Him take control. Then I realized that I have so quickly forgotten the lesson that I learnt only 2 months before at the NTU Christian Fellowship camp! I thank God for He's so faithful. I quickly came back to my daily devotion, and soon enough, it didn't take days, I felt sense of relief and it's as if there are extra hours added to my days!

This few weeks, I have been busy finding job. At the beginning I was worried because I know I would not settle for less challenging job. I want to be part of the dynamic market, join the big MNC, and do well. However, I realized that I am not high up there in term of GPA. I looked around and I saw there were so many people doing so much better than me. I was discouraged.

After the Christian Fellowship camp, I was reminded to surrender everything to God. I told God in my prayer, "My Lord, I would really do my best, and I will always do my best. I could only leave the rest onto Your hands. Walk beside me, oh Lord, and hold my hand." This is the words that I pray to God everyday before I go to sleep and in the morning as I wake up.

God is gracious indeed. Doors of networking sessions and first rounds of interviews started opening even early in the semester. I was surprised I received all these blessings because there are so many other people who do well who did not have the opportunities that I have had. After every interview, I felt so worried, especially when people started to compare answers and experiences.

However, when I was alone, there seemed to be wind blowing, carrying soothing words, "Calm down, Reginald. Surrender everything to God". And instantly I did not feel any fear or worry anymore. I am currently at the next stages for my interviews in different companies, and I am not worried at all. I know He would be there, sitting next to me in the interview room and sustaining me. Even if I don't get the job at the end of the day, I know that I will still be sustained, and other doors will be opened.

I was reading my bible while I was turmoil thinking of my interviews and why I didn't get called back for some, when God intervened. I stumbled upon Genesis 22, when God was testing Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. At the end of the day, Abraham called the place "The Lord will provide". And I was teary. I was so touched with the other reminder that He gave me. And indeed He knew when is the perfect timing to remind you that He will always be there for you and you would never lack of anything.

It is so difficult to surrender everything to God, but I know that I will not want to rely on myself totally anymore, for I know He is trustworthy and I could do everything through Him who sustains me.


In Him,
Reginald Pryor Sumalong.

58. Jassie – Blessed by your teaching ministry

Name: Jassie Hurst
Date: October 2007
Location: Sydney
Note: Jassie Hurst is from Destiny Covenant Church, Sydney


Dear Joshua,

It was my great pleasure meeting you last Sunday at the Destiny Centre. I am writing to let you know that your preaching of ' Love, Joy & Peace' was very profound. Many of us including some very new Christian brothers had expressed their praises, they were very much impressed by your teaching. Even my husband Peter Hurst (also a new Christian) who commented that your teaching is very systematic, 'realistic' and profound. I thank God for His divine appointment with you that He enables you to visit us and make an impact for all of us.

Meanwhile, your book of 'Walking on Water' had absolutely made a difference in my walk with God. It is very skillfully written with anointing gifts. Each chapter and the encounters you shared had made my heart jumps for joy and longing love for God. At some point of time, your book even brought tears to my eyes.

This is a worthy book of hope, faith, love and grace. It will be a classic book treasured by many generations to come. I am very delighted and honoured to know you. I will not hesitate to recommend the book to my friends & family members.

With deep appreciation and

Lots of blessings for your beloved family.

Jassie Hurst
Destiny Covenant Church, Sydney

57. Theresa – Nephew healed from Dyslexia

Name: Theresa (Testimony written by Joshua)
Date: October 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Theresa is from Encounter Meeting

About half a year ago, during Encounter Meeting, I shared with Joshua about the condition of my two nephews. The older nephew was not doing too well academically while the younger one was mildly dyslexic. He had difficulties in reading, wrote his alphabets in the opposite direction, and needed special care.

Joshua asked me to lay hands of them to proclaim that the mind of Christ of was upon them. He also gave me some verses on the wisdom of God to read over them, and to have them read out as well.

I started doing it and observed miraculous improvements over the months. The elder nephew made great progress and was promoted to the top class in his school.

The younger nephew shocked us when he started reading newspaper headlines at home and singing songs in church by reading the lyrics. He made great progress in reading and is healed today. He has been accepted into a good school.

We thank God for the wisdom and the mind of Christ upon them. I shared this testimony with Joshua during the October Encounter Meeting.

56. Patrick & Karen – Mobile phone dropped on the public bus

Name: Karen Ho (Testimony written by Joshua)
Date: 2nd October 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Karen is Florence’s sister

Karen shared this wonderful testimony with me. How many of us know that if we dropped our mobile phone, the chances are we will never get it back. It could be sold easily at a second-hand shop.

Karen’s husband, Patrick was on the bus that day. After he had alighted, he realized that he had dropped his mobile phone. It was a good phone that had a good market value. So he called his wife Karen and asked her if she could go to the internet to check out the bus details, and to make a call to the bus company. It was like hoping against hope.

But Karen recalled the testimony I shared earlier about how I had lost my phone in Hongkong and the Lord miraculously restored it to me. Faith arose was in her heart. So she said to God, “If You can do it for Joshua, you can do it for me. Send your angels to bring it back”

Shortly after she had prayed, and before she even did anything, her phone rang! There was a lady on the other line who said that her uncle had picked up the phone. The lady saw Karen’s number in the phonebook and called her. So Patrick got back the handphone that evening.

Both of them were relived and overjoyed that the handphone was miraculously returned. They knew that it wasn’t a coincidence, but the angel of God had brought it back.

55. Jesus loves me this I know

Name: Joshua
Date: 27th September 2007, Thursday
Location: Singapore, Encounter Meeting

During this Encounter Meeting, we had quite a few friends who joined us. As usual, I was eager for all who had made the effort to join us – to receive a touch from the Lord during Encounter Meeting. We never want anyone to go back without receiving something from God.

But as the host, I got anxious when the worship leader was late and I couldn’t reach her on the phone. It wouldn’t be a good start to the meeting for our friends.

At that moment, I looked to the HS for guidance and was impressed in my heart to start the meeting. So I told everyone that we would start without the worship leader, and that as long as the HS was in our midst, we will let Him lead.

Have you been in such a situation before? You are the host. You had to start the worship without the worship leader. You have not prepared any songs, and you don’t know what the next step is? I know that it makes us even more dependent on the Holy Spirit – and His guidance. When we are weak, then He is strong.

So I felt impressed in my heart to share a few things and then start with the song, “Jesus loves me this I know.” Then we followed on with some other songs and had a wonderful worship.

After the worship, one of our guests asked, “Why did you sing the song Jesus loves me this I know?” I said I didn't know - I just felt led by the HS.

This lady had brought a friend. She shared that she had been ministering to this friend in the afternoon, and they sang this song with the friend. When I sang the same song (out of the many thousand songs available), they knew that God was speaking to them, confirming the message of His love. They were touched that God had spoken to them, and they knew they had come by divine appointment.

We had a good meeting talking about the love of the Father. Things started on the wrong footing. We were least prepared but God showed us and turned things out for good for everyone (Rom 8:28). Isn’t our Father God wonderful?

54. Joshua & Florence – Adventures of being led by the Spirit in NTU

Name: Joshua
Date: 20th September 2007, Thursday
Location: Singapore, Nanyang Technological University

About a month before 20th Sep, I received an email from a student leader from the NTU Christian Fellowship. I had left some “Walking on Water” books at the orientation camp after a speaking engagement earlier. She said that there were some remaining copies that she wanted to return to me.

I sensed in my heart that if I have to make a trip to NTU, there must be a higher spiritual purpose – than just collecting the books. So I listened to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my heart. At first, I thought that we may be spending some time imparting something to her. We were once NTU students, so it was in our heart to encourage and to impart faith to the students.

But through the inner-witness of the Holy Spirit, I sensed that He wanted me to talk to another student instead. The face of this brother just came before me. I followed the leading of the HS and set up an appointment with the other brother.

I was to meet the first student to collect the books at 8 pm, followed by the next meeting with the brother. He asked me what time should we meet. I wasn’t sure how long the first meeting would be. And I didn’t want to end the first session abruptly if God wanted us to speak to first lady. But by the inner-witness, I sensed in my heart that the meeting won’t be long. So I told the brother we would meet at 8.30 at another location at Canteen A of the University.

When Florence & I met the first student, we chatted and asked if she busy. To our amazement, she said that she had to rush to complete an assignment. This meant that we wouldn’t be held up in a long fellowship. The timing was perfect. God saw ahead and had destined us to talk to the other brother. He had shown me so precisely through His Holy Spirit. Isn’t it exciting to be living life by the promptings of the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:6)? He is always in control and we don’t even have to plan what we need to do.

So we met the brother at 8.30. He was hungry for God. He asked me many questions and particularly wanted to experience the leading of the HS. So we shared with him from the book of Acts – how the disciples were still casting lots before Pentecost. But after they had received the baptism in the HS in Acts 2:1-4, they started experiencing the leading of the HS from within. They saw visions and had dreams. They started walking in a new dimension according to the New Covenant that God had determined for the sons of God (Romans 8:14-16).

He came from a background that had little teachings on the importance of the ministry of the HS. But he eagerly desired to receive the baptism in the Spirit. So we prayed for him and we prayed with him. He received the baptism and prayed out beautifully in the Spirit a new song. He saw the light of God, felt the tangible anointing, and was excited about entering into this new experience. It reminded us so much about our own experiences during the Lutheran revival as undergraduates.

We left that place knowing that God had fulfilled His purpose. God set us up for this appointment so that He could fill even one hungry soul. We were happy to be God’s channel for his divine encounter. We had experienced yet another miracle.

53. Joshua – God stopped the rain for a few seconds just for my children

Name: Joshua
Date: 15th September 2007, Saturday
Location: Singapore

On this Saturday morning, I had to send my children for their weekly enrichment class. Usually Florence would to with us to send the children in if necessary. But on that day, Florence wasn’t with us because she was attending a course elsewhere. As I drove out from my home, I saw that the sky was downcast, and it would start pouring at any moment.

I was concerned because I had to drop my children off in front of the school. If it started to rain, they would get wet. And because it was on a road, I would probably not be able to stop the car, to send them in with an umbrella. So I drove quickly to get there before it started pouring.

Unfortunately, as I was making a U-turn, it started pouring. I was still 100m away from the school. I told my son Ronnie, “We have to pray that the Lord will hold the rain for you.” There was just no other way. So together with Ronnie, we spoke boldly to the rain to hold back. We agreed in faith, trusting God.

When I reached the school, the heavy rain stopped for a few seconds. The kids went in safely. As I drove off, it started pouring again. The Lord held the rain for a few seconds just for my children. I was amazed.

After the lesson, we talked about it, and Ronnie knew that he had witnessed a miracle.

52. Joshua – My strength is made perfect in your weakness

Name: Joshua
Date: 8th September 2007
Location: Singapore

Earlier I shared about my testimony in Hongkong and how I was unwell. After I returned from Hongkong, I was totally flat for 2 days. But I had to be well because there was an important meeting scheduled a few fays after my return (meeting was on 8th Sep 07).

Dr. Leong, a dear friend and the leader of the Lutheran revival, who is now based in Sydney, was having a meeting in Singapore. He was returning after spending a month ministering in Kunming, China. This is an annual affair, and we had made the arrangements in advance. We would host the meeting was at my home and I was requested to lead worship.

I was still battling with a sore throat. There was a layer of phlegm that seemed to wrap around my vocal cords which also affected my ability to project my voice. I was also experiencing dizziness actually. It would be a long day and I wasn’t sure if I had the energy to make it through the day.

Before the meeting, we had a pre-arranged lunch meeting with a friend, Andy and his family. He brought another friend – a bible school student who wanted to discuss on the Word. We had a meaningful time in the Word but I had strained my vocal cords during the sharing. I was wondering if I had enough energy and ability to even lead the worship plus play the guitar.

But as in many occasions in the past, when I am unable, I had to depend wholly on the grace of God and the power of His Holy Spirit in me. 2 Cor 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, my strength is made perfect in your weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

When the meeting started, I was so engrossed in the Lord that my attention was turned away from my own infirmities. I led worship for half an hour before handing the meeting to Dr. Leong. After the meeting, I chatted with many old friends over dinner. It was a long day that ended about 10pm.

It was only in the evening that I came to the realization about my sore throat. What happened to that sore throat? What happened to my dizziness? It was gone and I was completely well! I wasn’t even aware that I had been miraculously healed while leading the worship. There is no medical explanation for it. I had strained my voice and exerted a lot of energy and in the natural I should have been flat out. But I was well. The grace of God and the power of His Spirit was at work.

51. Receiving assurance of salvation & an extension of life

Name: Mrs Lee
Date: September 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Mrs Lee is the mother of SL. Lee, my secondary school teacher. Testimony written by Joshua.

I received an SMS requesting for prayer one morning when I myself was on medical leave at home. It was from SL, my secondary school teacher at Raffles Institution. Her mother was hospitalized and in critical condition. I had last met her during the Chinese New Year visitation period. I was troubled.

I wasn’t in the best position to encourage someone to believe for healing – not when I was knocked out with flu and resting at home. This was after I had returned from Hongkong. Have you been there before? These are times when you feel so unable and you are reminded that everything is by the grace of God. And God can work in every situation irregardless of whether I was down with flu. We do not put confidence in ourselves.

So I called my friend SL to find out about the condition of her mother. It was not a new situation. She has prior operations for that condition. She had to go for immediate operation but because she was weak and breathless, there would be a very high risk involved.

There was another problem. SL was unsure of her mother’s salvation as she had not been very receptive to the gospel message. It seemed so impossible.

Before we hung down, I felt led by the Holy Spirit that I should pray with SL. In my condition, I knew I couldn’t visit her at the hospital. We called on the grace of God – (1) we believed that God would send the right people to share and to bring forth assurance of salvation. (2) We also prayed that God would touch her body, to cause the negative situation to turn around.

Then I received news that a doctor (a former student of SL) would bring her mum to minister to SL’s mum. I trust that God’s angels were busy at work. Along the way, God also sent other believers to share with her.

Later, I received this SMS:

“Thanks to all who are praying for my mum. I believe its prayers’ power and love of Christ that my mum, who was confused n depressed for days b’cos of her medical condition, suddenly became very lively, cheerful n at peace though still breathless n very weak. When my Christian friends she knows, asked her whether she has Christ is her heart, she said yes…”

In her struggles, I believe she opened up her heart to the Lord. The love of the brethren and their encouragements strengthened her. Through her own confession of faith, I encouraged SL that we should all be assured of her mum’s salvation.

Several days later, there was a sharp turnaround in her condition. I received this SMS:

Give Thks n Praise the Lord! Despite all the trauma n depression my mum had last wk, thinking she’ll die in hosp this time since her blood’s very bad, n doctors at wits end, my mum is happily discharges today to rest n continue with medication at home with blood ok n stable, though need further monitoring. Thanks for supporting us by your powerful us by your powerful prayer n encouragement. Pray n hope my mum n family members’ll be truly convicted by the Holy Spirit of Jesus’ unfailing love, mercy n grace as they see the tremendous loving Christian support n encouragement we received too. May your joy be full as we pray n see God’s providence. Gracefully, SL.

God turned things around miraculously. He extended the lease of here earthly life.

As SL puts it, this is a testimony of Jesus’ LOVE, MERCY and GRACE. God met SL and her mum in their moment of need. God also sent all the right people to play their part. All glory to Jesus.

50. The love of God calms a troubled child

Name: Shaw Keng
Date: September 2007
Location: Singapore
Note: Shaw Keng works in the child care centre at a Lutheran church. She shared this powerful testimony with me recently. I am writing this down and I trust you will be blessed.

There was a girl, about 3+ years old who was sent to the childcare centre. She appeared insecure in her heart. Perhaps there were other challenges in her home environment. When her father left her at the child care, she would scream uncontrollably. She would even jostle with, and kick the teachers. They did not know what to do. Nothing would calm her.

Then one day, the little girl heard the song, “Jesus loves the little children of the world.” God’s love touched her so deeply through that song. In the midst of the storm in her heart, she suddenly became calmed. There was a marked transformation in her. She came to the child care the following day wearing a cross which she showed to her teachers and she said, “This is Jesus.”

Isn’t it amazing that God’s love can touch the heart of a 3+ year old child? There is no difference. God’s love can also touch the heart of anyone of any age. Be touched by the knowledge and reality of His love.