Best Christmas gift ever!

Praise the Lord!!!! Even if we remain silent the stones will cry out praises!
I am so grateful so thankful so.... beyond words to describe how relief I felt and how deeply appreciative of the Lord's love for David and our family.

The sms from Dr William to David a couple of days ago reads "BMA is very nice in complete remission..." I will leave it to David to share with you the details later.

Thanks to all for praying. Thanks to our Lord God Almighty who answers prayers. Rejoice in the Lord always!

God bless,
Whee Ling

Next Check up on 5/12/2005

Dear all,
I have been well lately except for mild residual symptoms of the oral GVHD still in the mouth. The dental surgeon, who is part of the stem-cell transplant team at the National dental Centre, Singapore saw me this week. She is quite happy that the oral GVHD has subsided except for a few lesions which were seen. She attributed it to the fact that because I am immuno-compromised as well as due to the immuno-suppressants that I am taking, I am prone to viral infections.

My next appointment with Dr. William is on Monday, 5/12. The next BMA (Bone marrow aspiration) is due.The last done showed 3% of myeloma in my body.Do covet your prayers in this - good results and minimal pain during procedure.

I like to request your prayers specially for Jimmy, a Leukaemia patient whom I had ministered to in the hospital and had by God's grace rededicated his life to the Lord. He has just been warded yesterday for a relapse. His transplant was done in early May.Putting myself in his shoes, I can imagine all the thoughts and feelings that he is going thru right now. Yet Jimmy knows now in his heart that Jesus is with Him and is in Sovereign control of his life. That's the wonderful thought - to know what God is doing in a life when he returns to the saving grace of the Lord. God is doing a wonder - even in our suffering.

To me, sometimes we may not know all the reasons for our suffering. Job didn't know either. But he knows God knows. That's a precious thought for me - to know that God knows. And that's enough strength for me - to know that my creator and maker of my knows what He is doing. I rest my all in this sweet knowledge and in Him.

thanks for praying,
david

"You become a Cancer conqueror not because you go into remission - Instead, you become a cancer conqueor because you choose to become a new person."
- Greg Anderson, Author of Cancer Conqueror.

Feeling a lot better...thx for coming before the altar of grace and mercy

Dear all,
Thank you for all your encouragement to me in so many different ways - emails; sms; calls and even personal letters to my home. It's good to receive letters that are still much more personal in this high tech age. Thank you also for your constant prayers before the throne of grace, the altar where we can all find mercy and grace for every need and to figth every battle in the heavenlies. Above all, I am reminded that the altar is primarily a place of worship. I learned that when Paul and Silas were in jail, they did not worship God just to get out of prison. They started worshipping God because, HE IS GOD!

Friends, as we all pray, let's worship God for all that He is. Not just coming before Him with our 'wish list'.But as we look to the Almighty God, we have this faith and hope that He will do great and mighty things. That's the God we had - reagrdless of our struggles and battles in this temporary life.

Well, On Monday, I had my check up with Dr. William. I always thx God for him. I wrote an sms to him to bless him that same day. He replied that he is just prescribing me medicine. So humble hor! But I know God has divinely arranged for this beloved man of God to watch over me. I'm in good hands.

All the blood tests are alright. I am feeling very much more comfortable (feels so good to be free from physical suffering!) now as the periodic leg cramps are gone. My oral GVHD has also subsided tremenduously. The cough is completely gone and thank God there is no lung GVHD or TB. Though I have lost quite a bit of weight since my discharge, I am eating fairly well and trying to exercise a little to regain some muscle tone. My next medical appointment is on December the 5th. A BMA (bone marrow aspiration) will be done again to determine the percentage of the myeloma cells in my body.The last done was 3%.

I have resumed my morning walks at the beach as well. I really enjoy the walk because as I walk, I get to talk a lot to the Lord as it is difficult sometimes to pour out my heart to others.But the Lord is there all the time when I'm walking or driving-especially at the moment when the heart is touched or when I get quite emotional at the very moment when a deep thought comes, I know my faithful and true redeemer is there for me.

My morning walk is also a time where I listen to the heart of God while walking and meditating on the word of God. He is a God who speaks and I'm glad He's been ministering to me daily.

If any of you would like to join me now and then for the walk, do let me know. You'll be glad you took a break to spend some time with our loving Father who always longs to walk and talk with His children.

Honestly, I can't imagine how I can cope without the Spirit of God comforting and causing me to fix my eyes on His Sovereignty. Thank you again for praying for me.

Gal 5:25, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

regards,
david.

A Season of Rest & Family Prayer Meeting on 4.11.2005

Dear all,
Thank you all for all your emails, sms-es and even calls. Whee Ling and I appreciate all the care and concern shown by many of you. We are so blessed and have received so much love from the body of Christ at large in Singapore and all over the world. It is a time, a time in our lives where we are learning to receive God's goodness and blessings through you. Initially, it was a little difficult, especially for us leaders who are so used to so-called giving. But learning to receive is important as well. I believe,God is using this time to refresh our spirits - especially having served in the ministry for the past 15 years for me in the pastorate without any sabbatical.God is also calling me to a season of rest in Him.

Today, I want to share with you 2 things that God is doing at this time of my life:

As I sought the Lord, I believe:
1. God is calling me to a season of rest/Sabbatical in Him.
2. God is doing a great work in my family of origin.

1. Season of Rest
You know resting is tough. Singaporeans are busy people. We run from place to place to run errands; meetings and even shopping. Especially for men. Men find great significance in our work. It reveals our great dependence on what we do for our identity. Everybody wants to do well and finish life well. And success is so important to us, especially in this little small country called 'Temasek/meaning small' that tries to be significant int this huge world that we live in.

Stepping into the world of cancer changed my whole life - my outlook in life and my lifestyle. It is very strange - it's all in the mind. Suddenly you find yourself viewing life from a very different perspective - especially in the light of eternity. Because I know that one cannot bring anything into the box when one passes on - our wealth/possesions and our work/positions. Nothing! But it is real.When faced with life's traumas or critical losses like failing health or loss of wealth; job or even important relationships, one is forced to rearrange his whole lifestyle. Such changes affect men deeply at his ego and being.It affected me.

That's what happened to me. While I know that God is Sovereign, the waiting upon Him has not been easy.While God has spoken since the beginning of the illness from Psm 27:13-14 - that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the living,it has not been easy trying to learn to wait upon Him; waiting for the healing; waiting for His will and His purpose to unfold. The waiting for everything to be over. The waiting to soar like the eagle. In waiting, I felt lousy that my whole life is 'on hold'. And soon my heart became weary - weary of just focus on looking after Josh the whole day and just doing all the so-called mundane things at home. Weary because I do not have the strength to do many things during the day as I can be very tired by late afternoon. As a result, I began to deel insignificant that I have become ineffective ang have to let go of many things that I was doing and planned to do, especially in the new church that I started in April 2003. Loosing a position feels like a small death though I know in my spirit that this is God is at work in my life.By the grace of God, He used Phil 1 verse 18 to enable me to let go. Paul was in jail and there were people who began to preach Christ out of wrong motives and selfish ambition. But Paul, the Apostle, who is definitely Spirit-filled, said "But does it really matter?". That helped me to understand that nothing belongs to me in this world.

A few weeks before I was hospitalized, I went to the beach at Bedok Jetty-the usual place where I take my morning walks before fetching Josh from the school at 11am. Usually I will walk, and as I walk, I talk to the Lord and allow Him to speak to me. Then I will stop to ponder on what he has spoken to my heart - very often bringing back scripture/s that the Holy Spirit brings to rememberance.(John 14:26)

That morning, I told God many things that were long in my heart. I told him the cries of my heart.Then He spoke to me. The Holy Spirit brought John 17:3 to my mind. I said, "I know all about this verse. It's about eternal life right - that is to know you, the true God". I said," knowing You has been my desire, but about now, I need to know what you are up to. I am getting listless and tired."

Just then, the Lord spoke this Rhema word to me. He said, "I am your Father and Know me as a son and I will show you how to father Josh as I father you." Wow! That was profound. Jesus came primary to reveal His father to His disciples and the world.I learn that my main role is to reveal God the Father to Josh. Fathering is one of the most important tasks on the face of the earth. That's an awesome task. Suddenly, my spirit was awakened by this word. It's a great job! A good job too!I told God that I want to be the best father I can be to Josh as He fathers me.

You know, many of us have seen the children, especially the sons, of many pastors who have gone astray because we've spent too much time in the ministry. To me, I can try to save the whole for Jesus, but may loose my very own son. That's not sacrifice. That's neglect.In the end, one has to do more curative work, rather than preventive. So, I am thankful for the word from God - to pour all that I am and I have on Josh and let God impart upon Him all that He wants josh to become. Now that I got heard from the Lord and the facts into perspective. I realized that position or posessions do not define who we are. I learned that even if a man does not have position, there is something more significant - his personal influence.While it is true that position; performance; power or posessions can weild influence, the influence of person ( who you are) is the most valuable. While influence may be lost once your postion, power, performance and poseesions are removed, who you are can be never.God can us me to love,influence and place a special impartation of God's blessings upon Josh and to influence the hearts of many for His glory - especially in sharing the goodness of God thru this illness and what God is doing in my family.

Therefore,I covet your prayers for me in this area - that this season will be a time for deepening my walk with the only true God and father and that I will father Josh with His great, undying love.It's all about intimacy with my Father above and my son here on earth.

" Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the Only True God,and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." John 17:3

2. Family Prayer Meeting:
My family of origin/Ong family meet monthly to bond and to pray for each other. We have done this for a while now. What used to be an awkward time for many of us has become a place where we see the transforming grace of God do a great work in each one.

In this meeting, we worship together as a family. In this place, we share our needs and pray for each other. During this time,we intercede for those in our family that have yet to come to receive Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. By the grace of God, many in our family have come to the Lord. I am glad to inform you that the children of our youngest sister are attending a children ministry where they are enjoying themselves as they learn the things of God.

Also, a 9 year-old nephew of mine brought a friend his age to join us in the gathering. At the end of it, he told us that his friend wanted to believe in Jesus. We are all very happy to share with you that Jeremy had the opportunity and priviledge to bring Rose to the saving knowledge of God personally that night. It's happening! And we know that God is in our midst and will continue to work a wonder in this family.

Finally, we were so blessed to have an American,lovely couple who came to encourage us. They are the directors of a missionary organisation. And had come to share the joy of what God is doing in our family all these years. They also encouraged us to release my youngest brother and his family to return to the mission field where he had been a tent-maker for 3 years. We believe God will use him and his family to serve and build many families there and enlarge God's territory in the families in that land.

God is at work in the Ong family. He is at work in us and will answer the prayers we offer to Him - especially that of reclaiming the souls and salvation of those in our immediate family that have yet to turn their hearts to Jesus.

Well, so much has been shared. Thank you for bearing with me. I simply pour out what's in my heart to share with you this journey that God is bringing my family through. It is our prayer that God will use this blog to encourage and stir your heart to keep looking to our Amazing God as we learn to look to Him in all our circumstances - especially in bringing your own unsaved loved ones in your family.

Thank you once again for praying with us.

Dave Ong
"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him,
for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations".
Psalm 22: 27-28

Thanksgiving to the Lord

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Ps 107:1

Praise the Lord for His mercy, for His lovingkindness, for His faithfulness!!!
Our dear Father God has once again answered our prayers so graciously and delivered us from our distresses. Josh recovered very quickly from his flu this time. He was unwell on Fri and by Sat morning, his fever was gone. The Lord has also protected David from catching the flu bug from Josh.

David had his medical appointment yesterday and we are really glad to report that the results were very good.

"He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Ps 107:20,21.

Thanks for praying and may we always turn to the Lord who delivers, always giving thanks to Him who loves us like no other. God bless you and family!

With deep gratitude,
Whee Ling

Thanks and Please...

Thanks:
Yes, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who prayed for us too. I am thankful for the safe journey back to Singapore and am delighted to be back with my family again. Special thanks to all who have rendered help to David and Josh when I was away in U.S.:
- David's brother Roger and his lovely wife Irene. Josh was staying with their family when David was in the hospital. Really grateful to have such wonderful family support. Josh enjoyed playing with his 3 cousins and staying with them was enjoyable for him (it was like going to a playcamp) and I believe it helped him cope tremendously well during our absence. Irene's almost daily sms to update how Josh was doing so was something I looked forward to and brought such joy to me. Thank You!!!
- John and Pastor Patrick for visiting David and bringing him cheer and encourgement while he was at the hospital. Pastor Adrian for sending David to and fro from the hospital when he was on home leave for a day that Sunday.
- The doctors, nurses and the 2 lovely pharmacists at Ward 72 for taking care of David during his stay at the hospital
- My wonderful mother-in-law for staying over at our place to help look after David when he was home after being discharged from the hospital.
- My wonderful mum for all her labour of love which David mentioned already in his updates.
- My dear sister Cindy who took time out between her appointments to ferry Josh from school
- All who prayed and interceded for our family - especially people like Jimson;Annette andMike; There is no way I could repay your kindness but just pray that all your love and kindness be handsomely rewarded by our Heavenly Father!

and
Please:
Please pray for Josh and David to be healthy. My heart was so filled with anguish and anxiety a while ago till I found peace once again in the presence of My Lord...am reminded He is in control and He is love.
Josh was running a fever, up to 39.6 at around 2am. I also fear that David may catch the infection from Josh and...quite unthinkable what he may need to go thru just to treat any infection. Oh, "dear Lord, please have mercy and release healing and deliverance, in the awesome mighty name of Jesus. Amen!"

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

I Thank God for you.

Dear friends,
Greetings in the name of our Father who holds the keys to life and death!
By the time you read this, Whee Ling has already returned from North Carolina safely.God has heard your intercession for her to be at peace there and to be back safely.

Thank you each and all also for all your emails; sms-es; calls and most of all, your words of encouragement and prayers for my lovely wife, Josh and me during this whole year of our journey since the discovery of my illness. Without you, and the wonderful grace of God, of course, we wouldn't have come thus far. Knowing you are there for us in your own way and knowing Jesus is there in everyway keeps me praising the Lord as long as I live. (Psm 146:2)

The past 3 weeks were rather trying for me - physically and emotionally. The persistent cough throughout the whole day with other accompanying symptoms suggestive of GVHD in the mouth together with the drug toxicity (FK 506), an immuno-suppressant agent, made me very depressed and demoralised. After a while, my heart grew faint and weary. Going for simple diagnostic investigations like Xrays, biopsies and daily blood taking made me feel very lousy. In my heart I often wondered what's next and how long do I have to go through this. My soul was in auguish and deep inside me, it was like hurricane on the inside. Many negative thoughts flooded my soul though I know God is not finished with me yet.That's why I turned down dozens of you who wanted to visit me - I needed to rest and I was just not in the mood to 'entertain' anyone in the hospital. It is very tiring to repeat the story all over again and again - even in sms. Please accept my apologies and thanks for your understanding.

In a way, being alone was really good. Reading chunks of scripture in Isaiah, Job, Psalms and Philipians throughout my almost 2-week stay in all helped me refocus all my thoughts on the maker and shepherd of my life. Reading how men of old like Job and Paul who made it through painfully but stood firm victoriously encouraged my feeble heart and mind. Psalm 6 was also very intrumental for the Holy Spirit to identify and ventilate exactly all my questions; thoughts and feelings to the potter of this clay. His word repleted all the depleted fighting strength in me. Above all, Heb 12:2 specially reminded me to 'endure' like Jesus, who for the joy that was to come endured the CROSS. What a powerful reminder! That what I am going thru is really nothing but just a glimpse of what our dear Lord Jesus went through. He carried the sins of the whole world including mine on that wooden cross! Besides,I believe, like Paul, the Apostle said, we are called not just to believe but to suffer for Him.(Phil 1:29). An elderly man once commented that God is using this illness to punish me but knowing God and His wonderful attributes assures me that He is a good God who allows Satan to test my faith; He dsciplines me to build me up in my character so that I will become more and more like Him. Discipline, like in parenting, is often miscontrued as punishment. Discipline comes from the root word 'to diciple or to train'. Thus I know He who began a good work in me will complete it - so that His purpose and glory will be greatly displayed as I rely on His sufficient grace. You are part of this priviledged journey that God is bringing me through.I have grown because people like you prayed for me to persever. To endure.Thankyou!

Right now, I want to take this time to thank some people who have specially blessed and touched me in their unique ways. 'I thank God for you' - Phil 1:3.

- Thanks my dear Whee Ling for your understanding, silent support and love during this whole journey with me. Your standing by me all the way, in health and in sickness is a very godly way of helping me experience the word 'sacrifice'. You lived it out and given more deep insights in understanding and appreciating Christ's sacrifice for me in a very real and personal way.

- Rev Patrick Wong - a dear close friend and 'big' brother who always prays for me to hang on to Jesus and to look to Him all the time. Thx for sacrificing your time to fetch me to the hospital in spite of your busy schedule where you have so many other sheep to look after. You are truly a good shepherd, a good pastor who takes after our chief shepherd. All these years, you have set a great example for me to be a good pastor.You always do things in such quiet, meaningful ways to show you care. Thx also for coming to see me especially when all I simply needed was the silent presence of a friend who doesn't pretend to understand everything that patients like me go through in the silence of our hearts. God really knows when and who to send! Even the doctors and nurses think you are my brother!

- My mother-in-law. She has been bringing me different kinds of soups almost every day during my stay in the hospital. Not only have I gained a great wife, the double joy is having a mother-in-law who can cook and make different nutritional soups. Above all, I value such a mother-in-law who not only prayed for me in the hospital, but also went to comfort my anxious and worried mum to pray together with her. Praise God for her!

- John Chng. There are so many things to say about you. You are a true friend who has been there for me all these years and especially throughtout this
myeloma-journey with my family. I remember the weekly walks we had at the beach in order to help me get some simple exercises. It's been a year and you are still doing so many things for us, especially for me. Thx you and Hui Si too,for being a great god-pa/god-mum to Josh. Whee Ling and I entrust him totally to God but we know God has also graciously given you2 to share in this special friendship and to be Joshua's god-parents.

- Dr. Melvyn Koh. Please thx your wife,Jane and your cell group for praying for me.Thanks Melvyn for such an emphathetic doctor like you. You took time to visit me though you do not work in SGH. My ears were specially tuned to the few but timely, comforting words you said. Unlike Job's friends whose advice were uncalled for, I found your words comforting & encouraging as it were the very words of God were spoken thru you and the prayers from your heart very ministering.
Someone said, "love people use things". You use ice-cream. What a big tub! Josh loves it too! Bless you as you love your patients with the love of the Lord! You will be a great healing light that will make a difference in shining for our divine physician.

- Winston Lin. Knowing you since my first hospitalization in SGH till now has been such a blessing. Thanks for all your prayers and visits and for sharing your life with me. Your love for God is amazing for a young man like you. Your love for your pre-believing friends reminds that God can use all circumstances to advance the gospel. I also appreciate you greatly for reminding me that Jesus, our key shepherd who is constantly watching over me. That helps!
Friend,you will graduate and become a good and great doctor very soon as you learn to be like Doctor Jesus, our great shepherd!

- My whole family - sisters, brothers; nephews and nieces. Our family has never been so much closer all these years than now. In affliction and suffering, many ones of us have come to know Jesus personally. Each had been ushered into the kingdom of God slowly but surely through the years. The suffering we went through especially during the 10 years when Steven was in trouble had caused our family to come to pray together, standing together,resulting not just in the family becoming closer through prayer, but also seeing not just our parents reconciled and turning to God, but also the salvation of our eldest sis in KL coming to Jesus after 27 years! The Almighty God has heard the cries of our hearts.
Many hearts have yet to open their doors but thru my illness and our monthly family prayer meeting, I believe God is going to open wide the heavens for the rest of them to enter into the gates of heaven. Knowing my very own family is there for me during this crisis gives me great joy and strength to carry on for the sake of the cross. Thankyou for all the lovely cards and calls that your lovely children have sent and made. In sickness or in health; in riches or in poverty - we have seen it all - Let His name be glorified through this Ong family!

By the way - Happy birthday Angie! Thx my dear sister for giving me your stem cells for my bone marrow transplant. Dr.William shared the good news that the engraftment has been totally grafted. My blood group has also been changed from O+ to your blood group AB+. So if Philip observes that I may be behaving more like you now, just tell him not to fall for me! Send him to Dr.William for counselling!

- Now I cannot leave the experts out....... Dr.William Huang and his team of professional experts in the SGH bone marrow transplant team (Drs.Goh Yeow Tee; Micky Koh; Koh Liang Pui; Yvonne Loh; Colin;HO Lin& BMT co-ordinator Sister Jing Jing) as well as all the caring nurses and pharmacists in Haematology Centre and ward 72/SGH including the cleaner Shanti. Thx Dr.William for not just your professional care and duties, but also for your friendship. I see a man of God who serves His master physician and patients with His love.

Wow - this King of king's award can go on and on. My heart has been so moved by so many especially in this past year....I feel the love of God the love and care of all these mentioned and by many of you whom I have not mentioned here in writting as well. Time and space do not permit me but I am grateful for the friendship we share in Jesus, our best friend. Amen?!!

I like to end with this..... 2 nights ago, Josh and my niece, Arabella who stayed over at my place had devotion with me. I was sharing with them on hearing God's voice through impressions, visions and meditation on God's word. When we closed in prayer I asked them to ask God to speak to all of us. Josh saw an eagle in his mind. One that's flying elegantly. Immediately he said, "i remember the verse in that says the eagle soars. Just then, I hear the words 'be patient'as the Holy Spirit impressed upon me and at the very same time Josh exclaimed "Wait patiently!". I told him that Jesus was speaking to him and He finally heard the Lord speaking. Josh was so glad that God really can speak to him in his spirit using the word as he has always been wondering why he cannot hear God's voice since he cannot see or touch Him.You should see the excitement of this little child exhibiting his childlike faith!
Just then,Arabella shared that the eagle is looking for food. "Looking for food",Josh laughed.But with the simplicity and sincerity of her heart, she just said what she thinks the Lord revealed to her.Such childlike faith. I learned so much from them - simple faith! And God used them to remind me that in order to soar I need to wait patiently upon the Lord like Isa 40:31 promises. I must look into the word all day long,chew it, meditate upon it and receive it into my spirit in order to soar like the eagle. God is so gentle and loving to use these two little children to speak to me in particular.... to rejoice in my tribulation and not let the thief steal away the joy of Jesus in me, even in the midst of suffering.Please pray that I will always hold every deceptive and negative thought captive in Jesus' name!(Phil 4:8;)- wrong thinking can rob us of our joy daily in Christ.

Now that the Lord has kept my mind in perfect peace again as I learn to let my mind stayed on Him - I will persevere on. I will endure. I will overcome - as He overcome - even death on the cross. Please pray God will not let me suffer long but through each phase, grant me strength to ENDURE and learn the precious things He wants me to learn thru this and long for the fruit of longsuffering and patience.

Romans 5:3-4 "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance , character; and character, HOPE.

You know, death is not scary. It is actually a glorious enterance into our Maker's glorious presence to be with Him eternally. Humanly speaking,the scary part is the process of dying and the suffering - that haunts me. Please do not get me wrong. I am not thinking of dying yet. With this ailment, God has opened up my eyes to see and my heart to feel for many in my life who are lost. I think there's still so much we want to do and achieve in life. But when afflicted with a condition like mine, suddenly my whole wholeview changes. There's nothing more important than hungering to know my creator as I cannot bring anything into the box when one passes on. Nothing - everyhting will be burnt and turned into ashes. Therefore, as long as the Lord gives me breadth, I want to tell of the goodness of the Lord in my life. I fear not death,for our lives are in God's hands and our names are written on the very palms of His Great hand. With such a peace and joy and blessed hope in Christ,I renew my trust and entrust my whole being and family to Him once again - for in Him we live and have our being!

Indeed, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe." - Proverbs 18:10

Thx for 'listening' friend! And for all your love and prayers - you helped me live for Jesus more courageously! I thx God for you!

dave

Back to the hospital since 13 Oct 2005

Hi,

I was unable to post updates until today...much have happened since the last posting - David was requested to be admitted last Wed when he felt unwell. He felt a tightness in his chest, felt extremely tired because he could not sleep well and was very weak when he informed Dr William last week.

When he told me the news, I was scheduled to leave for US on my business trip from 14Oct to 23Oct and did not know if I should cancel my trip. I did not know what to do and desperately seeked the Lord for guidance. When his doctor confirmed that his condition was due to bad sinusitis and high toxicity in his body due to the drugs and steriods prescribed to treat his infection. David told me that he may be discharged after a couple of days of treatment and observation, I had the peace to continue with my trip.

It has been 5 days since and I am now in North Carolina - thousands of miles away from home and David is still in the hospital. The last sms I received from him yesterday mentioned that he could not be discharged yet..."Need for lungs and toxicity to clear. Seeing lung specialist tomorrow to see if it is due to GVHD. There are some lytic lesions on spine too. Psalm 6 God will answer our prayer for deliverance." I wish I could fly back immediately to just be with him and Josh even if I could ont do anything to help. But he added "No need. Not that serious. Am better. In very good hands here. Focus on your work as you pray in faith. Suffering is part of the christian calling Phillipians 1:29. Josh is very good. Spent almost whole day with your mum yesterday. Stay focused on God's promises and truths. Phillipians 4:8. Take care."

Please pray with us prayers of faith for mercy and deliverance!

God is with us,
Whee Ling

David is discharged from the hostpital today

Praise the Lord!!! Praise Him for His faithfulness and His compassion on those who call upon the Name of Jesus.

David is back home after 5 days at the hospital. Thank God for answering our prayers and thank you for praying. We are really glad to have him with home with us again. Thanks for praying for me too. Without His help and strength, I would not have be able to cope. I have experienced His peace and love. Once again, we have witnessed the Lord's grace and faithfulness. Thank you for being instrumental to His plan to bless and encourage us.

Do continue to pray for complete healing for David. Though his cough is much better now, his phlegm is not completey cleared yet.

"The Lord is near to those who call on Him, to those who call on Him sincerely" Psalm 145:18

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Updates on David's condition

Praise the Lord! Dr William told David the good news that engraftment of donor cells is 100%. Chestscan showed infection is clearing. However, David is still coughing with lots of phlegm. Please continue to pray for full recovery and that David will be discharged from the hospital soon.

Thank God for His grace! And thanks to all for praying!

God bless,
Whee Ling

Hospital admission for IV antibiotics

Dear all,

David's result from his mouth biopsy confirmed GVHD. He will be admitted for 2 to 3 days for Intravenous antibiotics. Covet your prayers for him. Please pray for his immunity to be strengthen to fight the bacteria infection and that the medicine to treat the GVHD be very effective. Pray for protection over mind, body and spirit during his stay at the hospital.

Please also pray for me as I am very stressed during this period with the demands at the workplace. I will be travelling to US (for work) during the 3rd week of Oct and really hope David is well then.

"Lord, please forgive me for having little faith. Please uphold us especially during times when the presure is great and our faith waver when we look at the circumstances instead of Your lovely face. I take comfort in Your word that says: "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?". I am asking, believing that You would grant David the healing he needs and the grace and strength for us to continue this rough journey. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!" Praise be the Lord who never fails us.

Grateful to have you praying with and for us.
God bless,
Whee Ling

Still coughing

David's cough seems to be getting worse... please intercede for him. Really hope and pray that it is not something serious. Pray against GVHD and any complications in his recovery process.

"Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on David and heal him completely, I plead in Jesus' name. Amen."

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Some concerns...

Hi,

Please pray for David to recover from his cough and pray against possible GVHD (Graft Versus Host Disease). He has been coughing for almost a week and it was getting quite bad. Yesterday he had his medical appointment and was recommended to see a dental surgeon for consultation in case of oral GVHD. His liver enzymes were a little raised so need to monitor it more closely. Next appointment will be next week instead of fortnightly because of these concerns.

Last night he was experiencing much pain from the wound caused by the biopsy in his mouth - about 4 stiches. Thank God for Dr Melvin, our dear friend who came to check on him and brought some medical supplies, comfort and prayers as well.

Praise be to the Lord, our God who cares!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

A year now...

Hi,

It has been a year since David was diagnosed to be suffering from multiple myeloma. As I look back, I could only see God's grace and mercy. Thanks to all your prayers,love and support and the Lord's divine healing touch upon David. Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!

Thanks for praying for David's removal of the CVC. It was done very gently by Dr Hwang and pain was minimal. The wound is healing very well and very soon he can be swimming with Josh. Do continue to pray that as the medication reduces, David's new immunity will have be built up. Pray for 100% successful engraftment of the donor's stem cells and 0% of myeloma cells.

I am encouraged by Josh's this week memory verse that says:
"When I pray, You answer me. You encouraged me by giving me the strength I need." Psalm 138:3

May the joy of the Lord be our strength!

God bless,
Whee Ling

Day 100 - Movie and shopping 

Day 100 - At the playground 

Day100 on 09Sep05(Fri)

Praise the Lord!!! God is so good and His love endures forever!

By God's grace and the prayers of His saints (all of you), our family was able to enjoy the simple things we had so often taken for granted in the past. Guess what we did on David's Day100? We went to the movies, playground and dined at the Cafe Cartel and went shopping at Tampines Mall. :)

Gratefully His,
Whee Ling

Day 98!

Wow! 2 more days and it will be Day 100! - an important milestone after the transplant. Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy! Praise Him for His faithfulness and gracious work done in our lives, esp David's. Very grateful the past 97 days have passed without complications, rejection or serious infections. His progress has been good and we are trusting God for complete recovery.

Now why is Day 100 so significant? The advice for transplant patient is to avoid crowded places and outside food for at least 100 days. Cautioned to keep oneself from food contamination and bacteria or viral infection because the new immunity system needs to be built up. David's white blood count and HB level are still not quite within the normal range. Well, guess we still have to be careful even after the 100 days. Another reason why this milestone is important is David's CVC line (the silicon tube inserted into his vein) will be removed soon. Though it may not be done exactly on 100th day itself, it will be very soon - then no more dressing and yes he can swim again. :)

Understand from David that because the CVC line was done through the tunneling method (if you recall, he had quite an ordeal during the insertion of the line), the removal requires cutting his flesh instead of just pulling the tube out through the hole (sounds really awful to me). Oh, please do pray that the process of removing the CVC will not be painful and the wound heals well and fast.

May you be blessed by the word of God and His promises!
"Your promise revives me, it comforts me in all my troubles." Psalm 119:50 (Joshua's book)
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Ps119:50 (NIV)

"This is my comfort in my affliction,For Your word has given me life." Ps119:50 (NKJ)

Rejoicing in Him!
Whee Ling

Still on track

The result of the previous BMT was out: 3% plasma cell in bone marrow. 95% donor still on track cut down neoral to 75bd.

When I received the sms from David last few days ago in my office, I quickly called to ask how he felt about the result. He simply replied "I am ok. My life is in the Lord's hand. I am not worried." Really glad he is so peaceful and calm and trusting in the Lord. I was hoping that the result would indicate complete healing has taken place, 0% and total remission. Naturally I was disappointed but hearing David helped me to just accept that it is the Lord's timing after all...

Nonetheless, still want to give thanks to our merciful Heavenly Father! Among the thanksgiving items, other than the good news that his condition is still on track (improving), David discovered the mild infection in the CVC area and was given antibotics. Thank God it was addressed early and did not result in fever or more serious infection. Thank God today is day 88!

Thank God and Praise the Lord for His word which brings comfort. I was reminded about Psalm 94:19 - Joshua's this week memory verse:
"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer." Psalm 94:19 (version from the "Promises for little hearts" - his birthday present from Dr Hwang).

Be blessed by the other version of Psalm 94:19
"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." (NKJ)

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." (NIV)

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." (NASB)

"When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up." (The Message)

Peace and Grace be unto you from Jesus our Lord!
God bless,
Whee Ling

SMS message fm David after his checkup yesterday

"BMA just done by Dr William himself. Thx God its over. Min pain. Bearable. He is good and gentle. Encouraging ....Shared with me Psalm 118 v8." Thank God for answering our prayer that the BMA be bearable. Now, let us continue to pray and trust the Lord for the outcome.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Monday 22Aug is the next BMA

Dear friends, family and all who cares for David,

Coming Monday will be David's next Bone Marrow Aspiration. Please pray that it will be painless if possible but if not that he will find strength in the Lord to withstand the test. Also, please please pray that the result will show 0% myeloma cells in his bone barrow or anywhere in his body as we believe the Lord would heal him completely and eradicate all malignant cells. May all glory and honour be unto Jesus our Lord, our Healer!

Trusting in Him,
Whee Ling

This is where Daddy has his daily walk 

Photos taken by Joshua during his walk with Daddy 

Day 78 after transplant

Hi all,

As we can see from the recent photos posted, our family is fine now after being hit by the recent bout of flu. (BTW, David's Mee Goreng (fried noodle) was yummy). Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy! We are grateful for His healing grace. I do not remember the last time when I had been so sick - fever, running nose, muscle ache...etc and needed 2 rounds of antibotics before I got better. Thank God it wasn't so bad for both David and Josh. They recovered in a couple of days whereas I was feeling sick for almost 2 weeks.

I now really appreciate the blessing of divine healing and realise the importance of staying healthy. At least I need not be taking any more medicine now and to think that David has to continue to take his daily dosage of medicine, I reckon his trial is really not easy. Pray that he will continue to draw strength from the Lord and to take comfort in the Lord's love and blessings upon him.

We found the Lord's blessings in many simple things in life and are grateful for evey one of them, just to name a few:
* Dr William's care and advice, also the books given by him
* The approved medical subsidy, resulting in weekly medical exps not being too much of a burden
* love gifts from friends and family
* friends who faithfully checked our blog though it has not been updated much lately :P
* prayers offered for our family even though we may not be aware of
* David's reflective and intimate moments with the Lord as he goes about his daily morning walks
* time spent as a family watching fireworks in less crowded places such as in the car and some quiet corner of Marina South Park
* David's parenting insights with regards to fathering Josh
* wonderful porridge from David's friend Seng Chor
* delicious chicken soup from cell member Karen
* nutritious vegetable soup from cell member Chye Hee and Aik Kor
(always good to count our blessings)

God is good all the time! May you also count your blessings and be blessed by the sheer fact that God loves you so much!

Grace and Peace from our Lord!
Whee Ling

Day 73 on 13Aug - David cooking Mee Goreng 

Down with flu

I was down with a nasty flu since last Sunday and is still nursing it, was given another 2 days MC yesterday. Josh had mild gastric flu last Wed but thank God recovered quickly this round. The bad news is David seems to have caught the flu bug. Since this morning he vomitted twice already.... Please pray that the Lord shield him from all infections and keep him well.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Getting better with each new day

Praise the Lord! David's stem cell engraftment is progressing very well. Of the 2 types of ...(err don't know what?), one of which is already 100% engrafted and the other... at 85% - sorry this is what David told me. Just know it is good and Dr Hwang is pleased with the way things are working out for him. And for that - Praise the Lord our God Almighty!!!

Thanks for your prayers and for "walking alongside us" spiritually.

David has been enjoying his time with Josh even though it could be trying and tiring at times.

Well, it has been a while since I have mentioned about Joshua. Our darling boy is growing very well but at times, shock us with the maturity beyond his age. When we looked at old photos, he would often ask "did Daddy has myeloma cells then?" Somehow, this became a significant milestone in our family. Only God knows the impact it has upon his young tender soul...and I am glad that the all knowing God is also loving and compassionate and I know He will take care of Josh. May we continue to come to Him and surrender all our burdens and concerns for He cares.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Today is Day 52 - already passed the midpoint

I am sure David must be very happy to have passed the midpoint of his 100 days of "confinement" - also implies he can soon have the freedom to eat outside food. Well, the 1st 50 days have not been bad at all. In fact, we are really very very thankful that he did not develop any complications or contracted any infections during this period. Even the deprivation of hawker food (such as char kway tiao, laksa, chicken rice...etc) did not result in "hardship" at all as David was so blessed to have yummy home cooked food (nutritious soup and lemon chicken etc) prepared by our dear cell member Judy and her mum. The cell group even arranged a special meeting at our place last Tue to bless us. They sang a song written by Dr Melvin to encourage us and we were deeply touched. They even brought durians so David could enjoy one of his favourite food. God's blessings sure come in many varied ways - one thing for sure all good and perfect gifts are from above...
May we be more and more aware of every blessing from our Heavenly Father above.

Please also continue to pray for 100% engraftment so that David's bone marrow will enable him to fight the remaining (if any) myeloma cells so that he is in total remission once and for all. Claiming this in Jesus' name! Amen!

Thankfully & prayfully,
Whee Ling

Day 50 - on 21Jul. All smiles and yes, enjoying durians. 

Josh and Daddy spending time together in contentment. 

Encouraging results

Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus!
Realised I have not written updates for a while.... well, glad to share that David is doing so well that his last checkup on Monday showed his TW (total white blood cells count) at 4.3 which is within the normal range. His weekly doctor appointments have also reduced from 3 to 2 and now to 1 this week. Next appointment is Monday 18Jul.

Today is his Day 43 (i.e. 43 days after the stem cell transplant). Almost half way to his 100 days "confinement" (he is not supposed to go to crowded places during this period. His appetite has also improved. Strongly believe all these are possible because of all your prayers. Thank you so much!!!

Please continue to pray that with the reduced dosage of medicine, there will be no complications or possible onset of GVHD whatsoever. Please also remember to pray for other transplant patients, I think Patrina may be having her BMT transplant today. Pray for strength and hope. I know our Lord will not disappoint us as we place our trust in Him.

Abundant blessings and grace be to you in Jesus name,
Whee Ling

85% engraftment

Praise the Lord!
David's stem cells engraftment is 85% according to Dr Hwang during last Monday's medical appointment. The level of cyclosporin is also reduced to 100mg, which is wonderful news because the capsules smell awful and was suspected to be the main cause of his stomach discomfort. He is still experiencing some abdominal discomfort and poor appetite. Hopefully and prayfully his discomfort will reduce much much more. Next appointment is on Thur 07Jul.

Praise the Lord! Josh has recovered too! He is back to school since yesterday. Thanks to all for praying.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Rejoice always

"Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Yes, we want to continue to give thanks to God for his work in David's life:

David's running nose has not improved much but his abdominal discomfort has been greatly reduced with some adjustments to the dosage of the medication he is on. Really glad that the nausea and vomiting was not a result of GVHD but due to the high toxity of the drugs which could be regulated.

Praise the Lord his wednesday's BMA was also done with minimal pain. His blood test result was still good though the total white count dropped from 3.7 to 2.2 (normal is 4 to 6). I was told it may flunctuate but its ok.

Today he was back to the hospital for another appointment because the doctor wanted to monitor him closely due to his abdominal discomfort. The BMA result showed he still has 4% myeloma cells (I was expecting 0%) but Dr Koh assured him his result and progress is excellent. Need to continue to pray that the grafted cells will grow well to provide David with a new immunity to fight all the remaining myeloma cells and completely wipe them out once and for all. The Lord is able!

Please also pray for Josh who is down with high fever and stuffy nose. David was concerned that he might have passed the flu bug to Josh. Pray that the infection does not get passed around. Claiming God's promise of healing in Psalms 107:19-21
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
Oh that men, would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"

Peace, love and grace be with you all, in Jesus name.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Down with running nose

Barely less than 24 hours of feeling better, David is down with running nose. The flu like symptoms started this morning. Right after dinner, he vomited all his dinner cum medicine. Not sure how he got the flu bug, suspect it could be at the hospital yesterday while waiting for his X-ray to be done. Please pray that he recover soon.

Many thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Excellent blood test result!

Praise the Lord! We have much to give thanks for. Today's blood test showed:
1. Total white blood cells at 3.7 (normal range 4 to 10)
2. HB level is at 9.1 (normal range 14 to 16)
3. Platelets level at 199 (normal range 140 to 300)
The engraftment of stem cells was at 75%, i.e. grafted stem cells are growing.

Other than some poor appetite, nausea, retching and abdominal discomfort caused by the medicine, David is feeling much much better than before. Every good result is possible becaue of God's amazing grace.

"Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue. - Eugene O'Nell"

David's next medical appointment is on Wed 29Jun whereby he would need to do another BMA (Bone Marrow Aspiration) and full myeloma test to assess his condition after the transplant. Let us continue to pray for full complete healing.

Thanks for your prayers and concern. We are happy to share David's journey with you through this blog, may you also take comfort in this promise:
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them."

God bless!
Whee Ling

Note: If you prefer to e-mail David, his e-mail address is daveongke@pacific.net.sg.

Rashes are gone!

Praise the Lord! David's rashes are hardly visible - believe it is gone because the Lord has heard our prayers.

David's blood test today showed his total white blood count has gone up to 1.8 (noraml range fm 4 to 10), HB at 8.9 (normal range fm 14 to 18) and platelet level is within the normal range. Dr Koh who saw him today was quite happy with his progress. David's diarrhoea has also improved. Even though the result of the skin biopsy would only be out next week, all indicators are looking good. Next appointment is scheduled on Monday 27Jun.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 118:1.

It is our prayers and desire too that many who are afflicted or in need will find solace, strength and deliverance in our Lord Jesus - He who is our refuge and strength. To Him be the glory for every victory and blessing!

God bless,
Whee Ling

He is our help and our shield

"Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You."
Psalm 33:20-22

"The Lord is our help and our shield" - that was what I was proclaiming in the early morning (around 5am) after David was woken up by bad dreams of the deceased and indian spirits. Moments before he woke up to tell me about the "attack", I heard him praying in tongues. Praise the Lord for God has given us spiritual weapons for spiritual battle - to pull down strongholds, cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. I also recalled Joshua being afraid as he was trying very hard to go to sleep last night. I prayed with him to allay his fears. Praise the Lord, relief always comes when we call upon the name of our Lord Jesus. Once again, was reminded to:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:8-11

David will be going for another medical checkup tomorrow. He had a skin biopsy done yesterday to check if the rashes on his back was caused by GVHD. Really hope and pray that he does not need to be given steriods which may trigger another round of hiccups. Thank God, his diarrhoea has stopped but he still has some abdominal discomfort, periodic nausea and poor appetite due to the drugs he is required to take daily. Pray that he be free from all discomfort and that he is able to have good night sleep.

Praying with hope in Christ,
Whee Ling

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!! Praise be to the Most High God, our Lord Jesus, who alone is worthy to be praised and adored! He is the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. He is awesome!

Have been praising the Lord and just want to continue to praise the Lord for all He has done, is doing and will continue to do. We can trust Him because He is a loving and faithful God!

Often I am really amazed by His lovingkindness - He is the great Almighty yet He listens to us when we pray. And often bless us exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. To Him be the glory throughout all the ages, world without end!!!

We are really glad to have David back home and spend Father's Day together and to celebrate Joshua's 5th birthday. We couldn't thank all of you enough for praying unceasingly for and with us.

Ever since David's discharge last Thur evening on 16Jun, he has been generally well other than a bit of diarrhoea. Today (Day 19 after the transplant) is the first of the follow up checkups after the transplant. Dr William noticed some rashes on David's back and suggested he be back tomorrow for another test as rashes could be an indication of some GVHD (Graft vs Host Disease). Please pray that if it is GVHD, it would be gone, that the Lord's divine healing touch be sufficient instead of having need for more medicine/steriods. May the Lord sustains us according to His glorious might in this long, ongoing battle.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Discharged from BMT/SGH 16 June 2005 

Glad to be home! 16 June 2005

Dear all,

By the time you read this, I will be discharged today. Praise the Lord! Exactly 3 wks of suffering here. Wouldn’t have made it the prayers of many concerned people and the love of dear friends like you really. Am also very thankful for the doctors (Especially Dr.William Hwang, my transplant physician provided by the Lord); wonderful nurses and staff of Ward 72, SGH who took such good care of me in their very special ways when I was going so much anguish during the BMT (Bone marrow transplant). Above all, for my younger sister, Angie who had to go through so much in order to give me her stem cells. Glad to tell you that the latest blood test has shown some engraftment taking place in my marrow.

“For you are with me” – The Chief Shepherd
Above all, the Lord has been with me in those darkest moments – it is so easy during those moments of agony and anguish to lose all perspective in those dark days while in pain and sorrow when I said, “It’s no use, I can’t go on. Please take me home”.

But Psalm 23 has given me so much new insights. Just like His presence was David’s comfort in the desert while tendering the sheep, His presence is the same for this little david. In the midst of my deep struggle in loneliness, I saw a vision of the shepherd in glittering white. Indeed, the Lord is great shepherd, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Now I realized that no valley goes on forever – God knows what we can endure…….though the deliverance may be delayed, it will come. Even sorrow has its time to be when you are suffering, but those who mourn will be comforted by His rod and staff.

Prayer items:
Now that I am going home, the main concern is food. Everything needs to be high steamed in order to prevent any potential infection especially fungal spores that are harder to treat. No outside food for at least 6 mths. So no roti prata, wanton mee, loh-mee whatever mee etc. Therefore, one of the challenges is to carefully plan some simple, interesting meals everyday now. If you have good recipes let Whee Ling know –she collects recipes all her life though she doesn’t cook!
There is also a long ‘central line’ on my right chest, a long catheter inserted into a vein that runs into the heart. It will not be taken out for the next 100 days for the purpose of drawing blood and administration of drugs etc. Therefore it needs to keep it sterile with weekly dressings and flushing to keep it clean and unblocked. Whee Ling will have to learn to do it though I can do it myself as well except it is harder to do on myself. But no worries, Dr.Melvyn Tan who has been a dear doctor friend has volunteered to do it for me too. God is so good.
Most importantly, that the new stem cells that are settling in my bone marrow will not face rejection (GVHD-Graft verses host disease).

Suffering Successfully
Honestly, the journey is still quite long. At least for the first 100 days, I will be in SGH for follow up at least twice a week for regular blood checks and consultation with Dr. William Hwang. Pray that there will be no complications in regard to infections and GVHD (graft verses host disease). But Whee Ling, Josh and I are entrusting our lives to the Shepherd of our hearts to bring us thru each valley. There were many valleys mentioned in the Bible where God’s people went through. But there will be an end no matter how many valleys we have to go through. The dark valleys make God more real to us than ever before. God becomes a reality.

Thank you for journeying with us. By standing with us, you helped us experience His reality in the community of Christ in the Church of God at large.

In all my years of Christian living, this is the year I am reconnected with friends from all over Singapore and Russia in different churches, even pre-believing friends. May God’s name be glorified thru this part of my pilgrimage.

Glad to be home ,
(Especially to celebrate birthday of Josh on 20/6 and earthly & Heavenly Father’s day!)

Dave – His beloved.
Email: daveongke@pacific.net.sg

David is so much better now

Praise the Lord for answering our cries for help! David is so much better now. His hiccups are gone finally. He is also having better appetite even though he still has some diarrhoea. It is such a relief to see him up and about. Thank You Lord for Your grace and mercy!!! Thanks to all of you for praying.

Depending on the next blood test, if everything goes well, he may even be able to be discharged by end of this week! It is really wonderful news because we could then celebrate Joshua's birthday together next week. This is one of Josh's prayers.

Gratefully His,
Whee Ling

Blessed by the unexpected "Ministers"  

Awakened by demonic presence in room

Dear each and all,
Am very privileged to have so many of you interceding for me. And for sending your blessings and words of encouragement to see me thru especially thru your prayers in the name of our Chief Shepherd.

The past week has been most difficult, apart from all those times of pain thru the insertion of the central venouus catheter or BMA or even steroids in the past months. This time, with all the chemotherapy and total body irradiation, plus all the many different kinds of medications administered into my body, I felt all the side effects that sometimes were just unbearable. It was kind of hard to explain. So much going on inside the body.I could only try to bear whatever I could while desperately asking and calling a few nearest ones for a listening ear and prayer especially on one late night when I was like 'walking thru the shadow of death."

There was no immediate relief. There was times in reality I asked why God did not answer my prayer for deliverance instantly. Not only did I feel greatly discouraged, I felt such anguish in my great affliction. I could identify with the Psalmist in 6:6-7 when he desperately said, "I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of the all my foes." Yet in my heart the Lord did not leave me alone and "from the Lord comes deliverance" Psalm 3:8. He heard my cry for mercy and accepted my prayer.(6:8-9)

At the very instant, a nurse stepped into my room to check on me that night and saw my pathetic state. She inmmmediately called for the doctor on call to examine me. To me, it was a way God delivered me although not every side effect like the hiccups, vomitting, diarrhoea, sore throat and restlessness was gone. But at least, my cries had been heart and "I could lie down and sleep in peace, for He alone makes me dwell in safety" Psalm 4:8

Vision of the Chief Shepherd
Thru all these, The Lord gave me a vision of Him as a shepherd. Whenever I close my eyes to dwell upon Him , that vision would appear in clear glittering form with Jesus in white holding the staff and the rod. Interesting, a very dear friend, Joseph Ling gave me a book on Psm 23 that I brought along to read. And it has given me a greater understanding of my shepherd.

A dream - Men coming towards me with fire
2 days ago, I had an interesting dream in the daytime when I was resting. A group of men were all holding torches and charred furniture moving towards me. As each drew near to me, I calmly declared that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And soon after that, one by one the crowd disappeared. Thank God for the power of His word - indeed, He is the word and He holds the word of life!

Awakened by demonic presence
I have shared quite a bit, but I am writing at this hour because I was just awaken by a very strong demonic presence in my room.

It was about 2 plus earlier when I was slepping. I was awaken now and then due to strange encounters. Each time as I got up, I was wondering where I was - sometimes in a strange land or even in a room where I don't even recognise or remember that I am actually in SGH as the colours of the walls were of different colours. Halluciating you may think. But after I realized after I got up, I then realized that I am still in the hospital.Honestly, in my mind, I could hear people talking and at one time, I saw many people - young and old; ladies and other people floating around me. At one time, I could sense a woman on my left that I had to say,"hey you go away in Jesus name. Straight away, I sensed in my spirit that it was not a dream but a demonic presence around me.Unlike the last round in the open ward, I did not shout in the name of Jesus for them to get out. Recognising that I was being disturbed in the spirit, I quietly commanded each of them to go in the mighty name of Jesus, the Kings of kings and Lords of lords! When I did that, all of a sudden, I could feel a gush of wind leaving my bed. Really! Never felt that before, but I realized the spirit of death in the hospital is so strong when many many have been very sick and have gone.

As it was quite late, I decided not to call anyone, but just sent a few sms to some for prayer in case some 'night birds' may still be awake.

Whee Ling called, and said she was still awake praying for me using a book on praying for deliverance. Here are some of the scriptures she shared:

Psm 50: 15
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

Psm 31:2; 15
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

Psm 18: 2-3; 16-19
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Psm 91:14
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Psm 56:13
13 For you have delivered me [c] from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life. [d]

Once again, thx for standing with us during this trying period. Your prayer and constant intercession for us have strengthened us to face the harsh realities of the whole battle with Cancer and the trials that the Lord has allowed us to go through. The journey ahead is still very long, but we are trusting God for every step of the way in order that His name may be glorified.

I specially want to thank many of you who called or sms. And for my immediate family members who cared so much for me and close friends who had visited me. It made my stay here more bearable though I could not talk much during this time of physical suffering.

Appreciate each one and all of you,
david

Josh taking care of Daddy 

Feeling slightly better

David is feeling slightly better today but still has diarrhoea and hiccups. He had another dose of chemo yesterday to further lower his immunity. The last chemo is scheduled on 12Jun. He has been sleeping most of the time and I suppose it is easier for him to cope that way. His blood count has not really dropped to the expected low yet. We are waiting for his count to drop and then pick up to a healthy level before he can be discharged - estimated around 2 weeks. Please pray that the whole process be more tolerable.

In Christ we have the victory over every circumstance!

God bless,
Whee Ling

Updates on David's condition

David vomited again this morning after 3 vomit-free days. His throat is also a bit sore (maybe due to the radiation). He had an chest x-ray done yesterday and thank God the result is good. He also has mild jaundice, likely due to the medicine. Hiccups did not improve much. Nonetheless, we are thankful that the Lord is watching over him and believe things will get better for him soon.

In His mercy and grace,
Whee Ling

My new look 

Father & Son 

A time of waiting...

Thanks for your continual prayers for David. He is feeling slightly better.

"Wait upon the Lord" and "Take heart and be strong". These are the 2 messages from the Lord that help David during the difficult moments of coping with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, hiccups and poor appetite. Please continue to pray against the side effects from the many drugs he needs to take. Also pray against possible infection due to low immunity. May the Lord grant him strength, peace and joy.

God is good all the time!
Whee Ling

Day 2 - Through the valley of darkness

What David is going through must be like walking through the valley of darkness. Wonder how long this valley of darkness will be... the only comfort is the Lord is with him in this valley.

This morning he vomited again and had diarrhea. While having his lunch, after just a few spoonful of porridge, he vomited almost all the supplement drink he had earlier before lunch. Yet, he tried to finish his porridge after the vomiting. (Dietitian advised him to try to eat more because he needed the calories and protein.) It really pained me to see him like that - having to go through so much suffering.

Pray that the medicine given will be effective to stop the vomiting and hiccups, that he will have enough nutrition and also to be able to rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, " I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Whee Ling

Hospital days - before and during transplant 

Regular visitors - 2 beautiful birds  

Day 1 - Much discomfort

"Very uncomfortable today. Miserable. Hiccups and terrible feeling all over body. Just vomited. Given lasix to expel water. Pray for peace and strength to endure." reads David's sms at 8:40pm today.

After the BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant), David has been given lots of medicine to prevent GVHD (Graft Vs Host Disease) and to curb possible side effects of chemo and radiotherapy. He has not been eating well even before the BMT. Please pray that his body be filled with supernatural strength from the Lord. Ask the Lord to deliver him from all discomfort and pain and to bring about miraculous healing.

"Lord Jesus, please strengthen David with all might, according to Your glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to You who have qualified him to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (Colossians 1:11-12).
Thank You Lord for Your grace is sufficient for us, for Your strength is made perfect in weakness(12 Corinthians 12:9), in Jesus name we pray. Amen!"

Pray also for Joshua who has a little cough and running nose and so for the first time since his daddy was hospitalised, did not visit him. Josh missed his daddy. Pray that he could get well soon so he could be with daddy again.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Infusion of Stem cells - New life begins

Praise the Lord concerning the stem cell collection! Yesterday's collection was very good - total for 2 days was 4.2m (target 5m). Angie is likely to finish with today's collection anytime now and so the stem cell infusion would likely be 2pm today. Wherever you are, join us to whisper a prayer of thankgiving and shout praises to our Almighty King, the Lord of Lords for this very significant moment in David's life.

Possible reaction of the infusion for some patients is high blood pressure. Let us pray that the peace of the Lord be upon David and God's love so overwhelm him that he could only feel the Lord's pressence and not any discomfort whatsoever!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Day Zero

Tomorrow is Day Zero - the stem cell transplant day! So far, thank God David is still coping quite well with the chemotheraphy. He is thankful that he did not vomit nor feel very sick even though he did experience a little nausea, loss of appepitite and was quite drowsy, especially today.

The nurse told us that tomorrow he would be going for the Total Body Radiation at around 8:30 and the process would take about an hour. (Dr Hwang explained during the family conference that the purpose of the radiation is to further lower David's immunity to prevent rejection of the grafted stem cells.) The radiotherapy may cause David to be tired and the drugs for preventing side effects may make him drowsy. Please pray for the desired result to be achieved without other harmful effects. Pray also for good rest and protection from infections. Most importantly, pray against rejection and complications from Graft Versus Host Disease - a condition whereby donated stem cells attack the patients organs.

The stem cells infusion may start late morning or in the afternoon depending on the readiness of Angie's stem cells. Angie has started the stem cells collection 2 days ago. The first day was quite ok except for the bruise sustained during the insertion of the needle into her vein. Today, she felt much discomfort and the process was more painful. Please pray for Angie that the nurse who would be attending to her for the next 2 days be more skillful and that the Lord would shield her from all pain and discomfort. It is possible. In fact, the Lord did shield her from the pain associated with the daily injections she has to take to increase stem cells in her blood flow. She was given lots of panadols but she did not even take any because there wasn't any pain. Praise the Lord! Please pray and let us trust the Lord to continue to work miracles as we ask in faith.

Please also pray for lots of good quality stem cells to be collected so that Angie need not spend extended time on the machine. For last 2 days, the process took up to 6 hours a day (fm 9am to around 3pm) and all the while she could not move her hand. I am so grateful to Angie for the gift of life to David, and really wish and pray that she need not suffer much.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly."
Psalm 84:11

God bless,
Whee Ling

Pain Pain went away!

Dear all,
Thank you all for praying for me. The insertion of the CVC was difficult probably due to the anatomical strutures of my body or fractures due to my myeloma. The senior radiologist could not figure out why. Although he was quite reassuring by telling me that it was not due to a lung puncture,the pain was so unbearable that caused me to cough and become breathless.It was like a pillow covering the face.I thought I was going to meet the Lord very soon! I quickly confessed all unknown sins to the Lord and prayed for my family and loved ones.All I wanted then was to feel Jesus near as I sang with tears in my heart.

After the insertion of the pheresible line was done, with an oxygen mask given I was wheeled for an urgent ChestXRay to confirm that there's no pneumothorax.Thank God there was no puncture to the right lung.

Back to the ward - In order to minimise the pain, I could not and dare not move or breathe too hard. But thank God, He heard the cries of my heart and your intercession. By this afternoon, the pain score has come down to about 3 and that's why I am able to write a short note here to thank you for praying for me.

Indeed, He "does not ignore the cry of the afflicted" Psm 9:12b

Well, the journey for me has been long. The journey is still very long. Honestly,I don't know what's going to happen tommorrow. But the words of a song I learned during my sunday school days years ago reminded me of our Father God who constantly holds my hand.

Thx for all your prayers,
david

***************

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Chorus: Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter
Every cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.

Romans 8:18
Paul Said: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Excruciating pain

It must have been that - excruciating pain. I heard David telling the nurse who enquired about his pain from the result of the CVC insertion that it was about 8 or 9 from the scale of 1 to 10. "Oh Lord, please have mercy and alleviate his pain, if possible completely eradicate the pain in Jesus name!"

The whole CVC insertion process took so long, David was away from the ward from 3pm to almost 7pm. We had expected it to be easier than the last insertion in Apr since it is a smaller tube and done by a senior radiologist with the help of X-ray. Somehow, half way through the procedure, the radiologist had to adopt an alternative route because of unexpected unexplainable obstacle. David also experienced breathlessness and needed breathing aid. He shared he kept singing the song "Lord, You are more precious than silver...." over and over in his mind.

Coincidentally, Josh and I were singing that song while I was preparing him to take a nap in his daddy's room. I think it must be the work of the Holy Spirit, helping us to worship the Lord in the midst of trouble. Truly very thankful that it was successfully done in the end. Praise the Lord! It is His grace and His grace is sufficient. Thanks for your prayers and intercession.

Please pray that the wounds on his chest will not bleed again and that David can breath deeply without pain. The chemotherapy will start tomorrow, pray that he can tolerate the effects - he can do all things through Christ who strenthens him. Pray for no side effects at all. With God, nothing is impossible!

The Lord is doing an interesting work in Joshua's heart too. I was so blessed by what he shared just before bedtime. He told me he had one or two mosquito bites but not as many as daddy (David had quite a few mosquito bites in the afternoon). He wished the mosquito in daddy's ward would bite him instead of daddy and that he did not mind to even take on all the bites so that daddy be spared. He surely is daddy's darling boy. Please pray that Josh be free from any infections and be strong and healthy and that the frequent hospital visits will not tired him out but that he continues to bring cheer to his daddy.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Stem cell transplant

Dear all,

David will be going for donor stem cell transplant soon. The result of his last BMA done on 10May showed only 2% cancerous cells left. Praise the Lord! We are trusting God to clean up all the myeloma cells and restore David to perfect health. As Joshua (our 4 year old son, who is turning 5 soon) shared with me the other day after we prayed: "Mummy, I felt so good after praying (heaved a sigh of relief), maybe now only 1% left, then 0% and no more." Yes, we are claiming total healing for his daddy by faith in Jesus our Lord.

David will be admitted to SGH tomorrow to begin a series of conditioning preparation for the stem cells. This include 3 days high dose chemo from 28May to 30May, full body radiotherapy on 01Jun morning so he is ready for the stem cell infusion on 01Jun. For details, you may refer to our blog on "Details of BMT".

The estimated hospital stay is at least 23 days. After the transplant, close monitoring of David's condition is required to detect any sign of infections, complications, rejections and what is called GVHD (graft vs host disease) - a condition whereby the grafted stem cell (ie donor cells) attack the patient's cells or organs. The effect of GVHD ranges from skin rashes to life threatening conditions. Something we need to pray against. Lets pray that only remaining cancerous cells will be wiped out and all healthy cells remain unaffected.

After his discharge from the hospital when his condition stablises, regular monitoring about 2 or 3 times medical checkup at the hospital per week will be required for the initial 100 days of the transplant. Thereafter, once a month for the first year after transplant.

We are very thankful that some friends and loved ones even took the initiative to oragnise prayer groups to fast and pray for David. We are also very glad to know that some people were encouraged through our testimonies in our blog of the Lord's goodness and love not just for our family but to all who call upon His name. Let us continue to pray for each other and draw near to God.

As you remember David in your prayers, please pray:

1. that David's mind, soul, body and spirit will be ready for what he will need to go through. That he will be able to focus on our Lord Jesus and find strength to bear all things.

2. for smooth insertion of the CVC on 27May - a hollow silicon tube to be inserted into his vein below his collar bone to facilitate the aministration of chemo treatment, drawing of blood for tests, stem cell infusion etc. Pray that the radiologist will be skillful in doing it and that if possible be painless for David. Pray for protection from risk of punctured lungs and from fever and infections.

3. for Angie, his sister who is the stem cell donor to respond well to the 2 injections of GCSF per day from 27May to 31May. The injections are necessary to facilitate stem cells collection from 30May to 02Jun. Pray that Angie will not experience any pain and discomfort and that the desired amount of quality stem cells can be collected.

4. that the high dose chemo and full body radiotherapy will completely destroy the diseased cells in his body without the usual side effects and no risk of donated stem cells be rejected

5. that when his immunity is low, he will not be infected by any virus, bacteria or any kind of infections etc

6. that after the stem cells infusion, the donated cells will grow and achieve the desired result

7. that in the event if AB+ platelets are needed, the potential donors who had gone for screening will be available to donate the needed platelets. (Really very grateful to each and every one of the 10 potential donors for their kind offer to help)

8. for Joshua to be healthy (he was down with fever yesterday but thank God is well now) and for me too, that I will be a good caregiver.
Thank you very much!
Just want to let you know in case some of you have problem logging onto our blog - every prayer request for David's last hospitalisation from 18Apr to 05May (in my e-mail dated 15Apr) was answered. Praise be to our awesome God! Thanks for praying. Your prayers mean so much to us!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

P/S: I will still check my e-mail from time to time and David may also have access to his e-mail and our blog (if he is not too tired to read). We love to hear from you - so do encourage us if you have a message, a verse, a prayer or just a note to say hello.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for...

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen...
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. " Hebrews 11:1-3

Can I have the assurance that David will survive the BMT and not just survive, but will be completely cured of multiple myeloma? Yes, I believe it can happen because our faith is in the Lord Jesus, who said "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it..." John 14:12-14.

The Lord has so kindly allayed my anxiety by reminding me through His word "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6. Yes, let us continually present our requests to the Lord.

I want to share with you how the Lord has renewed my faith in Him again through His word:

As far back as the time when David was first hospitalised at TTSH last Sep, even before the diagnosis, the Lord has through a dear sister-in-Christ told me to be prepared for "things to get worse before they get better". When it was confirmed to be multiple myeloma, I was crying to the Lord for mercy and assurance that all would be well eventually. The comforting message from the Lord (in the form of thoughts from bible passage) came from Daniel 3 (attached below for reference). I felt the Lord assuring me that He would be with us as He had when Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were in the fiery furnace. Just as the 3 of them emerged from the fire unharmed, we (David, Joshua and I) would too. However, what impressed upon me besides the miraculous deliverance but rather the attitude of the 3 when they said "If it be so our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." The ulimate purpose is that His name be glorified! Yes, that is our desire too - that the mighty name of Jesus be glorified!

One thing I can testify is so far we have never felt alone - His presence has been with us.

"As sure as God puts His children in the furnace he will be in the furnace with them." -- Charles H Spurgeon

Thanks for praying. Hope you will also find strength, comfort and peace in Christ if you are also facing difficulties or trials in your life.

Rejoice in the Lord always!
Whee Ling



***********************************************
Daniel 3
The King's Golden Image
1Nebuchadnezzar the king made an (A)image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the (B)province of Babylon.
2Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the (C)satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

3Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4Then the herald loudly proclaimed: "To you the command is given, (D)O peoples, nations and men of every language,

5that at the moment you (E)hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.

6"But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be (F)cast into the midst of a (G)furnace of blazing fire."

7Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Worship of the Image Refused
8For this reason at that time certain (H)Chaldeans came forward and (I)brought charges against the Jews.
9They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: "(J)O king, live forever!

10"You, O king, have (K)made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to (L)fall down and worship the golden image.

11"But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.

12"There are certain Jews whom you have (M)appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

13Then Nebuchadnezzar in (N)rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king.

14Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve (O)my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?

15"Now if you are ready, (P)at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well But if you do not worship, you will immediately be (Q)cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and (R)what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"

16(S)Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.

17"If it be so, our (T)God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and (U)He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18"(V)But even if He does not, (W)let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Daniel's Friends Protected
19Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with (X)wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.
20He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire.

21Then these men were tied up in their (Y)trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire.

22For this reason, because the king's command was (Z)urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

23But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, (AA)fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.

24Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king."

25He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and (AB)walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the (AC)gods!"

26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the (AD)Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (AE)came out of the midst of the fire.

27The (AF)satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the (AG)fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their (AH)trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.

28Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the (AI)God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has (AJ)sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their (AK)trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as (AL)not to serve or worship any god except their own God.

29"Therefore I (AM)make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of (AN)Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their (AO)houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is (AP)no other god who is able to deliver in this way."

30Then the king (AQ)caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.