A New wind of the Spirit

Today many of my own siblings had a simple lunch at my parent's home. My sister, Chye Hong and her pre-believing husband were in Singapore for the past few days. This is the sister that had rededicated herself to the Lord after marrying an unbeliever some 30 years ago. But by the grace of God, her faith in the Lord is now so strong and full of faith because of the strong-Bible believing Church that has nurtured and discipled her in KL. In fact, much of our encouragement came from her as she stood with us by praying in faith with us. Very often, she would send her sms-es and pray child-like prayers of faith for my healing. My family and I had been very lifted by her renewed faith.

Before she left this morning, we prayed for their safe journey back to KL. It was really wonderful to hear my mum and my dad pray for them. My parents have also grown much and it was really heart warming to see them utter such sincere prayers for my sister and brother-in-law. I believe that such prayers of blessings will bring the kingdom of God nearer to my unsaved bro-in-law and cause him to be delivered from the clutches of the evil one very soon.

I live each day with new excitement to see members of my family and extended families come to know the God who has sustained and given me every new breadth of life.

By faith, I believe a new wind of His Spirit will come in 2008. A new spirit where many new favors will come from the Lord and a greater faith to believe and see God move powerfully will happen in every area of our lives......especially the salvation of our loved ones and friends.

May you usher into the new year with this new wind of His Spirit and let Him blow you to new heights of love, joy, peace, hope and even faith in our faithful God!

Have a blessed new year!
David, Whee Ling and Joshua Ong.

Another Christmas!

Life is unpredictable. I received a piece of bad news two days before Christmas. It was about a sudden passing on of a sister of a friend who left without bidding farewell to her loved ones.

I am reminded of how I felt during the past 3 years of my illness since September 2004. I remembered wondering if I would be able to see and celebrate Christmas that year. By God's grace, this is the 3rd Christmas that I've celebrated.

Whee Ling, Josh and I celebrated the past two Christmases on our own. Though they were very private, we enjoyed every bit of it.

This time, we had a well-packed Christmas. On 23rd Dec, two of my best friends came to spend Christmas with us. Then we had some of my previous guys and their spouses join us on the Christmas eve. It was really a very meaningful time, catching up and fellowshipping with each other as each shared about the goodness of the Lord in our own lives. Christmas day itself was filled with gatherings with my in-laws and my very own parents and siblings where we blessed some of our relatives with the book that God has graciously given us the privilege to share about His goodness.

I am deeply thankful to God for every new breadth given, something not to be taken granted. I look forward to many more Christmases. But more importantly, looking forward to live every minute for His glory!

Merry Christmas and have a very Christ-filled New Year!
May the Lord bring a new wind of spirit into your heart as you venture into the new year with His Holy Spirit.

David.

5 loaves of bread and 2 fish

Having crossed over Jordon, a great sense of inadequacy came upon me. I had been thinking about how Moses felt and said when God appointed him to deliver the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. It was the same feeling I had before I went on staff in FCBC in 1990. But God is always a God who is there for us. Through John 6:1-15, He reminded me that He can do with the little that I have, even if it was just like the little boy who didn't have much but just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. He gave Jesus all he had. Little can become much when yielded to the touch of the master's hand. I was reminded not to think or believe like Philip and Andrew.

This morning, God led my thoughts to Paul's pastoral letter to Timothy. Paul reminded Timothy of not only his sincere faith that had come through his family tree, but also to 'fan into flame the spiritual gift of God.' Paul was exhorting the young pastor not to be timid for God did not give us a spirit of timidity/fear but of love and of self-discipline. I felt so strengthened by these inspired words of God. (2 Tim1:7)

Josh and I had been reading the book of James for our devotions together during the school holidays.

Last night, before he went to bed, he told me God gave him wisdom to salvage a favourite toy car that was smeared with oil paint that was used for touching up my car. He cried so badly, so much so that he said it was the saddest day of his life. In desperation, he called upon God. After he prayed, he said God answered his prayer by giving him wisdom to know what to do. God gave him a solution to the problem. He was so happy because the smeared car had its stains removed by almost 90%. He did it by soaking his toy car in a highly concentrated cleaner. Praise God for teaching Josh to pray and call upon His name in such practical ways by applying James 1:5. I pray he will continue to be filled of His presence even when he faces the real challenges of the world as grows up. By the way, Josh has started on a project with me to write a little, 30-day devotional book entitled, "What God says to me", where he compiles 30 of his recorded words from the Lord. I believe hearing God is one of the most important things in this life and therefore, one of my main goals in parenting is to teach Josh how to hear God for himself. Joshua's saddest day yesterday turned to be one where he leaned on God for wisdom through prayer. It really warmed my heart! In fact, few weeks ago, he shared with Whee Ling and I that he had selected a life verse. I pray that it will encourage your heart to seek God for one if you do not yet have one for your owm life.

Interestingly, he chose Deut 20:4 which says, "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

To be frank, we did not take him seriously as he is still so young. But Josh shared that the Lord gave him this verse because it has to do with his chinese name. His Chinese is Sheng Hua, meaning victory in Jehovah. So, the verse in its context also talks about absolute victory as the presence of the Lord will go with him to overcome all his enemies. What a joy it is for us to see him maturing in the Lord.

Finally, "Talking the walk" will be out this Friday. It is another blessed journey and declaration of God's goodness. I feel very privileged to be used of God to share about His goodness that others may see and taste of it through the book.
Thank you each and all for walking so far with us,
david.

Time to Enter the Promise Land - Shepherd's Point

Thanks to many of you for your emails to encourage me regarding where God is leading me. And for many of your affirmation in regard to God's call and destiny for my life in regard to my pastoral ministry. I feel deeply touched by all love and warmth apart from the strong endorsement.

At the end of last year, on New Year's eve to be specific, God spoke to me about entering the promise land as the Senior Pastor of BBTC spoke on the book of Joshua. For many months, I pondered upon the meaning of those words and thought God wanted me to stay put in the church. But as time passed, it dawned upon me that the Lord was leading me out as He directed me eyes and thoughts to 2 key things in Joshua 1. In short, God told me to GET READY and at the same time, He will GIVE ME all the RESOURCES needed.

With that word, I remembered the words He gave me in regard to the ministry in April 2006 when I was in SGH - That I will be a pastor that will point others to the Lord. Every man has a key anointing and call from the Lord for his ministry. The Lord said my main calling in my ministry is to be a shepherd that will care, guide and lead others to the cross of Jesus.

I have been seeking the Lord for almost a year now. Several weeks ago, the Lord through a message online spoke to me, "Have you crossed Jordon?" Then He said, "that it was time to cross Jordon".

2 weeks ago, the Lord spoke to Whee Ling through a message by Bishop Moses Tay in BBTC. She finally obeyed the word of the Lord to her to follow where the Lord is leading me and will support me in the ministry. That was a answer to my prayer as I had been praying for the Lord to confirm and show my spouse where He is leading me as I lead my family. How can I lead a church if I cannot lead my own family as Paul said. I struggled a lot in this as I had always believed this is one of the real tests of a true leader. I have seen too many great leaders who succeed in the ministry but failed to manage and lead their very own families. That's why the Sovereign Lord told me during one of my walks with him by the beach 2 years ago to spend these few years to disciple my very own son. One may win the whole world for Christ, but may lose his own son. I don't think that's sacrifice. To me, that's mere stupidity without the wisdom of God. I rather pour my all into my son and let God bring him to where He wants him to be to win the world for Jesus.

Today is the 9th of Dec. The anointing and presence of the Lord was very strong upon me. The Lord spoke to me during the time of worship in church that "it is time to march into the promised land by faith and not by what we see".

Through the reading of the scriptures in Psalm 100, the Holy Spirit said, "Know that the Lord is good" and through a very new and beautiful song entitled "In Christ Alone", He strengthened my heart to "Fear no more".

I stood in awe as I heard the still small voice of the Lord holding my heart with these tender words. And when finally the song "Jesus shall take the highest honour" was sung, it led me to turn my heart to the author of my life again in surrender and obedience as I bowed my heart to Him, giving Him all the glory and strength within me for once again, I remember my life is not my own.

The church is focusing on the 'goodness of God' this whole month. Today, Prof Freddy Boey started the ball rolling by sharing on Romans 8:28, a verse God gave us right from the beginning of our journey - that everything works for good to those 1. who love Him, 2. walk according to His will and not our own. In short, He reminded us that He is a good and Soveriegn God.

Indeed, He is. Many of you will get to read more of it in our book, "Talking the Walk" very soon as it is been sent for printing. Whee Ling, Josh and I would like to bless those of you who have been praying and standing with us. If you have an ailing friend or close one with cancer in particular, we would like to bless him/her with a copy to share God's goodness and bring His comfort through this book. Just email us at talkingthewalk@gmail.com

Finally, my family and I will leave BBTC where we've been parking since March 2006. It is time to move on to build a point where Jesus is calling us to be shepherds of those still in the wilderness and in the world - the unchurched and the unsaved, where we need to point them to the cross, to the mountain top where every lost sheep needs to be lead to find the chief shepherd.

We covet your prayers as we take this transition by faith in obedience to the call of God upon our lives. The Lord has given this new ministry to us and it is called Shepherd's Point.

Seeking your blessings,
david

His grace is always abundant!

Dear all,
There are many things to thank God for. For one, I am eternally grateful to God for every new breadth. Life is not something to be taken for granted as life is so unpredictable. There are always new faces that I see and meet everytime I make a visit to the centre where I have been treated for my illness. And there are people around who will share about so and so being stricken with cancer or serious illnesses every week. I cannot help but feel how much we need the Lord to reign over all. Only He can give us hope and only He can cause each of us to be in health for it is His will for His children not only to be healed of illnesses, but also to be free from sicknesses (3John v2).

Generally, I am still quite well in spite of the painful ulcers in my mouth that were rather aggressive these few weeks. I am thankful that God had given me much strength to go about running errands, looking after Josh and I was also able to volunteer as a reading parent in St. Hilda's Primary where Josh is now studying. It had been a good year in serving the little children in the school, many of whom have taught me much about the Lord's heart for children. It was a special joy to know all the children in Joshua's class and the form teacher as well.

By the grace of God, Whee Ling and I want to thank and glorify the Lord as Josh did very well in his class. He had been rather consistent in his school work though he struggled initially with mandarin. To our astonishment, he was first in class. We are deeply grateful to God for such grace upon us even though Josh had to go through so much with us in the past 3 years. His grace was indeed so abundant and overflowing to us. We wouldn't have come so far if not for His grace and your constant prayers.

Well, my book should be out by now but it had been delayed due to some unforseen circumstances. Nevertheless, I strongly believe this is the work of the Lord and satan is trying to destroy it (the name of satan is deliberately spelt in small letters as I do not want to give him honour even if it violates grammatical rules). I ask for your covering for us as a family as we face constant attacks in many ways.

Finally, at the close of last year, I vividly remembered the Lord impressed upon me that this is a year of preparing to enter the promised land in regard to the pastoral ministry. I had spent a considerable amout of time waiting and seeking God about it. With lots of fear and trembling as I prayed and waited upon the Lord, the indications were rather clear but I had been very apprehensive about moving on primarilt because I did not and dare not trust God enough to carry me through. I needed the faith to overcome the fears in my heart though I know obedience is what pleases the Lord most. Therefore, I ask for prayer that I will be bold enough to heed what God had spoken to me in Joshua 1 - to prepare to enter the promised land by being bold and of good courage. Guess it it time to cross Jordon.

Please pray for the Lord to guide and lead as I continue to trust and obey Him.

blesssings,
David

Cleared of Viral infection

Dear praying friends,
By the amazing grace of God, the viral infection is cleared. It is really amazing as it cleared faster than before.

During my last visit to my transplant physician last early this month, Dr. William Hwang decreased the immuno-suppressed to a much lower doasge. We are thankful that the GVHD had not flared up badly and it has been fairly well contained ( The ulcers are still there but pain score is around 2-3 ) even though the dosage has been reduced.

For all these, we are eternally grateful. We want to thank God for you, for interceding with us faithfully.

Regarding the book, the final draft is done and once the final check is done, it should be printed next week. We like to bless all of you who have been praying with us with a copy and will find a time to celebrate His goodness to us one day. More details will be furnished soon through the blog as well as through an email to you.

Finally, a wonderful lady who has been walking so faithfully in her walk with God sent me the lyrics of a song that encouraged her greatly as she walked through her own fight with cancer. It is so wonderful to know that our Saviour and Shepherd King himself is interceding for us daily.

Be blessed as you read this:

"Praying For You".

What if you woke up one morning
and as you started to head down the stairs,
you had to stop cos from the room at the top
you heard a voice praying a prayer.

They talked about trials you were facing
and the struggles you've been going through.
As you lean in to hear,it became clear,
it was JESUS praying for you

chorus:
So let your heart have courage today,
through confidence, real hope and faith
Whether its here or in heaven
There's peace knowing its true
Whatever life may bring
You have JESUS praying for you
HE prayed for you in the garden
HE prays for you even now
HE stood in your placeand
HE pleads your case
when the accuser comes around

Thank You Jesus for praying for us!

david

Bad headache, nausea, diarrhoea and eye infection

Dear all,
the past few days were terrible for me. The above mentioned symptoms especially the headache didn't seem to go away. Times like this can scare me a little as the worst kind of imaginations can come to my mind. I thought the active cells may have targetted my skull since Multiple Myeloma affects chiefly the bones(Lytic lesions).

It may seem negative to you but many who are sick like me experience such real feelings and thoughts every now and then when a dark cloud passes by to marr our focus on the promises in the Lord. Such clouds or experiences can make us feel or see the worst.

But once again, the Holy Spirit reminded me not to focus on what I see or cannot see, but on the finished work of the cross that brings every divine blessing to us as His beloved children, including good health. He reminded me not to focus or base my faith on the present circumstances but in God who sees everything. His eyesight is better than mine or yours. His eyesight is perfect. So when I fixed my eyes on God again, hope filled my heart all over again. I know Jesus is always interceding for me!

Wavering faith? Perhaps. But it is very real to us. Guess that's why we always appeal for friends like you to pray with us, especially for me, that God will continue to pour forth more grace upon me to go through every phase, every day.

Needing Jesus deeply everyday,
david

P/S - After doing a full blood count at a nearby polyclinic, I went to see a doctor friend who interpreted the results for me. He said I had viral flu. Am thankful for God's grace that there is no severe sinusitis this round. By today, the headache is completely gone. Praise the Lord for another measure of grace!

Josh has fever

Dear all,
please keep Josh in prayer as he was down with fever this whole day. By the grace of God, Whee Ling and I are very thankful that in spite of the moderately high fever,, he is still very active. There is no cough or cold, his throat does not look inflammed or injected.

Although we did not go to church today, Josh said he had a wonderful devotion with mum in the morning. You must be wonderful where I was. I was sleeping because I had headache and rested till almost twelve noon.

We cover your prayers as we continue to take refuge and dwell in the mighty presence of the Lord each day. We sensed that the battle is upon us as we are excited about the launch of our book soon, believing it will glorify the Lord. At the same time, we believe satan is not in any way glad that the name of the Lord be magnified through the book.

Please pray specifically for God's covering over us.

thanks,
david and whee ling

Gentle reminder – God is faithful!

Praise the Lord!!! I was reminded once again of how important it is to have faith while praying. And God has been so faithful as always!

Though it has been a while ago, I still think I ought to give thanks and praise God for His goodness and faithfulness:
Ever since my whole family was down with the stubborn strain of flu bug from the 1st week of Sep, I prayed (not so faithfully) and took my medicine faithfully. For almost 2 weeks I was feeling unwell with blocked nose, phlegm and cough even though I had completed my full course (7 days supply) of antibiotics. David and Josh’s flu symptoms were lingering. Thank God we had no high fever. I had a bad experience when I did not take my antibiotics after a meal. I felt nauseated and vomited – the feeling was so awful. It was then I realized David must have suffered so much more and couldn’t help admire him for having endured and persevered in the Lord.

At the beginning of this week, my mum was having severe headache and I was so afraid it could be something serious. My best girl friend went for a medical review and I was concern about the outcome of her report. David’s medical review was also due on Thu and I was anxious with “what ifs”. I felt so powerless over sickness. I forgot the victory over sickness our Lord Jesus has accomplished on the cross till I felt the need to humble myself before him in prayer and fasting on Wed.

As I was spending time with the Lord, the Lord used the booklet written by Marilyn Hickey “God’s Benefit: Healing” to remind me His faithfulness and the need to pray prayers of faith. Some bible verses from the booklet which helped remind me to pray, believe and receive God’s healing benefits are:
Psalm 6:19 says “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits…”
Forgiveness and Healing are benefits from the Lord Psalm 103:2-3 : “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all thy diseases.”
John 3:14 - Everyone who looks to Jesus will be saved and healed
Jesus said “My words are spirit and they are life”. Marilyn advised us to Be in the Word everyday confessing the Word.
Mark 11:24 - “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”

I am glad to share that as I prayed and believe it is God’s will to heal and received His healing by faith. Praise the Lord! My mum is fine, my best friend’s report is good and my dear husband’s review is “All ok, next review in 6 weeks”! I am so grateful, so thankful to our Heavenly Father for answering my prayers. Oh yes, I also prayed for my health too and I am completely well now. I know it is not how big my faith is but how faithful God is. Don’t forget all His benefits. They can be yours too!

God bless,
Whee Ling

See in 2 months time

Dear All,
It was good news when Dr. William Hwang decided to reduce my immuo-supressants (prednisolone) from 10mg to 5mg. Besides, I only need to see him for medical review in 2 months time. My cough has healed tremenduosly but I still need to take a course of antibiotics to clear all residual infection. Thank you so much for praying for me and my family.

Please take note that my email address has been changed to daveongke@singnet.com.sg with immediate effect.

Finally, I am very blessed with many good write-ups from my book reviewers and an excellent foreword written by Dr. Gary Sweeten for my book. The goodness and favor of the Lord is so bountifully bestowed upon us. I sense a great freedom and peace of the Lord in my spirit and know that it is time to release the book.

for His glory,
david

Seek the blesser, not the blessing.

Dear friends,
Whee Ling and Josh are fine now. My cough has stopped and I feel a lot better though the post-nasal drip still drips. Am glad that it is much relieved by anti-histamines. Please pray that the infection will clear completely. The GVHD seems more controlled as my mouth did not bleed that easily of late.

I will be seeing Dr. William Hwang for my next medical review this Thursday. May have to do another MRI to ascertain the progress thus far.

I want to share a litlle blessing that Josh experienced on Monday. He experienced what it means to 'reap what you sow'.

You see, on Sunday, he told Whee Ling and I that he wanted to bless the Lord a little more. So he gave $10 into the offering bag.

On Monday, I was looking for a bookshelf in Ikea for Josh. Then I met a couple who are pastors. We talked and I was blessed by their prayer of faith for my family and my condition. Before they left, the lady pastor passed a little gift to me saying, "Here's a little blessing for Joshua". I couldn't wait to tell Josh what the Lord has done.

Josh was very overjoyed to receive the 5-fold blessing. He said, "So I will give $50 to the Lord and i will have more!" We laughed and shared with him that it was more important to seek the blesser than the blessing. Besides, God will bless in many other forms.

Whee Ling and I are very blessed that God used this to give Josh an experience like this to let him encounter the goodness of the Lord. He has also decided to give all the coins that he has saved to the poor and orphans through Harvest Home Inc, a ministry of Rhonda Calhoun and her husband, Danny who are founders. Rhonda was the lady who gave me a very accurate word of prophecy in April 2004, a month after I left the pastorate in my previous ministry. A detailed description can be found in my up and coming book entitled "Talking the Walk" by the grace of God.

If you'd like to read more about Rhonda vision for the poor and needy, you can go to their website at: www.harvesthome.org.

Thankyou for praying for us,
david

All down with flu

Hi,
This recent bout of flu bug hit us quite badly. Josh recovered from the tonsillitis but was down with flu again a week later. We are thankful that Josh is better now as the fever is gone except for slight cough and blocked nose.

Whee Ling had been infected with the bug and was given two days MC to rest. Again, thank God she is better now after taking the antibiotics.

As for me, I have been on antibiotic coverage as prophylaxis but was down with very bad bout of flu with slight fever only. As I am immuno-compromised due to Multiple Myeloma, it took me several weeks to recover. I am quite ok now except for slight chesty cough. To me, this recent infection took a shorter time compared to the previous bout where it took several months. That, I see as His goodness because it means I am getter better. Dr. Wiiliam Hwang mentioned that he will do another round of checks to determine the status of my condition. I am trusting the Lord for His mighty hand to heal completely.

Thankyou for praying for us, especially those who SMS-ed after reading our blog.

Every goodness,
david

Josh & I - Down with URTI

Dear all,
Our apologies for not updating the blog for a while. We were busy preparing Josh for his continual assessment in school and after he goes to bed each night, I have to look into the final touches of my book that is scheduled to be out by September.

By the abundant grace of God, Josh did very well in school and we are thankful for His hand upon us. And regarding the book, I am thankful to Thomas Chong, an 'old friend' from Bethesda Katong Church, that has been helping me with the shaping of the book, entitled 'Talking the Walk'. Most of the book reviewers have also graciously completed their kind reviews for the book. Praise the Lord!

Today, please pray for Josh and me. Both of us are down with fever and URTI (upper respiratory tract infection. Josh has been having very high fever. As for me, please pray that the lungs and the sinusitis will be cleared of infection.

Hiding in Him always,
Psalm 32:7, "Blessed You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

david

Praise the Lord-Li Leng is discharged!

Dear friends,
thanks for praying for Li Leng. I received word from Paul, her husband, that she was well enough to be discharged at noon. Please pray for the mycoplasma infection of the chest to clear with the oral antibiotics given for the next 3 weeks.

The Lord is good and will never disappoint those who trust and seek Him as Psam 9:10 promised, a verse I constantly held fast to in my own journey as well.

Thank you for trusting the Lord together with us........... it makes people like us in this cancer journey a lot easier to cope and to hope in our dependable Shepherd!

david

Please pray for Li Leng

Dear all,
Our hearts are very grateful to all of you for your concern and prayers for my father. He was discharged a few days after his admission. Once again, we are thankful for the grace of God upon our family.

Many of you called and some emailed to ask about the oral GVHD in my mouth. It less painful now as it is well controlled with minimal steroids although there are 2 big ulcers on each side of the mouth. with a little more care when I eat, drink or brush my brush, I am able to prevent slight tears on the roof of the palate that often cause bleeding then. therefore, for all these, I am thankful though I am hopeful that it will eventually go away totally.

Also, I am very glad to share that my cough is completely off now. Wow, can't remember how many months now but indeed glad to be off the various antibiotics that I had to take for the past few months for the chest infection. Currently, I just need to take those for prophylaxis.

As I recover with the strength and healing of the Lord, I wish the same for many of my friends who are sick, especially with cancer. It is impossible to name everyone of them although my heart goes out to each of them. A few I know are struggling in the hospital.

Today, I would like to request prayer for Li Leng. Li Leng has the same condition as I do. She was breathless on the morning of August 11th and was admitted for treatment and seen by the respiratory specialist. Thank God for His mighty hand on her - she is given IV antibiotics and is resting more comfortably now. Please pray for complete healing upon her and for her to 'prosper and be in health' as 3 John verse puts it. It is always good to put our hope in the certainty of God's word.

As for the book, we are now in the final phase. Once the editing is done and reviewed by some key reviewers, it will be published. There will be a day in probably mid-September where we will call for a short time of praise and celebration of the goodness of the Lord. You are most welcome to come to worship the Lord with us. We would like to give you a copy of the book as well to share with you about the goodness of His grace.

We will update you on the date, venue and time once the book takes complete shape.
The Lord be blessed and glorified through this simple book that talks our walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Thank you for being with us,
David, Whee Ling and Josh.

Please pray for my father

Dear all,
Covet yr prayers for my dad. He was admitted to Changi General Hospital immediately yesterday for Ischaemic heart disease. He is stable now and resting in the hospital.
By the grace of God, I happen to be running some errands around Bedok interchange yesterday. I saw him walking while I was driving.

He had gone to see the Dr at Bedok Polyclinic. He had symptoms of giddiness and slight breathlessness upon exertion. The doctor had sent him to go to A&E immediately on his own knowing that the ECG taken was abnormal. I wished he had contacted any of us to bring him to A&E. My dad could have collapsed.

I may sound a little fearful because I had seen two unexpected deaths in the past two weeks.

The first was my immediate friend and neighbour who collapsed right before my very eyes while my family was having dinner. He died in ICU few days later.

The second was a 26 year-old young man who was one of my counsellees in the ministry. Ian had died suddenly in SGH due to possible dengue fever as you may have read in the newspapers. Life is unpredictable!

Nonetheless, am thankful to God for His divine intervention; for His hand upon my dad; for answering my prayers for my family as I bring them before Him daily. Thank God for His covering and protection!

Do pray for my father. He is 70. He looks younger than me!

His heart problem was caused by an accident years ago when he landed in ICU. Some of you probably have heard me share how the Lord turned my hatred for him into love. He was seriously ill in ICU due to cardiac arrhythmia. I remembered the Lord said I loved others but not him even though I was a pastor. Since then, my attitudes changed and started showing love in Jesus' name. It was a miracle, a transformation for me. Wouldn't be possible with God's love. His love cast out all fear.... the fear to love. Very awkward at first you know!!!

But God honored that act of obedience. Many of you knew how my father came to know the Lord - how God answered our prayers as my family through our monthly prayer meetings and how we learned to honor our parents as a family. By the grace of our loving God, I also had the joy of baptizing my dad personally some years back then in FCBC.

Thank you for praying. Many things happened in my family - and the grace of God always saw us through one by one. We are never tired, but always glad to share the goodness of the Lord to us........as many of you have from different ones in my family of origin - the Ong Family.

God is always so good!
David

"Blessed are those whose strength is in YOU; who set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; The autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."

Psalm 84:5-8

Slight infection; Cough improving.

Dear all,
just a short note here to thank all for praying with us ceaselessly. We are aware that many of you helped to circulate our prayer requests and sharing to your friends, even those whom we've had not seen or known at all. Thank you for helping to rally and solicit prayers for us. We are very much strengthened by the encouragement and more so, intercession of many.

After so many months of perpetual cough and chest infection, I was getting a little weary. Like a roller coaster, I got better but down again the next moment. Physically, I tend to be very tired. Emotionally hanging on because I knew I am already so much better. Do you know that I've NEVER been hospitalised even once so far this far???!!! Praise the Lord! So, this cough is just like a little housefly that has come to bug me the past few weeks, making me sick with the little infection that it brings along. Pls continue to pray for complete recovery from this chest infection.

Dr. William Hwang had been very kind and caring to 'review' me through SMS and unofficial calls. He monitors me very closely. Please join me to give thanks to the Lord this time instead of taking another piece of prayer request to God. Though God loves to hear our requests daily, sometimes God is like a search engine where we go to Him for answers to our needs. I'm sure He loves to hear our praises as well. So, here's one - thank God for my physician and may the favor of the Lord rest upon him and establish the work of his hands....Psalm 90:17

david

Medical Review - 06.07.2007

Dear all,
Waking up each day is a reminder of God's undying grace. Indeed, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, for they are new every morning. His grace is availble every day.

I am thankful that all is well with me. That's the great and constant faithfulness of God in our lives as a family.

Dr. William mentioned that all the blood tests are fine except for the GVHD in my mouth. By God's grace, it had been very well controlled and the dosages of the immuno-suppressants are reduced. As such, he does not want to increase it systemicallly (prednisolone 10 mg, twice a day).

The pain is bearable. It bleeds whenever I eat or brush my teeth. The GVHD in the gums and the roof of the palate in the mouth are rather active, causing sevaral big ulcers on the sides and back of the mouth. I had been given a cream to apply to control it. So, am very thankful that I can still eat but slowly so that the food does not tear the skin on the roof of the mouth.

There is a little risk that Dr. Hwang remarked regarding this oral GVHD. There is a potential risk of having mouth cancer because it's been there since the 2005, right after the transplant.

My heart dropped when I heard it. Immedaitely, I had to quickly renew my mind with the certainty of God's word that gives life and health. I was glad that this news helps to me to pray God's word and to receive the promises of God in His word.

While waiting for my chest Xray to be done yesterday, I was meditating on Acts 1:8. Interestingly, by the divine way in way God often uses circumstances in our lives to speak to us, Dr William Hwang gave me 2 books written by his Senior Pastor. one of them is entitled, "You shall be my witnesses". Without a shadow of doubt, I knew what God was saying to me.
I will, regardless of my state of health, continue to a witness for Him. Praise the Lord for His word!

I had been reading and enjoying the word of God like never before. I sometimes try to skip the old testament because history is a subject I greatly dislike. Now, like the way Whee Ling and I prayed with Josh whenever we have devotion with him daily, I deliberately prayed for the holy Spirit to OPEN my eyes to wonderful things in His word. (Psm 119:18). i am beginning to find new gems for my life. The Israelites lived under the law but we are blessed to live under grace now for the Lord, Jesus had carried all for sins on the cross once and for all.

I don't read the OT merely as a story or history book now. I see His-Story and how God was preparing the way for the redeemer to come to restore the world. I believe that redemption includeds the restoration of the physical body as well. So, I continue to believe that.

Do pray for me for strength physically. While I have more time in the afternoons after Josh goes to school, by then, I am physically exhausted and have little energy to do much.

Whee Ling is very busy at work. She has been blessed to be in this company, SAS Institute since the day she joined. It's been 20 years - her first job. That's how faithful she is, even to me!
I pray Psalm 90:17 regularly for her, that she will find favor in the eyes of God and men and see the work of her hands be establised as she continue to be faithful, not just to me, her company, but to God.

Much has been said and usually I don't write often. But when I write , I have a lot to say. Thanks for listening to me. Thanks for reading our blog for we know you care, though we may not know who reads unless you leave a comment or email us like some of you do. Thanks for standing with us!

All for His glory!
david

On the ferry - Trip to James Bond Island

Phuket Trip/Joshua's 7th Birthday

Dear all,
thankyou all for praying for us for the trip to Phuket. It was a great family time together!
The Lord spoke many things to me as I was reading the book of Ezra. I shared with Whee Ling and Josh that I want to be like Ezra who, "Set his heart to
S - Study
A - Apply &
T - Teach God's word.

Reading and feeding my spirit with God's word keeps me alive - spiritually and even physically for they are words of life. I love to chew on His word and his word is something I will always treasure more than any other thing on earth.

Anyway, on the way back on the plane, Josh said he missed Phuket. Guess he really enjoyed himself.

Josh wrote in his school journal that one of the main highlights of the trip was the day we went to Phi Phi isalnds on a speedboat on a group tour. (see photo)

We also went to James bond island on a ferry. On our way there, we were brought to a nature reserve on a kayak. The man who took us on the kayak was very nice to us, so much so, that he became our favourite guide and 'kayak' man. He likes Josh so much that whenever we would get down from the ferry to be on the kayak, he will look out for Josh and us.

We like him and took several photos with him. Somehow, we began to befriend him more than the other staff on the ferry. We also whispered a little prayer for him, that he will one day come to know Jesus personally. Like most Thais, Jacky is a buddhist.

One day, we were at the resort where we stayed. There was a conducted boat tour that we wanted to go and so, we went to this office to register. We were disappointed that in the end, we could not register as we were already one of those 'time-share' members. But what turned out as a little disappointment became a blessing. We meet a senior staff there who happens to be a local Thai pastor.

We got acquainted. I asked him if he had any gospel tracts as I wanted to give to Jackie, the 'kayak' man when I send him the photos. This pastor was quite excited and wanted to contact Jackie to invite him to his church to hear the gospel.

I thought that was divine as I had been praying for Jackie the past few days. Now God who desires that none shall perish must have divinely arranged for the pastor to meet us. I told Josh to pray that Jackie will respond to the invitation and have a chance to hear and receive the good news into his heart.

Josh's 7th birthday:
We celebrated Joshua's birthday last Sunday. Many of his friends were there. As usual, he put on football attire because he wanted to play soccer with all his friends.

We were thankful that many close friends and relatives came to bless him, though many couldn't come as some were on holidays during this school break.

My health and my book - "Talking the Walk":
Thanks to many of you who still read our blog and are still praying for us.

I am much better except for the oral GVHD that needs to be controlled. I really appreciate Dr. William Hwang as he has managed my condition very well even though these flares in my mouth can sometimes be very bad. There are still a few big ulcers and the lips tend to bleed and cause some pain. Otherwise, generally condition is fine.

I have finished writting my book. Now doing the editing and inserting all the other neccessary photos and sending them to my reviewers soon. I hope to launch it by September as it will be exactly 3 years since I battled with this cancer. Please pray with us that this book will magnify and glorify the name of our Sovereign Lord who heals.

I also intend to have a 'time of praise and celebration' in September to thank God and people like you for all the grace and goodness we have received in this journey. Will let you know the exact details later on the blog.

So much have been said, thank you once again for standing with us!

david


We were on the ferry on

Josh 7th Birthday Celebration

Jackie - 'Kayak' friend

Trip to Phuket

So much to be thankful for...

Praise the Lord!!! Indeed there are so much to be thankful for. As I reflect (which I wish I do more often), I am very grateful to the Lord for His continual blessings and grace.

A few milestones have passed and I would not let go of the opportunity to declare His goodness and offer up our praises and thanksgiving - including doing so in this blog so you could share our joy too and praise His holy name.

01Jun07 - 2nd anniversary of David's stem cell transplant. He turned 2 years old in this new lease of life. Praise the Lord he is in remission since Oct last year. His cough is totally gone and the GVHD in his mouth is much controlled with the medication his is on. Though he still has some ulcers but the improvement is considered remarkable already. Considering the risk of transplant complications which we were aware some transplant patients subcumbed to (some were even fatal), his well-being is truly made possible from the grace of God. Well, complete healing is still something we are praying for. His recent checkup on 07Jun showed all blood counts are good. Praise the Lord!!!

05Jun07 - we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. He surprised me by having flowers delivered to my office. We had a simple dinner together with Josh in town. It was a blessing which just 2 years' ago was something I could only wish for. I am reminded of our wedding verse in James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

I must admit sometimes I still do take things for granted and sometimes I forget to count my blessings... May the Lord help me to always be grateful, tender-hearted and cherish the wonderful gift from Him - my dear husband and son. :)

We are going to Phuket for a short holiday from today till fri. Managed to get the promotion $5 Jetstar budget airline ticket (though only one way) - thanks be to God for making this budget trip possible! Please pray for safety and a good time enjoying God's creation - Phuket, sea, sun, beach resort and each other!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

It's all about faith!

Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for my family.

Josh is well now though he had lost a lot of weight. We had been 'pumping' with good, nutritional food and supplements to restore his health.

As for me, there's still some chest infection with wet cough and post nasal drip but it has improved tremenduously. This bout has so far been the worst in terms of length. About 5-6 weeks. The cough was very bad throughout the whole day. Sometimes, the chest hurts due to the constant cough. I was hoping and praying that the ribs will not fracture due to the myeloma.
Nevertheless, we are just thankful that it was not TB and praying that the infection will clear totally very soon.

God is always very good, revealing His ways and causing our hearts to see His goodness despite all odds. We are specially thankful to Dr. Melvyn Tan who had been watching over us throughout this time. My physician, Dr. William Hwang had been in touch as well. We are always very grateful for these friends in the medical profession whom our Father in heaven has blessed us with.

God has been speaking so much to me through His word. One of the things He had been doing is causing my faith to rise again - that everything is by faith. Reading the list of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 had been very encouraging, stirring my heart to exercise my faith in God.

God's word strengthens. I can't imagine how we could hold on at times if not for His encouragement through His word. And your prayers as well, we know we are not alone for so many of you have been standing with us throughout this whole time in prayer and many practical ways. We are awed by the love of God and God's people like you.... all the time.
God is so good!

blessings,
David; Whee Ling and Josh.

Psalm 9:10

Psalm 16:7-11

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Dear all,
Thank you for praying for Josh and me. We had been badly hit with chest infection, causing bad cough and fever. I can't help but worry a lot about Josh as he was so sick that he had to be absent from school for the whole week. It had been quite disheartening for us. Yet, in spite of all this, we know the Lord word will always come true for us as we continue to confess the absolute Lordship of Christ in our lives and even over sickness, claiming "by His stripes we are healed."

I am thankful that God's word always brings hope and joy to my heart. Sometimes, after fighting the disease for so long, I become weary and down, especially when the oral GVHD flares up badly again and again. The pain is always there since the transplant in 2005 but usually beaarable. I just treat it like a housefly that comes every now and then on the shoulders and shrug it off but sometimes the flares can really get me very discouraged although I tell myself to be thankful for every breadth that He gives to live for my family and for Him.

Reading the book of Psalms have always been very helpful. It puts courage into my heart to know that God had not and will not abandon us in every circumstance.....eespecially at night, He will counsel and bring His presence near when my heart grows faint. By dwelling in His presence, He renews and makes known to me the path of life again. And in that, I rejoice in Him again, for He has given new strength for another new day.

Thank you all for your prayers! It gives us renewed strength and joy to have the family of God standing with us, even till now.

Do pray for strength as I try to finish my book, entitled, "Talking The Walk"

God is forever faithful,

david

Trying times

David's cough is getting so bad that every time he coughs, I prayed that his ribs will not be affected. His mouth's GVHD seems to get worse, with more ulcers and even his throat is hurting now. He has lost his appetite and feels lethargic. Please pray and intercede for him to be completely healed.

As for Josh, this is the fourth day since he was down with high fever. Though he is much better now - only mild fever in the morning, he still feels tired and has to miss school today. Please also pray for him to be in good health and complete restoration soon.

Honestly, I am quite discouraged when prayers for healing do not get answered immediately or soon enough. I guess in times like these, the Lord wants us to learn perseverance in prayers.

"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me. -Psalm 86:6-7-"

Surly He wil answer us.... so lets press on...

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Pray for David and Josh

Thanks for praying. I am safely back from the States. In fact, managed to be back a day earlier than planned. I tried to make posting on the blog but encountered some pw problem.

David has been coughing a lot and was even having pretty high fever. Yesterday, his temperature reached 38.6. Josh is also down with fever reaching as high as 39.2. Please join me to pray for healing and restoration and claim good health and wholeness for them in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

2:07 PM

WL in US

Hi,
I am now in USA, Cary in North Carolina. I will be here till 27Apr for meeting at my headoffice and by the time I get back would be 29Apr. Covet your prayers for David and Josh while I am away. Before I left, David was still coughing. Do continue to pray and claim healing for him.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Joshua vomited

Last night Joshua vomited 4 times. He started feeling unwell at 3am. He estimated that the vomiting was half an hour apart. So, he didn't get to sleep till 6am this morning. David also did not sleep the whole night because he wanted to take care of Josh. Please pray for us.
Whee Ling

Dear every body,
On Sunday, I didn't get to go to church.
FROM: JOSHUA.

JJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Improving...

Praise the Lord! David's subsequent blood test showed platelets and other blood count are improving. Dr William was very kind to call him yesterday. David's recent conditions of numbness, headaches, poor blood count... were likely due to medication. Even his headaches were almost gone now that he has stopped certain drug he took to treat his mouth's GVHD (Graft Vs Host Disease). It is indeed encourgaing to know our prayers are answered.

David is always teaching Joshua to listen to the Lord in his daily devotion and journal what the Lord has spoken or what impressed upon him by the Holy Spirit. Joshua shared about knowing "God is our Healer." Yes, the Lord is our Healer, our Protector, our Deliverer, our Faithful Friend and Companion, our Savior, our Loving Father and our Almighty God!

May the Lord "grant us, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; that we being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in teh church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 4:16)

Be blessed!
Whee Ling

P/S: David is now busy writing his book.

Persistent Headaches

David had persistent headaches for the past few days. His pain score was 4-5. The result of his last Saturday's blood test showed his Hb, white blood cells and platelets were all lower than before, below the normal range. His GVHD in the mouth is still active, giving him much pain causing his mouth to bleed easily... All these signs are indeed disturbing. Fear creeps in. Anxiety mounts. Are these due to drug intolerance or worse, possibility of active disease? What if...

I was worried and desperately seeking for some assurance that there is nothing to worry about. Hoping that there is nothing serious happening to David, hoping for complete healing. David reminded me not to look at the signs but continue to hope in the Lord and His promises.
"Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23. In my devotion, I came was reminded of God's promise:
"Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!" Pslam 128:6.

Yes, hope in the Lord! We prayed earnst prayers last night. We anointed each other with oil and prayed for healing as the bible taught us to. We were especially blessed by the prayers that Josh uttered which I believe the Holy Spirit was in our midst guiding him. He prayed that his daddy be well and healthy, that the GVHD be gone - that gu gu (aunt Angie)'s cells not fight against daddy's cells but that daddy's cells submit so that daddy be well.

Praise the Lord for He is indeed our refuge and strength, our very present help in time of trouble.

David did his MRI today and I thought he was supposed to do it tomorrow. His sent an sms that reads: "Result traced by Dr William. no monocional band. Ldh was high and Hb low. plt low. likely due to rapa. Recheck fbc and ldh tomorrow."

I could not make out whether it is good news or not. Later David explained that m band indicates cancer cells and no means he is still in total remission, i.e. 0% myeloma cells. Praise the Lord indeed! I was so relief, so glad, so thankful. Praise the Lord! Thanks for praying too.

Even now, David is still having his headache and ulcers but we have peace. We pray and trust he will be completely well and give praises and thanks to our loving Father in Heaven, Jesus our Lord and Holy Spirit our Helper.

"You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength." - Isaiah 26:3-4


Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Effects of Thalidomide?

David's sms this afternoon wrote:
"My toes are rather numb and headaches all over esp near the temporal region down to the ear. Giddy too. Taken thalidomide on Mon and Fri. Hb last taken was 11.5... Dr William advised to stop thalidomide. Check calcium and magnesium. Also creatinine and FBC (full blood count)..."

He will be going to the clinic for blood test tomorrow. He suspects these are effects of Thalidomide. Hopefully it is not due to other problems with his bones....

Please pray for mercy and healing.
"Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word." - Psalm 119:153 -154

Yes, Lord, please consider David's affliction and deliver him, in Jesus name! Amen.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Ulcers and pain

David's GVHD in his mouth is not getting better, in fact, it seems to be getting worse... he is even having ulcers on his tongue now. Eating has become increasingly more painful. Dr William had prescribed more steriods and even thaildomide again. It worries and saddens me that David's medication has to be increased again. David, as always, does not complain much. I know he is silently enduring it all.

Today, he attended a dear friend's funeral. A friend whom he had gotten to know during his hospital stay. A Christian brother who also suffered from multiple myeloma, who was much older in age (I think in his 60s), had an autologus transplant (transplant using his own stem cells) and had Velcade treatement together with David last year. He suffered a relapse late last year and finally went home with the Lord last Friday. David shared about how he and this brother, together with another friend, enjoyed fellowship in the hospital - the "good old times" of encourgaing one another about God's faithfulness, empathize with one another over the discomfort, side effects of the drugs, talking about good food in Singapore, having yam cake late at night for supper while in the hospital...etc. He testified about how this Christian brother had finished well. I know the loss of this dear friend who had shared his suffering like none of us had has an effect on him I could not fully comprehend. But I know the Lord could and would comfort him and also the bereaved family. I could only pray and hope in the Lord and take comfort in the promise that the Lord's grace is sufficient for us.

I believe praying is the least and yet the most powerful thing we can do. Please join me to pray for:
1. David to be healed of the GVHD in his mouth, that his mouth and tongue be totally free of painful ulcers and blisters and be in perfect healthy condition. That David need not suffer so much and so long but be restored completely.
2. David will be joining the church BBTC for the leader's retreat in Batam this Thu to Sat. Please pray for journey mercy and a wonderful and fruitful time with the Lord and His people. Josh will be joining him because I will be away in Taipei for work from Tue to Sat. Please pray for us too.
3. David's spirit to be lifted up and his focus be on the Lord's promises so that he continues to find strength and joy

I am so glad to be reminded of Psalm 121 this morning during Sunday service. Yes, our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth! Therefore, nothing is too difficult for Him, nothing is impossible for Him. In Him, we place our trust. May the name of Jesus always be exalted!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Eating - an enjoyment yet...

Most of us enjoy eating. Eating is an ability most of us take for granted. Especially during the Lunar New Year festive season, and many of us tend to eat a bit too much...

While we were having dinner the other day, David's GVHD (graft vs host disease) in his mouth which is still making his mouth tender and raw, caused his mouth to not only have ulcers but blisters and even some bleeding. Joshua witnessed his daddy's agnoy and asked "Why does daddy has to suffer so much?" I do not know what to say... I too wish to know and hope he does not have to suffer.

We do not have an answer to many things in life but we have a God who knows it all.

David looks good and many people who saw him lately told him that. Yes, he is indeed so well that other than the GVHD in his mouth and a little numbness in his sole (probably due to the residual effect of the some drugs/chemo), he does not have any other aliments and we are truly thankful to his healer, our Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please continue to join me in praying for complete healing for David. That he will be free of any side effects, GVHD, relapse etc, in Jesus name! Pray also for protection from any viral or bacteria infection or flu bug. I believe He who has began a good work in David will be faithful to complete it. Amen!

God bless and thanks,
Whee Ling

Hi,

Last Sunday was David’s birthday. How we celebrated his birthday was something we would find difficult to envisage just a year ago. If you recall, He was hospitalized on his birthday for fever and infection last year. In fact almost every public holiday last year was spent in the hospital as he was admitted almost every month.

The ordeal he had to go through last year made me so truly grateful to the Lord for His great mercies & grace He is showing David and our family this year.

2007 is a year of new beginnings! As David shared, a lot of firsts – Joshua’s first day of school, David’s new involvement in the school’s parents support group and the very first time we successfully gave David a surprise birthday party.

Last Fri, as I was pondering what would be the best birthday gift for David, what would most pleased his heart - it seemed to be none other than spending time with people he cares for (being a people person). So, I decided to arrange a surprise party the next day with the help of some of his ex-G12 guys and their wives (those whose e-mail addresses were readily available). We tried to arrange a similar surprise party 3 years ago (before his diagnosis and when he was still mentoring his G12) but the “surprise” was not successful because Joshua (then 3+ years old) was so excited that after his afternoon nap he thought it was the next day and that the party was over thereby letting the cat out of the bag.

Well, this year – not only David had fun, we all had fun. He was so shocked it was actually very funny. All it took was an e-mail and these dear people avail themselves to “conspire with me” on this “secret mission”. 8 of them turned up and Cheryl even brought her 6 months baby girl who was our youngest “accomplice” – she was adorable and very co-operative!

I am really touched with how they made an effort to bless David despite the short notice. The plan was for them to be “planted” in our home while we were out for dinner and surprise him when we are back. It would have gone more smoothly if I did not forget to bring my mobile phone along (I wanted to kick myself if I could). I was so anxious and felt so handicapped without my mobile phone and yet trying very hard not to show my anxiety. Felt truly apologetic towards them for the inconvenience they have to put up with – waiting up to almost 2 hours in darkness, looking at every car that entered our carpark. They brought along cake, fruit basket, fun, laughter and most important of all - the precious prayers to bless David. I am sure he felt so loved! I did. Their presence and fellowship is God’s precious gifts to us. Their love is an expression of the greater love of God.

It is indeed Our Heavenly Father’s goodness and mercy that we are able to celebrate birthdays & public holidays. So often it was only when we were faced with the reality of losing something that we had all along taken granted for (such as spending time with family and friends) that we learn to cherish them more.

Wishing all Abundant Blessings from our Most High God! Happy CNY in advance!
Whee Ling

Appointment with Dr. William Hwang tomorrow.

Dear all,

Thank you for praying for us. Josh is completely well now. I cannot help but worry as he was sick 3 times this a month. It worries me greatly as Josh asked if he has cancer or any other serious illness. But hank God a Full blood count done was normal. Everyday at EVERY meal we never cease to ask God to nourish us physically and to bless us with good health all the days of our lives.

Kia-su? Perhaps. But if you ask any family that has someone who is walking the same valley through the shadow of death will tell that they value health more than anything else. As a man of the house, I ceaselessly pray for God's protection, provision and presence in our home daily as Satan seeks to destroy us.

I will be going to SGH for my regular check-up tomorrow. By the grace of God given to me each day, apart from the GVHD that causes my roof of the palate and gums to bleed, and blisters when I eat each time, there is no major problem. So the GVHD is something Dr. William has been trying to treat to make me more comfortable. It's so thoughtful of him.

Anyway, please pray it will be resolved as this GVHD problem especially in my mouth has been there for more than a year now.

Will write soon to update you,

david

Josh has gastric flu

Dear all,
thx for praying for Josh. He had fever for the past 3 days due to gastric flu. He had several times of bad diarrhoea in the middle of the night and this morning. Seen the doctor and has since stopped with one dose of medication today. He could not really eat much due to an ulcer in the mouth as well, but generally he is still active and cheerful.

Probably due to a little exhaustion, I am coughing a little as well. May have caught some bugs from those coughing int he clinic earlier today. No fever. Whee Ling is very exhausted too as she woke up several times to look after Josh last night.

Thank God for His hand upon us. Praise Him that He is our banner and shelter whenever we take refuge in Him. Again, we cannot imagine the amount of stress and pain to see our own child suffer whenever he is down with illness.

A new found friend I got to know in the school where Josh is studying has a son of Joshua's age who has Leukaemia. I feel so much for him and his wife. Though I had been through the valley of the shadow of death, I think it is even more painful for a parent to see his very own go through the dark valley on the shadow of death. There are many who are sick that I pray for daily now - this family is certainly one that I bring before the throne of grace each day.

Whenever Josh gets sick, I worry a lot. He has fallen sick three times since end DEcember till now!!! Many a times I get on my knees to beg God to spare him from any serious illness and at every mealtime, we never fail to ask God for good health ALL the days of life....we can pray and pray and sometimes things still do not change for the better, but we just keep praising and praising as we can take comfort in knowing and trusting that He will never forsake, forget and fail us like He's done for us all along.

For that, we take great comfort and courage - because God had and will never disappoint us or let us down, though there are always hard questions in our minds that can only be answered when Jesus comes in His glory. We hurt when in pain, but we take heart knowing that we've seen His goodness in the land of the living !

Please pray for good health for all of us.

thanks,
david;whee ling and josh.

Please pray for me OK ?

Dear all,

I had fever since yesterday.

thank yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!

Josh

Entering the Promised Land-Hearing God's Voice

Dear all,

I want to thank many of you who take time to read our blog regularly. And for praying for me and my family. We are eternally grateful for your gift of friendship.

Generally, I am well except for some GVHD (graft verses host disesase) problems manifested in the mucous membranes of my body, particularly in the mouth and genital area. I last saw Dr. William Hwang last week after he returned fron Seattle where he was trained. Thank God for a fine, godly doctor like him - not only was he always so warm in his personal concern, professionally he also gave me some new treatment that has helped relieved some of the pain and sores in my mouth due to the GVHD that makes eating and drinking a little uncomfortable.

The minor operation I went for on 21 December was for circumcision. Feel so much more comfortable now that it is CUT off!!! Many friends who had it cut off warmly welcomed me to join the club!!! Of course, we had not become Jews though we now belong to the circumcised group! More importantly, like Paul said in Galatians 5:6, "For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The ONLY THING THAT COUNTS is FAITH EXPRESSING ITSELF THROUGH LOVE."

Through this minor operation, God led me to think and ponder a lot on spiritual circumcision-that of the heart. In short, He's teaching me to learn to cut off the fleshly desires of my heart and I am learning to feed my spirit more and more with the word of God in order that the flesh may be weakened. I believe that is the key to walk and live victoriously in the Spirit. (Galatians 5). Interesting, the church where we are 'parking' had been teaching on entering the promised land. One of the sermons was on 'cutting the flesh'. I sense God speaking to me so much about enetering a new phase of my life this year, now that the Lord has blessed me with complete remission since October. Therefore, I covet your prayers for me and my family as we seek God for the road ahead in times of serving Him by declaring his goodness in our lives.

As you pray with, and for us, do feel free to share what the Lord may impress upon you. We want to hear God clearly for He is a God who longs to reveal His heart and His secrets to us. One precious verse I treasure very much is Psalm 25:14 where it says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them." Wow! What a relational and personal God who loves to share! It's hard these days people of kindred spirit who are willing to share. But God is our best friend - and He is always ready to share his secrets with you and me.

Hey friend, if you do hear something from the Lord, please share with us. We love to hear you share with us too.

Hearing God is exciting! One of the things I do with Josh daily is to read God's word together, meditate on His word together and then listen to God together. I believe that teaching and modellling for Josh in hearing God through the meditation of His words is the key to success in his life. When he learns to hear God clearly, he will learn to choose and obey His will and do His will, and become successful in life.

Interesting, last night, Josh told me that God spoke to him through his teacher in class. He said, "God spoke to me when my teacher said we must treat and love other people who are not chinese as well." It brought great joy to my heart to hear that because Josh is learning to be sensitive to the voice of God even through the circumstances around him where the word of God can become alive and real in his life.

I believe God is launching us to a platform to declare His goodness. There's nothing more worth living for me now than to do that. After all that we've been through, we know our lives are not ours but the Lord's. He gives and He takes. And nothing is predictable in life. Anything can happen to us anytime. As we learn to number our days, we just want to glorify Him in the way He leads and directs us as a family declaring,

"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Thank you for sharing our lives!

david;whee ling & josh

One week gone!

Josh & Benjamin, Pri 2 Buddy.

Hi everyone,

How time flies! It's been more than a week since we've all entered the new year!

Entering the new year was specially meaningful to me personally. I was at the watchnight service in church with Whee Ling and Josh. Minutes before we were ushered into the new year,my heart was full of thankgiving and praise to God - for so many things in 2006, even though i was admitted to SGH every month except for the month of october. One of the most wonderful news was when Dr. William Hwang, my transplant physician and God-given doctor told us in October that I was in complete remisision and the last chemotherapy/Velcade was cancelled. Most of all, I was thankful that God allowed me to enter into the new year - it meant so much to me to be given every single breadth! I can't help but echo the very words of the psalmist again in Psalm 146:2, "As long as I have breadth, I will praise the Lord."

Yes, as long as i live, I will testify of the Lord's goodness in our lives as a family!

Few days ago, a friend shared about his old school-mate who is currently having a terminal cancer of the colon. the doctors had done all they could. This man used to be very fervent in the Lord but through the years, had strayed away. My friend and I visited him in his home last week and ministered to him. What moved me most was to know and see him rejoicing and worshipping the Lord Jesus even though he was at this stage of his life. He had not only returned to God, he was rejoicing in the Lord, praising the maker of His life. I told 'Chek' that God is very pleased to see him returning and raising the name of the Lord high. And I was reminded that it is not how well we start in life that's important, but how well we end. Please pray for Chek and his family.

This week had been good but tough. By God's grace, Josh was divinely transfered into St Hilda's Primary School. He is adjusting fairly well though the hours are longer now. He is in the afternoon session from 12.30pm till 6.30pm. Josh is blssed with a wonderful buddy, Benjamin, a senior in Primary 2 asigned to help newcomers adjust. We also want to thank "God that he is well now as he was down with fever twice over the last two weeks. Whee Ling (was ill too) and I were rather anxious and concerned but once again, the Lord saw us through, causing us to depend on Him everyday for protection over our health in particular.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us as a family. Although this blog was set up primarily to pray for my illness, we've decided to use it to share about the works of God in our lives as a family. This blog is about Him! About how good and great He is in our lives!

And we hope and pray that your heart may be encouraged and edified each time you read what our Heavenly Father is doing in our home.

God bless you,

David.

"The Lord is with you when you are with Him."

2 Chronicles 15:2

Thank you for praying for my daddy, mummy and me!

  

Happy New Year!