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!

  

Home for Christmas

Praise the Lord! David's operation yesterday went well. He was supposed to have his op at 10am but due to some mixed up, he ended being the last patient to be operated upon at about almost 1pm. By 4pm, he was out. Other than the pain caused by numerous pokes to insert the needle, he did not experience much pain. He was required to be warded for just one night and is now home. So glad to have him home with us.

Thank you so much for praying and now sharing our joy for the answered prayer. Please continue to pray for full speedy recovery.

As I look back, David was hospitalized almost every public holiday this year, so it is now indeed a great blessing to be home for Christmas.

We are grateful for every blessing we experienced which was made possible by the grace of God. It is especially so when we know the time we have is like "borrowed time". Such thoughts remind me to treasure and cherish every momemnt with David and other loved ones and be thankful for the joy of contentment.

May the Lord bless each of you greatly with the joy, peace and love of Christmas, made possible by God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ, that whoever belives in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Abundant blessings & love from on High,
Whee Ling

Minor op on 21Dec

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

David is scheduled for a minor operation on 21Dec. The urologist advised that he would be warded for 1 day after the operation. Please pray for smooth successful op and speedy recovery. So, we will be home for Christmas.

God is good all the time!

God bless,
Whee Ling

Early Christmas gift

I am so happy, so so glad, so grateful, so thankful, so amazed at the wonderful hand of God at work in our lives. My mouth shall praise the Lord forever and ever! Praise the Lord!!! Hallelujah! I would have given a shout of joy if I can...but at the office right now so...

What is this Christmas gift? What is the good news?

I have just gotten news from St Hilda's Pri school that they now have a place for Joshua! Wow, praise the Lord! We have been fervantly praying about this and it is so wonderful to know that He has heard and answered this prayer!!!

Thanks also to all who have prayed about this with us. Sharing our joy with you!

God bless,
Whee Ling

How big is your God?

Sometimes I feel so burdened with so many needs in our lives, so many loved ones need healing, so many things and outcome beyond our control, so much concern and pressure... how about you?

During one of the recent family prayer meetings whereby needs were shared and prayed over, I felt God could and wanted to do more for us. Even after the meeting, I was moved with the Lord's compassion and reqested to pray for one of Joshua's auntie whom I felt the Lord wanted to heal and assure her of His love. BTW, I am not ususally like that. The Lord's presence was with us and we wept and prayed.

That night I asked Joshua during our bible reading time together, in a rather serious tone: "Joshua, how big is your God?" I gazed into his eyes anticipating an answer. He smile and said without hesitation: "Very big." I acknowledged that and said with an even more serious solemn tone: "You know, my God is very very very big." and thinking "so big that nothing is impossible for Him". It was as if I was telling myself more than telling him. Whereupon he looked at me and gave me a "I know what you are getting at" smile and replied with a laugh: "Ya, we have the same God Mom!"

With the built up faith, we prayed for those whom the Lord has laid upon our hearts who need healing that week, esp for this sister. Glad to share that she need not go for any surgery. Praise the Lord!!!

Why am I sharing this now? Guess I needed the reminder to pray in faith and trust the Lord as I bring before Him the following needs/burdens:
1. My mother-in-law's health. She has high blood pressure and is under medication for a long time but recently her pressure was very high, according to her it was due to the fever she had a few days ago.
2. My mother who is suffering from type 2 diabetes, was recently found to have arthritis - her knee hurt so badly she was limping. Her blood sugar level has been high at 11 for a while.
3. My sister has a cyst in her womb and may require surgery.
4. Joshua's P1 school
5. David's slightly blurred vision (he assures me it is getting better) and ulcers
6. A friend's pregnancy to be stable and baby to grow well

Often my problem may not be big but it casts a shadow that is much much bigger than it really is. In the perspective of Christ our Lord, the same problem may even be liken to grasshoppers in the sight of God. So, I am going to take heart for we have a God who is really really big! Blessed be His holy name!

He is able to heal and deliver!
With thanksgiving,
Whee Ling

How time flies

Wow, it has been more than 2 weeks since we last updated our blog! I kept wanting to write but just did not get around doing it - partly because I was very busy at work and partly because I could not update from the home notebook because David was also busy preparing his message. Sounded like an excuse so I have to admit that I procastinated...

I actually wanted to share thoughts and events as I felt led so many times in those 2 weeks and had wanted to testify of God's goodness. Writing in this blog has become a way we express our thanksgiving to God and praise His name besides requesting for prayers.

I will try to do so over the next few days. Now, for some updates on David. As I mentioned earlier, he is preparing a message. The Senior Pastor of the church we are worshipping has requested he share his story "How he walked through the valley of the shadow of death" with the church congregation this sunday. So, David as is his custom, has been diligently preparing for his message. He wanted to glorify the Lord's name and have been seeking the Lord for His word, insight, message and purpose as he avails himself to be His instrument of blessings. So much so that I, his sometimes "overly concerned" wife, worry if he has gotten enough rest.

Please pray that the Lord would use Him mightily this sunday to spread His message of love so those who suffer in similar or other ways. Pray that those who hear his story would be encouraged and find hope in our Lord Jesus too.

David's health has been improving. Even when he stands next to someone who coughs, he does not catch the infection so easily as before. He still has some ulcers in his mouth due to GVHD and slight discomfort in the sole of his foot (don't know right or left) when he walks, he is generally well and looks good. His medication has been reduced and we are really glad he did not have any complications resulting from that. His next medical appointment is on 04Dec. Do join me to pray for good medical results.

Joshua shared with me about his sunday school memory verse one day and I was blessed to be reminded of God's word in Colossians 3:17. It makes the work I do more meaningful and demands less daunting and help me to have a more thankful attitude.

May you be blessed too!

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

God bless,
Whee Ling

Overwhelmed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,
Thank you each and all for rejoicing with us! We are overwhelmed by the warmth and love of each of you - thru your sms-es; emails; calls.

Had been wanting to write but I have been very, very tired physically looking after Josh the whole day.Josh is really growing fast and spending time with him has been really fun and full of joy in the Lord. Been a 'houseman' is a priviledge that not all fathers on the face of this earth have. But I thank God for allowing me to do that so that I can do my best to 'reveal the Father's heart' (john 17) like Jesus did with His disciples when He was on earth.

Above all, thank our Good God for His constant grace upon us - for without that, I cannot imagine how we could have walked through the valley thus far.It has been a very lonely road for us. But I thank God for His abiding presence and the fervert prayers of many of you.

The journey isn't the end yet really. Am thankful for the BMA and M Band markers which indicate complete remission which means I can stop the last chemo that was planned. I believe God has healed and pray that there isn't any residual disease though the pain on the right ribs is still there. (pain score - about 3).Dr William thinks the numbness on the right leg that radiates to the toes could be due to the spinal decompression which has shrunk significantly. I will also be seeing the eye doctor in December as my eyes get very tired easily with slight blurring of vision.

Anyway, am rejoicing and grateful for all the Lord has done. I am also constantly reminded of Psalm 27:13-14 which the Psalmist said confidently, that he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living as he waits without losing heart upon the Lord.

This same word was released to me in June this year at a seminar organised by Pastor Kay Chong in conjunction with a few godly ministers from International House of Prayer that came from Kansas City. In that seminar, our gracious God relaeased a very powerful prophetic word for me in regard to healing. It was the second word of prophecy that had been given to me - the first was in April 2004, 1 month after I left the pastorate in FCBC. God is so good to single me out in the midst of huge crowds just to give these words of prophecy. They have brought words of life into my being and spirit - knowing that I have a great Shepherd! And that had been enough for me to walk through these 2 years confidently and courageously.

God is sooooooooooooo good!
david

Complete remission!

Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord!!! David is in complete remission!

So glad to be sharing this with you. His BMA result showed ~ 1% plasma cells - Dr William confirmed he is in complete remission. He need not go for another cycle of Velcade treatment. What wonderful news! His next appointment is in 5 weeks time - a "far cry" from his weekly medical appointment since Sep 2004.

What a relief! A time to celebrate! Hallelujah! His name to be praised forever and ever! Words cannot express our joy, our thankfulness and eternal gratitude to the One who made this possible! Also, to all who are instrumental in His divine plan - the doctors, the nurses, the prayer warriors, family, friends and everyone who in one way or another helped reveal His love to us.

The Blessedness of answered prayer is so well described by King David in Psalm 30:

"I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Yes, we too give thanks to Him forever!

If you are in some kind of "night of weeping" situation, it is my prayer that you too find relief as you place your trust and hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Look to Him, wait upon Him and cling to His promises.

Rejoicing in His goodness,
Whee Ling

Just finished BMA...

"Just finished BMA. Painful but bearable. Thx God its over!..." David's sms reads. Yes, thank God and praise Him indeed!!!

Rejoicing in His goodness,
Whee Ling

M Band marker

David and I went to the hospital thinking he has an appointment today but it was actually on Thu. We are so grateful that Dr William was so kind to see him, we couldn't thank him enough... We also want to thank Clarice, the nurse who informed Dr William of David's "plight".

So, we got the know the myeloma study result earlier. The M Band marker is zero. It is a good report. It means there are no cancer cells found. Praise the Lord!!! I asked if there is anything of concern and Dr William reassuringly said "no". However, David would need to do a bone marrow aspiration (BMA) on Thu. It would then be dependent on the bone marrow test result to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Please pray that the BMA will be done as painlessly as possible.

We are thankful for the good report so far and firmly believe there will be greater rejoicing and more thanksgiving items.
Praise the Lord his headache is also completely gone.
We also want to thank God for our darling boy.
A few days ago, while David was with Joshua, David vomited. He was touched by Joshua's caring words "Daddy, are you ok? I care you know" and was much encouraged by Joshua's words "remember God's promise, Daddy."

While typing this, Joshua wants to add some words:

I don't know what to say but I am glad that my Daddy is healed. from Joshua.

Thank God for you too, our prayer partners, our friends.
God bless!
Whee Ling

Full myeloma study

Greetings in the lovely Name of Jesus!

David does not have any medical appointment this week. In his last Monday's visit, a full myeloma study was done to determine if the next cycle of Velcade (chemo) is necessary. Please pray that his recovery is so complete that he need not go through another treatment. Pray also that he be relieved from his headache and possible sinusitis.

He was having headache last 2 days, probably in part due to the haze. Singapore has been blanketed by smog from forest fires in Indonesia and the PSI level has reached the unhealthy level of > 100 more than a couple of times already.

As for me, I was under quite alot of stress with demands at work and even had nightmares for 2 conservative nights last week. David heard my "struggles" and prayed for me. It was to me a reminder to draw near to God and to pray ceaselessly.

Be blessed as I have with the following passage from the bible, 1 Peter 5 v7-11:

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:7-11

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Wonder what is next?

David has his medical appointment this morning with Dr William. His platelet level was low from his last Monday's blood test. Hopefully his count is up. Really glad that he does not need to go for any other round of radiotherapy according to the oncologist friend who saw him on Monday. I wonder if he needs to have another cycle of Velcade. Please pray that his condition would improved so remarkably that it is not necessary.

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalms 62:8


Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

MRI result?

Not sure if the MRI result is going to be out today? David has an appointment with Dr William this morning but I still have not heard from him. He was having constipation for the last 2 days, likely side effects from Velcade treatment. Please pray that his system be cleared and there be no secondary problem of any sort.

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

Thanks & God bless!
Whee Ling

A note from Josh

This is my favourite beagle!!!

josh

Paris, the beagle and Josh

  

My husband is too kind

David has put me in such good light that I felt I need to confess and give glory to God for any good thing that I have done. I was not exactly the "saint" he had described. I am just a sinner saved by grace who is learning to trust in the Lord to meet all our needs. In fact, I should have done much more than what I am doing - which is hardly anything. The nurses and doctors in SGH would have agreed with me he is very much a DIY (do it yourself) person, not wanting to bother others too much. Always so considerate and thoughtful. I hardly need to help him to his medicine or packing/unpacking his bag for hospitalization or planning his menu. This care giver - me, hardly provided much care except praying and trusting God and trying not to nag and be a good mother to Josh. If I had done anything right, it is the grace of God and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. I really cannot claim any credit at all and so all glory goes to our wonderful Lord Jesus, our God and Father!

And, he was not the "monster" he claimed to be at all. For all he is going through, I am amazed he hardly ventilated on me. Of course, there were frustrating moments when expectations were not managed properly, I sometimes felt really sad I could not share all his sufferings and feelings of loneliness he must have felt at times in battling the illness. I guess it is an experience only those who have suffered could better comprehen. But I take comfort in knowing he is never alone and that what people cannot do for him, our Lord Jesus can!

Oh ya, I think I forgot to mention the card I received was personally made by my beloved husband. How not to be touched right? It helps when he has this creative knack in making beautiful cards.

Regarding the dog, other than being afraid of its overly friendly disposition, the licking and the possible scratching (it actually scratched Josh's face leaving a long red mark on his face which took a while to disappear and Josh explained it off saying it was his fault for getting too close to the beagle, not hers!), it is also the hygiene problem that I was concerned with. I pained my heart too to see Josh being so sad but I prayed for wisdom and I stood firm with my decision that the dog has to go. I explained to Josh I had this fear of dogs and he immediately prayed for God to take away the fear. I assured him God will when the time is right.

Yesterday, David had his 4th dose of Velcade. He was not feeling too well last night, had mild fever at 37.5 but blood pressure was ok. He also had slight headache this morning. Called him just now, he said feeling better already but still very tired. Please continue to pray that his health be restored completely and also for excellent MRI result.

Heartfelt thanks,
Whee Ling

2 Years Liao!

Dear all,
I was surprised that Whee Ling shared about the card. I am not that romantic sort, but I think she has done so much for me. In this walk thru the valley of the shadow of death together as a family, she has sufffered much as a caregiver too. If only you know how this monster has ventilated much of my pain and misery on her, you will see the strength and inner beauty that this godly woman has! So much so, that I've stopped nagging about petty things at home like when she forgets to off the lights when not in use most of the time!!!
Guess I value the relationship more than the lights. I must say that when I stopped nagging, she has also improved tremenduosly! So the little card was just to appreciate her for going through so much with me. She wasn't bitter, she made me better!

I shared with josh about the card. Jokeingly I said,'that's the way to handle the woman in your life'. He laughed! And said, 'ya lor'. Must start young!

The other day, Josh was soooooooo sad and cried very badly when mummy refused to let him keep a beagle that someone wanted to give away recently. We had her for several hours and Josh loved it so much. His wish was shattered when mummy returned. It was too big for her. So, we returned it and Josh greived for many days and eventually got over it after a good closure by visiting it for couple of days to bid goodbye. Innocently he commented,"next time I must marry a wife who loves dogs!".

That started me thinking. There are many differences in my marriage. After a while, the differences attack instesd of attract. It can be depressing at times when you don't share similar interests and look at things with likemindedness. but at the end of the day, when one is down with cancer, the way we look at things will change. David look at God instead of Goliath when faced with such a 8-foot tall giant. He looked at Goliath from God's perspective.

Whee Ling has been through much with me in this valley. We've walked through the sadness, difficulties and moments of darkness in this journey. She can choose to leave but chose to walk together in sickness or in health. I think I owe her too much. The little card was not enough to repay her for what she's done for me in loving me. It was not sent to manipulate her, but to make her the greatest person and soul-mate that God has given in my life! Loving dogs does not mean I love her lesser. And whether she likes dogs or not doesn't matter anymore- maybe a smaller breed still can lah for Joshua's sake! Most importantly, Josh knows that he will marry a girl loves her husband like his mummy who loves his daddy.

Thank you for following our journey as we journal. We are putting our journals in a book that will be co-authored by an old church friend.His name is Thomas Chong, from Bethesda Katong Church. It was he who sparked me to put our journey into a book to identify with those walking thru different valleys in their and to inspire, impact and influence each reader to look to the sovereign maker of our lives.Thus , we covet your prayers for us to tie the pieces together to magnify the Lord in this. Hopefully, it should be out by early December.

I am wriiting from home at this very moment. Was discharged yesterday as Whee Ling has mentioned.Understand her concerns but I am fine by God's grace. Compared to the last 2 cycles of Velcade/chemo given, my tolerance to the drug so far has been much better. I had fever, severe malaise; ulcers and peripheral neuropathy where my extremities(toes and fingers)went numb with occasional cramps. It is much lesser this time and is bearable, though with increasing doses (so far 3 in this 3rd cycle), I get very tired. A prodromal flu was coming 2 days ago but with much rest it seems to be disappearing. I have been sleeping a lot but it helps. Am also very glad to be home-there's nowhere like home where you can smell your own pillow!! And see your loved ones!

Once again, we Appreciate all your sms-es, calls, emails and visits by close friends at the hospital.

Through these 2 years, God has revealed so much of His goodness in our lives that we've often failed to see. These 2 years had been one of the worst years in my life, but they are also the best years in my life because I have tasted the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Thank you for walking with us through this valley - your prayers, your presents and your presence enable us to walk through........ very soon, we'll see the mountain together!

david

Surprise surprise ?

Surprise surprise ? David can be discharged today! Even though the MRI result is not out yet and there should be another IV (intravenous drip of Velcade) on Thur, his blood platelets level is good enough for him to be home. He just needed to do the IV as outpatient on Thur. I guess the MRI result may be available then. He is driving himself home (insisted that I should continue with my work), so please pray for journey mercy.

Thanks alot & God bless!
Whee Ling

Going for MRI now

Just received an SMS from David that he is going for MRI now. Called him a couple of minutes ago and he was in the waiting room. The whole process may take over an hour. Please pray for excellent result that there be 0% myeloma cells, for completle restoration.

I did not expect the MRI to be so soon and suddenly felt very anxious... may the Lord guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus...

Home leave during the weekend

It was really good to have David home last weekend, even though he needed to "check-in" around 10pm every night. He was rather tired and slept most of the time while he was home, probably due to the effects of the Velcade and other medicine he was taking. We went to church on Sunday and that was about the only public event as the possibility of him picking up infections in crowded places cannot be underestimated.

His platelet count is expected to drop significantly this week so do pray with me that it would still be at a safe level, no need for transfusion and on complications at all. I know God is in control but as our Pastor reminded us not to take God's protection for granted, we are to pray for protection and deliverance from evil. This is evident in the prayer our Lord Jesus has taught us to pray in Matthew 6:8-13:

"for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."

Dr William has advised that he may or may not have the next Velcade treatment depending on the next MRI result. Witnessing how he grimaces in pain this morning when the needle is pierced into his skin for the intravensous drip (sometimes the nurse/doc requires numerous attempts because his veins tend to "run" or "collapse"), I earnestly seek the Lord's mercy to give him a clean bill of health soon, to deliever him from the pain the suffering, to release complete healing as we gaze upon the cross - the finished work of Christ in redemption, healing and deliverance. Please join me in prayers and supplications.

With heartfelt thanks & gratitude,
Whee Ling

What is the best thing for you today?

"What is the best thing for you today?" - this is a question we often ask each other at the end of day. We would then take turns to share and give thanks. If we were to ask Joshua this question before bedtime, he would refuse to answer saying "that is for tonight!"

For me, yesterday's "best thing" was the pleasant surprise I had when I received a lovely "Love you!" card mailed (snail mail) to my office from my dearest husband. He must have mailed it from the hospital. It was such a delightful feeling to receive the card and the message of love it brought forth, considering the thoughts and effort put in to design the card and the trouble to mail it, certainly something e-mail message could never substitute. David is a rather romantic fella esp during our courtship. I could always remember the things he did such as taking the train to KL to surprise me when I was there on a business trip, asking his friends to deliver snacks, waiting patiently for me with flowers... etc.

When I shared with Josh about "the best thing for me was to receive a card from someone who loves me very much", he asked immediately "God?" and thought perhaps not and suggested "Daddy?". He smiled so sweetly thereafter and I knew he was so happy for us.

Praise the Lord!!! David is ok so far, no side effects from the Velcade. He will be having his 2nd dosage today. Tahnks for praying.
God bless,
Whee Ling

In hospital for Velcade

Hi,
David started his Velcade yesterday. These last 2 or ? cycles of Velcade treatment is for consolidation - which I suppose was kind of tail end of the chemotherapy to wipe out all remaining myeloma cells. He is likely to be hospitalized for about 2 weeks or so. So far his blood count has been good, Praise the Lord! His did not cough much now. Thank you for praying for him all these while even though I have not been updating the blog more regularly than I ought to. I felt apologetic to those who have been faithfully checking our blog but found no new entries for quite a while - thanks for not giving up on checking to know what is going on in our lives.

As we come before our Lord, our Maker, with thanksgiving and petitions, please do remember to pray for:
1. David's blood count be good - it is an indicator that his bone marrow is healthy and well.
2. the Lord's protection over David as his immunity may be compromised by the increase intake of numerous drugs and steriods.
3. good desired outcome from the Velcade treatment, that no myeloma cells will reside in his body anymore in the name of Jesus our Lord and no side effects.
4. good sleep and rest and good nutrition from food he eats
5. close intimacy with the Lord and the ability to discern what His Holy Spirit is doing in him and others around him
6. him to be instrumental to bring hope, strength, peace,the gift of salvation (to those who have yet to belong to the Kingdom of Christ) and love of God to all.
7. grateful hearts and steadfast faith in us who are recipients of His grace.
8. Josh to be in good health and be able to experience the Lord's presence even as we cannot spend much time with him.

Thanks too for praying for me. My recent Jakarta trip was fine, and I am very thankful for the blessed time with my dear "old" friend - we have not seen each other for more than 10 years! It was wonderful to remember the good old days and count our blessings as we look back at our journey in life. Friendship is one of life's wonderful blessings and how much more wonderful it is to be a friend of God!

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Cough and headache

David was having headache again last night. This morning his cough sounded quite bad. He suspects he is having sinus problem again. Tomorrow is his appointment with Dr Willaim. He may start his next Velcade treatement soon but is subject to whether his cough may caused it to be delayed further. Praying for God to heal him of his cough and the root problem causing it and also that he will have his treatment at the appropriate time.

I will be going to Jakarta tomorrow and back only on Thu night. If in my absence he is to be hospitalized, please pray that David and Josh will be taken care of. Appreciate if you could also pray for journey mercy for my trip.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Josh journals "what God says to me today"

  

Bali Trip-Wonderful time!

Hi all,
Really appreciate all of you for praying for us. We had a wonderful trip, although Josh has a taste of cultural shock in this beautiful island known as the'land of the gods'.

Bali is very deep steep in idolatory. You see people praying and offering incense everywhere and almost anytime of the day. There are so many figurines everywhere, practically in every household and shop. They look very scary to Josh and he became so afraid that he cried so badly on the first night when we had our family devotion. And he missed all his cousins and friends!

One of the things we observed was that they are very superstitious-believing a lot in luck. I realized that the primary motivation for their worship is to have wealth and health-which reminds me to come before God not just for His blessings, but to bless the Lord for being my maker, regardless of blessings.Whee Ling and I were glad that we were given God's wisdom to teach Josh to pray and bless the people in Bali to seek the true and living God.

We also had a great family time; great food and great shopping as well! We've not have had a trip like this eversince I stopped work.

Nevertheless, what delights me a lot was to see Josh's heart-he is so thoughtful that he wanted to buy little cute, nice souvenirs for his classmates. He even selected a nice, colorful necklace for his form teacher in which he ensures that he puts it in his bag this morning before he went to school.Josh also had a new spritual breakthrough - he has begun journalling what God is saying to him during his daily devotions as well as whatever the Lord may impress upon his heart during the day. I think it's wonderful to have a compilation of all the words and revelations of God to understand God's heart and to learn to live our lives wisely in this 'evil age', understanding clearly what the will of the Lord is. I guess, to Whee Ling and I, beyond all the 'best things' we want to give to Josh like any typical Singaporean parent would, the best thing we can give him is to teach Josh to hear God's voice and do the will of God in his life as he grows. Thus, please pray for us to be godly parents - to be so we need to be godly to exercise the Lordship and godliness in our own daily lives as well.

Thank you for sharing our lives in this journey!

"God speaks in the silence of the heart.
Listening is the beginning of prayer."

david

Holiday in Bali 2-pictures of Josh

  

Holiday in Bali

  

Going to Bali

Dear all,

We are going to Bali today! Hard to believe but its true. I am still in the office, updating the blog before I go home, finish off the packing and head for the airport for the 4:40pm flight with my beloved David and Joshua. We are finally having our little holiday. It was amazing how the whole trip was put together just last Fri afternoon. Even the travel agent was laughing at my last min attempt to make arrangement and said I was lucky but I promoted corrected saying "thank God" acknowledging it was possible because of the Lord. Praise the Lord for His wonderful love and provision for us!

Bali - I was a little apprehensive about going to that place due to the recent terrorists' attacks and also over the spiritual climate in a place full of temples and idolatry. However, I have much peace after yesterday's service. During worship, I had this wonderful thought that we will witness the beauty of God's creation in Bali and the most splendid thing is the Lord will be with us. May we also bring along with us the fragrance of Christ and bring blessings to all we meet.

Please pray for our trip, for protection and good health especially for David. He was coughing a little since last Sat and last night he had headache again. Thank God this morning he is feeling much better already. We do not want to take anything for granted and really appreciate that you can pray to our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ that His Holy Spirit will work in and throug us, in Jesus' most precious name. Amen!

Thanks & God bless,

P/S: Good news from my friend regarding her son Jonathan. Praise the Lord his progress has been miraculous and he is home now after 30+ days in the hospital. Prais the Lord for His wonderful love and amazing works!
Whee Ling

MRI brian result

Praise the Lord for the good result of the MRI done during David's last hospitalization. The CT scan brain do not show any abnormality. His headache then could be due to the inflammatory sinus. His blood test result last Monday was also good with HB at 11 (normal range 14-18), PLT at 140 (140-440). Hallelujah! Priase the Lord!!! Thanks for your faithful prayers! May our faith increase as we witness His faithfulness.

David will likely be scheduled for the next round of Velcade in Sep. Before that, we are hoping to get away for a short break next week. But we have not made any plans yet! Sep will be a busy month - 1 week school holiday, David's velcade hospital stay and my trip to Jakarata for work in the 3rd week. Trusting God that somehow all things will fall in place. Please do continue to pray as the Holy Spirit leads us, pray with hope and rejoice with gladness.

Shalom peace of Christ be with you!
Whee Ling

My Father's names

Dear all,
Many of you read our blog more regularly than we update it.We are always very thankful for God's provision of people like you who care enough to stand with us throughout this journey. There were times when I 'feel' so cut off from people since stepping down from the ministry. We are very much 'on our own' but 'hearing from some of you from sms-es or emails for updates reminds us that we are not alone.

Dealing with losses in life had not been an easy road, especially for me. Often I feel bad having to drag Whee Ling along when we left FCBC though I knew without a shadow of doubt that it was the Lord's leading. Then the next blow came - my illness.

I share this not in regret or pain. God always turns what the evil meant for evil into good, simply because He is a very good God! There are so many things I have learned about losing - it is in losing that I gain. The greatest gain is a deeper knowledge of my maker.

I was reading a book on the names of God in the Bible during my recent hospitalisation. I learned more about the primary and compound names of God which gave me more insight into the person of God and how He cares so much for us.

Psalm 23 had been a great passage that I have treasured so much since my BMT - bone marrow transplant in June 2005. If you remember I shared about how I was in agony and anguish due to the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the stem-cell transplant. I was crying out for the presence of God and that's where this psalm assured me that I need not 'fear evil' because He was with me. Through this book that I am reading, I received new knowledge of the attributes of God in a new way that has drawn me closer to Him in a new way - that He is not just a powerful God, but one who pastors us lovingly like a shepherd though He is Jehovah, the great I AM!

To end, I will list the traits of God in Psalm 23 here to let you appreciate the 8 wonderful aspects of God.

Psalm 23:
v1 The Lord is my Shepherd -Jehovah Roi- my Pastor

v2 I will not lack anything -Jehovah Jireh-my Provision

v2 He makes me lie in green pastures
He leads me beside the still waters
-Jehovah Shalom- my Peace

v3 He restores my soul -Jehovah Rophe-
my Physician/healer

v3 He leads me in the path of righteousness
-Jehovah Tsidkenu- my Path to Righteousness

v4 I will fear no evil -Jehovah Nissi-
my Protection/banner

v5 You are with me -Jehovah Shammah-
my ever-Present God

v6 You anoint my head with oil -Jehovah Mekaddishkhem
my Purifier/Sanctifier

My MRI results are still not out. Nevertheless, I will fear no evil beacuse He is my the great Jehovah who is powerful and personal, He cares and will lead me to where he wants me to be. For I know that his plans are not to harm or hurt me but to prosper me.

Our God is a good God! He is not one who takes pleasures in evil....Psalm 5:4

May God be specially revealed in you this day!

Thank you for praying and staying with us in this journey!

BTW, please feel free to write and contribute to our blog - it is not about us really, but about the sovereign One who watches over us each day.

love,
david

"It is the acknowledgment of our humanity and our frailness that places us in a position to have a personal encounter with the living God."

Discharged last Sat

David had his MRI done last Sat morning and was discharged later in the afternoon. Praise the Lord!!!

Headache gone, MRI tomorrow

Praise the Lord! David's headache is completely gone but he cannot discharge yet because the MRI is scheduled tomorrow Sat. Instead of just waiting in the hospital, he is given home leave, i.e. he can be home in the daytime but must be back in the hospital before 10pm. So, my dear husband is going to spend time with our precious son Joshua later. Too bad I cannot join them as I am not on leave...

Appreciate your prayer that his MRI on sat will be on as scheduled, that the result will be good, not because it failed to pick up any anomalies but that God has restored him to perfect health so there is no problem at all. Please also pray for protection in his going out and coming in from this time forth and forever. Thanks once again - may sound repetitive but it's heartfelt.

I also want to thank Pastor Patrick - David's "big brother" who so kindly helped David in the hospital admission registration yesterday which took over an hour. He is one of the great blessings in David's life and also Joshua's favorite uncle.

Also, we want to thank Dr William who has often gone beyond the call of duty in taking care of David's needs and concerns. Thanks for the memo!

Praise the Lord for His love and provision through so many of His saints.


God bless,
Whee Ling

Severe headache

"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Yes, rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice." These bible verses reminded me to rejoice always regardless of circumstances. Can I rejoice today?

After more than 2 weeks of normalcy, David is back in the hospital today. Last night around 3am he suddenly had very bad headache. His blood pressure also shot up to 150,100. He vomited a little and was feeling giddy. Through it all, I was sleeping and did not even know he was suffering so much. I vaguely remembered asking him whether he was ok and muttered a prayer when he said he had headache. Little did I realise it was so serious and that his headache was so severe that his pain score was actually around 7 and the throbbing pain in his temple did not subside at all. I thought he merely needed more rest since he had not been sleeping much (approx 4 hours or so daily) due to the medication he was taking. Dr William admitted him for CT scan and MRI tomorrow morning. Please pray that the pain be gone and more importantly not just the outward symptoms but whatever root problem causing David's headache be gone in the name of Jesus. Pray for complete healing and restoration.

I have to trouble Pastor Adrian again to help send David to the hospital because I needed to run around trying to register Joshua for Pri 1. For those familiar with the Singapore Primary education P1 registration system, it was phase 2C supplement and I still could not secure Josh a place in any school. Our first choice is St Hilda's because we really wanted him to be in a Christian school whereby Christian values will be incalcated in him - that to us is more important that academic success. Though Christian values should be first instilled by us parents, we strongly feel it needed to be reinforced by the school environment as well. Moreover, his cousins (David's brother Roger's children) are there and it would be easier to make arrangement in times of need. Roger's family has been a great blessings in helping to take care of Joshua esp during David's frequent hospitalization. Really thank God for them! Please pray that somehow God will make a way to place Josh in a school of His choice.

Yes, I can rejoice because the God of hope can fill me with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I can rejoice because it is God who works in me both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Am I worried? Yes, I was but Jesus said "Do not worry... who by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" So, I shall not worry but trust and obey. Worry does not help but faithful prayer does. Thanks for your continual faithful prayers and intercession. May the Lord who is the author and perfector of our faith be glorified now and forevermore!

Rejoice in the Lord,
Whee Ling

Platelets not enough!

Dear all,
Thank God all my blood counts have been good. The platelets have also gone up from 90 to 94 today.But it is not good enough to have the next cycle of chemo/velcade next week.Good also - as I have been enjoying my morning devotions. I have been waking up early at 5.30am or there about just to pray.

Frankly, prayer is one of my weakest areas in my christian life.I can spend lots of time to read God's word, but I can be very distracted to do other things while trying to pray.That's why I decided to focus on praying alone for this time in the morning so that I can commune and intercede for the whole hour.

Taking this time to pray had been very enriching for me.Though I get tired by afternoon, the time spent praying early in the morning have quickened my spirit man to long and hunger after God, beholding Him in a new and fresh way to trust, believe and causing my faith to grow instead of just acquiring spiritual knowledge to puff up. What I find joyful is also learning to intercede for more people who are in need of the Lord's power in their lives - like the friends I got to know in the hospital with cancer; praying for my mother-in-law who has diabetes; for my sister's unsaved mother-in-law who is very ill with cancer. Standing with them in prayer as people like you stand with me gives me the strength to believe what God can and will do beyond what medical science can do for our God is far greater than science. Above all, to pray and see the deliverance of God in bringing salvation to the hearts of those I'm praying for daily.

It was a great joy to be praying with a friend of late for her grandma. She had cancer and was critically ill. In our desperate cry for her salvation, we prayed in the spirit for her beyond what we can pray in the natural and with understanding. Our God of mercy rescued her not only from physical death, but saved her from eternal condemnation as well. in her last few weeks before she was eventually called home, my friend experienced the goodness of the Lord in seeing how God in His mercy brought salvation to her grandma. We believe that happened because we interceded in the spirit when we thought there was nothing else we could do anymore.That's when the Holy Spirit took all over and prayed on our behalf according to His will.

Sometimes I do not know how else to pray when I see in the natural the condition of the people that I am interceding for. but knowing this truth about praying in the spirit to allow the Holy Spirit to take over sets my heart free to just pary and let God do the rest....including the salvation of those we're praying very hard for. He is in control and will not disappoint us. After all, He desoires that none shall perish.so, I am going to pray till it happens! till things happen! That includes my own health!

Be blessed,
david

So far so good! Awaiting next round of Chemo.

Hi all,
It was a great relief to know that all the tests done to ascertain if there were any neurological defects in my brain were negative, except for a little nerve sensation deficiency in both toes probably due to the drugs. Dr William was concerned that I may have a seisure because I experienced bad cramps and it was unilateral on the right side of my body.

My platelet count last taken on Monday has gone up from 55 to 90.Priase God. As I will be going for the next 2 cycles of Velcade to consolidate the whole process of my treatment thus far, it is safer for the plateletes to be higher. Will be seeing Dr. Hwang again on Tuesday, 8 August 2006.will definitately keep you informed of the next round of chemo/velcade.

Thank God also for the successful operation to remove the prolapsed piles through a new surgical procedure.It was a great relief to me - it feels so light there! The wound is still quite raw and there's still some pain that's bearable, but the pain score can soar when I go to download! Will be seeing the colorectal surgeon, Dr. Wong Nan Yaw in SGH on Monday, 7 August for folow-up.

Thank god for His new measure of grace each day to go through all these - I really can't imagine how if not for His grace. Especially when things happen and come all together like a package. Josh is well now and it is always so good to see him so cheerful, joyful and even playful. What delights me most lately was when he asked me, "Daddy, what was the most wonderful thing for you today?". Immediately, my answer was,"That I had such a wonderful time with him". You should see the smile on his face! And he said,"me too!".

Come September will be exactly 2 years since I've been diagnosed and treated for Multiple Myeloma. My life has been reduced to nothing, except seeing the doctor every week since day one. Feeling empty is a great experience. There were moments I think I've been so reduced to nothing in this world that I felt so miserable. Yet at the same time, I realized that when I became nothing, the God I place my trust and confidence in this journey became everything. Thus, why do I still need to be in control? He is the Sovereign God who is in control.

Looking after Josh has been a great joy, though very tiring and trying at times! Yet it is one of the greatest priviledge God has given me as a man to look after his own son fulltime. My desire and constant prayer is that Jesus will use me to reveal the Heavenly Father's heart to josh as He did to those whom God has given him. (John 27: 2;6 9)

With this I'll end - God is calling me in a season of "feeding my own spirit". The spirit man in us needs to have fresh manna daily and to be filled with His Spirit daily. When the spirit man is spiritually undernourished, it is as good as dead. No life. I don't want stale bread too - it stinks! It must be fresh. I'm enjoying what God is doing - revealing His heart and bringing His promises to come to pass as Whee Ling, Josh and I continue to hold fast to His goodness in our lives.

Do drop us a note if God gives you a word for us.

He is a good God,

P/S: I really appreciate those of you who call to chat, even if it was just a while.

No abnormalities

Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! All the neurological tests showed no abnormalities. So David is able to be discharged today and is home now. He even drove himself home so I need not take leave from work.

As I looked back to the earlier part of the week when Josh was sick and David was suspected to have neurological problems, I felt like we were in such darkness. So grateful that even in the darkest night His light will shine. Glad that this "storm" was over so quickly. Praise be to God who answers our prayers. Thanks to you for your faithful prayers. May you find great joy in knowing He hears and answers your prayers.

Do remember Jonathan in prayers. His 10 days chemo started on 24Jul and today is day 4. Please pray against side effects like nausea, sore mouth, poor appetite, diahorea, fever and infections or other complications. His donor will harvest the stem cells on 01Aug. Pray for protection for donor and successful transplant, in Jesus name.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Platelets count still dropping

David's platelets count was 57 on Monday, 56 yesterday and 55 today. The reason for this is yet to be known. However, it was a great relief for me to know that the head scan result was good. Nothing unusual was found during the scan. He went for some other tests (I think EEG or something - has to do with some neurological tests) to further confirm all is well with his head. We are thankful Dr William is so thorough to make sure David is cleared of head related problems that could have caused the occassional tingling sensation he felt in his limbs and the earlier cramps he experienced before his admission. Glad that there were no more cramps since.

Physically David may be afflicted but I could tell he was not feeling down but seemed to be filled with a sense of purpose - giving away some Christian books and bibles to other patients, nurses and even pharmacists, praying that the Lord would speak to them and getting excited when he noticed his opposite bed patient reading the Chinese bible with interest. It is his prayers and mine that the Lord use him to continue to touch lives, to bring comfort to those who are suffering, to bring healing to those who are hurting,to bring hope to those who are hopeless, all for the glory of God, our Father.

The joy of the Lord is our strength.

Rejoice in the Lord,
Whee Ling

Thankful that Josh is well/David is admitted

Praise the Lord for His healing touch upon Joshua boy! No more fever and this round he did not even take any antibiotics. So very very grateful to the Lord for answering our prayers so quickly. "Yipeeeeeee!" (---> typed by Josh)

As for David, due to his cramps he has to be admitted today for a head scan. The scan will take place around 6+pm. Please pray that there is nothing wrong with him. Thanks once again for your faithful prayers!

Gratefully,
Whee Ling

Platelets has gone down/Latest Cramps

Thank God David was ok after his piles operation and was home since last Saturday. He is so relieved that it was done as he had been bleeding almost everyday.

However, the joy was mixed with anxiety when our dear son. Joshua fell sick on the same day. His temperature soared to 39.9 at some point during the past 3 days. His throat still hurts very badly and thus other than honey water he could not eat or drink much. Lord, have mercy on us! Joshua shocked me when he asked if daddy's blood problem would pass to him. I instinctively uttered "we reject that in Jesus name." I quickly assured him that daddy would not pass anything that is no good to him. With that, he did not question further. Deep down, I was fearful about that possibility, I shuddered at that thought. "Oh Lord, may it never be."

David's medical checkup today showed his platelets to be surprisely low - only 57 (normal range is 140-440). It is probably due to the operation and a few other reasons, but indeed a miracle that he had his operation done we are thankful that there were no complications. God is indeed merciful.

After discussion with a group of doctors, Dr William advised him to consider another 2 rounds of Velcade (chemo) treatments since the recent MRI showed some of lyticlesions (holes in the bones) did not shrink in size. In not doing anything, there is a risk that the aggressive myeloma cells in those so-called isolated places may be out of hand and thus may trigger a relapse. It's just like looking for terrorists, you don't know where they are, but they are there.
In any case, Velcade, unlike the traditional chemo drugs does not harm the normal, healthy cells in the body and is found to be very effective to treat multiple myeloma. Do pray with us for David and may the Holy Spirit continue to show us what to do.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Hi all,
I have not written for a while but glad Whee ling has been updating you.It has not been eay for her as a caregiver. Thx God for her!

As she said, it was a great relief to me to have the piles removed through a new surgical procedure that took merely 10 minutes to do. Initially, it worried me because I bled quite a bit the night before.

As the platelets are low, there is a need to watch. My next appointment with Dr. William has been scheduled for Thursday.
But this afternoon, I experienced cramps on my right toes as I was driving home.It happened again few times in the late afternoon, and now my right fingers cramped once at about 7pm.
I informed Dr. William and he wants to scan my brain tonight if it intensifies more and more. there is a high possibility that I will be warded again. If so, do intercede for us as Whee Ling will have to run up and down to the hospital daily. We would also need to 'trouble' my mum who looks after 3 of my nieces and nephew to fetch Josh from the kindergarden.

Josh is unwell and we are concerned that he is sick again. The last bout was just barely a month ago. It saddens me to see him suffering as I know what it is like to have severe pain in the throat where it hurts even to drink.

We are not shaken as we always know that the Lord, our great and good shepherd/Pastor is in full control. Never have our faith and trust in the Lord been so firm before this journey. We have complete confidence in Him to walk us through this current valley. He has been all along. we will see the mountain when we come out of it.

Jehovah is indeed a good and not an evil God, for He is not one who delights in the pleasures of evil and with Him, evil cannot dwell.(Psalm 5:4) But we certainly do value your prayers for the covering under His mighty wings of protection.
And surely goodness and mercy will follow us alllllllll the days of our lives.(Psalm 23:6) - thank you for helping us see the goodness of God through your prayers and love.

David

Staying in the hospital for observation

Praise the Lord! David's piles operation today has been a success. Thanks to all for praying. Though it was supposed to be a day surgery, the Doctor wanted him to stay a night for observation. He was given morphine to manage the pain. Other than the pain, he was fine. Glad his piles problem is taken care of once and for all. He was bleeding quite a bit last night. Now, still need to continue to perservere to pray for complete healing from his multiple myeloma. Thank God for all of you who are reading our blog and joining us in prayer to our Lord Jesus for mercy and healing. Your support has been very encouraging.

Thanks & God bless,
Whee Ling

Piles operation tomorrow

David will be going for his piles operation tomorrow. It is a day surgery and so there is no need for hospital stay. As I cannot take leave tomorrow, I am thankful that Pastor Adrian will send him there and Pastor Patrick will fetch him back. Really thank God for them! Appreciate your prayers for David that the operation will be a success with no complications. Pray that his blood platelets will be at a healthy level and for speedy healing of his wound. Apparently the operation is a new technique called "staple" which will minimize open wound but he will still be on General Anesthesia. Pray against all possible risk. I take comfort that the Lord will be with him wherever he is and is in control over what is happening to him. May the lovely name of Jesus be praised again and again.

"But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more." Psalm 71:14

Entrusting all to our Lord Jesus,
Whee Ling