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!

  

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