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| TESTIMONY BY SI QIU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BAPTISM AT CHRISTMAS 2002 |
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 | I
was brought up in a family with no particular religion, until 6 years ago, when
my parents brought me to Bethany. I started out studying God's Word with joy.
Unfortunately, my faith was like a seed which fell on rocky ground (Luke 8:13).
The Word of God did not take root in my heart. Soon, as trials and temptations
came along in forms of secular rewards, I quickly faltered and lost the zest for
studying God's Word. In the absence of godliness, sin immediately gained a foothold. Sin was a disease that quickly spread to many aspects of my life. Many times I tried to keep my life in check but it all ended in disaster (as I now understand, I was using human reasoning rather than God's grace). However, I thank God for those difficult periods for they were valuable learning experiences. As it is written, "…that we also glory in tribulations, knowing tribulations produce perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character; hope"(Romans 5:3-4). These trials and tribulations were part of God's building and shaping of my character. | |
| The
turning point came 2 years ago when I met with a traffic accident where I wrecked
my dad's car. My parents instead of reprimanding me on the spot were more concerned
for my safety. My mother said a prayer thanking God for preserving me for I suffered
no injuries. I was reminded of the Lord Jesus' suffering and death that cleansed
me from sins and yet I failed to appreciate His love and kept sinning against
Him. A sense of guilt overwhelmed me as I thought of how filthy I was and decided
that all this must become history. In my heart, I was sure that I needed a new
life and most importantly, I recognized that I needed the Lord Jesus back in my
life. That very evening I went to God in prayer, and I confessed all the sins
I could recall to the Lord Jesus, begging for His forgiveness. In addition, I
thank Him for such loving parents who never gave up on me, for through them the
Lord Jesus guided me back to Him. "If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). A wonderful Shepherd indeed! I soon started attending Sunday School in Pastor Mitchell's class where he taught from the Gospel of John. I learnt that not only is the Lord Jesus God, Master and Saviour, He is also an example and guide for us to follow. I began developing a greater admiration and love for Him. Though I was delighted to be studying God's Word, guilt still reigned in my heart. "For my transgressions and my sin is always before me" (Psalm 51:3). It was not until Pastor Mitchell challenged the class with this verse "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:31-32). I was overjoyed knowing that my transgressions could be fully forgiven and even set free from the bondage of sin. Joy began to fill me and I was no longer burdened by sin. Since then, I began to smile more. I was grateful to be able to attend Youth Conference 2001. National Service (NS) recruits do not normally get leave, however, I was given leave and it happened to coincide with the greater part of the conference (this was quite unusual). I learnt a lot from Pastor especially on the significance of baptism and recognizing that we are but debtors to the Lord Jesus. It was after this conference that I started to seek baptism. Now that I have believed and accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal Saviour, I want to commit myself to be diligent in studying His Word and be obedient to Him in my life. As I serve National Service, I am aware that there are new trials and temptations ahead. I resolved to keep close to the Lord's Word and not to go back to my old ways. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) was my constant reminder and encouragement to be disciplined. Now my greatest anticipation for "booking out" (of camp) is not to go shopping nor to catch a movie, but to attend church and to learn new lessons from God. During my recent overseas training, I was able to exercise my faith and depended totally on the Lord who really saw me through many difficulties and trying situations. From these experiences, I find God real in my life for He really cares and provides.
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