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Leaders & Staff Testimonies
I did
many deplorable things against God in my youth. One incident that I would never ever forget was when I
killed my younger brother in a drunken brawl over a trivial matter. Till
this day, that remains the greatest regret of my life. But I thank the Lord for, like the imprisoned Joseph in the Bible, He had a
greater plan for me in my life.
I was given a 23-year sentence. While in jail I often saw other inmates being released
but I felt that I would never ever leave the prison. I was in despair. I had been attending
Christian worship services at the prison. Once after hearing Rev Khoo Siaw Hua preach
I was moved by the Holy Spirit and tears rolled down my cheeks. I repented of
my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and saviour.
Though my spirit was free my body was still imprisoned.
Life in jail was tough and I looked forward eagerly to visits from family
members. As the years went by, the visits became less frequent. But I did not stop
praying
to God to open a way
for me and to release me from prison. I had been imprisoned for more than ten
years and the chances of release seemed increasingly
remote. Reverend
John Ting, brother Simon and Freddy from Breakthrough Missions often came to encourage me, and tried to appeal
to the prison authorities to release me. The authorities refused as they feared
that I might commit the crime again if I was released. I felt hopeless and saw no future in my life.
Praise
be to God! He heard my prayers and I was able to walk out of
prison a free man after 23 years. I returned to the real world! My
heart overflowed with gratitude and joy.
Upon my release in April 2007 I went straight to
Breakthrough Missions. Perhaps it was due to the 23 years of confinement in
jail, I
found it very difficult to fit into communal
life at the centre. The residents however, were very warm and hospitable and they accepted me willingly. It felt like home here. I often spent time in the lovely garden to be close to God and to find
peace and tranquility. I admired the beauty of God’s creation,
something I was not able to do during the years I was incarcerated. It was at Breakthrough
Missions that my faith was strengthened. After
completing my 18-month course I decided to stay on at Breakthrough and learn to serve.
I am
very grateful to God for His grace
has allowed a dejected, helpless and
desperate
sinner, with no hope of release from prison, to
once again find true purpose and meaning in
life. God even gave me a virtuous wife as my companion on
this life journey when I was 60. I pledge to glorify God’s name with my life because He gave me
this new life.
How
time flies! I’ve been with Breakthrough for more than 10 years now. Currently
I’m working in the Foot Reflexology Department. I thank God for the joy in
serving others and the opportunities to share with them Christ’s great
salvation and His amazing love and grace. May all praise and glory be to God!
