Testimonies > > Yap Bee Siong
Leaders & Staff Testimonies
I grew up in a loving and stable home and I never had to worry about material needs as my parents provided adequately for us. However, I was a playful kid who did not take my studies seriously and so I was channeled to ITE after the PSLE because of my poor results. Without proper family guidance and influenced by bad company, I joined the gangs when I was 14. At age 16 I was arrested for gang fights and given 3 years’ probation.
In 1988 with some money borrowed from a friend I became a loan shark. As my finances improved I started experimenting with LSD and cannabis. In 1989 I was arrested for attempted burglary under the influence of sleeping pills. This time I was placed on 2 years’ probation. In the days that followed I experimented with heroin when LSD was in short supply. I did odd jobs to maintain myself but I was already enslaved by drugs.
It was in 1994 when I heard of Breakthrough Missions from a friend and decided to admit myself for rehabilitation. However, I left in a fit of temper after only three months, and promptly returned to my old ways – I consumed alcohol and LSD the very next day. Thankfully, I was rebuked by the Holy Spirit. Overcome with remorse, I decided to return to Breakthrough Missions the following day. I was stunned when I was refused re-admission, and I felt desperate. For the first time I prayed earnestly to God; I prayed that He would open the way for me. By the Lord’s mercy, I was allowed back four days later.
Praise the Lord! Since my return in early 1995, Breakthrough Missions - God’s temple - became my only home. In 1996 I was appointed full-time staff member to serve fellow ex-drug abusers like me. In 1999 I joined the prison ministry and that was also the year when I met Chin Chin, a sister in the Lord, whom I married on 7 July 2001. All this was God’s abundant blessing which also included His provision of an HDB flat as our matrimonial home.
Within a year of our marriage my leader asked me to consider setting up permanent home in Breakthrough Missions, as it would facilitate my service here. I was excited with the prospect as I could live in God’s temple and serve Him fully but was unsure about my wife’s response. Praise the Lord! We discussed the matter and prayed over it, and we were both convinced of God’s leading. On 1 Nov 2002 we left our comfortable flat and took up permanent residence in the Lord’s temple – Breakthrough Missions.
By God’s grace my wife and I have the opportunity to serve in Breakthrough Missions. Throughout the years the Lord guided and looked after us in all matters big and small. The path has been tough and arduous but, by the grace and power of the Lord, we were able to overcome the difficulties. For us, including our daughter who was born in 2003, we are full of thanks and praise to the Lord for this privilege and honor of being part of the watch in His temple.
May we continue to be used by the Lord as His faithful servants, and may our lives be a blessing to all.
