When I Became a Christian

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him shall have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Next week, I would have been a Christian for exactly 24 years! I was rummaging through my old stuff the other day when I came across a testimony that I wrote on 8 April, 1986 (just four months after I became a Christian). The structure follows an inspiring testimony of a pastor in China. I am happy to share my story:

14th December 1985, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Saviour. Most of my university friends were surprised with my decision.

photo: 16th birthday

My life before I was a Christian: As a teenager, I am no different from any other teenagers. Just like everyone, I wanted to be happy and happiness to me means freedom, power and wealth. Whatever I do, I wanted to be the best: the top student, the greatest doctor, or the wealthiest property tycoon. I normally carry a smile on my face and many indeed regarded me as one of the happier persons around. But I realized that my happiness was only external because it depended on my circumstances: If things were going great for me, I feel great. When things are not going well and out of control, I feel lousy.

Another thing about me is that I could not stand loneliness. Whenever I’m alone, I would feel lonely and would often ponder about the meaning of life. Not able to find any good answers, I would feel empty and low. So, I kept myself occupied under piles of books and flowed along with the social activities in the university. Whenever I gave myself to study and sports, my spirit would rise. In college, I also took up the executive position of Sports Secretary of the BEMS Society, partly to serve and partly for the prestige and its value add to my resume.

photo: Kent Ridge Hall, NUS (1987)
My attitude towards Christianity: By nature, I am curious and always keen to learn. Whilst I would ponder over many problems, but whenever the issue of Christianity was raised I would be hard hearted. I had a cold attitude towards Christianity. Somehow, I would react negatively towards Christianity, but not to other religions. Looking back, I really do not understand why. Perhaps, it is because some Christians I knew were either too pushy about their faith or I was turned off by their “holier than thou” attitude.

This continued until I heard someone in campus said that “religion should have the power to change one’s life.” That statement caught my attention and from that day onwards, I began to seek what is the actual meaning of religion. To my 20th year, I have always considered myself a free thinker, although I would declare I am of a certain religion when I had to fill in my particulars on official application forms etc.

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In campus, I met a group of Christians whom I observed had something different about their lives. One thing I admired them was that, unlike many of us, their happiness is not dependent on circumstances. I was won over by their sense of friendship. I started reading the Bible, I started asking question, and I started following the weekly radio broadcast (Sunday, 6.30 pm) secretly.

The day I became a Christian: On 14 December 1985, I accepted an invitation from a classmate to attend a Christian service at the National Stadium. The evangelist, Reinhard Bonke, used a very simple analogy to explain the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. Like a bar of soap, the evangelist stated that no matter how much knowledge you possess about a soap (even if you possess a PhD), you will not be able to experience its cleansing power unless you use it personally. I found myself agreeing with the preacher and told myself that I must try out the soap. After all, there is no harm trying, right? … if it doesn’t work, I can always say that I have tried and it doesn’t work for me!

At the end of the service, I found my way among a multitude of people going down to the field to pray to receive Jesus Christ into their lives. I remember telling the counselor who attended to me that I don’t want to pray the “sinners’ prayer. Instead, my prayer went something like this, “Jesus, I agree with the analogy used by the preacher. I am willing to use the soap for one month. Show me within this period who you are...” At that moment, I did not experience any sensation.

While I was travelling home, I realized that I would face opposition from my family and possibly, ridicules from my close friends. Doubts arose. I feared losing my lifestyle; I feared having to make sacrifices. I wondered if I have made the right decision.

Four months later: Now, I can tell you that I hadn’t made the wrong decision. Since that evening, my life was gradually changed. From one aspect, I start to experience true happiness and mental peace that are not influenced by circumstances. It wasn’t so much the absence of conflict or problems but the ability to cope with them. I can also control my emotional needs and desires better. I am no longer afraid of being alone. I also found my perspective of Christianity changed. I now have faith, I have purpose and I have the will to live a righteous life….

I am clearly aware of the change that had taken place in me. I became zealous for the way of the Lord. I no longer have the will to pass my days aimlessly but to live a fulfilled live through Jesus Christ, for the glory of God. Within me, there is an excitement that made me want to tell others of the good news I have received and experienced. Just like the verse of a popular song,

“that’s what it is with God’s love; Once you experience it, you want to pass it on.”

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What I have done is to share what I’ve witnessed and experienced personally. I hope it bring forth understanding, comfort and encouragement to those who are tired and confused with the meaning of life. Christianity is not something that can be forced onto someone. God has given each of us a free will to make choices and the decision is ultimately ours. But his invitation still stands, if anyone opens his or her heart, Jesus will be delighted to enter. I find this prayer helpful for those who want to receive Christ:

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“Jesus, I acknowledge and confess my flaws and sins. I hear that you love me and died on the cross for me. Thank you. I trust you as my Saviour and my Lord. Make me the person you have created me to be. Amen”

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p/s - I found out recently that Gurmit Singh, who is a popular show host, actor and comedian in Singapore, also prayed to receive Christ at same the Reihart Bonke mission. Gurmit shared his testimony (at our church's anniversary celebration last year) that he accepted Christ on Dec 13, 1985, which is just one day before mine.