It was about 13 years ago, during a very stressful and burdensome time, that God showed His mercy and love to my family and me by bringing me to the Toa Payoh Small Group, led by Peter and Doris Chow.
Under their leadership, I was transformed to become who God created me to be and to carry out His purpose in my life.
At that time, I was a working mother with a teenage daughter who was a strong-willed perfectionist, suffering from anorexia. My faith was not strong, and I was on the verge of depression – especially with the daily struggles, constant quarrels and emotional unrest at home caused by her eating disorder. My husband, who was not yet baptised, suggested that I seek counselling from the church for the sake of my mental well-being. That was when I was introduced to the Small Group in my neighbourhood.
The members of the Small Group journeyed with me through the roller-coaster of emotions I faced each time my daughter experienced instability in her medical condition while studying overseas. They prayed faithfully for me and my family. Knowing that their prayers – especially Peter and Doris’ unceasing prayers – were covering us gave me the courage to face each dark moment with faith and trust in God.
That season not only strengthened my relationship with Him, but also nurtured me into becoming a more faithful servant. As my trust and faith in God grew, I found peace in knowing that He would care for every member of my family, including my daughter.
God’s grace and mercy were shown so greatly in my life through the ordeals we endured during that dark period. When my daughter was finally able to manage her illness and obtained her medical degree – which she had prayerfully asked God to confirm before pursuing – I told her that our journey is a lifelong testimony to God’s glory: from darkness to light, from prison to freedom.
Without the support of my Small Group members, I would not have truly understood what it means when two or three gathers in His name, His presence is with them. Through their listening ears, encouragement, exchange of thoughts and shared experiences, I gained a broader perspective of what God can do to transform our lives in the way He knows best. Their support also gave me the confidence to serve God in other ministries, using the gifts He has given me, and to give back to others what I have received from Him.
Thanks be to God for His grace, mercy and unceasing love.
Read related article: The Heart of Small Group Ministry: Cultivating Genuine Friendships of Virtue
