I was elated when I received a sms from a friend that another mutual buddy accepted Christ as his Saviour. Ok, let me delve a lil' deeper about this friend of mine.
Affectionately known as Aka, he looks like just about any ah beng but totally different from those you'll find loitering in void decks, wolf-whistling at girls. With his unique hairstyle, he is quite hard to miss in school. But he is exceptionally shy, especially in front of the opposite sex. How he blush and shy away from a group of giggling girls. But I have got to give him credit for his excellent drawings and also his nimble steps to the tune of "Square Room". That's my buddy whom I got close with during our six-month industrial attachment stint with an electronics company.
Getting back to the topic, I was exuberant at the good news. Almost instantaneously, I sms him, welcoming him to the big family of Christ. And you know what, he invited to me his church. It never ever crossed my mind that he will come to know GOD, lest to extend the invitation for me to pay a visit to his church. Feeling ashamed that during my years as a Christian (still am) and us as classmates, never did I once share gospel nor get him to go to my church.
Nevertheless, I accepted the invitation. He even had his churchmates-cum-oikos group member to meet me at the pick-up location near my place. Bless Angela. She lives in Katong and took a taxi all the way to meet me. Was really thankful and grateful for this arrangement.
Angela, a very nice and friendly girl. We chatted during our journey to the church. We talked about everything under the sun, about Aka etc.
I was overwhelmed when I reached the destination, City Harvest Church. It was beautiful, as all other GOD creations. You see people (mostly youngsters) everywhere, in the foyer, bookstore, hallway waiting to enter into the main hall. But the moment came when I saw Aka. It has been years since we met up and I almost felt a tear trickling down my cheeks. Ok, I exaggerated a lil' but what I want to emphasize that he is my FIRST friend who came to know GOD, who is standing humbly before GOD, and now a brother-in-Christ. My happiness was beyond words can describe.
Truly was an eye-opener for me. The interior looks like a mini indoor stadium we had at Kallang. Lightings, several camera doing the filming, big screen for the lyrics. Akin to watching a concert, they even had their own live band and choir. After a short prayers, it exploded into a strings of praise and worship. Pastor Kong was the speaker for the day, sharing about having Jesus as a foundation of your life and dreams. I really enjoyed myself and had this strong desire to come back to GOD. I was highly motivated, inspired and touched that Aka has accepted Christ. It made me look back into my life. I yearned to be back, in the arms of the Lord.
Angela told me, even GOD did not forsake the prodigal son. I just need to make that one step, that is to be committed to church, committed to reading the bible and of course committed to GOD, himself.
What I want to say is, GOD works in the most miraculous ways and at the timing when you least expected it. GOD is great! Amen.