17 Hours

It’s been quite a ride. It’s the Year of the Horse. At my age, some people might think I am riding into the sunset. But as I preached from the Jacob’s narrative last Sunday after Jacob had wrestled with God, the sun rose on him as he crossed the river Jabbok. Tomorrow I am crossing the river of Bundusan and returning to my home base. For me to have a home is already a miracle. 12 years into ministry, no money and no house and when I left for Singapore in 2008, I was penniless. I sold my one last car in order to support my son studying Form 6 in New Zealand.

I had a house in 2007 but did not put a single cent in buying it. I am in debt for 11 years, then by the mighty hand of God, I managed to repay the bank and my brother who loaned me 2/3 of the house price. By 54 years old I was debt free with two cars and a house fully paid. 

I could say like Jacob, when I crossed the South China Sea, I went to Singapore with a couple of bags, but I returned to Sabah with two companies. Not that God only blessed me in Singapore, that’s for sure but God also blessed me in Sabah and still blesses me as I ride to fight the battles of the Lord for righteousness, humility and justice (Psalm 45). 

I don’t know how sincere all the speeches will be tomorrow but I will take the positive any day. I will remember forever the women’s leader who wept and said she wished I could stay on for 1,000 years (in her own words). From the oldest to the youngest (the youngest deaconess in her mid 20s also spoke out and thanked her pastor, but I do not know about the 8 people who chose to remain silent in my last official meeting with them. 

Tomorrow they may say some nice things during service and during the farewell dinner, but when it was called upon they chose not to do good as the Lord said, “there were 10 people who got healed, how come only one returned to give thanks to God, a Samaritan”. Jesus only got 10 percent approval and appreciation from a stranger, I got about 25% and that’s only a badge of honour I am not worthy to wear, but suffering for righteousness ‘ sake is a crown in itself and one day the Lord will surely reward those who are faithful to Him.