FROM TROUBLES TO TRIUMPH

By Flora Rountree

I am so very glad to be baptised in BFEC on 8 Dec 2019. I think the most precious lesson God has given me is the strength to carry on throughout my cancer journey and also to deal with my brother’s cancer and eventually my loss over his demise.

God has answered my prayers even when I questioned myself about why I want to be baptised. On Friday the 3rd of November, I found a Bible that has been sitting on top of the shelves in my bedroom. I had never seen this Bible before and as I opened it, I saw it had my father’s signature on it, together with a card of Catholic Bishop Gregory Ong commemorating his 68th birthday. The writing on the card said, “May God bless you on your 68th birthday.” I turned 68 that Friday! Was this mere coincidence?

When I turned the pages of the Bible to where my father had left a bookmark, I read 2 Corinthians 6:1,2, “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” By now, God is surely getting my attention.

Coincidentally, a friend sent me a text with a verse from John 14:18-19, with a message. “No, I will not abandon you. I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.” This somehow strengthened my desire to be baptized. And so I made the decision to believe in Christ and follow Him.

Without Him, I know I would have crumbled. He is my Rock and I am deeply grateful for everything He has done for me. I am so happy that I have found Him again! I am now more committed to follow Him and to love Him and to obey His commands. I thank

God everyday for all His mercies.

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Flora (right, middle row) with her loving family