BETTER NOW THAN LATER

By Jennifer Chan

Looking back, I realise that God loves us all. And throughout our lives, if we pay attention, we will encounter times when God’s message to us is to seek His salvation.

I am very blessed to have my Primary school teacher bring me to Sunday school, then my Secondary school teacher brought me to Youth fellowship (Teachers are great people). Those were happy times, especially at church camps where we sang, prayed, studied the Bible, experienced God’s Spirit and also ate a lot!

However, during my youth fellowship days, I met with an unpleasant incident in church. Instead of rising up to the challenge to overcome this test, I gave up and walked away from Church altogether.

But God never gave up on me. I now know He was patiently waiting for me all this time. Whenever I had fear and worries, I would pray... and He answered! So I thought that was good enough. Until I came face to face with death. My dad was expected to recover from his surgery but suddenly took a turn for the worse and passed away. His sudden death completely shook me.

It made me realise how unprepared I was if my life were to end, how unsure I was of my own salvation. I had always prayed for guidance but I did not know His Word and did not read it. I did not even attend church. I felt lost.

Recently, I walked into BFEC and attended the October baptism class. Through the class, I understand that salvation is God’s gift and I am saved through my faith in Christ. I also know that baptism goes beyond proclaiming my belief. I must allow myself to be empowered by His Holy Spirit and also be a part of the body of Christ here.

I had always thought that baptism can wait and that there is such a thing as “the right time”. I now know that baptism is something you must do as soon as you decide to receive Christ into your life. I am very glad this day has come before it is too late for me. God has shown me mercy.

2 Corinthians 6:2 says,

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

8 Dec 2019, my baptism date, marks a new day and year for me. I am returning to Church, to Him, to experience His grace and presence. He has truly blessed me with eternal life. Thank you, Lord.

I am very glad this day has come before it is too late for me.

Jennifer with her father, Chan Kum Ming