‘I am forever grateful for our Saviour’ Thanan Simeray (Hastings Temple) shares how her life has changed by following Jesus
Calum Montgomery (Sale) Ashley Dodds (Sunderland Millfield) ‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel It’s a classic song everyone should know, but I usually listen to it when I’m trying to chill out or relax. ‘Crazier’ by Taylor Swift She sang it in the Hannah Montana movie, which is years and years ago now. But I’ve just been to see Taylor Swift, and it was one of the surprise songs. So it was really nice to hear that. ‘Snow Angel’ by Reneé Rapp Reneé’s got one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’ by One Direction I love One Direction. I always have, and it’s such an upbeat song and it always makes you smile. ‘Jesus Will Still Be There’ by Point of Grace I first knew the song through the singing company and we sang it at Northern Summer School last year. The words say: ‘When it looks like you’ve lost it all and you haven’t got a prayer,/ Jesus will still be there.’ It really speaks to me because, even if you are going through a tough time, it shows you God does have a plan for you. • Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.
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Salvationist 21 September 2024
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IVE years ago, my husband died from cancer and I suffered a massive heartbreak. It was also a turning point. It made me consider leaving the UK and returning to my home country of Singapore. However, I enjoyed my job and was willing to make a go of it, come what may. I was also able to spend more time thinking about the future. At the time I was not a Christian, yet I felt that my behaviour needed lots of fine-tuning that our material world could never provide. I decided to read the Bible. The Salvation Army was part of my childhood through my maternal grandparents. It brought them lots of comfort, hope and friendship at Balestier Corps in Singapore. In May 2019, I attended my first meeting at Hastings Temple. I liked the warm welcome and decided to continue attending. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I suffered a major setback. I was isolated from my family. Zoom and phone calls were all we had at that time. Then my father died. There was a compulsory 21-day quarantine in a Singapore hotel at that time before I was allowed to see family, so I could uld not attend his funeral. I felt numb and d heavy. Throughout those difficult years, rs, I prayed and asked Jesus to lead me and help me out of this emotionally complicated situation. I was drained ned emotionally and financially. One day, I was reading famous Bible quotes and this stood out: ‘For God od gave us a spirit not of fear but of powerr and love and self-control’ (2 Timothy 1:7 English nglish Standard Version). It resonated so loudly that I smiled. That was the sign: I saw the motivation to carry on and stay focused ocused on Jesus. I felt loved. I knew then I was ready to become a soldier. In 2022, 2, I was enrolled. Today, God has made it possible e for me to see my way through any situation. tion. I am more involved in the community, unity, maintaining good and growing friendships, ndships, learning a new foreign language (French), French), baking, playing flugelhorn in the band and
assisting with media presentations in Sunday worship. I recently got married and I have been appointed corps secretary. My life has changed. All this because I decided to follow Jesus. I am forever grateful for our Saviour. Through his death, my sins are forgiven. I have always had a competitive streak and love being part of a team. In Hastings Temple, I feel like a team player. I belong to Team Jesus. There are many people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. The kindness and encouragement shown to me by fellow Salvationists and my husband have helped me greatly in my spiritual development. The following are words from a favourite hymn of mine: ‘O may thy Spirit guide my feet/ In ways of righteousness!/ Make every path of duty straight/ And plain before my face.’ Thank you, Jesus. Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.