Sharing at the pulpit on Sunday, 27th July 2008
By George Ha
George Ha & Princesses at the Simulcast, Wesley40DOP
I was born in a “so-called” Christian family. My parents attended church since they were young through the missionaries in their respective villages. When I was young, I went to church whenever my parents went. Besides attending Sunday services once in a while, I knew nothing about God. God was just a myth to me.
I first invited Jesus into my heart when I was in Form One, through an evangelical message during the religious period in Methodist Secondary School. Since then, I attended Sunday Services and MJYF. However, there was no change in my life for many years. I was just like a wild sheep. I was attached to God whenever I needed Him. I wanted God to suit me.
Therefore, I believed that “My life is good and smooth-sailing”. I believe that I was just a normal person. Grown up without financial burden; pursued good education; found a nice and good looking girlfriend; married; had children and the prince and the princess live happily forever. I believed that God was good to me and life was within my control.
When I first came back to Sibu about 5 years ago, George Lau tried so hard to invite me to his cell group. He called me every week, visited me at my office and even delivered study materials to my office. I still didn’t really attend because I didn’t see the need. Thank God that without him, I might still be lost. But today, he doesn’t have to ask me anymore. Rather, I will ask him why if he stops the cell group meeting.
What I said was in the history. Why so? What on earth am I here for, if life is so smooth-sailing and nothing happened? It’s like coming to this earth to enjoy or honeymoon.
I chose today to share here because, at this moment of last year, I was actually preparing a funeral for my 3rd third, Florence, whom she was called home on 26 July 2007. Some of you may still recall my sharings in Connection, if you did read.
What would be your reaction if you learned from a pediatrician that your child had serious medical problem and required immediate attention? About 3 years ago, when my little daughter was just about 50 days from birth, it was like a lightning striking me when my wife and I heard that our daughter was suffering a life-threatening symptom that required immediate medical attention.
When I was driving home after bringing her seeing a doctor, my wife and I didn’t talk a single word, besides tears running over our face. My mind was blank; my purpose on earth was lost. I could not accept a baby looked completely normal and was born at full pregnancy term and normal weight, yet her liver function was not fully developed. Even the doctors could not explain why. And there is no solution with advanced medical technology today. I didn’t understand why God gave me such a trial?
The little girl underwent a corrective surgery, but she was not one of the successful ones, which left liver transplantation to be the only option to prolong her life. Prolong life is different from success. Even if she survived through major operation of liver transplantation, she would still require a life-long medication and constant medical follow-ups. Yet, she her life would be unpredictable. She could live extra 5 years? 10 years? Only God knows. The life-style of our whole family would be affected.
For almost 2 years, my wife and I, and our parents, had been searching for all possibilities trying to save her earthly life. We asked everyone we came across. Nobody could save her. We couldn’t travel far. Everything we did, we needed to consider her conditions. Finally, she only lived for 25 months.
From human point of view, it is sad that she only lived for such a short period, but in God’s eyes, she had lived enough for God’s purpose. When my wife shared with a pastor recently, the pastor told her that the little girl has accomplished her mission. That’s why the Lord took her home. Six days after she was called home, her two older siblings dreamed of her living happily in heaven, without illness. One even dreamed that someone looked like Jesus gave her milk. Yes, her mission accomplished.
Looking at the bright side, isn’t it good that she only had to suffer for 25 months to accomplish her life on earth? Most of us, if not all, are still suffering on this earth because we have not accomplished God’s purpose for us.
What’s the little girl’s mission? Her mission is to transform lives. In the midst of the trial, a friend knew about my trial and gave me this book, The Purpose Driven Life. I read through like just another book. I didn’t understand the purpose of life at that moment because I was still in the wilderness of struggling.
When our church was embarking 40DOP, I took out this book and skinned through again. I noticed the purpose of the little girl’s life. Her life purpose was “giving herself to be used for His purpose.”(Warren, R., p. 56) And she did it in biblical way, “Use her whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” (Roman 6:13b, NLT) This is the first purpose of life, according to Rick Warren – Worship. God created her, she was for His pleasure. Then, she used her whole body as a tool to glorify God. As parents, because of her, we are getting closer to God, and we found the true purpose of worshipping God.
Fellowship – We were formed for God’s family. She was baptized and attended Sunday School, until the doctor advised us to minimize her exposure to germs due to her low immune system. Indeed, because of her, all of us enjoy the fellowship in God’s family throughout the world. We received prayer supports, advice and comfort from many parts of the world.
Discipleship – We were created to become like Christ. My wife told her Bible stories, prayed with her, listened to Spiritual songs and taught her to call “Jesus”. Because of her, my wife and I, as well as our parents are learning to be more like Jesus.
Ministry – We were shaped for serving God. Because of her, today I dare to challenge myself to lead a group of 40DOP. Because of her, my wife and I began to serve in church ministries.
Evangelism – We were made for a mission. What is God’s mission to this little girl who only lived for 25 months? To transform her parents! The title of Day 6 is “Life is a temporary assignment”, her mission accomplished and therefore God called her home. Since then, we kept sharing with people how God transformed us through little Florence.
Although humanly I felt sad, truly the most painful moment in my life, I felt peace in my heart. I have done what humanly could do. Colossian 1:16, “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible….everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” Roman 11:36 (LB), “Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory.” Proverbs 16:4, “The Lord has made everything for His own purpose.”
Without going through this trial, I would still be a wild sheep, running here and there without knowing what the purpose of life is.
Today, I am serving in the Men’s Ministry because I saw the needs. The moment my daughter left us, my wife had a group of sisters praying and crying together with her. As for me, man supposed to be tough and not to drop tears. I really needed a shoulder to lean on and cry, but I didn’t have one. My mind was full of anxieties, yet empty. People called me to express their condolences, but no one could provide me a shoulder to lean on at that time. For Men’s Ministry, we hope to develop the relationship among men. We share with each others in sincere hearts, not just superficial kopitiam talks. I wish one day I can be a shoulder for those brothers in need.
In conjunction with Men’s Ministry, like buy one get one free, I also get involved in Million Leaders Mandate. God found me in this purpose which I have been trained, but never thought of where to practise.
Another ministry which we are in the experimental stage and believed it’s a must for today’s world. That’s Family Ministry. The world is getting more and more complicated and our burden to nurture our children is getting heavier.
Lastly, although my life today has not been completely changed, I am looking forward to becoming more like Christ! At least, I love my family more and willing to serve within my gifted abilities and capabilities. I sincerely hope that all of us are able to find your purpose of life and serve in the respective ministries through this 40DOP.
Psalm 119:19 (TEV), “I am here on earth for just a little while.” So, catch the moments!
Wesley Sibu 40DOP 