2016 The Safe Place

In My Recovering Journey

Andy Toh

I was diagnosed with late-stage liver failure in Oct 2013 and was told that I would not survive without a transplant within the next few months.

I am so thankful for the unselfish and demonstrative act of love from my colleague, Ralph, his wife Daphne and their family.

Ralph is certainly an example of the Lord Jesus, who laid down His life for His friends.

Ralph "laid down" 65% of his liver for me on 15 May 2014. I will not take this gift of life for granted.

God didn't let me walk alone in the hospital, as well. His grace was continually present through the care, love and concern that the medical staff of the National University Hospital showered upon me. The staff's warm and friendly greetings and gestures of love have made me feel that I am important and make me look forward to each follow up.

I am also grateful for the working environment around me. The pastors, leaders and staff have been very understanding, giving me the space and the ministry work which I can handle. I praise God for that. It gave me time to settle back in and I got to spend more intentional time to reflect upon His Word and hear what He is directing me to do for the kingdom of God in the church and beyond as I seek to impart truth and impact lives for His glory.

The people around me in church may not have realised that some of their spoken and unspoken words have uplifted me, as well.

I must make special mention of Angelia, my wife, who has been a constant source of support during this time.She still keeps tabs on me and watches over what I eat or whether I am getting enough exercise. She has helped me to be slightly more disciplined.

I praise and thank God for the P23CG too. Their combined faith and friendship has enabled me to recover inwardly and I often find encouragement in the Whatsapp chats, their sharing and their own growth. I am also thankful for the combined faith of those in the Worship Ministry as well as my friends from other ministries, I thank God for the many persons who constantly lift me up me in support and prayer.

It is Christ in me, the hope of glory, that enabled me to go through the dark days of liver failure.

It is His hope that gives me peace, help and purpose during my hospital experience and even now. It is certainly His Spirit that strengthens me when many times I felt so weak and wanted to give up. He heard my cries in the night when I poured out my soul to Him and assured me of His presence. He is surely my refuge and portion!

I have truly found a safe space in the community of faith as well as in God's presence.

I did not have to pretend to be strong and alright. Before my community, I did not have to brush aside my fears and hold back my tears. Their listening hearts, in addition to their patient love and silent care is enough to make them feel accepted and encouraged. I hope you can find that safe space in this community of believers as well as in the presence of God because that has allowed me to taste wholeness and healing, slowly but surely.

2017 Holy Communion to Homebound Members

Down Memory Lane