TESTIMONIES OF CHRIST - ROY WONG

My name is Roy Wong, a senior at Penn, studying Finance and Economics. After graduation, I will be doing a one year Masters program in London.

Before I begin, I want to thank Pastor Young for this privilege to share my testimony. I am dedicating this story as a gift to God and I hope it will be a blessing to all of you.

I once knew a cute little boy who grew up in Singapore. When he was ten years old, his aunt brought his entire family to church for the first time. He soon had to attend Sunday School with the other kids in church. By the age of twelve, he started skipping some of these classes because he felt that the girls were always laughing at him.

So while his parents attended the church service, he would be wandering around the neighborhood. As he grew older, he would pretend to be sick on Sunday mornings so that he could skip the church service. Once his parents left the house, he would turn on the TV and watch cartoons.

It was always the TV’s fault for having the best cartoons on Sunday mornings. Because of his behavior and lifestyle, most of his friends never knew that he was a Christian. As you might have guessed by now, I was that boy who was always running away from God. =)

I have a girlfriend in Singapore. Most of my life story would revolve around her as we have been together for five years and seven months as of tomorrow.If you have a girlfriend, trust me, you need to remember these things. =)

My girlfriend’s name is Ziying, and I would always boast about how sweet it is that both our Chinese names have the same acronyms, “z-y-w”. She is one year younger than I am and we knew each other since high school.

After my graduation, I had to serve in the army for two and a half years. During my Officer course, I had a short overseas training in Taiwan. When I called Ziying on my first day there, I found out that she had not stopped crying since I left.

Her depression lasted through my three weeks in Taiwan and time passed by painfully for both of us. My heart was only at peace when I returned to Singapore.

My next overseas training was in one month’s time and this coincided with Ziying’s final exams. I could not bear the thought of her not doing well, as she really wanted to be a doctor.

I then started thinking of ways to escape the overseas training and finally decided to drink spoilt milk the night before my flight. With food poisoning, I was certain that I would miss the training.

Three days before my departure, I was at Ziying’s home when my cell phone rang. “This is Lieutenant David,” he said, “a rare disease just broke out in Brunei camp. Training has been postponed to next month. “Yes Sir,” my voice was shaking.

Tears rolled down my face, as I shared my joy with Ziying. The timing was just perfect, as I would only leave Singapore after her exams. Isaiah 55 verse 9 reminds me that God’s ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts than my thoughts.

This was one of the few Bible verses I could ever remember. On one hand, I regretted not committing the matter to God in prayer. On the other, I was amazed at how much God still loves us even when we did not trust in Him.

After my eventful military career, I came over to good old Penn. In freshman year, it was initially hard for me to make new friends because people had difficulties understanding my accent. It took me a while to convince people that English is my native language.

In the midst of loneliness, I turned to God and took my first step of faith in GCC. Since then, life has been full of changes.

I used to pray before going to bed and always end up saying Amen the next morning. I now do my quiet time when I am refreshed in the morning. From family groups and retreats, I met so many wonderful people in this church who are living their lives for God. Many of them are seated among you. I want each of you to know that I will always cherish our friendship.

When I returned to Singapore after a blessed freshman year, my dad came up to me on the first day and said, “Son, you have changed.” I was worried. Was he going to scold me for my blond hair or the ear stud that I had?

He continued, “You have become more understanding and patient with people.” I rejoiced. My friends also began to comment that I am more open and willing to share about my life. These changes came as a complete surprise to me. Was this the transformation that “born again” Christians experienced?

When I returned to Penn, I was excited to begin the new semester. Looking back at how I was so blessed in freshman year, I decided to set up a Singaporean and Malaysian family group to help the new freshmen adjust to Penn.

Leading Bible study was a difficult step of faith for me, as I felt I lack the knowledge and the eloquence. However, God reminded me that “His power is made perfect in my weakness.” Our family group started really small, at times there were only four people at our meetings. Today, we have sixteen regular members. Amen?

Each one of them has been a great blessing to me and I am really thankful for their continual support.

For almost five months, I was in a dilemma over my plans for summer last year. During the winter break, I attended the OIL conference and there, God revealed His plans to me. I wanted to look for a summer internship, but

He led me to short-term missions. I eventually submitted to His will. My trip to Cambodia with GCC last year was a tremendous blessing and a decision I will never regret.

“He is the potter, while I am the clay.” Indeed, God is always molding and shaping our lives. I thank God for how GCC has transformed me. This is really the church where I grew up as a Christian. When I was young, I kept trying to run away from God. Now, I will only run this race for Him. Thank you.

If you have any questions about Singapore or want to find out more about the Singaporean and Malaysian family group, please feel free to contact me at blueskie15@yahoo.com.sg. Thank you!

Click here to return to testimonies