Light Bearers

by | Aug 4, 2024 | David Loh, • Timely Word •

Light Bearers

Nurses Day in Singapore is celebrated on 1 August each year. This day in August commemorates the formal start of local nursing when French nuns from a local convent answered the call to serve as the first nurses at the General Hospital at Outram Road in 1885. Worldwide, Nurses Day is instead celebrated on 12 May which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.​​

At the hospital where I work, we celebrated Nurses Day a week earlier than 1 August for scheduling reasons. The nursing committee which organized the event chose the theme – Light Bearers. This was because of the vision statement of the hospital: “To be a light in society, relieving suffering and enriching lives with the love of Christ.”​​

The day before the celebrations, the Bible app on my handphone had the “Verse of the Day” feature turned on and it showed Matthew 5:16. ‘The Message’ translation of Matthew 5:14-16 reads as follows: “You’re here to be light, bringing out God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (emphasis is mine)

On the day of the celebrations though, I must admit I wasn’t feeling up to going on stage to give the opening address due to some small issue in the planning of the event. I let my emotions get the better of me. For a brief moment, I thought of giving a shortened and bare-boned welcome address, without any sharing at all. But I believe the Lord rebuked me and shook me out of that state, and I did proceed to share these three points during the celebrations. (1) That Light Bearers are not light generators, ie. we reflect the true light from the Lord. (2) That Light Bearers do have to ‘bear’ things, i.e. it calls for sacrifice and suffering for His glory. (3) That Light Bearers are in the plural form, i.e. we aren’t called to be solitary lights, but to come together to shine for Him. ​

I thank the Lord that He would use me to be a Light Bearer for Him, flawed and fallen as I am. Flawed and fallen as we are, His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). As I write this, I recall from my kindergarten years this gospel song from the ‘Golden Bells’ booklet: ​

  1. Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light. Like a little candle burning in the night. In this world of darkness, we must shine. You in your small corner, and I in mine.​
  2. Jesus bids us shine, first of all for Him. Well He sees and knows it if our light is dim. He looks down from heaven, sees us shine. You in your small corner, and I in mine.​
  3. Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around. Many kinds of darkness in this world abound. Sin, and want, and sorrow—we must shine. You in your small corner, and I in mine.​

May the Lord help us to be Light Bearers for Him!​

 By brother David Loh​

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Grace for every day, by the day

by | Nov 11, 2022 | David Loh, • Timely Word •

This year marks my 30th year of living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Last week, when I went for my regular diabetes appointment, I reminded my diabetes specialist of this and we both took some time to take it in. Thirty years earlier when I had first been diagnosed, she had been brutally honest with me, telling me that whether I’d even make 10 years would depend on how well controlled my condition was. Fast forward 30 years, she congratulated me for reaching this milestone and we both gave audible thanks to God for His amazing grace. I think it was a wonderful testimony to the Clinic Assistant who heard it all.

This milestone also had two spiritual lessons for me.

God meant it for my good

When I was first diagnosed in 1992, life changed overnight. I had to daily balance my insulin shots against food intake and the amount of physical activity. There was no choice: poor control with high blood sugar levels would lead to organ damage, but too low a level and I’d become comatose. I often say that half my brain has become my pancreas; there is not a waking hour that goes by that I am not thinking about my blood sugar levels. On a lighter note, my family remind me often that my favourite question is – “Is it sweet?”

The initial years were filled with thoughts of “why me”, the intervening years with “why not me”, and these recent years with “You did this for me – thank you”. With every year that passes, I am convinced more and more that He knew what I needed, and I now shudder to think where I’d be otherwise.  As the words in the song ‘Were it not for grace’ go, I’d be “going down some pointless road to nowhere”.

My condition has kept me grounded and acknowledging Him for all things. In the book of Judges, we are told that God had reduced Gideon’s army before battle, so that Israel could not boast that “My own hand has saved me.” (Judges 7:2 ESV). Likewise, all that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to him.

Ultimately, God gave me what was for my best. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV).​

Grace for every day, but by the day

I did some back-of-envelope calculations and over the 30 years, I have had approximately 43,000 insulin injections, 35,000 finger pricks for blood sampling and 150 visits to the same Specialist Clinic.  If I had known at the very start that I would have had to go through all this, I would have lost my nerve. Which is why God tells us, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matt 6:34 ESV). From the start of my journey, I could only take each day as it came. God truly gives us grace for every day, yet it is given in daily portions only.

Dear brothers and sisters, many of you would have challenges far greater than mine, but take heart from this piece of scripture which I am reminded of every day that I come in to work (because it is pasted on the office wall): “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9 ESV).

by brother David Loh

Making a faith impact on Youth

by | Jul 5, 2022 | Christabelle Chan, David Loh, • Timely Word •

“Youths are difficult to work with.”

“They are young and immature!”

“There’s a generation gap, I won’t be able to connect with them”

These are just some of the thoughts that may come to mind whenever someone is asked about youths today. Many often share that they cannot understand how youths think, nor relate to the struggles the youths go through today. As a result, it is better for those who have a burden for the youths, or the “youth experts” to work with the youths.

In churches, this attitude often translates to the youth ministry operating apart from the church. The youths and the adults both live in their individual bubbles, content in their own comfort zones. If we are not intentional to connect with the youths and disciple them, we may end up with the youths growing into a new church service at best. At worse, research conducted by Youth For Christ (UK) suggests that we may lose as many as 50% of churched youths.

Discipling youths is not something the youth ministry can achieve alone. It is not even something that can be done alone by parents. The church is also essential to every single youth’s growth. However, many people fear they are out of their depths to disciple the youths, I know because I was one of them. By God’s grace, I have learnt from my time as a youth overseer that it is not rocket science to connect with the youths – learning to be present and listen are two starting steps to discipleship.

Being Present

It is common for youths to feel out of place and disregarded at the main service. I know this because I struggled similarly in my youth days. However, the first time I felt seen and valued was when one of the Elders took the time to speak to me. Subsequently, he would always call me by name and give me a hug each time he saw me. This simple act was so impactful because I was so used to being invisible in the congregation or ignored every time the adults have a conversation.

A busy Elder, with many duties and people to attend to, stopped to speak to me. He was present. He intentionally made time for me, asked about my welfare and showed me love. In a way, it is similar to how Jesus saw Zacchaeus and acknowledged him and spent time with him [Luke 19:1-10]. Perhaps it was not a big deal to the elder, but it made all the difference to me, showing me that the church cared for me.

Be a Listener

There was a season when I skipped youth ministry and hid in the cold staircases of our church building. One of the church members saw me and sat down with me. She took the time to listen to my story. Understanding my fear and discomfort, she encouraged me to attend and promised that she will be with me every step of the way. While I did not budge at that time, her words encouraged me to resume attending Youth ministry again the following week.

I thank God for both church members who created these pivotal moments in my church life. Together with countless other church members who have poured into my life as a youth, I have grown to be a follower of Christ. Their actions have now inspired me to give the same love and care I received to the youths today.

Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, as you fellowship at the breakfast area, or in the midst of catching up with friends in the Sanctuary, or even as you make your way to serve in another ministry, would you keep an eye out for opportunities to be present and to listen to a youth? In such confusing and often chaotic times, youths have it tough finding their place in the world.

Sometimes, all it takes is for one of us to offer a listening ear to the youth, befriend them and show them love for them to blossom. Phil 2:4 reminds us to look to the interests of others, and in so doing, you may be surprised how God might use you to make a faith impact on a youth.

 by sister Christabelle Chan

Exactly where you are

by | Dec 17, 2021 | David Loh, • Timely Word •

If you Google the distance between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, the common answer is about 8 kilometers.  This is roughly equivalent to 10,000 steps, which happens to be the recommended daily step count by our Health Promotion Board!  Not a significant distance in real terms.  But the 33 years that separated Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and his crucifixion in Jerusalem was, in my estimation, the most significant span of time in the whole of human history. It was the centerpiece and zenith of all history when God became man, then was made sin for us at Calvary.  “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NASB). All this so that we might be ransomed and saved, because He loves us so.

How should we respond to this wonderful Saviour of ours? One of my favourite carols has the answer. The last line of the carol “In The Bleak Mid-Winter” reads “But what I can  I give Him, Give my heart”.  Thus, we give Him our hearts and respond in love, in gratitude and in obedience to what He wants us to do.  And what is it that He wants us to do?  The “good news of great joy” that the angel proclaimed to the shepherds is the same good news that Jesus wants us to proclaim, just before He ascended into heaven. It is this – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John3:16 ESV). In Matthew 28:19 (NIV), Jesus tells us to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”. This is the Great Commission given to us by Jesus.

I had the opportunity of recently attending an online conference of the Asian Christian Hospitals Association (ACHA), which is a grouping of a sizable number of Christian hospitals in  Japan,  South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. What is common to them is that they were mostly started by Christian missionaries in the last 100 years as a means to practically help the then-impoverished communities and to point to Jesus’ love as the source of it all.  It was a response to the Great Commission. In turn, many of these Christian hospitals had in recent years (but before the COVID pandemic) been active in medical missions work in countries all around the world.

When it came to Q&A time at the end of the Conference’s Plenary Session, I asked the Plenary Speaker what main message the attending hospitals could take away from his talk, even as they battled COVID in their respective countries. He responded simply, “Do missions exactly where you are”.  I think what he meant was that, while there would always be an important role for overseas missions (and some YCKers have indeed faithfully answered God’s call to them on this), the starting point and base for us all is that we must proclaim the good news in our workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and our families. To the many foreigners and migrant workers that He places in our midst.

This Christmas, as we all prepare our hearts anew to worship our Saviour and reflect on His First Coming (Advent) and His eventual Second Coming, may we also remember that the proclamation of the Good News starts “exactly where you are”.

 By brother David Loh

Shaking and the City​

by | Dec 20, 2020 | David Loh, • Timely Word •

Hebrews 2:14-15 (The Living Bible)​

14 Since we, God’s children, are human beings—made of flesh and blood—he became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. 15 Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread.​

As Christmas fast approaches, I am drawn to these verses which wonderfully summarize the full message of Christmas. That Jesus Christ came to this world so that He could die as a human to save us from our sins.  And if we believe in and follow Him, we will be saved.  This is the essence of the good news or Gospel.  As His children, He then calls us to share this good news with others. Which is why we must, this Christmas, be “outward-facing” and remember to “….go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).​

Just last Wednesday, I went for my regular Specialist Outpatient Clinic appointment to see my diabetes doctor.  She has been helping me with my condition for the past 28 years! As we came to the end of the consultation, with both of us masked up and sharing COVID-19 ‘war-stories’, she sighed palpably, saying, “I wonder what all this shaking will lead to”. I believe she was referring to Hebrews 12:26: “At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”​

As I contemplated further upon what she had said, I came to 4 personal conclusions regarding the pandemic: (a) that it has helped reveal how truly broken and evil the world is, (b) that it is a wake-up call that Jesus Christ’s return is imminent, (c) that we must repent and course-correct, (d) that we must be all the more diligent about preaching the Gospel.  ​

On the last point, the “all nations” that the Gospel must be preached to are​ not just outside of Singapore, but they are here within her borders too. Sharing with others the testimony of what God has done for us amidst our brokenness and wretchedness must not stop with our family, friends and neighbours. The sharing must also go to the many hundreds of thousands of migrant workers that call Singapore home for the time that they are here.  Every time they encounter followers of Christ, whether at the dormitory operations, in hospitals, in S3P shelters or in quarantine centres, may it be obvious to them the love of Christ that fuels the care and compassion of the Christian.  ​

We sometimes hear others say, “…seek the welfare of the city….” (Jeremiah 29:7).  However, the whole sentence actually reads, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have exiled you”.  The “city” did not refer to their own community; it referred to Babylon. The Jewish people, who were in exile, were commanded to care for their captors who were foreign to them, who had enslaved them. This is the heart of our Father who wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4). Therefore, during this time of shaking, let us redouble our efforts to care for and share our testimonies with the many from other lands in our midst, in our city.​

By brother Dr David Loh, ​

who is a hospital administrator who is grateful to YCKC brethren for rendering much-needed practical help, during the Circuit Breaker period, to the hospital as it cared for COVID-19 patients.​

A Place of Rebellion – A Complaining Heart

by | Mar 31, 2019 | David Loh, • Timely Word •

Numbers 21:4-9: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?”

Most of us have a tendency to complain. Sometimes it becomes verbalized, but most times it remains deep in our hearts and thoughts. It doesn’t help that our society is one where complaining has become the norm and a national past-time of sorts.

I remember that when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness some 27 years ago, I complained to God saying, “Why did it have to be me?” More recently at work, when a serious incident happened, I thought, “How could this happen when we were doing good and in His name?”

When we complain, what are we really saying? We are actually saying that God is unfair, that we are owed better, and that our expectations have not been met. It shows up two things, that we have forgotten His faithfulness and goodness to us, and have become ungrateful; and that we have pride and feel entitled to more.

Instead of complaining, I am slowly learning to remember that God is ever faithful and that all His promises are true (Revelations 19:11).

I am also learning from this passage of Scripture that whilst God may not remove the trial and testing, He will certainly give the grace and strength to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

We need to trust Him, having an attitude of worship and prayer, born out of a grateful heart for all His “benefits to us” (Psalm 103:2). Of course, this is so much easier said than done, especially in the heat of the furnace. But as Rick Warren says, “If you’re not worshipping, you’re worrying; if you’re not praying, you’re panicking!”.

May the Lord work to remove the complaining heart in us all.

By David Loh (YCKC Bulletin 31 March 2019)