The Need For Christ In My Life
Hello everyone, my name is Yanning. I am 17 this year and currently studying in Victoria Junior College. It is my joy to be able to seek baptism this Easter.
Before I knew Christ
When i was younger, I did not have the privilege of growing up in a christian family. Coming from a Buddhist background, i was being taught to do good in order to accumulate Karma points. I was tasked to burnt incense, and offerings, in exchange for good health, grades and being a good girl. However, these offerings were simply my blank cheques to attain material satisfaction in times of need.
Finding The Need For Christ In My Life
Despite being born in a non-christian family, it was my aunt, Siew Chiong that prayed steadfastly that my family might one day come to know the Lord. My first encounter learning more about christianity was when she signed me up for Junior camp in 2011. I still vividly remember Teacher Joanna, bringing me into the bookshop after camp has ended, and reading to me a book about Christianity. It was then that i realised how sinful my life was and how Jesus’ death on the cross can wash my sins away. However, being ashamed and held back by family restrictions, i took a miss on the opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus into my life.
Returning to church after my PSLE, I attended Sunday school classes and morning worship services. It was then that I got to grow my little knowledge in the scriptures, however, my heart was filled with unbelief. I did not find a need to change my sinful ways and was even ashamed to be called a Christian at home.
It was during Youth Conference in 2014 that I was truly saved. During consecration night, Pastor Charlie spoke about what it means to be to be crucified with Christ, and how the Lord has chosen us to be reconciled with Him despite all our unworthiness – if anyone were to be ashamed, it would the Lord who would be ashamed of me.
That night, Galatians 2:20 was the precious lesson that impacted me.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
My heart was deeply moved as my eyes were finally opened to see the true weight of my sin. It was the knowledge that the Lord will not only identify me as His child, but will also give me a new heart, and help me to change my wretched ways. I echo the song of the that night, Unashamed, “Because of grace, because of your mercy, I stand here unashamed.”, I was compelled to commit my life to the Lord.
Slowly but surely, my life begun to changed. As i started getting more involved in church by attending Pastor Mitch’s discipleship classes, YPG and catechism class on top of Sunday school and morning worship, i was able to appreciate the word with even greater meaning, finding a real faith in the Lord.
Looking Ahead To The Future
Fast forward 2017, I take a step back and I recognised that it was at Bethany that Lord called me, where I found faith and continue to grow in my faith. Even as I seek Baptism this Easter in Bethany, I come before the Lord far from perfect – as a work in progress. Just as it is written in Philippians 1:5-6, “for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”, I am deeply committed to continue walking with the Lord and one day rise up to take my place and serve the Lord in Bethany. I want to be part of the Bethany family, to be able share the same spirit of faith, and being part of God’s kind of church, where people care for people.