Apart from this, I also got into gambling, and this put a greater strain on my family. I was focused on pursuing material things and my own desires. I neglected to care for my wife and sons in a way that met their needs. It was all ‘I’, ‘I’, ‘I’….which was not in line with what God wanted.
Yet, God was moving in my life. My wife would often try persuading me to go to church, but each time, I rejected her request. I was not ready for God, but I knew something was missing. It was at the end of 2009 when things came to a crisis point. I thought I was going to lose everything.
It was at this time that my former neighbour, Pastor Paul, invited me to hear him preach. I was very reluctant at first but I finally accepted his invitation to visit NLCC. The funny thing is that I kept coming back to hear the sermons Sunday after Sunday. I somehow felt God had a plan for me. One day, I decided to give my life to Jesus Christ, and accepted Him as my Saviour and Lord.
The story does not end here. Actually, my new life story had just begun. I started to come for services, I attended the small group meetings, and I was making friends. My wife also found new friends here. In fact, my 2 young sons were the ones who started attending church before the two of us. I decided to do things that would change the way I was as a husband and father. I attended a Marriage course for 12 weeks with my wife. Through this time, I learnt several things that allowed God to work in my marriage. What touched me deeply was the need to live by God's word, and to forgive. As I received Jesus’ forgiveness, I was able to forgive myself. The best thing was that my wife also forgave me. My marriage was healed and restored.
In my past lifestyle, I was sowing bad seeds into my family. Now, with God's word, I am learning to plant good seeds into my family and in return, I am reaping the fruits. God has been guiding and transforming me. I believe God brought different people into my life to bring me to Him. I am a changed man because of God’s love. He can do the same for you. Let’s LIVE for Jesus.