Carin's Testimony on Samuel

When my husband and I were invited to join Paul Cell Group in 2007 and first introduced to the Cell Group’s leader - Frank Lim and his wife, Josephine - I felt most comfortable with Frank’s way of putting people at ease. You get the feeling that you have known the couple for ages rather than just mere acquaintances.

After knowing the couple, you will also not missed not knowing the rest of the family – 3 tall, good-looking boys together with the only girl in the family (sings beautifully and with looks to match her voice too). Just as in my own family of 3 girls, the baby of the family is always the youngest child, who is always seen tagging along with the parents (with the mother at least!). Most of the time whenever we meet up with the group - being the youngest, Samuel will not be too far away – we tend to miss him if we do not see him around.

When we were first informed that Samuel was not well, our immediate reaction was not of grave concern as we were not fully aware of his actual condition and diagnosis of his illness. It was later along with the sharing and interaction amongst the group members that I realized how ill Samuel was.

I remembered my 1st visit to the hospital when Samuel was hospitalized – it was after visiting hours and I was not allowed to go up to the ward by the hospital security. I was at the lounge area, waiting for the rest of the group to come down, after which, we adjourned for supper nearby. What struck me most then was the behavioral manner in which Frank and Jo carried themselves – they were positive, full of trust and casting the whole burden of Samuel’s illness unto the Lord. They were physically very tired (due to lack of sleep) but I could feel the positive vibes radiating from both of them – how do you explain this kind of strength unless you are truly confident that there is a much greater force within that you could unburden your heavy emotional load and lift you up when everything else seems to fail?

What touched me immensely was the time when I was visiting Samuel (who was asleep) and found myself alone with Jo in the hospital room – knowing how much she has in her mind over Samuel’s condition, she still managed to talk to me about the greatness of God (me being a new believer at that time) and that she will pray for my children, especially for my eldest daughter who is studying abroad. She even got me to write down their names so that she can pray specifically for each one of them! I was truly humbled by her thoughtfulness especially during this trying time over Samuel.

Throughout the period of Samuel’s illness, his recovery, his relapses and his subsequent recovery – I may not understand why God allow this to happen or the reasons for such happenings, but I could feel the genuine love and concern of everyone who knew Samuel, Frank & Jo; the chain prayers throughout for Samuel’s healing and the constant involvement of the church and the pastors.

I came across the title of a Bible session entitled – In the Worst of times is the Best of times (looking at the Book of Ruth) - and it struck me that this is exactly why God permits unpleasant or negative events to happen in our lives. I began to reflect on Samuel, Frank and Jo and the trusting relationship they have with the Lord. I believed it is because of this trust and their unfailing belief that God will guide them and their family through this period of trial; that the Lord will uphold each one of them and should anyone stumbles, He will be there extending His Hand to pull him up to be close to HIM.

This is what I have learned from Samuel’s experiences and I pray that I too am able to sustain the worst of times to entrust all my worries and cares unto the Lord.

It is truly that God is the Great Physician and that His Love does not keep us from trials; it helps us get through them!