Contributed by Ray • Dec 30, 2023
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
Life is full of plans, right? My wife, Sivia, and I were no different. We were excited about an upcoming event, especially with the news of a baby on the way. Little did we know, God had some remarkable plans that unfolded amid unexpected twists and turns in our lives.
We faced a tough time when we lost our first baby at 16 weeks. Yet, through the comforting embrace of our Christian community and personal encounters with God, we discovered the resilience to rise above the sorrow. Then, during Easter, Sivia felt God telling her that she’d be pregnant again, and it would be a boy. Sure enough, the next month, she was expecting.
We were over the moon, looking forward to our baby’s arrival on February 15, 2024. Everything seemed normal during check-ups. But then came God’s second surprise. Around 20 weeks of pregnancy, we felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to go register at the government clinic (KKM). That decision led us to have another follow-up session at Hospital Sungai Buloh.
By mid-December, all seemed well. We were deciding where to deliver the baby, and we chose Ipoh for family support. We planned to go there on December 26 after the Christmas celebration. But God had another surprise waiting. On the 22nd, Sivia had contractions, and we ended up delivering the baby at Hospital Sungai Buloh. Our baby boy was born on December 23, way earlier than expected.
Born at 33 weeks, our baby needed special care until 35 weeks. Thankfully, both mom and baby are healthy now. Looking back, all our plans were turned upside down. We were asking God why He allowed all this ‘misery’. His response? He changed our plans to address our two major worries.
Birth Pain: Sivia was scared of labour pain. Without an epidural, it was smooth and bearable; the whole process was done within an hour.
Birth Costs: We planned to deliver in a private hospital, estimating RM10–15k. God’s plan led us to Sungai Buloh Hospital, which cost much less. Thank God for sending good doctors and nurses to take care of them too!
In the midst of chaos, there was peace inside us, assuring that everything was according to God’s plan. Looking back, we see how God is the best planner, and everything happens when He thinks it’s time. So, if you’re going through a tough time, trust God’s plan and timing. We had learned to follow God’s plan, trusting that He always wants the best for us. Listen to the Holy Spirit and go with God’s plans.
With love,
Ray & Sivia