Sent by Yong Lee • Jun 25, 2023
In 2022, I received a devastating diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND) which was causing pain and weakness in my left shoulder and arm. Despite trying different medications, the pain persisted. Seeking treatment, I decided to go to Singapore Gleneagles Hospital.
Through God’s grace, Dr. Kee, the younger brother of Pastor Kee, miraculously arranged an appointment with neurologist Dr. Tan at short notice on Thursday (20 April), just before the Hari Raya holidays.
While booking my flight, I felt prompted to extend my stay by one day. Since the flight on Friday was more expensive and I wanted to attend DUMC’s Saturday evening Celebration, I booked a return flight for Saturday morning.
During my consultation with Dr. Tan, he confirmed my MND through an EMG test and prescribed Riluzole to slow its progression. As my shoulder pain was unrelated to MND, he also referred me to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chan, and it turned out Dr Chan could see me on that Friday!
Dr. Chan requested an MRI scan and, to my relief, I managed to get it done at Camden Medical the same afternoon, despite every other hospital being fully booked.
Dr. Kee also recommended I look up Chew Chor Meng’s testimony. Chor Meng, a Singaporean actor with Kennedy’s disease, had been given only 18 months to live but defied the odds by placing his trust in God and choosing hope. It was an amazing & reassuring testimony.
That Friday night, during our CG (cell group) meeting on Zoom, I shared my experiences and we prayed together. In that moment, I prayed to encounter God once more, as it had been a rare occurrence in my life. I vividly remembered encountering Him during the MenAlive retreat in 2018, where the theme was “Be Still and Know That I Am God.”
As it was my turn to lead worship, I selected three worship songs: “Blessings,” “Lord I Need You,” and “Battle Belongs.” Remarkably, sister Stephanie had been prompted by the Holy Spirit to play those exact songs the day before our CG meeting. As the music played, she was transported into a room where God and I were conversing. At the end of the third song, she was overcome with emotion and a deep surrender to the Lord. She received a message to intercede in prayer and urged our CG members to listen attentively to the lyrics. She also emphasized the importance of coming to the Lord, praying together as one body in Christ, and supporting one another. Many were moved to tears during the songs.
To my amazement, after the Saturday Celebration, my MenAlive MAG brother, Vincent, texted me. He had seen a figure of light touching my left hand, which correlated with my left shoulder pain. He believed in his spirit that God had healed me—a powerful confirmation.
Looking back, it was clear that God had orchestrated everything. He delayed my flight to facilitate medical appointments, encouraged my participation in CG, and granted me a profound encounter during the Celebration.
Throughout this journey, the prayers and support of those around me were invaluable. While I have yet to fully recover, I find solace and hope in our Almighty God. He is the source of strength and comfort.
In closing, I hold on to the these Bible verses:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalms 40:1)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2)
