Contributed by Abbey Thangiah • May 7, 2024
Being a Christian for 45 years (or 31 net’born again” years) , I would like to use 3 of the 4 L.E.A.P. formula to share my experiences in sharing the Gospel. Pastor Benny has shared with us a great formula for making a difference in the lives of our friends.
Life Story: My life story is still being written. I have countless stories on God’s goodness in my life. He miraculously saved my life from 3 major accidents and at least 10 minor ones. Once when I was on the way back from a meeting during a heavy rain. A large tree fell before my eyes 20 metres away and I was able to brake safely without a scratch on myself or the car. I believe that He is still keeping me alive for a reason. Last year, I wanted to attend a conference. The RM 300 tickets were sold out and only the RM 500 ones were available. I wasn’t too keen to attend the conference at RM 500 but I simply prayed and was having a lack of faith “God, I am not expecting RM 500 to fall from the sky, so I will let this pass”. On the closing day of the registration, a few payments were coming in and at 10.30 pm, I made RM502.50. This was nothing short of a miracle. I immediately banked in and registered by 11.15pm, 45 minutes before the closing date. I had a great time in a single room in Forest City Resort, Johor Bahru. I made meaningful contacts to expand my network as a new trainer, I also got the privilege to perform my standup comedy act in front of 250 trainers during the gala dinner. God really knows your heart when you surrender to Him.
Answer Queries: “Your God is selfish. He will not even allow a non-believer in me to have a small piece of bread and Ribena” My Hindu friend was referring to 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” Of course I had a reply to this question because I know my good friend well. I enquired about the food offered to his Gods and given to the priests. I told him, “Even you are not allowed to eat your own priest’s food but my God shares His meal with me if I believe that He is God.” I think the point of the question was not the answer but merely the approach on how we tactfully handle the questions without condemning the questions. At the end of the day, he didn’t become a Christian but we are still good friends. We must always be ready to answer our friends’ questions. There is no question too silly for God and if your heart is right, he will give you the right words. Sometimes, an honest ‘I don’t know, “ would suffice.
Pray : There are many people who are Christians but not on paper. They have secretly accepted Christ in their hearts but are silent due to the situation of religious or ideology dominated governments. My heart goes out to many people who live in these “restricted” governments. Many have been martyred and persecuted for their beliefs. Many have lost their wealth or statuses in government because of their faith. Due to this valid fear, many have accepted Christ in secret. They attend their official religious events/meetings to maintain their status in society but secretly and fervently pray to God and long for the day they can proclaim Christ publicly. I continue to pray for the people in these categories so that God may hear their cry.