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My grandmother was a Buddhist. My parents had their own traditional believes. When I was young, I used to follow my mother to the temple regularly. But I was rebellious towards the traditional believes, such as worshipping the moon, the "back door spirit", the "heaven", the "ghosts", etc.
When I was about 14 years old, I liked one of my mother's friends. That Roman Catholic Aunt was about the same age as my mother. She visited my mother every evening and shared with mother about God. She always said that God had helped her. From their conversation, I learned that there was a God, a saviour, Virgin Mary, Jesus. I knew that they saved people, helped people, but I did not know them well.
During the years 1963 - 1964, my first sister was sick for a long period. Everyone tried to help her. We were consulting doctors, visiting temples, looking for mediums, using charms, but nothing helped. One day, the doctor told us to be prepared as it was the last days of her life. We were very sad. At that time, I recalled that the Roman Catholic Aunt ever said, "God loves people, God helps people." So, I quietly went to the church to pray for my sister. To the surprise of everybody and the doctor, my sister was recovered gradually. When everything is back to normal, I skipped visiting the church and stopped it finally.
It was until 1st May 1966 I incidentally visited the Queenstown Lutheran Church with my fourth sister. We were at our casual walk after our dinner that evening. I was wearing singlet, shorts and slippers. When we were walking pass the Church, we were invited in to attend the rally. As what the preacher said that evening, "It is God who leads you to this place." I was touched by the Good News and later because a regular guest at the Sunday Worship Service.
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I should thank Pastor Tse Dao Chuen who taught us Bible. After attending the Church regularly, Pastor Tse conducted Bible Study Sessions for my fourth sister and myself. Pastor and Mrs Tse visited us every Tuesday evening. They were never absent even there was bad weather. We also attended the Thursday Bible Study Class at the Church.
Pastor Tse explained to me some of the traditional believes. He reminded me not to criticise other people's religions. When people would like to know about my belief, I should then explain to them clearly.
In early September 1966, when I knew that Pastor Tse would be transferred to another church in Malaysia, I requested him to let us be baptised before he left. After much discussion, the Church conducted a Holy Baptism for my fourth sister and myself. It was unusual because the Holy Baptism normally be held during Easter and Christmas.
Before Pastor Tse left for Malaysia, he said to me, "You have to be the backbone element of the Church." It was in September 1966 and I still remember.
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