I was from a family where male was considered more important and valuable. I was living under the influence of my mum’s family who practised strong traditional Chinese culture.
Here, I would like to share how the Chinese culture that I was brought up during my young age was affecting me. Females can only have second hand things but male can get and use the best of all things. All valuable things, best food and status in family should belong to male. Every male is from God but not female. I was always told to be silent when I was hit or abused from my elder brother or my mum’s relatives. Since birth as my appearance was more toward my father’s family, I was told that I belong to my father not my mother. Whenever my brother did wrong, I was told to bear his sinful deed. Since I was a young girl, I was already being physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially abused and persecuted by my own mother, sister, brother and my mum’s family. I did not experience the true meaning of hugging, loving kisses and comforting words. I had gone through daily scolding, and blaming for not being able to do the best especially in washing dishes and sweeping the floor, even I had tried my best to wake up as early as 4am to do all family chores before walking to school. At the age of 10 years in Methodist Primary School, I was given a small English Gideon Pocket Testament by a Gideon during school bible distribution. He told me that this is a good book and it is good for me. I asked myself this question, “Why would he give me this book if it is good. Everything that is good should belong to man why me? I’ve never own anything at home.” I truly treasured this Gideon small pocket testament and always carried it with me as it may bring good to my life. I put it into my school bag and brought it to the church camp but seldom did I really pay attention to read it only sometimes when I was afraid. At the age of 16 years, I have to totally support on my own living and even help my parents’ needs.
In 1998 to 2003, I was following my husband to Belize in Central America. Most of my daytimes, I was alone. I read the Bible aloud not because I was devoted or like to but I was afraid. I had treated the Bible as something that had power to fight for me and protect me if I faced trouble or danger. Through reading this Gideon Bible and praying, my eyes and ears were opened. I came to experience that I was a sinful person. I need a saviour who is able to save me, cleanse me and set free. When I was up in the mountain, I would carry this small Gideon Bible. I used a small torch to read it. During this period, I was touched by the Lord Jesus Christ and came to know Him personally and received Him as my personal Saviour and Lord when I was in Belize in the year 1998-2003.
I am grateful for Gideon who presented me the bible. Now, I am an Auxiliary President for my Kuching Camp. I have graduated as a Bachelor of Theology in the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia . With God’s given gift, I offer myself to help many hurtful ladies and women who were coming to me. I am also serving ministry in my local church. God has led me to totally forgive all my family members who had betrayed and harm me. I prayed for repentance to my Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my beloved Saviour. He has transformed my heart to love everyone. Thank you to this Gideon who had given me this Gideon Small Pocket New Testament.
