From Darkness Into God’s Light
By Karik Cheng
I came to Singapore about three years ago and through Hannah Sin’s invitation, I started to attend HVMC. As a Year 2 foreign student at ACS (International), I faced challenges socialising with my schoolmates as they had already settled into their own respective circles of friends.
Later that year, I received news from my parents in Hong Kong, that my grandmother had passed away. A feeling of emptiness and hopelessness came over me. As I had to attend school and was unable to travel home, I was not able to see my grandmother for the last time. This was particularly difficult for me, as my grandmother had taken care of me since kindergarten and was very dear to me. Unfortunately, I found no comfort when I tried to seek counsel from my friends. I also tried to suppress my sadness, but not only did it not go away, it worsened my mood and affected how I treated others. I became a very bitter person and took my anger out on others as an outlet for my emotions. In church, I isolated myself from the youths and felt like no one could help me through my troubles.
Just when I felt I was losing my battle against loneliness, God showed me His love. Through the Youth Camp last year, He gave me the opportunity to form deep connections with Christian friends (like Sam, Bailey and Candra). Even after the camp, God continued to shape me through my difficulties, showing me His faithfulness.
Furthermore, God blessed me through Ben, who pointed me to His Word, and I really experienced God’s outpouring of love, that surpasses knowledge, into my heart when I least expected it. Slowly but surely, He mended the hurts that once made me lose hope and I received God’s provision and love through this family in Christ.
In November 2024, I joined the youth mission trip to Timor Leste. Aside from all the fun activities and fellowship with friends, I also saw God’s heart for the nations and His calling for me to be a blessing to others. This year, I am excited to join the youth mission trip to Timor Leste again, to continue following God’s calling and further discover His plan for me.
Through these experiences, I have had a taste of what Philippians 4:13 means – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. I know that nothing and no one can fill the emptiness in my heart except God. I can rejoice in times of trouble and uncertainty, when life gets rough and when it feels like everything is falling apart, because I know that my God is never changing and that He is my solid foundation.
Looking back, I can clearly see God’s grace, guiding me step-by-step and moulding me to be more and more like Christ. I am still in the process of growth, but I can confidently say that God has been, and will always be, my fortress and my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 63:4 says – “I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands”. I am excited to see where He is guiding me in the future, for I know He has a calling for me, and everything will work according to His mighty plan.
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