Cherished Possession
Prior to receiving the new Bible, Tao owned one in a smaller font size which her fading eyesight could no longer see clearly. Describing the moment she first received the much-needed gift, she said, “I cried tears of elation. It was my first large-print Bible. I was so moved and grateful! God really knows my need!” Tao’s new Bible is now carefully wrapped in cream-colored paper to protect it from damage. Initially, she could not bear to use it and, for some time, she pressed on with her old one. When it became too challenging to read the small print, she began using the new one, but only after giving it a protective cover. Such is the extent to which she cherishes her Bible.
Daily Devotion
Tao’s daily morning practice is to spend time with the Lord, reading her Bible and praying. In the evening, she would read the Bible with her husband. Before his conversion, he read passage after passage of Scripture under her guidance. After becoming a Christian himself, he joins his wife to read the Scriptures, pray and worship every day. Tao’s favorite verse is Psalm 139:1-3 ESV:O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
As she delves deeper into Scripture, Tao recognizes God’s sovereignty, omniscience and transformative power over her life, thinking and behavior. Before she came to the Lord, she had a competitive streak, never losing or bowing out. This was especially true when there was friction with her husband.
Transformative Power
After reading the Bible, she learnt that God wants His people to love one another and not let the sun go down on their anger. She chose to submit to God’s teachings, humble herself, and reconcile with her husband on her own accord. In this way, family harmony was enhanced. Tao also became more hospitable towards others, like hawkers who set up their stalls along the street outside her residence. During summer, she would invite them into her home, let them use her bathroom to freshen up and cool down from the heat in her living room. Once they became more familiar and comfortable with each other, she would share the gospel with them.Evangelistic Tool
To channel the love she received from the church and fellow Christians onto others around her, Tao bought pocket-sized Bibles to give to her newfound friends, encouraging them to read God’s word so that they too can get to know the one and only true God. Tao has these words of appreciation for the Bible donors: “Thank you for your generous gift, which allows us to read God’s word with clarity. Similarly, I am giving the Bible to those who have yet to believe in God. Hopefully, they will take this chance to read the Bible for themselves and make a better choice to follow Him.”Story: Angela Teo
Photos: UBSCP
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