01 March 2024 - Acts e-Newsletter

Acts e-Newsletter (March 2024 Issue)

*|MC:SUBJECT|*

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.“

2 Chronicles 7:14

Deborah Tan’s story

I couldn’t sit up, turn my head, or use the bathroom on my own….Desperate, I considered spine surgery, but only had a 50% chance of success.

In November 2020, while getting ready for work, I felt a strange sensation in my lower back. Suddenly, sharp pain shot through my left side, making it hard to stand or walk. I thought it was a simple sprain, but the pain worsened. Turning my head triggered shooting pain down my back and left leg.

After three days, realising it wasn’t normal, I went to the hospital. They discovered a ruptured disc in my lower spine. Physiotherapy didn’t help, and even simple tasks became impossible. I couldn’t sit up, turn my head, or use the bathroom on my own. Months passed, and various treatments failed. Desperate, I considered spine surgery, but only had a 50% chance of success.

In my frustration, I prayed and fasted, seeking God’s guidance. He told me to stop everything and wait. Although I wanted surgery, I trusted God’s plan. My mum found a specialist, and after their treatment, I chose to stop all interventions, relying on prayer. The pain worsened, but guided by Psalm 27:14, I waited. One day, the pain suddenly eased, and I could stand and walk on my own.

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
~ Psalm 27:14

I share my story now to emphasise that healing was a gradual process. I couldn’t walk, lift my arms, or attend physical church services, but through patience and trust in God, I regained these abilities. Some questioned the risk, but I believe obeying God was worth it. I praise and thank the Lord, giving all the glory to Him for my recovery!

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”Matthew 4:4

Join us this U-Turn!

9 – 29 March 2024

We are launching 2024 U-turn Prayer and Fast at PR4Y! 9 March, Saturday at 10am, DVCC

Why do we fast? What is fasting?

Fasting is choosing to abstain from food or an activity for a period of time to focus on God. We replace the time spent on these desires to pray, worship, or read the Bible instead. This discipline helps to strengthen our spirit and hear God’s voice more clearly.

Total Fast

Abstain from solid food for 24 hours.
Take only water.

One Meal Fast

Sacrifice one full meal a day.
e.g. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Partial Fast

Abstain from solid food for any extended part of the day.

e.g. Sunrise to sundown. Take only water.

Daniel Fast

Abstain from meat and other favourite delicacies. Take only small portions of fresh vegetables, fruits and juices.

“I fast because I’m hungry.”

– Excerpts from Chinspirations Vol.1

Here are excerpts of a few true stories from the past U-Turn:

“…my first time taking part in U-Turn. I was encouraged to participate in opening up a booth for HeArts Festival by my colleagues, but a part of me was hesitant since I was scared and not confident in selling my own artwork. I prayed to God about what I should do…Instead of panicking, I felt calm and led throughout the process. I felt peace. By God’s grace, he has taken these anxieties in my mind away and has orchestrated everything to go well…” – Nicole Lian

“God used U-turn to turn my lifestyle for the better…as I was asking God what I should hear from Him, He only gave me one point – my lifestyle. I made it a point to make worship a non-negotiable part of my day and I got back on track with Him, feeling more of God not just in my personal time but my working time as well. God helped me to work more efficiently and the efficiency was even acknowledged by my colleagues!” – Gabriel Ng