Testimony - Eternal Life Assembly

Another Chance to Live for Him – A journey of trust and surrender

Philip Sng — Sat, 30 May 2026 04:08:43 +0000

“You have cancer.”

Those were the only words that registered when the doctor called me in January 2026 with the final biopsy results. A large, bleeding polyp had been discovered during a colonoscopy—and it was cancerous. Just weeks earlier, on the last Sunday of 2025, I had experienced severe abdominal pain accompanied by a significant amount of blood in my stool. Two doctors initially diagnosed it as a colon infection, which subsided after a course of antibiotics and a pain injection. I thought the episode had passed. I did not expect it was only the beginning.

The news left me shell-shocked. My doctor explained that I would need surgery to remove about 20cm of my colon, or else the cancer could spread beyond control in 3 years as it would hit the lymph nodes and liver. For now, the cancer had already reached the deeper layers of the colon tissue. He reassured me that the cancer was in its early stage, and that the prognosis was good.

Yet, despite the hopeful outlook, the word ‘cancer’ felt like a death sentence and the three years, a timeline.

I struggled with the sudden news and tried to make sense of it all.

Cancer? Where did that come from? Why me? What happens next? Questions flooded my mind.

Would I face long-term treatment like my late father did with kidney failure? Would I even survive the surgery, or have the same outcome as my mother, who passed on the operating table during an angiogram? I was confronted with a future I was not ready for. What made it even harder to grasp was that I had already been dealing with autoimmune conditions—vitiligo (a chronic skin disease in which cells that make pigment are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milk-white color) and a dysfunctional thyroid. Since August last year I had been seeking medical treatment to manage and prevent further complications. And now cancer? Why another health battle?

I was not afraid of dying.

Really. I was anxious about what life would look like after the operation if I should survive the surgery. Honestly, I was a little disappointed at this setback. There was so much I was looking forward to in this new season. I had just completed my doctorate. I had just stepped into a new leadership role in the church. I was teaching at Bible Institutions. There was momentum, vision, excitement and suddenly, everything felt interrupted and put on hold. I just couldn’t process it.

I began making calls to close friends and colleagues, informing them of the diagnosis. I am deeply grateful for my brother, family, godfamily, mentors, ministry partners, colleagues, and church friends. Though they were equally taken aback by the news, they rose up in faith — praying and walking with me in the weeks leading up to surgery.

Community became a tangible expression of God’s assurance that I am never alone in my struggle.

I was scheduled to travel to Baguio, Philippines before my surgery, to speak at an international women’s conference. With my mentor’s prompting and reminder, I decided I would focus. I chose to do so through worship, prayer and the Word. I curated a Spotify playlist titled ‘Songs of Comfort’. It played constantly — throughout the day and even during my hospital stay. I held on to God’s word daily, especially Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” As I fixed my thoughts on Him daily, His peace guarded my heart. I prayed in the Spirit as often as I could because I just had no words to describe my pain, disappointment and confusion. Praying in the spirit strengthened me spiritually and it also prepared me for the days ahead. As my body was wasting away, God was giving me life through his Word.

During the final session of the women’s conference in Baguio, in a time of worship, I was overwhelmed by the presence of God. I found myself on my knees, face to the ground, weeping. In that sacred moment, the Lord quietened my fears and spoke gently to my heart:

This is a reset. A new season. You can trust Me.

The encounter was deeply personal—reminiscent of when I first received my calling. But this time, it was not a calling; it was a recommissioning and I had to come to a place of surrender. I had to surrender my confusion and the need for all answers. Surrender my plans, my future, my will and my entire life to Him. God was beginning to expand my faith, my perspective, and my vision. I still wrestled with my “whys”, “how comes” and “what ifs”. Surrendering was a daily exercise.

There were many moments of tears. But each time in my struggle, I sensed the Lord gently reminding me: Trust Me. Trust my plan.

I told the Lord that I would walk through this fiery trial, as long as I was assured of His presence. And He reminded me that my life was not my own. You see, when I was two years old, I had been miraculously revived from an epileptic episode that almost took my life away. My parents had prayed me back to life. For 50 years, God had held me in His hands. He would not fail me now.

I told God, “If I live, I will continue to live for You, for You are my strength and my victory each day. Because You live, I can face tomorrow, whatever the outcome. And if the surgery does not go well and I die, it is truly gain. I will be with you.”

In fact, in a conversation with Sister Diana, Pastor Gary’s wife, I told her that this was my stance – “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Two days before the surgery, I attended my last onsite service. I remembered singing the song ‘Firm Foundation’ loudly.

I was declaring truth: My house is built on You. Christ is my firm foundation.

The announcement of my surgery was made to the church after the service. The congregation prayed earnestly. I felt an overwhelming sense of love, support, and, above all, the peace of God.

God has always been faithful to see me through every fiery furnace and deep waters. In this season, I sensed that the Lord was inviting me to live out the very message I have been preaching to the church for the year:

To trust the Master’s plan, to yield to the Potter’s hand and to allow Him to empower me for expansion even through this trial.

On 24 February 2026, I went into surgery with a deep sense of peace that Jesus was with me. When I woke up from surgery, there was a deep rejoicing in my spirit although I was in pain.

I was alive! There was no infection, no stay in the high-dependency ward, no blood transfusion, and no complications. The surgery was described as “uneventful”—the best possible outcome.

I had a good surgeon—and an even greater God who presided over it all. The first words I uttered to those waiting for me in the ward were: “I am alive!” I was so grateful for another chance to live for God!

During the eight days in hospital, I witnessed God’s healing hand at work – swift, steady and sure. Each day brought good progress and much encouragement. I cleared one milestone after milestone swiftly, much to the medical team’s delight and surprise. I received exceptional care from doctors and nurses, and was surrounded by the love of family and friends. Visits, prayers, and messages strengthened me. I rested well and soon had all four tubes removed from my body. After discharge, I continued my recovery at home.

I learnt to rest and be patient with my recovery. I chose to focus on thanksgiving and praise. I curated another Spotify song playlist and played it daily, giving thanks to God and strengthening my spirit because I knew if I didn’t, I would be consumed by what I couldn’t do, couldn’t eat and where I couldn’t go. It was a season of deep restoration—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I thank God for people who sent groceries, lunches and made healthy meals for me.

On 11 March 2026, the full pathology report was released. My surgeon called with the news:

All was well – I could now be considered cancer-free. No chemotherapy. No further treatment.

This is nothing short of the grace of God. My heart overflowed with gratitude. I stood in awe of God’s mercy and kindness. He is my Healer, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Restorer. I have been given another opportunity—to live for Him, to love deeply, and to embrace the relationships and calling He has entrusted to me.

I trust Him still to bring healing to every other area of my body.

I have learned that surrender is not a one-time moment, but a daily choosing – of laying down my plans, my questions, my need to understand. And a daily renewing of my trust in my Lord.

Today, I stand on the other side of what once felt impossible. Cancer is no longer my diagnosis. Christ is my everything and my all. I carry in my body the marks of surgery which are evidence of God’s mercy and grace. What could have taken me out became the very place where I encountered God more deeply than ever before. He did not just bring me through — He met me there, walked with me and worked in me there.

I was finally able to return to church for Good Friday service. My heart was filled with joy as I stood among my church family once again in worship. In that sacred moment, I was deeply reminded that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am not only a cancer overcomer I am more than a conqueror.

My life is not my own. It never was. And now, more than ever, I live remembering that every breath is a gift, every day is grace, and every step forward is an opportunity to live fully for Him.

For me to live is indeed Christ and to die is gain – ultimate, full restoration and everlasting life with Jesus. But it is not the end until He says it is the end. I look forward with faith to the good things He has prepared for me in the days to come.

The post Another Chance to Live for Him – A journey of trust and surrender first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

Shaped for Mission – At Every Age

Michelle Chiang — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:08 +0000

“Missions begin when we recognise that God has already been at work in our lives – shaping our stories, using our gifts and experiences for His redemptive purposes. Every believer has a role to play in His mission, both locally and across the globe.”

Rev Dr Daphne June Lau

In 2025, Eternal Life Assembly’s (“EL”) Missions Committee organised 14 mission trips and outreach events to share God’s love and spread His word in Singapore and beyond.

A total of 212 intergenerational ELites – children, youths, adults and seniors – answered God’s call to “do the good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Let us hear from eight of them what prompted them to step out in faith, and what they experienced while serving.

Q: Which mission trip did you go for?

Bernard (aged 76, English Congregation): Cambodia Care Centre.

Declan (aged 18), Gordon (aged 23), Alythea (aged 21), Hannah (aged 20) and Zanna (aged 24) (Youth): EL Cambodia

Junxiang (aged 34, Mandarin Young Adult): Outreach to migrant workers at Tuas Recreation Centre.

Frank (aged 33, Mandarin Young Adult): EL Tanjung Pinang.

Q: What prompted you to sign up for the mission trip?

Bernard: I felt God call me to step out of my comfort zone and serve others.

Declan: Honestly, my flesh was unwilling at first. But I knew that a heart of service, love, and sacrifice must be lived out through action. Cambodia, far outside my comfort zone yet hungry for God, felt like the perfect place for my first mission trip.

Gordon: I’d heard that mission trips are eye-opening experiences, so I wanted to experience one myself. I’ve received blessings throughout my life and wanted to give back.

Zanna: I had not been to Cambodia since my first mission trip in 2017. Hearing how much had changed encouraged me to go because the people there are on God’s heart.

Junxiang: Migrant workers build our homes and infrastructure, yet they are often overlooked. I joined the Tuas South outreach to show appreciation and share the love of Jesus.

Frank: I did not say “yes” immediately. After praying about it, I sensed God prompting me to step out of my comfort zone. That gave me the confidence to go.

Q: What impacted you most on the trip?

Bernard: The faith and joy of the people despite their circumstances. Many had little materially, yet their gratitude, generosity and trust in God were remarkable. I went thinking I would give, but I received far more – renewed gratitude and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

Declan: Same here. I was blessed! Cambodia may appear “lacking” to many, but to me there was abundance – of faith, hunger for God and heartfelt worship. Seeing believers sacrifice so much to serve Him reminded me to keep God at the centre of my life.

Gordon: It has to be EL Cambodia’s love for God. The leaders served sacrificially while juggling school and ministry, yet always with joy. And even though many of the team members fell ill before the trip, God carried us through. It reminded me to trust Him fully.

Zanna: Indeed, God was with us all the way. I was supposed to preach with notes on my iPad, but it couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. After a quick prayer, I spoke without a script, and ideas kept coming as I spoke – even demonstrating “being the light of the world” with a headlamp. It reminded me that God equips us when we rely on Him.

Alythea: I was deeply moved by the believers’ hunger for God despite persecution from friends or family. Their sincere worship and bold faith showed me what genuine faith looks like – trusting God even when it is costly.

Hannah: Missions are not limited to overseas trips. We can reach people around us in Singapore who have yet to know Christ. I want to continue bringing God’s love to the people around me – to be the salt and light wherever He places me.

Junxiang: I learnt that sometimes a simple act of service opens doors. Offering to take a photo for two migrant brothers led to a friendly conversation.

Frank: The people we met made the biggest impact. Even though we were together for only a few days, the bond felt deep. It reminded me how God’s love connects people beyond differences.

Q: What would you say to someone considering going on a mission trip?

Bernard: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Missions is not about ability but willingness. God will work in your heart as you serve.

Declan: Go for it! Even when doubts come, trust that God will provide. Missions bless not only others but it also allows God to enrich our spiritual lives.

Gordon: Go! Stepping outside our “little red dot” helps us see how God is working beyond our familiar surroundings.

Zanna: Mission trips allow us to experience God’s empowerment for His kingdom purposes.

Junxiang: Missions does not always mean going overseas. There are many opportunities in Singapore to bless others and share God’s love.

Frank: Step out in faith. God works powerfully through willing hearts, and the experience will transform your faith.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Eternal Life Assembly thanks every ELite who has answered God’s call to carry out the Great Commission – spreading His love in Singapore and beyond.

Age is no barrier. We are all SHAPED FOR GOD’S MISSION.

Step out in faith today. Click here to find out more about EL’s missions and indicate your interest for the upcoming mission trips in 2026.

The post Shaped for Mission – At Every Age first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

SHAPED FOR DESTINY — EL’s Theme of Year 2026

Jennifer Tay — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:55:00 +0000

The year 2026 is a significant one for us as we celebrate EL59 and prepare to step into EL60 next year. As the Lead Pastors (LP) Team came together to seek the Lord, we sensed clearly that God is preparing our church for greater influence in the days ahead.

This will not be just another year, but a destiny-shaping season – one where God is not only calling us forward, but forming us deeply.

God is intentionally shaping, positioning, and preparing us for what He has already ordained. Our destiny – both individual and corporate – is not accidental. It is crafted by the Master for a divine purpose.

To be shaped for destiny requires more than awareness; it requires response. As we prayed into Ephesians 2:10, three key truths stood out – truths we must grow in as we step into this next season together:

1. Trusting the Master’s Plan

In every workmanship, the Master’s hand is at work. The Master sees the final product – the blueprint.

He knows the work of art He is shaping EL to become. Nothing is by accident. While we may not be able to comprehend the future, we can trust the One who already sees it.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6

Trusting God’s plan often means recognising His hand in moments that seem ordinary but are destiny-marking.

Some of us may be in seasons where the path ahead feels unclear – but clarity has never been the prerequisite for obedience.

God shapes us first by teaching us to trust Him, especially when we don’t have all the answers.

In the many “uproot and shift” seasons of my own life, I often didn’t understand the why. Yet through obedience and trust, I have seen God’s master plan unfold time and again.

Trust is the foundation of destiny. We cannot truly trust God if we do not know Him. Trust is not built on logic, but on knowing in our hearts that He is a good Father who sees our lives in their entirety. God may not reveal the full map, but He invites us to walk with Him step by step.

2. Yielding to the Potter’s Hand

In every workmanship, there is a Master’s hand at work. Trusting God’s plan must be expressed by our willingness to remain on the potter’s wheel.

“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand.” – Jeremiah 18:6

Clay does not shape itself. It surrenders completely to the potter’s hands. As the potter works, He removes impurities, waters the clay, bends it, and sometimes allows it to rest – but never once takes His eyes off it. Yielding requires full surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work freely in and through us.

When we yield ourselves to the Potter’s hands, we are declaring, “Lord, You know what You are doing, even when I don’t.”

Every destiny-shaping season involves God reshaping our mindset, refining our motives, and stretching us beyond familiar boundaries. Often, this shaping feels uncomfortable or costly, but it’s always purposeful.

Our journey is not accidental, and our future is intentional. Ephesians 2:10 assures us that God has already prepared the path we are to walk in.

As we yield to the Spirit’s leading, we will emerge with deeper faith, greater humility, and a stronger love for God’s people. What feels uncomfortable today is God increasing our capacity for tomorrow.

3. Be Empowered to Expand

Every work of art involves transformation. Clay becomes vessels. Sand becomes glass. Carbon becomes diamonds. Raw materials in the hands of the Master become something far greater.

God never shapes us just to keep us small. He shapes us so He can expand us. Expansion always begins on the inside before it is seen on the outside.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back.” – Isaiah 54:2

Think of wineskins in biblical times. New wine could never be poured into an old, rigid wineskin; it would burst. The wine wasn’t the problem; the container was.

The wineskin had to be softened, stretched, and prepared to carry what was coming. In the same way, God is not withholding blessings; He is preparing the vessel.

Expansion happens by divine design, as God stretches us until our capacity matches His calling.

There is a difference between maintenance and movement. Maintenance says, “Let’s protect what we have.” Movement says, “Let’s prepare for where God is bringing us.”

Maintenance clings to comfort. Movement launches out in faith. Maintenance asks, “Is this safe?” Movement asks, “Is this God?”

As a church, God is inviting us to choose movement – to align and enlarge our hearts, vision and faith with where He is leading, not just where we have been.

The year 2026 will be a season of God’s shaping and empowerment for EL’s expansion. This shaping will be seen not only in our gatherings, but in our homes, our ministries, and our witness to the community and the world.

As we step into this new season, may we be a church that trusts the Master’s plan, yields to the Potter’s hand, and moves forward, empowered to expand. God is shaping us – not randomly, but intentionally – for the destiny He has already prepared.

Church, let us move forward in faith and allow God to Shape us for Destiny!

The post SHAPED FOR DESTINY — EL’s Theme of Year 2026 first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.