God, Our Restorer and Healer
My wife and I experienced a roller coaster of events from over around five years since she was diagnosed with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 5) in Aug 2010. Through these trials, we have discovered that God has a perfect plan for us. He did not do it all at once, but step by step He did it.
He wanted to teach us to learn how to walk by faith and not by sight. Today, our testimonies are not for show. We have received a miracle and it is not just luck neither it is a coincidence. We are learning to listen to God’s word, and continuing to do God’s work.
In early 2010, my wife Eileen was feeling easily tired, had leg cramps on most nights, suffered from insomnia due to worry and had a poor appetite. The doctors at NUH diagnosed her with Chronic Kidney Disease and told us both of her kidneys were functioning at less than 8 to 10%.
Besides keeping my CG posted, I prayed for God’s mercy in helping my wife. Both of us were in a desperate situation. I wondered whether God was testing me or if Satan trying to tempt me. There were times when desperation caused me to lose my spiritual direction.
On five occasions, there seemed to be an opportunity for Eileen to have a transplant – but some of these were illegal, dangerous or extremely expensive. We knew that God did not want us to go ahead with these options.
Finally, the sixth chance came along. I found two Singaporean friends, one Chinese and one Indian, who were willing to donate a kidney to my wife. I have known the both of them for 36 years. During my time of prayer, I thanked God for giving me two very good friends. However, as I prayed, God asked me: “Why can’t you be the donor?”
All along, I knew if I was the donor, the chance of success was slim. I have an abnormal heart and we are both from different blood groups. Moreover, I am the breadwinner of the family. What would happen if I were to be downgraded? Who would support my family?
But God is great, the Holy spirit led me to read the following verses:
Act 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, & you will be saved.”
Mark 9:23 “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Matthew 21:22 Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
John 14:27 Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Frankly speaking, I did not expect that God wanted me to give my kidney to her, but it seemed He wanted me to do it.
I told my wife, the doctors and my parents that I will be the donor since the rest had failed. Not surprisingly, my parents protested and did not allow me to donate my kidney. My parents told me they loved me and did not want me to take the risk.
It was a major operation so why am I taking the risk? They cried and kept telling me not to do it. I had a hard time convincing them, my parents were even willing to donate their kidney to my wife. I was very surprised but they said they would do it because they loved me.
I decided to listen to and trust God. I prayed for our operations to be successful and prayed for a fast recovery. On the 29 July 2015, I was pushed into the operating theater for the operation. I was not afraid because I knew God was with me.
I was blessed – on the 3rd day, I was able to be discharged as everything was normal. The doctor told me that my recovery was one of the fastest they’ve witnessed. Amen.
Within 3 months, I was able to exercise and keep fit. I was not downgraded and today, no one is able to tell that I have one kidney. Thanks to our God for His mercy.
In conclusion, continue to pray with faith, do not give up and there is always hope. I will do my best to help those having doubts about God. After this roller coaster ride, I can finally hear God’s words.
We would also like to thank all our brothers and sisters for their prayers including in the CGs. Special thanks to Pastor Les and Pastor Adeline, Pastor Eddie, Sister Christina, Sister Serene Luah and CG leaders Brother Arthur and Sister Sarah, for taking time to visit the both of us before we had our kidney transplant.
God bless all! — Alex
When the doctor diagnosed me with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 5) in August 2010, I felt lost and upset. I began to pray hard to God that someone would donate their kidney to me. I also asked my hubby, Alex, to pray for me not once or twice, but countless times.
I was told to go for dialysis because of my high levels of creatinine, which were around 1,000. The normal level is less than 150, but my kidneys were unable to get rid of the creatinine as they are supposed to do.
Enduring dialysis three times a week felt as bad as suffering in hell. I felt that no one could help me and all I could do was hope for the best. Every day, I worried a lot but I was blessed that Alex, my hubby, always stayed beside me and prayed for me. Every day, I reminded him to pray for me and messaged our CG leaders and members on WhatsApp to pray for me as well. I am thankful for their constant prayers.
The day before my operation, our CG leaders, Brother Arthur and Sister Sarah, came to pray for me one more time before my operation. Even on the day of my operation, there was no fear and I surrendered it to God.
I believe it was due to the prayers that kept me encouraged and filled with confidence. This verse helped me:
Isaiah 41:10 God said: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
The second day after my transplant, I was delighted that my body had accepted Alex’s kidney. It normally takes around 1 week of observation for the doctor to check if there are any side effects, so I was discharged on the eighth day.
Even the doctors tell us it is a miracle to see my body accepting my hubby’s kidney because we have different blood groups. I am blood-type A and Alex is blood-type B. There have been cases where the kidney has to be removed after the transplant. They are currently researching on me. There was one doctor who told us that God has helped us and that we need to believe. Alex’s friend, who is a Muslim, also told him that our God has helped us.
In my heart, I thank God for instructing my hubby, Alex, to sacrifice his kidney for me. Alex chose to, even when the doctors told him to think twice. Our God must have had a reason for instructing Alex to be the donor. God wanted to save me, He wanted me to believe that He is mighty and can save lives.
Today, I have a new life and I am on a new journey. While I am required to take medication for the rest of my life, it is still better than going through dialysis. The doctor told me that going through dialysis would only have extended my life for around 8 to 10 years.
I will always remember these verses:
Act 16:31 “Believe in the Lord, Jesus and you will be saved.”
Matthew 21:22 “Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
In conclusion, do not doubt God. There is a reason why prayers do not come true immediately. God never does it all at once, He does it a step at a time because he wants us to walk by faith and not by sight.
I would like to give thanks to Pastor Les and Pastor Adeline, Pastor Eddie, Sister Christina,
Sister Serene Luah, CG leaders Brother Arthur and Sister Sarah for taking the time to visit me when I was waiting for my kidney transplant and for their prayers.
God bless all! — Eileen