God's Faithfulness and Goodness
by Amanda Bong

At a very young age, I came to know that God exists after reading a storybook on how David defeated Goliath with his sling and 5 stones. This gospel seed dwelt deeply in my heart. In secondary school then, I have the opportunity to worship God first time in church. One day, during a Chinese lesson in school, we were told to write an essay on “Life after unexpected things happen”. Unknowingly, the whole essay I wrote was on how God would lead me through if something happens.  

The following week, I met with an accident while I was riding a motorbike to school. I was hit by a car which was driven by a drunken doctor. My left leg was seriously wounded and suffered multiple fractures. My foot was separated from the leg and the only connection was the skin. I woke up after 3 days in a coma. During the first week staying in Malacca General Hospital, I was awakened by heavy rain one late evening. When I opened my eyes, I suddenly saw a huge white shinning garment moving slowly from top ceiling and coming down to the wall in front of my bed. It stopped. A voice spoke to me, “You must be patient, I will heal you. You must be patient, I will heal you.” I was astonished and trembled but great joy filled within me. I kept this unusual encounter in my heart. 

At one stage, the condition of my leg turned worse as it swelled with the skin color turning to dark purple. I cried to God for mercy to spare my leg. Many friends upheld me with their prayers. God heard our cries. Subsequently, I went for 5 more surgeries. I went back to school with crutches for two years. Even though I could walk without support, the condition of my leg actually became deteriorated. I cried to God daily and He heard my cries.  

My second brother, Bong, planned to go into full-time ministry. He was reluctant to go before seeing my leg fully recovered. With Bong’s encouragement, in February 1987, I came to Singapore to seek medical treatment. Coincidentally, that day was Sunday and Bong brought me to Living Water Christian Church (LWCC). I was truly touched when the brethren passed me $2K after they had learnt that I came here for treatment. However, when we discovered that treatment in Singapore was very expensive and would require a prolonged period of recovery, I decided to seek treatment in Kuala Lumpur. With a heavy heart, Bong sent me off to the bus terminal by using his old motorbike but we met with an accident at Lavender Street. Thank God we suffered minor injuries only. Then Bong told me perhaps this was God’s plan and I should stay and seek treatment in Singapore. Without further delay, we went to see Prof. Pesi Chacha at Mt Elizabeth.  

Everyday we pleaded for God’s mercy and His provisions for the surgery fees of 13K. We went to McRitchie Reservoir, Toa Payoh Garden and other serene places to pray. After 2 months of waiting, I became impatient. One Saturday evening, I approached Bong and asked how long I needed to wait. Bong then asked if I give a small amount to God, do I believe God would bless me abundantly? I nodded. Return the $2K to LWCC. Did I hear wrongly? Puzzled and filled with mixed feelings, I hesitated and couldn’t accept his suggestion. What if I don’t get any money back? What if…? Bong reminded me to trust God. I struggled, prayed and surrendered. I gave $1,500 the following day and $500 the following Sunday. Three weeks later, we received a total of $13K from friends, brethren from LWCC, elder brother, strangers, etc. Praise the Lord! We committed to God the hospitalization fees and continued praying to God for deliverance and guidance. By God’s grace, Mt. E’s administrator agreed to reduce the surgery fees from 13K to $6K. We marveled at God’s provisions and were stunned and speechless when we received this good news.  

In May 1987, I went through 12 hours of surgery at Mt. Alvernia Hospital. The doctors removed a large portion of dead bones from my left leg, and they did vein and tissue transplant to my left leg as well. But three hours later, I was rushed to a second operation due to heavy bleeding from my leg. After the surgery, I had many blood transfusions to replace the blood lost. God sent many blood donors. In the Intensive Care Unit, I longed for God’s Word. Bong then read God’s Word to me every day. 

After 4 days in ICU, I was transferred to St Anthony ward. I asked Bong for pen and paper and quickly jotted down a song that expressed my heartfelt appreciation to God. Meanwhile, Prof. Chacha came to visit. When he saw my tearful face, he told me not to worry, and said, “I won’t charge you anymore from today onwards.” We were shocked when we heard the news but gave all glory to God. However, the operation was unsuccessful and a plastic surgeon was invited to join the team. Even though the chance of success was 20%, we entrusted everything to God. Praise God! After 5 hours of cross leg surgery and 2 weeks of observation, it was confirmed that the surgery was successful. The plastic surgeon stitched my two legs together and I was like a mermaid for two months... I also looked like a mummy as ¾ of my body was bandaged. Every week, I would go to the operating theatre to separate my two legs in stages. Once, a visitor asked if I was angry with God for putting me through such a painful and critical condition. Without hesitation, I answered him that this is nothing compared to what our Lord Jesus Christ had gone through as He was being nailed to the cross because of our sins. (In retrospect, I confess this brave answer came from the Lord)  

Indeed, the 4 months’ stay at Mt Alvernia Hospital was really a testing period to me. However, I was like being entertained by God’s angels and the peace of God has deliberately overcome my physical pain. The whole team in St Anthony Ward gave me the utmost tender care treatment. My brother, Bong came to visit me 3 times a day without fail (approximately 98% attendance); many LWCC brethren came forward to donate blood and some of them came 2 times within a week. 

By God’s grace, Prof. Chacha gave me free surgeries and treatments throughout 10 years and he even paid the plastic surgery fees. Dr Soin (vein specialist), Dr Ma & Dr Su (anesthetists) did not charge me at all for the 12 surgeries. Our gracious Heavenly Father has moved many hearts. The love and care from the LWCC brethren and other friends encouraged me to persevere on. Without the support of my family and siblings (especially Bong’s), I would be unable to travel to Singapore for subsequent surgeries and medical appointments. Once, Bong even drove to KL in order to buy antibiotics at a lower price. He stopped working for 2 years and gave me the much-needed support.  

After 18 surgeries, my leg still had an open wound that required daily dressing. I suffered from chronic osteomyelitis bone infection. One day in April 1997, I had a high fever and was unable to walk subsequently. Prof. Chacha referred me to Prof. Robert Pho at NUH. Prof. Pho proposed the need to go for a bone transplant and it would cost around $100K. At once, I had a horrible sinking feeling and my heart was really bitter. I was admitted and put on strong antibiotics. Would my God be merciful and gracious as He was 10 years ago (1987)? I was doubtful initially. At that moment, I could not turn to anyone for help except to pray and put my complete trust in God alone. 

One day, I received a call from a journalist. He asked if I needed financial assistance and offered to publish an article on me together with my photo. I rejected. After a month of thorough examining, I went through 6 hours of surgery, conducted by a team of specialists headed by Prof. Pho. If this surgery turned out unsuccessful, bone transplant was the next option. I was anxious and did not know how to get such a big sum of money. Once, the patient next to me informed me that my bed number 5318 got the second prize and encouraged me to buy 4D. The number 5318 won the first prize the following week. Since I couldn’t do anything, I had to let go of all my burdens and look to God alone for help. To my great surprise, God blessed me with a gift which the world could not give. HE healed my leg completely after this surgery. All praise and glory to our Almighty God. A foreign couple from LWCC offered to pay the $100K medical fees. I dared not accept their love gifts. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Once again, God manifested His faithfulness by leading me through this final surgery in victory. I was discharged after four months’ stay in NUH, with fees waived! 

In March 2005, I went to NUH for annual medical review. After explaining my medical history to 2 foreign doctors, Prof. Pho posed questions and asked what is AO in medical term? No answer was given. “AO is Always Osteomyelitis. But this term is not applied to this young lady….” 

If Christ who is God become a man and died for me, there is nothing too great that I can do for him. The only thing I can do is to continue testifying of His faithfulness and goodness upon my life. 

All glory, honour and power belong to God. Amen

Amanda Bong