Amazing Grace—Wondrous Healing

Claire OuYang—Hillsborough, New Jersey, USA

Four years have passed since my baptism on April 27, 2003. Looking back, it still feels like it was just yesterday. Before my baptism, I was like any other lost sheep, not knowing where I really was headed and what lies at the end of this road. I am blessed, for the Great Shepherd found me and led me back to His fold. Yet, the road we trod wound through a dark valley of the shadow of death before He led me into warm sunshine again.

With each recounting of this testimony, I feel God’s grace in greater magnitude. Nevertheless, I feel inadequate still to fully convey the great mercy shown to me. Here, I again tell of the wondrous deeds of God towards my family, for I have learned that no knowledge in this world surpasses the knowledge of understanding God’s amazing grace.

THE SALVATION GRACE OF GOD CAME UPON MY FAMILY

My husband was the first in our family to hear of the gospel. I saw and marveled at the change in him after his conversion. He used to be headstrong and argumentative. But, after a period of listening to the teachings of the Bible, he was transformed into a gentle person who was willing to give way, and in all things, he acted according to the biblical standards. That God was able to cause such a great change moved me and in 2003, we both decided to receive baptism.

At that time, we felt thoroughly content with our lives. Little did we imagine what a difficult trial awaited us, perhaps targeted at our ignorant complacency.

Our daughter turned 15 that same year. Unbeknownst to me, my husband prayed to God for another child! His wish was granted, and a month after our baptism, I became pregnant at the age of 43. An amniocentesis confirmed that the baby would be a boy, which made us all very happy.

Then, the trial came.

GOING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

In September, when I was in my 25^th week, a routine ultrasound revealed the presence of a tumor the size of a fist. The doctors suggested an immediate removal by surgery. My husband and I had no idea what was going on, and our only concern then was that the baby should not be affected.

The hospital had never had a patient who needed a tumor removal during pregnancy, so more than ten specialists from different disciplines were called to attend to my case. I myself never had any major illness, so it never crossed my mind that this surgery was a high-risk one. I thought that since I was already baptized into the Lord, I would just entrust everything to Him.

A biopsy of the tumor cells revealed that I was in Stage 3 of colon cancer. Being an optimist, I was actually glad that it was not the terminal stage, and was not too worried. However, my husband was devastated. People around us were baffled: Did they not recently get baptized? Why would God allow a pregnant woman to be plagued with cancer? Everyone seemed to have some doubt about our faith and spirituality.

The brother who introduced the gospel to my family, brother Chen, stuck with us throughout our whole ordeal. He encouraged us,

            No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor 10:13)

That is so true. God is indeed a faithful and righteous God. Besides, “children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps 127:3). We got this child after we had believed in the Lord—surely God would not simply end my life this way.

EXPERIENCING GOD IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING

By God’s grace, the surgery safely removed the biggest tumor without impacting the fetus. The doctors told me that because the cancerous cells were spreading quickly, they wanted to do a C-section as soon as the baby was viable, in November. So the baby was delivered pre-maturely. He was tiny but in every way, he was as healthy and active as any full-term baby.

As the cancerous cells spread, I began to have difficulty consuming any food. Whatever went in was thrown up within minutes. My weight plunged from 120 lbs to 80 lbs. In December, the results of a CAT scan showed that the cancer had spread to my liver, spleen and other organs, and chemotherapy was the only option available.

I started on my first course of chemotherapy in January 2004. Thank God, my first few sessions of chemotherapy went very smoothly. I suffered nausea and hair loss, but there were no other side effects.

            Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6, 7)

God truly listens to our requests. By the time I was on my second course of chemo, I no longer suffered any accompanying discomfort, and my weight even began to increase steadily.

When the second course of chemo ended, a PET scan was done on me. I was cancer free! Even the chemotherapist and oncologist rejoiced with me, for they were also Christians. To all of us, we were definitely witnessing a miracle.

GOD—THE SOURCE OF ALL GOODNESS

Bro. Chen asked me if I had moments of feeling troubled all this time when I was in and out of the hospital. Seriously, I would say no. For I firmly believed that God was with me the whole time.

This sickness helped me see my past folly. During the ordeal, I remembered the sins I committed in the past. In prayers and tears, I would plead for God’s forgiveness. Each time, I received great peace and comfort.

When I was in the hospital, my husband and I would recite Psalm 23 every day, and each time, we would be filled with tears. In the past, I always thought I was luckier than most people. After this incident, I realized that all good things in life are granted by God’s grace. There is simply no such thing as sheer luck. I thank God for this precious lesson.

Step by step, God led me to His fold. He first guided my husband to know Him. Throughout my illness, my husband never once thought of abandoning me but took great care of me, looking into every single possible detail. The brothers and sisters across the various churches in the US prayed for me while I was undergoing treatment. Clearly I have received abundant grace!

More than a decade ago, my husband and I watched the movie Silkwood. Towards the end, the female lead sang a song that touched us both very much. It was not until our conversion that we found out that song was “Amazing Grace.” It was as if God had prepared us to be chosen.

            I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see!