If we attend services regularly, we may start to see it as part of our routine, and take these services for granted. We perform this Christian duty without giving much thought to our actions and attitudes. These short testimonies by our young sisters show how God is always present in our worship, at church and in our homes.

GOD’S PRESENCE IN MUSIC MINISTRY

Praise the LORD with the harp;

Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. (Ps 33:2)

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing. (Ps 100:2)

Testimony 1: Christie Ivy Thomas (20 years old*)—Tinuhan, Sabah, Malaysia

In the name of the Lord Jesus, I would like to share a testimony to proclaim the glory and grace of God. This miraculous event occurred on August 8, 2015, during a fellowship visit by True Jesus Church (TJC) brethren from Nan Ao and Bai Lan in Taiwan.  

In Tinuhan TJC, fellowship visits usually have music-based programmes, featuring choir and instrumental presentations. It was no different during this visit by the Taiwanese brethren. After a few welcome speeches and a testimony by a sister from the visiting group, there was an angklung presentation. The angklung is a type of wind instrument made from bamboo. The musicians presented three hymns: Fairest Lord Jesus, Shout to the Lord, and Majesty. As usual, these presentations were instrumental, without singers. I did not notice anything out of the ordinary until the second hymn, when I suddenly became aware of sweet singing accompanying the music. I turned my head left and right, but I could not find the source of this singing. I looked at my cousin Dorcas Leong, who was seated beside me, but it soon became apparent that I was the only one hearing the singing. However, after a while, I noticed Dorcas looking perplexed and looking around as I had done. I felt that the angels of God were surely with us, singing spiritual melodies alongside the musicians. I thank God for such a beautiful experience.             

Testimony 2: Dorcas Leong (15 years old*)—Tinuhan, Sabah, Malaysia

In the name of Jesus, I would like to add to the testimony of Sister Christie Ivy Thomas. When Christie turned to me and asked whether I could hear voices singing, I said no. I was focused on watching the angklung music presentation. Not wanting to be distracted, I closed my eyes to immerse myself in the music. It was then that I heard many voices, like a large choir, singing. The voices were coming from the left side of the church through to the right side, where a seldom-used piano was located.

The voices were sweet and melodious, growing louder and louder. It seemed as though the pulpit was full of voices, proclaiming, “Shout to the Lord.” It was as if I was in the presence of a magnificent, grand choir; it was so marvelous that it gave me goose bumps. I now understand that even if we only play instrumental music to praise God, it still pleases Him, and His angels join in to sing God’s praise.

Praise be to the Almighty, who deserves all our love and worship. May this sharing bring glory to His name.

GOD’S PRESENCE IN EVANGELISTIC SERVICE

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16)

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6)

Testimony 3: Anna Leong (12 years old*)—Tinuhan, Sabah, Malaysia

In the name of Jesus, I testify. This miraculous event occurred during the evangelistic service on the first night of the Tinuhan TJC spiritual convocation, on September 3, 2015. 

During the sermon by Preacher Yosua Gusti, I witnessed a very bright light enveloping him. I have had previous visions, but this one was different. I asked my two church friends beside me whether they could see the bright light, but they replied in the negative. When the preacher was explaining the concept of the one true God, and how He is not three persons merged into one, the light became even more dazzling and began to rise upwards. 

Once the sermon was over, Preacher Yosua came down from the pulpit and the light disappeared. When the next speaker, Deacon Daniel, came up to the pulpit to introduce the Hosanna Choir, the bright light once again appeared. It seemed to follow the movements of the deacon. During the first hymn, however, my older sister interrupted the vision when she asked me to help take care of our baby sister. Standing in the audio control room, I could no longer see the light.

But soon, I saw the dazzling light again, descending on the choir. Every single member was enveloped in its brilliance. Whenever their voices rose to a crescendo, so too would the light rise. This continued until the end of the final hymn. It is truly a blessing to worship in the church of God, for He is very much present and pleased by our praises and thanks. May everlasting glory and honor be to Jesus Christ our Savior.

GOD’S PRESENCE IN RE STUDENTS’ BIBLE SEMINAR

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 19:14)

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Lk 11:13)

Testimony 4: Phoebe Chin (14 years old*)—Singapore

I had this experience at a Junior Youth Bible seminar, on June 21, 2015. During the last prayer session, I prayed earnestly to be filled by the Holy Spirit. I also asked God to give the Holy Spirit to my friends who had not yet received Him and were praying at the front of the hall to receive the laying of hands.

At that moment, I saw blinding bright lights, though my eyes were closed. I saw an angel standing in front of each one of my friends who were praying in front. It took me a while to realize that the angels were laying hands on them! The rest of us were praying behind them, as if we were interceding for them to receive the Holy Spirit. The vision only lasted for a few seconds, and then the bell rang to signal the end of the prayer. Praise the Lord!

GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR HOME

Testimony 5: Phoebe and Phelia Chin (13 and 12 years old, espectively*)—Singapore

            Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. (Rev 4:2)

            “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20)

Phoebe

On December 1, 2014, I decided to pray in my room. I wanted to ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit and to remove all my doubts. My sister, Phelia, and I then decided to pray together.

During my prayer, something amazing happened. There were bright lights and, suddenly, I saw God sitting on His golden throne watching us pray, while angels surrounded us. I thought it was just my imagination, so I opened my eyes—but the vision was still there. The vision disappeared after a few seconds, and I continued praying. After the prayer, I told my family what I had seen. Phelia had also seen a vision in her prayer, and it matched mine exactly! I believe that God let me see this vision because I had doubted His presence. I thank God for giving me the promised Holy Spirit.

Phelia

On a Monday night, the day after the end-of-year spiritual meeting at church, my sister and I decided to have a fifteen-minute prayer. We went into our room, kneeled down, and began to pray.

As we started to speak in tongues, I did not notice anything unusual. However, five minutes before the prayer ended, I suddenly saw a bright flash of light. Then I saw myself, and my sister beside me, kneeling on kneeling pads. Before us was a Spirit sitting on a throne. At each corner, there was an angel. I viewed this scene from the back of the room.

However, at that moment, the alarm that we had set to end the prayer went off. I stopped praying and opened my eyes. I could not stop thinking about the vision. Our parents then entered the room and asked us about our prayer. My sister spoke first, but I was not paying attention—I was still thinking about the vision. It was then my turn to share if I had experienced anything. I told them about my vision. After I finished, everyone was in shock. It turned out that my sister Phoebe had exactly the same experience as me!

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* At time of vision.