My name is Tan Soon Bee (aka – Ah Bee) and I am 58 years old this year. I When I was 35 years old, I got married and am blessed with two beautiful children. Due to unforeseen circumstances, both my wife and I found it extremely difficult to look after our two young children back in 1997. That was when I decided to put them in childcare; one of children at Bethesda Cathedral Kindergarten whilst the other child at a PAP Childcare Centre. Subsequently, my two children joined BBTC’s Childcare Centre.
Under BBTC’s staff and Ms Margaret Chan’s guidance, I began studying the Bible along with my fellow brother, Mr Edward Tan in 2000. That was also the year that I first drew closer to God. I started to embrace God’s words and attended bible studies from 2-5pm faithfully every Saturday. It was during this season that I encountered a myriad of problems, both at home and at work. God spoke to me through the Bible in Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Reflecting on this particular verse, God taught me that no problem is too big or small to be resolved when we seek refuge, peace and strength through Him. Together with BBTC’s help and guidance, as well as God’s, I grew spiritually stronger as I trusted, followed and believed in the Lord wholeheartedly. I thank God for watching over me and my household all these years, Amen!
In 2003, brother Edward introduced me to the BBTC Mandarin Worship. There I met Pastor Tan, his wife, and many fellow church members. Fast forward to 2008, I frequented the Saturday Hokkien Service. I attended both cell groups and Bible study classes to learn, advocate and spread the gospel. Every bi-weekly, I would also participate in the morning Tuesday Mid-Week Fellowship for the elderly dialect speaking (karaoke sessions, exercising and worshipping). There I would teach God’s Word and share my testimony. On occasional Tuesday nights, I would go to the Bedok community to follow-up and visit newcomers to our Hokkien Services.
My Father God has guided me into a meaningful and fruitful life. I am also grateful to my dear brothers and sisters love and concern for me and my family. In retrospect, I would like to quote John 8:32: “then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” In difficult times, I would look upon God for clear directions and He would faithfully bless me with His care; giving me the strength, peace and joy to face every difficult circumstance. By God’s grace, both of my children attended and graduated from Anglican High School, which is a Christian school. I deeply thank God for blessing me and my two wonderful children, grooming and raising them well in both character and academics. Travelling this journey alone would have been much rougher and meaningless without the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Following Jesus has always been the most amazing decision in my life. Initially, I was desperately seeking solutions to my family problems by following Him. But gradually, I began to witness how great our Father is; for He does countless miracles and wonders in my life. Praise the lord! I was baptized in November 2010. You may ask me, why after so long before I was baptized? Well, this was because I have the desire for my whole family to be baptized together. But strangely, God sent our fellow brother, Wilson Foo, to explain to me that baptism is a personal decision between the Lord and me, and so as long as I am ready, I should be baptized.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to devote my gratitude to BBTC’s brothers and sisters for being by my side all these years. Last but not least, please allow me to end this with a verse from Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Hallelujah! Thank you