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| A NEW BEGINNING “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame” – (Ps 25:3). With these comforting and reassuring words of our Heavenly Father, Steven and I embarked on a new beginning. Our reunion after 71/2 years of separation came with excitement, apprehension, anxiety…all rolled into one. The flight having been delayed for 2 hours added to the suspense! Finally, we saw a figure walking to baggage claim, a somewhat smaller frame than we had expected. Our hearts raced with excitement that he has touched down to freedom and mixed feelings of how small he looked. But soon that was forgotten as we embraced and a surreal feeling overcame us – He is FREE at last! I often thought about the release and how to plan this whole homecoming. I do believe that how we started off will impact what will follow. Our daughters have been wonderful support and they reminded me to show more patience. We are two different people now. The children have grown up and they are different as well. Soon we realized that what we set out to do was easier said than done. We struggled to accommodate each other and being careful not to upset one another, we ended up being nice but not real. The first day was so perfect that it was too good to be true. We soon realized that something was not quite right. Steven was just too calm with no display of emotions whatsoever. We had expected tears from him but there was none – his behavior was too normal for someone just out of prison. Came second day and all hell broke loose. It seems like the fight of the century – accusations being flung at each other, screaming, shouting, the tears…. it was quite a scene for the four of us. It became evident that Steven was disappointed with me and felt I was not supporting him in certain decisions. In his mind, he wanted to settle everything, wanting closure almost immediately. Our daughters had to remind him that it was only day 2. They asked that he gives himself time to settle down and enjoy the family - everything was still surreal for us all. That’s when Steven broke down and cried much to our relief. On reflection, that was the fight that was needed to change things. We surprised him by flying his parents from Perth and that took some anxiety off him. The 10 days in Singapore were concentrated on his medical checkups, visiting family and friends and food. Everything had fallen in place beautifully. By God’s grace and mercy, his medical came up clear. Coming back to Hong Kong, seemed to be the path God had opened for us to return to. Steven was told he would not be able to come into HK as it is part of China yet it is God who will decide. It is amazing that having been called aside a couple times previously on my return to HK, I breezed through immigration this time without any questions asked. It was only Steven who was momentarily questioned for his entry as his passport was new. With this smooth entry, we knew there must be a bigger purpose in store. The impact of what the family had gone through suddenly became evident to Steven when he entered the apartment where we stayed. It was much smaller than the one we had previously. He was very quiet and only after I explained that this is where God intended us to be that he was comforted. He was still fragile at that stage and we gave him the space to decide when he wants to share what he went through in the prison. We wanted to honor God for his release and went to the Prayer Meeting when we returned. Entering church for the first time, it all seemed strange to Steven and he was a bit nervous. As we were early, we sat in the front row in church and reflected and prayed. Somehow as if God had arranged it, the moment we stood up to go to the Prayer Room, Rev John appeared and there in the middle of the aisle, they met for the first time and embraced each other – a picture which John had in his mind. To be able to gather together and in freedom was a treat for Steven and it was a special time for us all. Entering church on the first Sunday of his return was surreal for him. Not knowing what to expect, he was overwhelmed by the support from the congregation. He knew many have been praying for him but he never knew the many meant the whole church! That was humbling for him. Renewing our vows was important for us as we acknowledge the love of God for us and His goodness and the awareness that we needed Him to help us through the journey ahead as a couple. Since then, things seemed to fall in place smoothly. We are so aware of God guiding us each step of the way. From contacting the company to continued payment of salary, we are humbled by our Gracious God whose Hand seems to be guiding the whole process. The issue with the company is still pending but we continue to entrust this into His hand. Because you cared, he was encouraged. Because you cared, he had hope. Because you cared, he has a family to come back to. Thank you church! Thank you Pastor John. I believe Steven’s healing started here when the love was poured out to him. It is humbling to see how God can change us if we allow Him to. Steven is different now - from trusting in his own strength to trusting God in His power. The ability to play the guitar is truly a gift from God and something he never knew possible. As we go forward, we go in God’s power to serve His kingdom purposes. Your prayers continue to be precious to us. Hopefully, our sharing has impressed upon you the love of God and the power of prayer. We could not have started so smoothly if not for His grace and I am convinced that it is His Holy Spirit that has guided us all along – from the planning process in this reunion and even now as we see His activity in all we do. Having seen what God has done for us since our return, I continue to be amazed and humbled by God’s gracious love and His faithfulness. All glory, honor and praise be to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. We give you thanks dear God for the depth of your love for us. Amen! Jasmine (July 30, 2009) ^ Back to Top |
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