After the operation he was taken to the CCU (Critical Care Unit), which was a normal procedure for all patients after an operation. With that, we left the worrying alone and thought that Jonathan's critical period was over.
The next day, which was a Sunday, Beng Teong finally managed to meet the doctor and was informed that the appendix had burst for quite some time earlier
before the operation and that the toxins and bacteria from the burst appendix had already spread to the intestines. On top of that he also had blood poisoning. On Saturday Jonathan had only one tube inserted into his hand. But by Sunday he had two tubes inserted into his nose, one into the hand and another into the urethra. His eyes were closed the whole day and he would only open them occasionally to see who were his visitors. His lips and hands were a pale white. As parents, it was difficult to see your own son in such a state, especially if you don't happen to know whether his condition would improve or worsen.
The whole church prayed for him that Sunday and we ourselves sought God and prayed for him to be spared. We told God that Jonathan had already committed his life to full time ministry. I asked God for a deeper peace, inner conviction and a word from Him to know that Jonathan will recover. On Monday morning as I was praying and seeking God, He gave me a song that I have not sung before during my devotion. I felt a deep conviction inside that God was giving me this song as His 'rhema' word of encouragement. The song goes like this:
Let the flame burn brighter
In the hearts of darkness
Turning night into glorious day
Let the song grow louder
As our love grow stronger
Let it shine, let it shine
After singing the song, all the groaning before God turned into praise. When I finished my devotion, it was 7 a.m. Opening my eyes, the dark sky brightened and there was a slight yellow tinge to it at that moment. It was like a sign to me that Jonathan would be all right. The dark period had passed. The night has turned into glorious day. Hallelujah! I quickly went over to Beng Teong, who was also praying for Jonathan's recovery.
When I arrived at the hospital that morning, Jonathan was propped up in bed and his eyes were opened. That was a great contrast to the earlier days when he laid with his eyes closed. The nurse said that he would be sent to a normal ward that day. The good news brought tears to my eyes. God had answered our prayers!
Once in the normal ward, the gloomy atmosphere turned brighter. Jonathan became cheerful and wanted visitors. He started to play chess with his brothers. From then onwards, his recovery was miraculously fast.
Throughout our ordeal, friends who knew us saw calmness in us despite the circumstances we faced. I attribute that to our loving Father God, who gave us assurances in times of need. He gave us His 'rhema' word that he darkness will go and the morning will come.
Jonathan himself felt an inner peace throughout his ordeal. He knew that he has found favour in God's sight and that He will see him through. I believe God honours the faith of this 16-year-old who wakes up at 6 a.m. each school day to spend time with His Lord before going to school at 7.20 a.m.
We want to thank the church for their prayer support and all those who came to visit Jonathan at the hospital. Your encouragement and God's healing Hands have seen us through. Praise the Lord!
By Tan Kam Kiew
Head of Children's Ministry
(This article has been edited for space and clarity purposes)
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