God is Awesome in This Place! - By Lisa Liaw
What an experience it was indeed! I was one of the ladies who went through a high-anxiety ordeal at our church premise when 4 men charged into our midst while we were having our Fit4Praise class. As I was standing nearest to the stairs, I noticed something was amiss about these strangers wearing dark sunglasses and caps coming at us. They looked menacing and ruthless with their long knives and what more; the leader was waving a gun at us! My first thought was that we must all cooperate and pray to God fervently that none of the girls will scream in fear, for that would create chaos and trigger an attack.

I praise God that He was truly in control throughout because none of us were harmed. Christina, our brave team leader, was calm and composed although under tremendous pressure. She even had the courage to tell the robbers in Cantonese not to harm us and asked them to help themselves to our belongings. She made known to them too that we were Christians and we will not take revenge on them. I was quite certain that she was going to preach to them about God's love too - that would have really blown their minds!

All of us readily surrendered our watches, jewellery and belongings to the robbers. We were then ordered to huddle in a corner where they tied us and blindfolded all of us. Our bags were emptied of cash and cellphones before they fled the scene in Christina's four-wheeled drive.

Praise the Lord, whilst huddled in that corner, we had the chance to be so close to one another, enabling us to hold hands (although tied tightly) and pray, and to encourage one another and sing praises to the Lord. Our praise music was still at top volume for the robbers had forced us to leave it on, and the song 'God is Awesome in this Place' really ministered to us in time of need. I'm absolutely sure that it was no mere coincidence!

I believe God allowed this to happen to remind us of what is important in our lives. The robbers may have fleeced us off our material belongings but they can't rob us of what we have in Christ - His salvation, His amazing love, peace and mercy, even in critical moments like these. God's words hold true for me as He promised in Phil 4:13, "And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I have no fear nor anxieties after the whole ordeal and I will not hesitate to continue with the Fit4Praise class that I enjoy so much!

By Lisa Liaw
Member of Watchmen 7 SG

(Article edited for clarity and for space)

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