By Magdalene Yew
Psalm 115:1 – Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name, give glory, for thy mercy and for thy truth’s sake.
Philip and I went on board an Alaska cruise from 16-23 June, followed by a summer program trip for a week in Regent College, Vancouver. We were at Canadian Rockies at the start of our third week vacation to behold the beauty of mountains and nature created by God. Mountains are majestic, powerful and unshakeable, a manifestation of our great eternal God who is the Creator and His representation as we see in some verses as follows:
Psalm 11:1 – In the LORD put I my trust, how say you to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain. (David often hid in the mountains for refuge from Saul.)
Psalm 36:6 – thy righteousness is like great mountains.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 125:2 – As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about His people from henceforth even for ever.
Proverbs 20:24 -- Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? At this point of my trip, I am not aware that an eventful episode was about to unfold on the last leg of my holiday. On 30 June at 5.30am, I awoke with an excruciating pain in the middle of my upper abdomen. I thought it was a regular gastric discomfort and applied medication that helped me to sleep for two hours. Shortly after breakfast, the pain recurred. I uttered a short prayer for God’s healing to glorify Him (John 11:4), as I recalled one of Deacon Chien Chong’s messages that everything is about Christ and His glory.
As it was a long weekend in Canada, local medical clinics were closed After the pain persisted for six hours, I had to go to a pharmacy to purchase stronger medication. Unable to provide appropriate medication, the pharmacist referred me to a nearby hospital approximately five minutes away from our hotel. On reflection, I realized God spoke through the pharmacist to give me direction to a nearby Canmore General Hospital, Alberta, which conducted a blood test for me and detected that my liver enzyme count was four times higher than the normal reading. I praised God that I received appropriate treatment and pain relief at this hospital. The medical team also advised me to do ultra sound for further investigation in Calgary General Hospital (CGH).
It was close to midnight and we drove to CGH for an hour. The highway was pitch black. Philip drove slowly, cautiously and used the car high beam to analyze the route. We thanked God for His goodness and guidance upon us when we had better view as we drove behind a truck with brake lights that acted like a reflector. I was reminded of the pillar of fire by night God provided and led the Israelites safely during their exodus from bondage in Egypt. Indeed, we are very thankful for God’s excellent blessings.
The result of my ultra sound reviewed a fallen gall stone lodged in the enlarged bile duct, also with another gall stone at the neck of the gall bladder which may drop into the duct anytime. Further blood test showed my liver enzyme level was 20 times higher than normal. CGH doctors’ plan was to do a scope immediately to remove the lodged gall stone and the following day to remove the entire gall bladder. After communication between my daughter, Loretta in Singapore and the Canadian medical team, I was permitted to be discharged with antibiotics. The Lord is good to provide immediate purchase of air tickets to Singapore. The return journey was 23 hours and again we witnessed God’s sustaining grace, mercy and protection for a safe flight without any complications or pain. Praise God for the effectiveness of the antibiotics. This is made possible with the dedicated prayers of many brethren back in Singapore.
Loretta simultaneously arranged for my medical consultation prior to my return. Upon arrival in Singapore, I quickly had my blood test and an MRI was used to diagnose stones in the biliary. It was later revealed that my liver enzymes improved tremendously and the lodged gall stone had passed out of the duct. God miraculously removed this stone and ruled out a gastroscopy procedure. This is a very rare case made possible only by God alone.
I am very grateful to God for a successful and smooth laparoscopic procedure on 22 July 2024. With rest and comfort in the Lord, He continues to do the work of recovery.
I experienced God’s grace, goodness and guidance throughout this ordeal. His presence assures and comforts me that He can carry me through any crisis because He is an awesome God. Thanksgiving and honor to our great Almighty God.
Comments