My Story - Hosanna

By Tan Boon Kiat
Hope KL English

Hi brothers and sisters, my name is Chris Tan from Hosanna LG. I am immensely grateful of having this opportunity to share my story in Hosanna LG. Let’s begin –

Prior to joining Hope KL and Hosanna LG, I found myself very distanced from God. I felt unfulfilled and pursued various paths, seeking fulfilment in achievements and material possessions. I am engulfed with anxiety and was not able to sleep well. I shared this with my mum that I did not have peace and was restless most of the times. I had been going through a period of uncertainty. My mum has been praying unceasingly and encouraged me to join a church to revive my spiritual journey with God. 

Hence, I visited Hope KL in 2017 and eventually I visited John Unit but I was not a regular back then. As John Unit was expanding, I was automatically assigned to Hosanna LG which was headed by Simon. At that time, there were only 7 of us and I was thinking to myself, “Oh, there were just a few of us, and it would be bad and obvious if I skip the weekly LG which is on every Friday night.” Despite my initial hesitation to actively participate in the weekly LG, I am moved by the dedication of our LG leader; Simon. I am well aware that it is an uphill task to lead and bring all of us with different personalities together. In LG, I always receive dosages of enlightenment from my brothers and sisters. I learned invaluable lessons about God’s grace and the power of community where we empower and encourage one another to grow in faith. The weekly discussions, Bible studies, and reflections have stretched my understanding and deepened my relationship with God. I realized that this LG became a safe haven where I could share my struggles openly. I was reminded that I was not alone in my struggles and truly, I had found a second family. We are connected by a shared purpose and a commitment to walk alongside one another, no matter what challenges we face.

As I reflect on my journey in this LG, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Each member has played a unique role in shaping my life, challenging me to become a better person, and inspiring me to make a positive impact to the people around me. Being a part of this LG has been a true blessing in my life. The love, support, and accountability I have found here have been instrumental in my spiritual growth. Your prayers, encouragement, and shared experiences have helped me navigate the challenges of life and deepen my faith. I would also like to grab this opportunity to thank our sister Kristine for all the delicious food, pastries, cakes and desserts that you’d made for us. We are incredibly blessed by your generosity and your kindness. I am looking forward to your shepherd’s pie again. *wink*.

I would like to share the following verse through my struggles and breakthroughs which captured my heart: -

God did not promise that our lives will be a bed of roses but He did promise to be with us wherever we go. Our strength and courage should be anchored on this as what is stated in Joshua 1: 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. Through my faith, I’ve learned to trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't align with my own. I've experienced His peace that surpasses all understanding in the midst of trials. And I've seen His faithfulness as He provides for my needs, both spiritually and practically.

Thank you for being a vital part of my life, for pouring into me, and for allowing me to do the same for all of you. I am forever grateful, and I look forward to the future adventures we will embark on together. May God continue to bless and guide each one of us as we grow in Him and impact the people around us.