Through the Bandages

My thoughts:

Last March 11, my high school friends and I visited one of our high school friends (Mark) who had just undergone a major surgey a few times already. We, together with Mark's college school mates, had prepared a surprise party for him in his house. Of course, I had been Mark classmate for a long time now. I'm not sure when it started but I think we were classmates since kindergarten if I remember it correctly. It was good to see him again in person after not seeing him after graduation. Sadly, I has no contact with him for about 5 years til that day. My only source of news about him was Abigail and Adeline.

Anyway, when we gathered at his house's living room, we really did surprise him, even his parents. No one knew about the party, but still Mark and his parents welcomed all of us. When we saw Mark, he had a bandage on the right portion of his face where the operation was done. Each of us told something about how Mark has influenced our lives. One way or another, he has been the silent supporter of all of us. He truly was a God-sent friend who would walk out of his way to help his friends in need. The testimony went on for a long time but still God gave him strength to be able to listen to all of our testimonies about him and God's benevolence in his life.

When his dad shared about his last surgery, I couldn't help but think of how God was in control of the whole situation. The timing, the place, the people who operated, the people who were inspired - all was God's handiwork! What was more amazing is how God is continually using mark's life as a beacon that would reflect God's glory all the time. His persistence in coming to church despite having undergone the surgery is very touching and it shows how He values God in his life.

The bandages was not a hindrance to coming to church because, inside mark was a very healthy Christian! I hope and pray that you get better each day so that we can praise and worship God together!

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My prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me get to know you better in the person of Mark Alvin Chua. I know that You have ways of teaching us how to be good Christians and I believe You have used Mark as an inspiration of how we should not give excuses in doing the things that will glorify You. May you continue to bless Mark and his family and I sincerely pray for Mark's gradual recover. Thank you for the opportunity to meet him again after many years. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.