Chua Kim Peng’s story of breakthrough in his personal life and his ministry exemplify the purpose and power of City Harvest Church’s School Of Theology.
By Amanda Lee
Chua preaching at a service accompanied by an interpreter. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHUA KIM PENG.
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.-1 Corinthians 2:9
When wealth manager Chua Kim Peng signed up for City Harvest’s School Of Theology in 2012, he had no idea how much that verse would become a reality for him. Chua and his wife, Ng Lee Keng, both 36, had both taken the year off from work to enroll in the seven-month course. On their way to CHC’s Jurong West premises where classes were held every morning from Monday to Friday, the couple would pray. “We signed up for SOT knowing that it would be a life-transforming experience, and going through it all together brought us even closer,” says Chua.
Not only did it strengthen their marriage, the couple, who have a 4-year-old daughter, was soon blessed with a second child. It was nothing short of a miracle, as the Chuas had been trying unsuccessfully for a second child and even considered IVF (in-vitro fertilization). Advised by their doctor that they were not suitable candidates for the procedure, they were on the verge of giving up when they joined SOT.
Rejuvenated by the Word from familiar guest speakers to CHC including Dr AR Bernard, Phil Pringle and Mike Connell, the couple continued believing and praying for their desire to come to pass. Mid-way through the course, Chua and his wife took a step of faith and prayed for a miracle. Soon after, they made a trip to the gynecologist and found that she was pregnant. “This child was really prayed (into being)!” Chua exclaimed.
But more than a recipient of answered prayer, Chua found himself a channel for God to answer the prayers of others. Doctrinal lessons within classroom settings paved the way for practical applications, and SOT students learned homilectics (the art of preaching), how to conduct home cell groups and how to minister in the power of the Spirit, especially in areas of healing and deliverance.
SOT was started in 1994 for the purpose of equipping believers for the Great Commission—be it in world missions or serving at one’s local church. Its practicum sessions provide ample hands-on training for its students, many of whom have never preached in front of a crowd or to minister to another person through the laying on of hands.
SOT students ministering to the locals with prayer for deliverance and healing.
On an overseas mission trip, part of the course curriculum, Chua and his team became vessels of signs and wonders to members at a church in Probolinggo, Indonesia. “We conducted three services and shared several testimonies. It was both a humbling and a liberating experience—humbling because God used even imperfect vessels like us to bless others, and liberating because we experienced the anointing, gifting and power of God firsthand.”
Over the three services, one woman, who came to church with a bent back and who experienced difficulty walking was healed instantaneously in front of the whole church. A man with cataracts was healed. A huge bank debt of 53 million rupiah was miraculously reduced to 9.5 million rupiah soon after the team had prayed for a family. A young father was delivered from unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and lust after being counseled and prayed over by several team-members who discerned that unresolved pain from the divorce of his parents when he was young allowed demonic forces into his life.
“God really moved through us. So many people were blessed when we just availed ourselves to pray for them,” said Chua.
For Chua and Team 16, it was a joy and wonder to see how being rooted in one’s identity and authority as a child of God can transform not only one’s personal life, but the lives of others around one. Not only did he learn to use the gifts and talents God had entrusted to him, SOT also afforded Chua and his schoolmates the opportunity to activate and apply those very gifts and talents.
“It really left a deep impact me; I had a ginosko (Greek for “knowledge”) experience of God—knowing Him through personal encounter,” he says.
Chua’s dramatic experience is just one of many breakthrough stories that SOT sees every year. “If you desire a deeper spiritual encounter with God and to find out your life’s purpose and calling, SOT is for you!” encourages the School’s academic dean Tan Kim Hock.
Registration for SOT 2013 closes Jan. 31. The 19th SOT intake commences on March 4 and ends on Sep. 15. Sign up at sot.chc.org.sg today!
