TESTIMONY OF DR. TOW SIANG HWA

I am what I am because of the blessed ministry of Dr. John Sung. During the Revival Meetings of 1935, I found salvation in Jesus Christ, and I gave my life to the Saviour. I learnt the blessedness of feeding on the Word, the power of Gospel choruses, and the power of corporate prayer.

Three sessions a day for 14 days, we sat at the feet of this man of God, feasting on the Word of life. John Sung brought forth the treasures from the Book, the mysteries of God's Word. His dominant theme was Repentance - out with sin; Sanctification - welcome to the Word and the Holy Spirit; Confession - confess Christ before men, testify of God's saving grace.

The meetings were never dull. John Sung made the Gospel alive, real and relevant. His preaching was simple, but simply powerful, Spirit-filled. No coaxing, no psychological con­ditioning, no mass choirs and persuasive music, no army of organizers and counsellors, no commercialism and mass media buildup. Only the pure Word of God spoken in power. And God's Holy Spirit worked at every meeting. Sinners openly repented in teats, confessed their sins, testified of their new birth with joy. Miracles of conversion were seen by the hundreds, day after day.

What a hungering and thirsting after righteousness. The crowds filled the Telok Ayer Methodist Church before each meeting and left with reluctance at the end. Everyone loved the Bible. Gospel choruses were commonly heard on the streets and in buses. Singapore saw revival.

My first memory of John Sung was the opening meeting. Early in the morning the hall was filled. Dr. Sung led us in the chorus

"Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry.

 While on others Thou art calling

Do not pass me by."

His preaching was into the heart searching, pricking, convict­ing. His appeal brought instant response. No holding back when God's Spirit is working! This reaping of souls was seen at every meeting.

My last memory of Dr. Sung was the tearful farewell at Keppel Harbour. He led in the singing of "God will take care of you." Hundreds wept openly as the ship pulled away. What a man. No social graces. Only God's grace! Fearing only God, he preached without fear. He never held back. He rebuked sin without compromise. Sinners repented. Lives were made new - by the thousands. Many continue to this day. He exposed and rebuked the modernists. They hated him.

I thank God for John Sung. He implanted the sued of love for the Lord in my heart. He led me to understand God's love and God's salvation.

He taught me to love the lost, to thrill at seeing souls saved. He set the example of utter loyalty to the Word, and utter devotion to promoting the Gospel. Above all, John Sung taught me to hate sin and to love righteousness.

John Sung was a man of prayer and the Word. These filled his day, every day. His devotion to Christ was complete. His zeal was like a consuming fire. He burned out for his Lord. That is why he was called "Flame for God in the Far East" by Leslie Lyall of the OMF. Only Jesus, always Jesus - that was his theme each day. No social functions, no idle talk, no sight-seeing, no recreations, no welcome dinners.

Only Jesus, always Jesus!

 My heart will praise,

My song I'll raise.

 Saved and healed me,

Sanctified me.

 Glorious Lord,

 Soon coming King!

John Sung was a man of prayer and the Word. These filled his day, every day great achievement! He knew the meaning of full surrender. He followed His Lord single- mindedly, relentlessly, resolutely. He cared not for self or for any other thing. Only Jesus, always Jesus! What is the spirit of John Sung? Have you caught a glimpse of it? It is simply this: following Jesus everyday, regardless of consequences and all else. Following Jesus until the very end, to hear His "well done."

Elisha prayed for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. What is your prayer today ? As for me, this is my prayer: may just a portion of the spirit of John Sung fall on me. And not on me only, but on all who yearn to follow Jesus. May the Lord revive us all. Amen.