Date: 29-03-26
Preacher: Ps Lam Yuen Foong
Title: Renew Their Strength

Renew Their Strength

This morning’s biblical reference is taken from Isaiah 40:31. 

The beauty of the message is that it was based on Ps Lam’s testimony on his 2-week visit to Ukraine.

Ps Lam gave the background leading to verse 31. He shared that in Isaiah 39, although the people didn’t know, Jesus knew his days on earth were numbered and it would be His last time to enter Jerusalem. Also King Hezekiah had been told his kingdom would disintegrate soon. Hence it was not a great time for both the king and his subjects including the Christians there. Ps Lam said that perhaps believers then felt that God would spare them the hardships but he said there was no concession even for Christians, but as believers, despite our suffering and setbacks, we can claim Isaiah 40:31 to soar like eagles. 

After the lead-in, little did the congregation know they were in for a surprise when Ps Lam shared his 2-week trip to Ukraine in Nov 2025.

Most of us would think that the Ukrainians would be suffering under the burden of war. Yes, although they were indeed suffering the impact of the war, he said that the Evangelical Christians, who made up 2% of the population there, rose up like eagles and brought much relief and hope through their love for their fellow countrymen. They themselves were suffering but they reached out to those who were greatly in need of help.

This was particularly true in the case of the ‘chaplains’ who were ordinary people but who had volunteered to work among the wounded soldiers recovering in hospitals near the frontline. The hospital director, who was a non-believer, was so touched by their work that he himself was converted. Indeed the ‘chaplains’ were able to bring with them what the hospitals lacked – a spirit which gave hope and therefore a faster recovery.

Indeed, from all the slides and videos shown by Ps Lam, one could sense the dignity of the Christians there and those whose lives they have touched. There was no outright misery but a stoic calm that can only come from a renewed strength that is of God. I believe the congregation could sense the truth of Isaiah 40:31 and prayerfully, a renewed strength to carry on the work of Jesus.