Testimony

One of my job requirements is to submit report to MOH (Kuching) every half yearly (Jan & July). It is written somewhere in the form that they require pictures of our project. As that was my 1st time doing it, I clarified with my boss whether pictures are required to be submitted. "No need", was his reply.

After we've submitted it (July 2010), around 1 month later, came the correspondence from MOH. The remark was "No pictures attached. Please add." As simple as that. No due dates. Upon receiving this notice, I requested our Project Assistant to help to take pictures of the projects since most of the time he'll be at the project site. Every week i reminded him to take the pictures, but he always told me he has forgotten about it, & every time my reply was "Oh, it's alright, but please remember ok!" That went on for more than 1 month.

My reply was ever gracious. Why? Because apart from no due dates written, MOH did not give us a call or reminder during the period, & so I thought since we've submitted the report, we can take our sweet time for the submission of pictures.

Finally, the pictures were submitted in September 2010. 2 weeks after my submission, came the correspondent letter from MOH. It says "Late submission" & whack us with a penalty of RM5000 per project! Of course, they gave us a chance to appeal. I was literally depressed when i see it.

I wrote an appeal letter on behalf of the company, & with much disappointment, my appeal was not accepted.

My boss began to put the blame on me. I told him I didn't submit the pictures because he told me there is no need to. He was furious & said I should have studied the regulation & know it better than him! Ok, fine. I did not even put the blame on the Project Assistant for giving the pictures to me late, because I did not want to be scolded why I did not opt to go to take the pictures myself instead.

I felt so unfair. Yet I said nothing at all. Boss showed black face to me everyday & things get worse whenever I made any other small mistake. I was totally unhappy that I cried almost every night.

I cried to God for help, for giving me the wisdom to tackle every challenges that I face everyday, & I prayed that I'll be more careful in doing things so as not to make any careless mistakes so that I'll not have to suffer facing a boss who showed black face to me whenever I made even the smallest mistake.

The MOH issue dragged on for a few months. Finally we received their reply confirming the penalty and asking us to pay within 2 weeks! Boss came up with the idea of using "mercy", that is, I was to write a personal appeal letter, not on behalf of the company, but on behalf of MYSELF, to MOH.

The MOH officer, J, told me ever since their new Permanent Secretary, A, is in charge, penalties are imposed & he's a very strict person. J even said that if my appeal is accepted, I shall be the 1st in history! Even if J wants to help me, he's unable to influence A's decision.

I decided to tell my cell group leader, Regina, about this issue, hoping that she would pray for me.

In January 2011, I heard from J that MOH will have an exhibition in Miri, and they wanted us to meet with the Permanent Secretary & explain this case to him face to face. Just a week before that, Pastor's sermon was on being "Bold & Courageous". Although i'm unhappy that this thing happened to me, I trust God & I have the feeling that they'll waive the penalty since they ask me to meet them.

As A was with the VIPs all along, I did not manage to talk to him, but I found J, the assistant, in which I explained to him what happened. I even cried in front of him. He said he'll try his best to help me by telling his boss, A, about my explanation. The final decision was still was A.

After coming back from CNY holidays, I called MOH again & J said the penalty has been waived. I felt like I'm in a dream. God is ever gracious to us if we humble ourselves before Him & surrender all our cares unto Him.

I remembered one of Regina's prayers for me was to let "Cheryl have greater faith in God" through this encounter. This encourages me. Because I'm sure God wants me to have greater faith in Him. He also wants all His beloved children to have greater faith in Him, by using what I've been through, to bless you all.

"Lord I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through,
Use it for Your glory"

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGdJC9hTflM)

Before my MOH issue is settled, during those times, whenever we sang this song in church, I have a strong feeling, because, that was my earnest prayer.
During that time, I wondered how bad things that happened to me can be used by God for His glory. Now I know.