Goodbye Gina

Gina Lee Yeok Jang

She was one the first person I've got to know when I first joined City Harvest KL.

Together, with the rest of E6, the CG under the leadership of Theen Kin, you have helped me to grow in the Lord. You were among those who helped open me up from a shy, introverted, few words person, to who I am right now. You often gave me encouragements in and out of CG. You were actually the first person who texted me an encouragement sms, after the first CG session that I first join together with you and the rest of E6. I thank you and God for that.

We had Bible Study together under Gregory Chee, finishing the Christian Lifestyle book from lessons to lessons. You were the one who helped fetch me there, waiting patiently at the Subang KTM Station with your Perodua. There was once when I woke up late, due to sickness, yet you were so patient and calm and concerned on the phone, despite being late already in class waiting for me, calling me several number of times. You did not even sounded angry nor impatient at all. Instead, you kept asking me how I was, whether I've been to a clinic to see a doctor and so on. I thank you and God for that.

We celebrated Chinese New Year 2006 together with Sherene, Eng Kim, Theen Kin and Keng Fong, and all 6 in one inside Eng Kim's famous yellow mini-cooper, we went around visiting. We had to cramp ourselves up inside that mini cooper, but it didn't matter, cause we definitely had fun together. In Sherene's house, we ordered Dominoes Pizza, and it was on that table, you, Sherene, Keng Fong, Theen Kin and Eng Kim made a vow to get attached, from the oldest to the youngest (I wasn't included due to underageness).

When Church first announced it will be having a Chinese Service, it was you who was among those who wanted to help Pastor run that vision. To see you depart from our CG to Sally's CG (and now Xin Hui's CG) was heartbreaking for me, but it was for your own good, and you were able to grow so much with her. Together you and Xin Hui had Bible Study together, and I was simply rejoice and was glad to see that tremendous growth in you.

EMERGE 06 - You, me and Xin Hui formed a group together for WORD POWER. You had me amazed by being able to memorize so many verses just within one day. You basically was the top scorer in the preliminaries, helping our group to qualify for the finals. Sadly, due to some technical errors, our group suddenly was not included among the rest. You and Xin Hui definitely taught me a great deal of being positive regardless of the dissapointments we faced. That was certainly your strength. I thank you and God for that.

March 2007 - CLT Batch 11 - You were among those who were in that batch. I remembered you for being the top-scorer in the entire Batch, scoring mostly 90's and + (I think ALL) for all the exams, and was certainly one of the best preachers in East Zone. You preached with fire and passion, and I certainly admire you for that.

Somewhere around late 2007, on a Sunday afternoon, after service, and after serving the Church cafe, I was eating my meal alone on one of the tables there, and you suddenly came and joined me. Honestly I don't know why, but I teared at that moment, which I myself have no idea why it happened. I guess I was just touched for the simple matter of fact that you accompanied me eating lunch together. Though we seldom kept in touch already, since both sides are busy with their own ministries, we manage to share what we are going through on with life. I thank you and God for that.

The whole 2008 was a definite busy period of my life, and yours too. I couldn't get to meet up with you anymore during Sunday's, since you were busy with the Chinese Church, and I was busy serving in the Cafeteria. But I am so assured you are doing well with all of them, and I still remember, during one Saturday night, I joined you, and some of Chinese Church core members, for a short prayer meeting. Though everyone was praying in Mandarin, I somehow understood some of things that you guys have prayed. Even then in there,you potrayed to me great leadership skills, on how you did explain what the core members have to do on the next day, and how you led them in prayer. I thank you and God for that.

I was shocked when I heard that you had cancer...you battled through it with a great and positive attitude, still being able to smile and laugh when people visit you. Even your photos shows so much joy...the joy that you have in the Lord..that is so precious to Him..

Two weeks before I left Malaysia, in the church office, when I spoke to you on the phone...and little did I know that it was the last time I was going to speak to you...we asked me how I was doing so far right now, and after all that before I said goodbye I said these words,

"Hey Gina, let's believe God that you will be discharged from the Hospital soon! I'm looking forward to see you back on your feet, back in church and doing alright!"

I can hear her laugh and smiled when she said back to me,

"Yeah, definitely! Pray for me ya!"

.....


Today, at 6.45pm, while logging on my facebook account for updates, Hazel Hor sent me a message in my inbox.

Title: Gina passed away...

Dear all, thank you for the prayers & love...Gina has passed away peacefully at 5:42am, 2nd Feb 2009 at University Hospital.

Being shocked, angry and sad at the same time, I tried to hold my tears in this public place that I am in right now. I deeply regret not being able to see her before I left. I deeply regret saying what I've said to her on the phone.

However, God comforted me with His words (from the Book Of Job 1:21b),

He gives and takes away,
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Thank you Lord for placing Gina in my life. It is definitely not by mere chance and coincidence, for she was a great blessing in my life. I will always treasure and remember the precious memories I have for her, being a friend, a sister, a teacher, and a great role model to follow.

Thank you Gina. Please continue to smile at me back in heaven. Will be seeing you there soon, someday. If there's any chance I'm slacking, please give me a kick in a butt, or scold me or do whatever.. I don't know...just..thanks again. Love you always.

From your growing lil' bro,

Kevin~*