Nathaniel Tan
I was born in a 2nd generational Christian family, and was dedicated to Christ since young. As a child, I sometimes wondered about Christ and why people believe in Jesus when we cannot see Him. I always looked forward to going to church every Sunday because of Sunday school, and meeting friends, instead of truly seeking Christ in my heart.
It was only when I went to secondary school and joined Boys’ Brigade, where I learned that Jesus Christ has sacrificed Himself for our sins, through John 3:16. That was the moment I realised that Jesus is not just someone people talk about, but He is real and He is the only way for me to be saved from my sins. Only Jesus could take away the punishment I deserve, and only through Him I can be made right with God.
That was when I become grateful for the environment that we have in the world, the nature and features that are beautiful to see. I also learned to appreciate the simpler things in life, such as being able to eat, have a bed to sleep in, and spending precious time with friends and family. That pretty much sums up my teenage life.
After graduating from university in 2013, I worked as an account assistant and did not like the job. Going into work 1 year later, there was one night I could not sleep because of a severe pain on my back. I went to see the doctor and found a 6cm tumor surrounding my fifth rib. I had to go for an open biopsy to check whether it was benign or malignant. Fortunately, this tumor was benign, but I was diagnosed with Advanced Germ Cell Sarcoma, which was stage 2 or 3 cancer.
It was tough during this period, and I started asking God why I have to go through such a phase, going into hospital every day for 3 months for chemotherapy. During this time in the hospital, my family and friends prayed for me that God will take care of me through this arduous period and also fully heal me.
That was when I become grateful for the environment that we have in the world, the nature and features that are beautiful to see. I also learned to appreciate the simpler things in life, such as being able to eat, have a bed to sleep in, and spending precious time with friends and family. That pretty much sums up my teenage life.
After graduating from university in 2013, I worked as an account assistant and did not like the job. Going into work 1 year later, there was one night I could not sleep because of a severe pain on my back. I went to see the doctor and found a 6cm tumor surrounding my fifth rib. I had to go for an open biopsy to check whether it was benign or malignant. Fortunately, this tumor was benign, but I was diagnosed with Advanced Germ Cell Sarcoma, which was stage 2 or 3 cancer.
It was tough during this period, and I started asking God why I have to go through such a phase, going into hospital every day for 3 months for chemotherapy. During this time in the hospital, my family and friends prayed for me that God will take care of me through this arduous period and also fully heal me.
During this treatment period, I was lying in my bed every day and had so much to think about. I gained enlightenment through this challenging time and become less anxious about work, become more at peace, and also found what are the most important things in my life. And that is God—who is looking after me, my family who were always there for me, and close friends who were worried and visited me, even after I had completed the chemotherapy. I also moved out from doing accounts as work and become a client IT consultant, where I train users on using accounting software, which gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
I am proud to call myself a cancer survivor today as this year is my 10 years of full remission. Thank you, God, for the great life lessons and guidance throughout my life. Most of all, I thank Jesus, who saved me — not only from cancer but from my sins — because without Him, I am lost. He is my Saviour and the only way to eternal life.
I am proud to call myself a cancer survivor today as this year is my 10 years of full remission. Thank you, God, for the great life lessons and guidance throughout my life. Most of all, I thank Jesus, who saved me — not only from cancer but from my sins — because without Him, I am lost. He is my Saviour and the only way to eternal life.