From Karma to Christ
"Jesus taught me how to love the impossible, forgive the unforgivable, and live without regrets. My journey from Karma to Christ was not just about changing religion—it was about meeting a Saviour who offers rest, freedom, and unconditional love."
So testifies Jesmond Lee. This is his story.
Growing Up Buddhist
I grew up in a Buddhist family, lovingly taught by my aunts that doing good deeds could help wash away bad karma. Through chanting and collecting merits, I believed I could undo the wrongs of both past and present lives. But no matter how much I tried, a deep peace always seemed just beyond my reach. I often found myself quietly asking, how much more do I need to do? When will it ever be enough? It felt like I was caught in a never-ending cycle—always striving for redemption but never truly resting.
Turning Point
During my years in school, God graciously brought Christian friends into my life. They invited me to Bible studies and shared the gospel with patience and love. That’s when everything began to gently change: I learned that no amount of good works could save me from my sins. Only Jesus—the perfect Son of God—could redeem me through His sacrifice on the cross. All I needed to do was believe and trust in Him.
I was deeply touched by the love of Christ—how Jesus, who is God, humbled Himself to come in human form, live a perfect life, and die for my sins. The heavy burden of karma was lifted because Jesus had already paid the price in full.
In 2017, I prayed and received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. In the years that followed, I quietly shared this hope with my parents. By God’s grace, my Mum also came to know Christ. Then, in 2023, I was filled with joy to be baptized alongside my mother—a simple yet profound declaration of our faith.
Learning to Love When It’s Hardest
One of the most profound ways I have experienced Christ’s love is through my relationship with my father.
When I was in secondary school, my father left our family. He took out a 6-figure loan, mortgaged our home, and left my mother to carry the heavy burden alone. I had to grow up quickly, and the pain of betrayal left deep scars.
I never thought I could forgive him. But through Jesus’ love, my heart began to soften. If Christ could forgive those who rejected Him, I knew I needed to try. I began inviting my dad to church events, praying silently that Jesus would one day heal what was broken between us.
A Miraculous Encounter
In 2023, my father suffered a major stroke and needed an emergency operation. I was devastated and prayed earnestly for God’s mercy. Our pastor also came to the hospital and prayed for my Dad, asking God for healing and mercy.
By God’s grace, he survived. When he regained consciousness, he told me he saw Jesus. I was stunned. I asked if he wanted to receive Jesus as his Lord and Saviour—and he said Yes. I was overjoyed!
During his recovery, I cared for him, shared more of the gospel, and even said words I never thought I could: I love you, Dad. I would also give him a hug before leaving. These were some of the last things I said and did, for soon after, in November 2024, God called him home. And though there’s grief, there’s also deep peace. I see now that God answered my prayer—not only restoring our relationship but securing my father’s eternity.
Living a Life of No Regrets
Jesus taught me how to love the impossible, forgive the unforgivable, and live without regrets. My journey from karma to Christ was not just about changing religion—it was about meeting a Savior who offers rest, freedom, and unconditional love.
Some of us may find ourselves in “fatherless” situations. But in Christ, we have hope. God restores broken relationships by inviting us into a relationship with Him, our heavenly Father. Through God’s love, there is always hope and blessing for us and for our loved ones. As Scripture says in John 3:16–17:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
If you’re tired of striving and searching, I want you to know : there is hope. There is Love. His name is Jesus.
Jesmond Lee is a member of Zion Bishan BP Church.
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