How God Transformed a Gambler into a Servant of God

Pastor Raymond Tay’s journey to faith began during a prison sentence for drug use—a sentence that came about after his own mother reported him to the police. This act, which led to his arrest, became the turning point in his life, as it was in prison that he encountered Jesus. In a 2007 interview with Singapore’s MediaCorp, Raymond shared his powerful testimony of how his life was transformed. (View the video interview below.)

Once a professional gambler deeply involved in drug addiction, Raymond’s life took a dramatic turn after his imprisonment. He responded to outreach efforts from Faith Community Baptist Church while in prison and became a Christian. Reflecting on his journey, he is thankful to his mother for her difficult decision to have him arrested, as it ultimately led him to freedom in Christ.

Following his conversion, Raymond has found a peace in his life that he had never known before. He pursued theological training and became a preacher of the Gospel. Now, he is passionately committed to sharing the message of Jesus, bringing the peace, joy, and purpose he found in Christ to others.

Pastor Raymond devoted himself to various ministries, including prison ministry, street feeding programs, island visitation, and outreach missions in Indonesia, Cambodia, and India. Today, his primary focus is in Batam, where he feels a strong calling to serve the poor and needy on the streets.

Pastor Raymond’s street ministry is particularly impactful, as he walks the streets of Batam, bringing hope to those who have been marginalized by society. By providing food, clothing, and spiritual support, he helps to change lives in a tangible way. Through his outreach, many who were once lost in despair have found a new purpose and direction. Raymond doesn’t work alone; he actively involves groups of volunteers in his mission work, mentoring them to take part in this crucial ministry. Together, they embody the words of Jesus: “When you do to the least of these, you do to me.” This powerful teaching is at the heart of everything Raymond and his team do, as they reach out to those who are often overlooked and forgotten. (View a photo gallery of a street feeding here.)

But Pastor Raymond’s story doesn’t end with his own transformation. Through his prison ministry, he is helping countless convicts find a second chance at life through Jesus. By encouraging them to repent from their old ways and embrace the love and grace of Christ, Raymond is witnessing incredible changes in the lives of these inmates. The prison cells that once echoed with despair now resonate with the sounds of joyous worship, as these men experience the freedom of worshipping God, even while serving their sentences.

Pastor Raymond’s preaching to prisoners is profoundly impactful because it is rooted in his own transformative journey from despair to redemption. His authentic testimony of overcoming personal struggles and embracing faith lends an undeniable credibility to his message. As he speaks from a place of genuine experience, his words resonate deeply with the inmates, who see in him a living example of the power of change. This connection not only reinforces the truth of his teachings but also stirs a deep sense of conviction among his listeners, inspiring them to believe in the possibility of their own transformation.

The commitment to discipleship of the prisoners extends far beyond prison walls, offering ongoing support and guidance to individuals as they reintegrate into society. Through the encouragement of the ex-convicts to attend regular Bible studies, prayer groups, and personal counseling sessions, Pastor Raymond help them navigate the challenges of post-incarceration life. This holistic approach ensures that discipleship doesn’t end with release but continues to nurture spiritual growth and personal development, empowering individuals to build a new, hope-filled path forward. (View some photos of ministry outside of the prison walls here.)

In conclusion, Pastor Raymond Tay’s journey from a troubled past to a beacon of hope underscores the profound impact of faith and redemption. His personal transformation, sparked by an arrest that initially seemed like a setback, has become a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. By dedicating his life to ministering to the marginalized, including prisoners and the impoverished in Batam, Raymond exemplifies the essence of compassionate outreach and discipleship. His story is not just about his own redemption but also about extending that hope and change to others. Through sustained efforts both within and outside prison walls, Pastor Raymond and his dedicated team are making a tangible difference in countless lives. Their work stands as a living testament to the belief that with faith and support, anyone can find a new purpose and direction, regardless of their past.

Read more about Prison Ministries here: https://voanews.xyz/gods-healing-hand-rebuilding-lives-in-prisons-across-malaysia-and-indonesia/

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Lilian

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