By Ruth Yong Wang Theen
Thew Ming Soon has been blind since birth. Born three months earlier, which caused premature birth, his optic nerves never fully developed. Yet, his life has been a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness.
In an interview, Thew shared how his journey has been marked by struggle but also by moments of divine intervention and grace. Despite the challenges, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of Malaya in December 2022.
A divine door opens
As a fully blind student, learning has not been easy. “I wasn’t doing well in primary school, and the environment wasn’t helpful.” he recalled.
Subjects felt insurmountable and he often just met the minimum passing grade. Choosing subjects he excelled in wasn’t an option, leaving him to grapple with difficult topics he couldn’t fully understand.
A turning point came when Thew entered Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar, also known as the English College, a competitive integrated school where blind and sighted students studied together. According to Thew, getting into the school was a miracle because admission required excellent results.
However, the first two years were grueling.
“I had to adjust to the fast pace and how the classes were managed,” he explained. Despite the challenges, things began to change in Form 3 after he committed his studies to prayer.
Thew’s father had left the family, struggling with gambling, leaving his mother to care for him alone. Near their home, a church with a prominent cross caught their attention. Desperate for hope, Thew’s mother prayed earnestly, seeking the true God.
Her prayers led her to counselling at the Agape Foundation, where someone recommended a nearby church. Together, Thew and his mother attended the church. Captivated by the message of faith, Thew began reading the Bible. It was through this journey of discovery that he decided to follow Christianity wholeheartedly.
“I became a Christian in late 2010, during UPSR,” Thew shared. “I prayed hard for wisdom and understanding, and by mid-Form 3, things started to make sense. That was when I saw God working in my studies.” By the time he completed Form 5, he had excelled in Bible Knowledge, scoring an A+.
The higher you go, the harder it gets
Form 6 presented even greater obstacles.
Most study materials were inaccessible, available only in print rather than digital format or Braille. “I had to scan books or rely on others to read to me,” Thew said. It was time-consuming, and catching up required extra effort.
Despite these hurdles, God’s faithfulness shone through. Teachers offered support, and organisations like the National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM) provided Braille materials, including past-year exam papers.
“God provided people and resources at just the right time,” Thew acknowledged. His hard work paid off with a CGPA of 3.67, earning him a place at Malaysia’s top local institution, University Malaya.
Holding onto faith in the midst of trials
Throughout his journey, faith played a crucial role.
According to Thew, Scripture provided strength and peace during stressful times. “When I felt overwhelmed, I would read and memorise verses,” he shared. Romans 10:11, which says, ‘Those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame,’ became a source of comfort.
Subjects like maths and science were particularly challenging. “In Forms 4 and 5, I couldn’t understand many topics, but I clung to God’s promises,” the young man recalled. Through prayer, he gained clarity and managed to push through—even excelling in the exams.
He also recounted how God’s presence brought peace before exams. “I prayed for wisdom, and by the time I sat for my Bible Knowledge papers, I felt confident and calm.” He said.
Transitioning to university life came with its own set of challenges. Being away from home and adapting to a new learning environment wasn’t easy. But according to Thew, God remained faithful.
“Christian Fellowship groups became a source of encouragement, and friends helped with assignments and other arrangements,” he said. Braille materials from NCBM and supportive lecturers further eased the transition. Each answered prayer reminded him that he wasn’t walking alone.
Sharing his testimony has allowed Thew to encourage others. During a weekly church service, he shared how God’s faithfulness helped him overcome academic challenges. “People saw it as a miracle.” Thew said, adding that his story inspired others to trust in God’s goodness.
Thew has also mentored fellow visually impaired students. “I’ve helped someone blind with academic-related questions, and it’s fulfilling to see them grow.” he said. He hopes his story shows that with faith and perseverance, nothing is impossible.
Gratitude can transform lives
Looking back, Thew sees how God’s faithfulness has shaped his journey. “Each challenge taught me to trust Him more,” he reflected. While he is still discovering his calling, Thew remains confident in God’s guidance.
In mid-2021, Thew encountered the Daily Gratitude Movement, a non-profit organisation promoting gratitude as a way to empower people, even in life’s darkest moments. He presently serves in that movement as a volunteer moderator, encouraging others to find peace and hope through thankfulness. “Gratitude, especially in a faith context, can transform lives,” he opined.
To students facing difficulties in learning or scoring well, Thew offers a message of hope: “Don’t give up. If you have the will to continue, God will make a way. Ask for help, work hard, and trust Him.”
Thew’s journey is a powerful reminder that God’s faithfulness never wavers. As he continues to face life’s challenges, he is determined to use his story to glorify God and inspire others. “He has led me this far, and I trust He will continue to lead me in the future,” he said.
Featured Image Credit: Canva / Pexels
