Clarissa Chung writes about God’s work and faithfulness in the lives of the residents of Cheshire Home, a home for those struggling with mental and physical disabilities.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of vegetable vendors in the Selayang Pasar Tani, lies Cheshire Home, an oasis for those with mental and physical disabilities.

“When I was small, I was a Hindu,” said Karuna Krishnan, one of the residents there.

“My whole family believed in Hinduism, they asked me to pray, but I don’t believe in the Hindu gods,” he said, adding that he came to the home when he was nine years old.

Karuna said that there were Christians who would visit the church regularly, and they would ask if he would like to accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. For a long time, he refused. But one day, he said yes. He now attends St Mary’s Cathedral and says that he will continue to do so.

“I thank God that He is helping me a lot in my life,” he said. “Even though we are disabled, we can still do most things – not by ourselves, but with the help of Jesus. I really appreciate what He has done for us,” Karuna said.

Cheshire Home, which has been established for 54 years, is under the management of Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulieman.

The 39 residents, she said, are of various faiths. Four of them, including Karuna, currently attend St Mary’s Cathedral once a month, joining SMACC 1 for their services and lunch.

Wendy Lim shares a similar life story as Karuna. She did not grow up in a Christian home, and she came to the home at the tender age of 12 after her mother passed away.

She, along with two other residents, Kathy Ser and Robert Yap, have been attending St Mary’s Cathedral for a long time.

“We learn about what the Bible says, we learn about God, how God helps us and how we must have faith,” Wendy said.

She spoke happily of the Bible app she has on her phone, which she uses to read God’s Word.

“I used to have physical Bibles, but they went missing after there were floods a few years back. Since then, I use an app on my phone,” she said.

The residents shared their joy and encouragement at being able to learn about the Gospel when they attend the service, and also when volunteers from St Mary’s visit them once a month on Saturday.

“They would have worship songs and would talk about the Bible,” Wendy and Karuna said.

The encouragement is mutual. Loh Chee Howe, who visits the home once a month, said that they try to bring the “SMACC experience over to the Cheshire residents.”

“My motivation is to encourage other brothers and sisters to keep going, to know God’s presence and that God is near.”

“Being there for them is one example of living out that reality,” said Chee Howe.

It doesn’t take a whole lot to get the residents grinning a wide Cheshire grin. Church members can help by visiting them and offering them their time and love in encouraging them in the Gospel. To serve practically, church members can also call up Cheshire Home and find out what sundries are needed by the residents.