Mr. Michael Yeo Beng Tee

Staff

I was addicted to drugs for many years. I was incarcerated 11 times and spent more than 20 years going in and out of prison. I worked as a bad debt collector and often got into gang fights. I even sold drugs in a red-light district. Many nights, I returned home in the early hours, high on drugs. When my mother opened the door, I could see the heartbreak in her eyes. I brought shame to my family, and they were grieved. 

In 2002, I had an encounter with Jesus in prison that became a turning point in my life. I knelt and wept before the Lord and many inmates were watching. I humbly said, “Jesus, have mercy on me. Unless You change my life, prison will be my second home. Many of my friends believe in You—their lives are transformed. They got married, started families, had children, and some even became pastors.” In His mercy, God answered that simple prayer. From that moment, Jesus came into my life, and my life has never been the same again. 

After my release, God led me to Breakthrough Missions, where I stayed for almost seven years. By God’s grace, I continue to serve in ministry as a guitarist and staff member. It has now been 21 years. 

Every Sunday, I follow Pastor Simon to different churches to share songs and my testimony. Today, I no longer bring shame to my family. I have given my life to Jesus. My life was once bleak, shameful, and broken, but now it has become purposeful. Through the conferences I attend, the events I take part in, and the people I meet, my life has taken a new direction. My perspective has changed. I no longer feel inferior—I walk with confidence, and my hope in God grows stronger each day. 

I have also travelled with Pastor Simon to different countries for missions, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord and sharing how He transformed our lives from prison to pulpit. We were even invited to the Singapore Parliament House, where we received a standing ovation from ministers, MPs, and the Prime Minister. We witnessed parliamentary sessions, had lunch, and enjoyed fellowship. I never imagined such things could happen. God often chooses the lowly and despised things to confine the mighty and the great of this world. Though we had limited education and were looked down upon, God gave us a new identity. Today, we are contributing members of society, helping drug addicts and impacting lives. 

In 2011, something wonderful happened—I got married. I once thought I was condemned and that this would never happen. But now I know there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. My wife is very supportive of my serving in ministry. Even when I return home late after serving, she encourages me and says, “Don’t worry about me—as long as you are serving the Lord.” I truly believe that as we serve God, He renews our lives and removes the past. 

My mother has since gone home to be with the Lord. When she was alive, she used to say, “A leopard cannot change its spots. A drug addict will always be a drug addict.” But that is not true. Today, I stand before you as living proof of what Jesus has done in my life. Over time, she saw the change and began telling relatives and friends how Jesus transformed me. Even my friends could not believe it. I tell them, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

All glory to the name of Jesus.