9 Aug 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-
On 3rd of August, Erik Lai and his wife, Julia, were walking out from his aunt’s house in Subang Jaya Section 18 at 6:30 PM, when they were attacked by two robbers—the front rider armed with a 12-inch screwdriver and the pillion rider with a machete.
“At first, we thought they were asking for directions. Suddenly, he pulled out a machete, we realized that it’s a robbery,” said Erik.
The pillion rider with a machete pulled Julia’s document bag and threatened her to let go; but Julia refused and managed to snatch it back. When that failed, the robber turned to Erik and tried to grab his knapsack and hand phone, but that failed as well. At that moment, the robber became agitated and threatened to slash the couple with his machete. But the couple were surprisingly calm.
“I realize it’s either they are in control or you are in control. When you panic, they will be in control. There’s calmness and peace of mind. So, we did not even have time to pray but I just respond to the situation from our years of following God that He is with us in times of trouble,” said Erik.
He negotiated with the robbers to not take their personal belongings in the bag, but only take the money. The front rider hesitated because he was expecting to receive money from Erik, which bought time for his wife Julia Wong to step back.
But just when she stepped back, the front rider saw her and grabbed her bag while trying to stab her with his screwdriver. Julia screamed at the top of her lungs for help. Erik rushed to grip the front rider’s hand to prevent him from stabbing his wife, while the pillion rider brandished his machete at Erik and wanted to snatch his knapsack. Julia continued to scream and this caused the robbers to panic. They realised they were in danger and fled as quickly as they could.
Amazingly, no one was harmed and no belongings were taken!
“Everything happened in split second. God is always in control, we need to really faithfully walk in His Ways, so that His presence goes with us,” said Erik.
“We had been threatened or robbed before in those early days but they were mostly by gangsters, mostly extortion cases, but not with machete. This robbery is done with the intention to harm.
“We have seen on the internet that many victims of such snatch thieves and robberies suffered serious injuries and loss. But miraculously, we are delivered, so that must be divine intervention and protection. Even the police officers were also quite surprised and amazed,” said Erik thanking God.
Despite having suffered no loss or injury, he made a police report so that the police are aware that robbers and snatch thieves are rampant around Subang Jaya. He hopes that this will protect the residents in the area.
And even after the trauma, Erik and his wife hold no grudge for the robbers. In fact, they are praying for them to know Christ, to receive him, and repent of their ways.
“The first thing that came to my mind (during the robbery) is that I wanted to talk to them; I wanted to give them the opportunity to realize that they are wrong. They are very young from their voice and built, probably in their twenties,” said Erik.
He added, “Always try to make a friend out of every enemy. We should always try to be a peacemaker; that’s the role that God has called us—love your enemies.”
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt 5:9)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)
Praise the Lord for protecting His children!
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Erik will continue to up hld you and julia in my prayers.
Regards,
Wai Yin