Breaking Chains: From a Death Sentence to a Life of Purpose

Teen Challenge’s Marisa Lim spoke to Alvin Chew, who turned his life around when he encountered God, and is now part of Teen Challenge’s staff.

Can you describe the moment you first realized you were being remanded for a capital charge?

When I was arrested, the CNB officer told me, “If you are convicted of this crime, you will face the death penalty.” I felt completely shattered when I heard those words.

While in remand, I couldn’t sleep well. I had no one to blame but myself. Every second of the day, I was consumed by condemnation, regret, fear, and hopelessness. I could only hang my head and cry in silence. The pain was unbearable — like a knife piercing through my heart.

I kept asking myself, “Is this the end of my life?”

How did you cope during your time of loneliness and despair?

During remand, I decided to attend the Christian service because I wanted a distraction from my overwhelming thoughts. I listened to prison volunteers share stories of how they experienced redemption in Jesus. I wondered, “Can Jesus really rescue someone like me?”

So, I began to pray: “Lord, if You are real, please save me. Give me a chance. If You let me live, I am willing to repent. I am willing to follow You.” I prayed for a long time, but nothing seemed to happen. My prayers were only about myself — I was asking God to help me, but I wasn’t truly surrendering to Him.

What was the life-changing experience that deepened your conviction in His power through prayer?

After more than two years of isolation and earnest prayers, I made up my mind to fully surrender to Him — not just to be delivered from my situation, but to be freed from the grip of sin.

I remember one day, I prayed: “Lord, if You are real, please prove it to me. Give me a sign. If You save me, I will give You everything and serve You wholeheartedly.”

The very next day, my lawyer brought news that left me in disbelief — the prosecution had decided to drop the drug trafficking charges and only proceed with a lesser drug-related offense. This meant that instead of facing the death penalty, I would now serve only five years in prison and three strokes of the cane.

The moment I heard the news, I was so overwhelmed with a mix of emotion. I was filled with disbelief coupled with an overwhelming relief. The weight of the impending death lifted off my shoulders. The suffocating fear and hopelessness that had gripped me for 26 months has suddenly been replaced by an indescribable sense of joy and hope. I wasn’t just spared from death; I am saved for a purpose. 

How did your life change after the death penalty was lifted?

Even though I was serving a five-year sentence, I eagerly attended Christian sessions and read my Bible faithfully. During this time, I developed a renewed sense of purpose in my life — to be a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction and hopelessness.

I was placed in Teen Challenge (Singapore) as part of my Community-Based Programme. After completing the program, I made the decision to stay and continue serving at Teen Challenge, dedicating myself to guiding others away from the destructive path of addiction.

Now that I’ve experienced the power of redemption firsthand, I want to inspire others by showing them that true freedom is possible. My mission in life is to help others find the same second chance that I was given.

In what ways are you actively working towards fulfilling your desire to be a beacon of hope to others?

Aside from serving at Teen Challenge (Singapore) as a general worker in moving services and maintenance, I attend Shalom Baptist Church regularly. I recently completed the New Life courses for new believers. On December 25, 2024, I had the privilege of being water-baptized.

I am deeply grateful to my pastor and church members for introducing me to community work where I had the opportunity to serve both the elderly and young children. This experience has inspired me to volunteer more in community outreach.

Additionally, Teen Challenge has plans to send me for life skills courses and short-term Bible classes, which I eagerly look forward to. I am excited to grow, learn, and be better equipped to serve others.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one is beyond redemption. No matter how deep the pit, God’s love is deeper still. I am living proof that second chances exist — not just to escape punishment, but to walk in true freedom.

My journey is far from over, but I now walk it with hope, faith, and a renewed purpose.