AS A man of the cloth, Reverend Peter Chua throws himself heart and soul into serving God and his congregation.

But just two years ago it seemed likehis physical heart might not be up to the task.

Diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in 2001, he was constantly breathless suffering from fainting spells and chest palpitations.

He said: "I would get palpitations especially on waking up. I felt like I was going to die."

As his condition worsened, it became apparent that his full-time duties as pastor of the Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church off Dunearn Road would be affected.

"Some Sundays, I'd wake up feeling sick, and I'd know that I would not be able to deliver the sermon at church. Luckily, other church leaders would fill in for me," said Rev Chua, now 64.

His duties included travelling to Malaysia to preach at affiliated churches, a task that soon became onerous.

Rev Chua said: "I would get apprehensive about travelling because I was worried about my condition acting up."

The travelling had to be whittled down to short trips once a month to preach at a church in Tangkak, Johor.

Finally, early last year, after Rev Chua had been admitted to hospital six times, his cardiologist told him that an operation would be his only option for survival.

He would have to undergo a procedure called a catheter ablation to remove a faulty electrical pathway in his heart.

He was told that the procedure would have a 60 per cent chance of success. He said: "I was told there was also a chance that I could die on the operatingtable." Nevertheless, he felt no fear, he said, reassured by his Christian faith and family bonds. He added: "My kids are all grown up. I had nothing to worry about."

In March last year, he underwent an operation at the Singapore General Hospital to rectify his condition.

The operation was successful.

Rev Chua lives with his wife, who is a retired teacher, and his 28-year -old daughter in a five room executive maisonette in Bishan. His 32-year-old son is married.

Since the operation, Rev Chua has undergone rehabilitation at the Singapore Heart Foundation, and he needs to have check-ups every four or five months. But his heart beats strong now.

Just last Sunday, some members of his 100-strong congregation rioted how vibrant and full of life he was.

Today, he will deliver a sermon at a church in Kuala Lumpur - and it is certain to be heartfelt.

On Sunday, he will address another congregation in Johor - a two hour drive away.

The pace might not seem particularly hectic, but two years ago, he could not have managed such an itinerary.

The grandfather of three toddlers said: "I consider myself cured. I feel that I need to use my time wisely to serve God in the most effective way.

"Every day is like Christmas to me now."