Yesterday we conducted chapel services at Peacehaven Nursing Home. Seeing Chinese New Year will be here soon, we wished them God's blessings for the New Year. We used the greeting normally spoken by Christians. One elderly lady shouted out "Kong Hee Fatt Choy." She remonstrated with us for not using the traditionally "Kong Hee Fatt Choy." "How can you be happy if you don't have plenty of money?" she yelled out! She insisted on saying, "Kong Hee Fatt Choy" the Cantonese greeting meaning, "Wishing you a prosperous New Year."
The most common greeting to day is "Kong Hee Fatt Choy" in Cantonese - "Wishing you a prosperous New Year." Business people love that greeting. The Mandarin version is "Gong Xi Fa Cai."
There are many people, particularly Christians who prefer "Sin Ni Kuai Lok" in Hokkien and Teochew meaning "Wishing you a joyful New Year." The Mandarin version renders this "Xin Nian Kuai Le"
Popular among Christians is the greeting, "Sin Ni Peng An" in Hokkien and Teochew;
"Sun Neen Peng On" in Cantonese and "Xin Nian Ping An" in Mandarin. It is equivalent to "Shalom" - New Year Peace." It is a greeting I use for I like the idea of wishing each other God's gift of peace - Peace with God and peace with our families and fellowmen.
Among Christians there is another greeting "Sin Ni Bong Un" in Hokkien and Teochew, or "Sun Neen Mong Yan" in Cantonese or ""Xin Nian Meng En" in Mandarin. It is the expression meaning "May you be highly favoured with God's blessings."
Well take your pick. Personally I refrain from using "Kong Hee Fatt Choy" or "Keong Hi Huat Chai" in Hokkien and Teochew or "Gong Xi Fa Cai" in Mandarin. I don't wish anyone material prosperity. But I wish you God's richest blessings of Joy and Peace. If God prospers us materially, let us thank Him, pay our tithe and share our material blessings with others.
One of the biggest mistakes we can make in life is to think that more is better and that money and the things it can buy happiness.The desire for more is such a dangerous and destructive trap. When getting more money and things becomes our chief aim in life, then we are heading for trouble.
That kind of mindset will stop at nothing to get as much of it as we can. We then compromise our beliefs, and stop serving the Lord. There is danger and destruction in covetousness and greed.
Paul advises us to seek godliness and contentment.That means we must focus on the spiritual, and learn to be content with the material.“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (I Tim. 6:7-8)
May God grant you Joy and Peace for the New Year.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Chinese Zodiac
Culture, superstition and religious background are easily intertwined. Culture has to do with beliefs and behaviour patterns passed down from generation to generation. It is our way of life and we cannot separate it from religion. The Africans dance up the aisle to the altar with their offering. This is their culture, perfectly all right for them. To do that here would not be acceptable and perhaps even frowned upon by our society. It is not our culture. Conversion to Christianity does not mean we should abandon our own culture and embrace another culture.
We live in a fallen world, tainted with sin so cultures can be good or bad. Each culture must be measured by the tenets of the Word of God. The Lausanne Covenant states “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.” Some cultures are rich in beauty and goodness, others not quite. We need to seek God’s wisdom to know the difference.
Let’s take for example the belief in the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. We may or may not share the beliefs of our friends and neighbours. As Christians we should see it as a simple way to determine one’s age and not go beyond that. If someone tells you he was born in the year of a certain animal then we can guess that person's age.
There are those who believe that one’s character and disposition are determined by the natal animal. A person inherits certain traits of that particular animal. If this were true then all those born in the year of that particular animal would behave like that creature. I would be a mischievous monkey! This belief tend to make one resign to the weaknesses in one’s character or take pride in one’s strength because one was born in the year of a certain animal. The result is people become fatalistic in their outlook. Superstition can place a stranglehold on our lives. Belief in the Zodiac or astrology conflicts with our belief in the Scriptures.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Saviour, we receive new life in Him. When we are truly committed to Him, He determines our future and His Spirit guides us in life’s journey till we reach our eternal Home.
Let us ‘guo nien’ (cross over to the New Year) with the determination that we will always trust in the Lord and seek His wisdom everyday of our lives.
We live in a fallen world, tainted with sin so cultures can be good or bad. Each culture must be measured by the tenets of the Word of God. The Lausanne Covenant states “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.” Some cultures are rich in beauty and goodness, others not quite. We need to seek God’s wisdom to know the difference.
Let’s take for example the belief in the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. We may or may not share the beliefs of our friends and neighbours. As Christians we should see it as a simple way to determine one’s age and not go beyond that. If someone tells you he was born in the year of a certain animal then we can guess that person's age.
There are those who believe that one’s character and disposition are determined by the natal animal. A person inherits certain traits of that particular animal. If this were true then all those born in the year of that particular animal would behave like that creature. I would be a mischievous monkey! This belief tend to make one resign to the weaknesses in one’s character or take pride in one’s strength because one was born in the year of a certain animal. The result is people become fatalistic in their outlook. Superstition can place a stranglehold on our lives. Belief in the Zodiac or astrology conflicts with our belief in the Scriptures.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Saviour, we receive new life in Him. When we are truly committed to Him, He determines our future and His Spirit guides us in life’s journey till we reach our eternal Home.
Let us ‘guo nien’ (cross over to the New Year) with the determination that we will always trust in the Lord and seek His wisdom everyday of our lives.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
This is my story - 16
16 – My constant companion – the concertina
Lieut. Colonel Harvey was a wizard on the concertina and when he and Mrs. Harvey visited us our open air meeting drew big crowds to listen to the message. Major Stanley Gordon the Public Relations Secretary was a regular visitor for he had to go from town to town all over Peninsular Malaya collecting donations. In those days, these officers really had to work extremely hard to raise money. In his tours he always included a weekend at our corps to conduct meetings. And without fail, he would have his concertina with him to provide music for the meetings. Major and Mrs. Hall were also concertina players and what a delight to have these officers visit the corps.
My predecessor, Lieutenant Douglas Kiff was an efficient musician. In my opinion he was the most proficient musician who ever served in the Command. He used his piano accordion to accompany the singing.
O how I longed to be able to play a concertina. But it seemed only a dream. I could not afford to buy one. Up to that time I could only play two instruments – the mouth organ and the cornet. I didn’t own a cornet. It would be difficult leading a meeting using a mouth organ!
Before I became an officer I had an accordion (not piano accordion) which I had learned to play, but sold it as I needed the money to enter Training College. I prayed hard for the Lord to open the way to have music at the Corps, especially for the open air meeting. Quite often I would have three or four people supporting me – Mrs. Ng, her son Kim Loh, Joy Goh and her cousin Edward Yeo. It was hard work conducting an open air meeting at the park in Malacca. We were not allowed to cancel meetings without the approval of the Officer Commanding.
Among the Salvationists of the Malacca Corps were Mr. and Mrs. Tan Khia Fatt. He was the Branch manager of American International Assurance Company in Malacca. They were originally from Singapore Central Corps; in fact both of them were among the team of delegates to the International Youth Congress held in London in 1950.
Khia Fatt and Soo Lan were good supporters of Malacca Corps. They also took a great interest in me, their pastor a young bachelor in the early twenties. Once a week, I would go to their home for dinner and if they had to go out in the evening, they would put a pile of records for me to listen. It was there that I really learned to appreciate classical music. Soo Lan was really like a big sister to me.
One evening after dinner, we sat in the lounge when their children – Harold and Carol were playing with an old concertina. Khia Fatt turned to me and asked, “Would you like to have this concertina? We were given this instrument when we were at the International Youth Congress, but we have not learned to play. Actually it was meant for the work of The Salvation Army, but our children treat it as a toy. We’d rather you have it.” I was delighted; it was an answer to prayer. But I wondered how I could learn to play a concertina with no one around to teach me.
Anyway I took it home that evening then wrote to the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey, one of God’s great saints who really cared for his people. Knowing the rule that officers were not allowed to receive gifts of any kind, I sought his permission to accept this concertina. He responded giving his permission and told me he would be coming to visit me in the following week end to conduct Corps meetings.
Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Harvey came and he took a good look at the concertina then taught me to play the C scale. It was out of tune and he suggested that the reeds be changed. He wrote to England, got a new set of reeds and fixed up the concertina. He also bought me a tutorial book –“How to play the concertina.” That was his gift to me. I insisted that I would pay for the reeds and the postage. He graciously accepted my offer then gave me a lesson on how to play the instrument. He wrote me the chords for C and F. When they left, I spent my every available minute learning to play the concertina and by the end of the week, I had mastered one tune, “What can wash away my sin?” in the key of F major! I took it to the open meeting and we started with “What can wash away my sin? The second song was the same, so was the closing song.
For the Sunday night salvation meeting, we sang my favourite song, “What can wash away my sin?” I closed the meeting with the same song! The simple folk didn’t mind and no one complained! By the following Sunday, I could play two songs, the second was “Only trust Him.” Each week I added more to my repertoire.
This concertina was my constant companion until it got quite worn out. One day Lieutenant Irene Holden, nurse in Batang Melaka who had a concertina given her before she left U.K. offered her concertina to me in exchange for a medical book that she needed. She accepted $30.00 from me the price of the book! She had tried very hard to learn to play, but just could not master the concertina. I sold my old worn out concertina for a token sum to a girl called Betsy at Balestier Corps. Betsy later emigrated to Australia and we have lost contact with her
The Lord has been wonderful in providing for my needs. Each time I needed a new concertina, someone would come with one to replace it. If we do God’s will, we will never to in need of supplies.
Jeremiah 33: 3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Lieut. Colonel Harvey was a wizard on the concertina and when he and Mrs. Harvey visited us our open air meeting drew big crowds to listen to the message. Major Stanley Gordon the Public Relations Secretary was a regular visitor for he had to go from town to town all over Peninsular Malaya collecting donations. In those days, these officers really had to work extremely hard to raise money. In his tours he always included a weekend at our corps to conduct meetings. And without fail, he would have his concertina with him to provide music for the meetings. Major and Mrs. Hall were also concertina players and what a delight to have these officers visit the corps.
My predecessor, Lieutenant Douglas Kiff was an efficient musician. In my opinion he was the most proficient musician who ever served in the Command. He used his piano accordion to accompany the singing.
O how I longed to be able to play a concertina. But it seemed only a dream. I could not afford to buy one. Up to that time I could only play two instruments – the mouth organ and the cornet. I didn’t own a cornet. It would be difficult leading a meeting using a mouth organ!
Before I became an officer I had an accordion (not piano accordion) which I had learned to play, but sold it as I needed the money to enter Training College. I prayed hard for the Lord to open the way to have music at the Corps, especially for the open air meeting. Quite often I would have three or four people supporting me – Mrs. Ng, her son Kim Loh, Joy Goh and her cousin Edward Yeo. It was hard work conducting an open air meeting at the park in Malacca. We were not allowed to cancel meetings without the approval of the Officer Commanding.
Among the Salvationists of the Malacca Corps were Mr. and Mrs. Tan Khia Fatt. He was the Branch manager of American International Assurance Company in Malacca. They were originally from Singapore Central Corps; in fact both of them were among the team of delegates to the International Youth Congress held in London in 1950.
Khia Fatt and Soo Lan were good supporters of Malacca Corps. They also took a great interest in me, their pastor a young bachelor in the early twenties. Once a week, I would go to their home for dinner and if they had to go out in the evening, they would put a pile of records for me to listen. It was there that I really learned to appreciate classical music. Soo Lan was really like a big sister to me.
One evening after dinner, we sat in the lounge when their children – Harold and Carol were playing with an old concertina. Khia Fatt turned to me and asked, “Would you like to have this concertina? We were given this instrument when we were at the International Youth Congress, but we have not learned to play. Actually it was meant for the work of The Salvation Army, but our children treat it as a toy. We’d rather you have it.” I was delighted; it was an answer to prayer. But I wondered how I could learn to play a concertina with no one around to teach me.
Anyway I took it home that evening then wrote to the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey, one of God’s great saints who really cared for his people. Knowing the rule that officers were not allowed to receive gifts of any kind, I sought his permission to accept this concertina. He responded giving his permission and told me he would be coming to visit me in the following week end to conduct Corps meetings.
Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Harvey came and he took a good look at the concertina then taught me to play the C scale. It was out of tune and he suggested that the reeds be changed. He wrote to England, got a new set of reeds and fixed up the concertina. He also bought me a tutorial book –“How to play the concertina.” That was his gift to me. I insisted that I would pay for the reeds and the postage. He graciously accepted my offer then gave me a lesson on how to play the instrument. He wrote me the chords for C and F. When they left, I spent my every available minute learning to play the concertina and by the end of the week, I had mastered one tune, “What can wash away my sin?” in the key of F major! I took it to the open meeting and we started with “What can wash away my sin? The second song was the same, so was the closing song.
For the Sunday night salvation meeting, we sang my favourite song, “What can wash away my sin?” I closed the meeting with the same song! The simple folk didn’t mind and no one complained! By the following Sunday, I could play two songs, the second was “Only trust Him.” Each week I added more to my repertoire.
This concertina was my constant companion until it got quite worn out. One day Lieutenant Irene Holden, nurse in Batang Melaka who had a concertina given her before she left U.K. offered her concertina to me in exchange for a medical book that she needed. She accepted $30.00 from me the price of the book! She had tried very hard to learn to play, but just could not master the concertina. I sold my old worn out concertina for a token sum to a girl called Betsy at Balestier Corps. Betsy later emigrated to Australia and we have lost contact with her
The Lord has been wonderful in providing for my needs. Each time I needed a new concertina, someone would come with one to replace it. If we do God’s will, we will never to in need of supplies.
Jeremiah 33: 3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Being Blessed -what does it mean?
This article appears in February's War Cry - Singapore. I put this in for those who do not get our War Cry.
Being blessed – what does it mean?
It’s always a joy to hear someone testify, “I’ve been blessed.” What does the word “blessed” mean? It is common usage in all places of worship. It is used in everyday conversation quite often spoken without much thought.
Paul, writing to the Ephesians exclaims “How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is.” Ephesians 1: 3. Blessing flows from the Almighty God to all mankind. He is the source, we are the recipients.
Many people tend to equate blessing with material prosperity. It is true to an extent, for God does bless his servants with material blessings. During Lunar New Year, the most common form of greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai - wishing someone a prosperous New Year. It is evidence of the materialistic thinking of many in our society. But material prosperity itself is not necessarily the sign of divine blessing. Some of God’s greatest blessings come out of pain, suffering and poverty as the lives of many saints testify.
Christians wish one another – New Year Peace – Xin Nian Ping An. Being spiritually blessed is having our relationship with God put right. It is peace with God resulting in peace with each other. And this is the peace the world needs.
Chinese families place much emphasis on the traditional reunion dinner normally held on New Year Eve. In our modern society the day for the banquet has become more flexible as long as this is held within the New Year period. It has to fit in with the schedule of the participants and the availability of bookings at restaurants. The timing is not as important as the spirit for the observation – the reaffirmation of family and kinship ties.
The reunion dinner brings the family members together for a meal and fellowship. During the year there might have been misunderstandings or quarrels and this is the opportunity for family members to meet for reconciliation, restoration and enhancement of relationship. Peace is something that should be ongoing and progressively maintained in our daily living.
“Anyone who claims to be in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him 1 John 2:9-11 (NIV)
So let us all gou nien (cross over to the New Year) with a new attitude of loving one other. It is our Christian duty to set aside resentment or bitterness that mars our relationship with God, our families and our fellowmen. Make the New Year a time of reconciliation and renewal of relationships with God and others. When that happens we are truly blessed.
Being blessed – what does it mean?
It’s always a joy to hear someone testify, “I’ve been blessed.” What does the word “blessed” mean? It is common usage in all places of worship. It is used in everyday conversation quite often spoken without much thought.
Paul, writing to the Ephesians exclaims “How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is.” Ephesians 1: 3. Blessing flows from the Almighty God to all mankind. He is the source, we are the recipients.
Many people tend to equate blessing with material prosperity. It is true to an extent, for God does bless his servants with material blessings. During Lunar New Year, the most common form of greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai - wishing someone a prosperous New Year. It is evidence of the materialistic thinking of many in our society. But material prosperity itself is not necessarily the sign of divine blessing. Some of God’s greatest blessings come out of pain, suffering and poverty as the lives of many saints testify.
Christians wish one another – New Year Peace – Xin Nian Ping An. Being spiritually blessed is having our relationship with God put right. It is peace with God resulting in peace with each other. And this is the peace the world needs.
Chinese families place much emphasis on the traditional reunion dinner normally held on New Year Eve. In our modern society the day for the banquet has become more flexible as long as this is held within the New Year period. It has to fit in with the schedule of the participants and the availability of bookings at restaurants. The timing is not as important as the spirit for the observation – the reaffirmation of family and kinship ties.
The reunion dinner brings the family members together for a meal and fellowship. During the year there might have been misunderstandings or quarrels and this is the opportunity for family members to meet for reconciliation, restoration and enhancement of relationship. Peace is something that should be ongoing and progressively maintained in our daily living.
“Anyone who claims to be in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him 1 John 2:9-11 (NIV)
So let us all gou nien (cross over to the New Year) with a new attitude of loving one other. It is our Christian duty to set aside resentment or bitterness that mars our relationship with God, our families and our fellowmen. Make the New Year a time of reconciliation and renewal of relationships with God and others. When that happens we are truly blessed.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Facebook and blogging
Many times I've been persuaded to join Facebook, but I declined. Last Thursday evening I attended the Men's Fellowship and someone twisted my arm into joining Facebook and I yielded. Well I had my first lesson last Sunday from Vincent Wong.
Today our Yurong and our grandson David came as usual on a Tuesday to take us shopping. Then they helped to bring the groceries home. They stayed on and gave me a second lesson on Facebook and even put in a picture in for me!
Some time back they, Yurong and David were the ones who persuaded me to set up a blog. I declined at first, but agreed in the end and I must confess, I do enjoy blogging.
We never stop learning do we? When my wife and I retired in 1997,yes, 13 years ago, we thought we would bid good bye to computers, e-mail etc. and enjoy a quiet peaceful life. Well things have not worked out that way. We are as busy as ever, the only difference we can choose to do the things we like doing.
Getting older each day, but still learning.
"It is not how old are you, but how you are old."
"The old believe everything, the middle age suspect everything, the young know everything" Oscar Wilde
Today our Yurong and our grandson David came as usual on a Tuesday to take us shopping. Then they helped to bring the groceries home. They stayed on and gave me a second lesson on Facebook and even put in a picture in for me!
Some time back they, Yurong and David were the ones who persuaded me to set up a blog. I declined at first, but agreed in the end and I must confess, I do enjoy blogging.
We never stop learning do we? When my wife and I retired in 1997,yes, 13 years ago, we thought we would bid good bye to computers, e-mail etc. and enjoy a quiet peaceful life. Well things have not worked out that way. We are as busy as ever, the only difference we can choose to do the things we like doing.
Getting older each day, but still learning.
"It is not how old are you, but how you are old."
"The old believe everything, the middle age suspect everything, the young know everything" Oscar Wilde
Monday, February 1, 2010
Balestier Corps (church)
We began the day by attending the Adult Bible class at William Booth Corps (church). Mrs. Lim Li-Ching led the Bible studies. She used the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac found in Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11: 17-19. She started the lesson by stating the text in Hebrews "He received him in a figure" pointing out that the word 'figure' is the same word used of parables in the gospels. Thus she classified this incident as one of the Old Testament parables. She has been doing a series on parables, first of the New Testament and now the Old Testament. Whenever we are away conducting meetings elsewhere or when I am busy she takes over the class for me. As we had time in the morning, we decided to join them.
We had a quick lunch then then made our way to Bishan by bus.It was good to be able to visit my home Corps (church) once again and to minister to the folk there. The pastors were on leave in Cambodia and so we did the meeting in their absence. Balestier is still using the THQ chapel as their temporary home. The Salvation Army has already purchased the former Eye Hospital at Balestier Road, but they still have to wait for approval for the renovations. I understand it may take another 18 months.
There were about close 35 people present and we had a good time together. After the meeting we adjourned to the multipurpose hall for fellowship and food together. We are glad of the opportunity to go round to encourage, inspire and challenge our people.
I've been with The Salvation Army for 72 years and one of the saddest moments of my life was to learn that the Army had sold the hall at Martaban Road. To me it was a foolish decision made by the previous Territorial Commander. However, the Lord allowed it, so there must be a purpose in it. I believe in all things "God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8: 28.
We thank God for the salvationists and adherents of Balestier Corps who still remain faithful despite the trauma they went through. God bless the Balestier folk.
We had a quick lunch then then made our way to Bishan by bus.It was good to be able to visit my home Corps (church) once again and to minister to the folk there. The pastors were on leave in Cambodia and so we did the meeting in their absence. Balestier is still using the THQ chapel as their temporary home. The Salvation Army has already purchased the former Eye Hospital at Balestier Road, but they still have to wait for approval for the renovations. I understand it may take another 18 months.
There were about close 35 people present and we had a good time together. After the meeting we adjourned to the multipurpose hall for fellowship and food together. We are glad of the opportunity to go round to encourage, inspire and challenge our people.
I've been with The Salvation Army for 72 years and one of the saddest moments of my life was to learn that the Army had sold the hall at Martaban Road. To me it was a foolish decision made by the previous Territorial Commander. However, the Lord allowed it, so there must be a purpose in it. I believe in all things "God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose" Romans 8: 28.
We thank God for the salvationists and adherents of Balestier Corps who still remain faithful despite the trauma they went through. God bless the Balestier folk.
Wedding at a hotel
On Saturday, my wife and I attended our niece's wedding held at Carlton Hotel. We were caught in the massive traffic jam because it was Thaipusam. Anyway we got there just in time to witness the exchange of vows and signing of the register conducted by a JP.
Later in the evening we had the dinner. We sat next a an uncle of the groom who was asked to say grace. He took his stand to declare he was a Christian and asked God's blessing on the people and the food. He and his wife belong to the Assemblies of God.
We continue to pray for the bride and groom as they start their new life together.
Later in the evening we had the dinner. We sat next a an uncle of the groom who was asked to say grace. He took his stand to declare he was a Christian and asked God's blessing on the people and the food. He and his wife belong to the Assemblies of God.
We continue to pray for the bride and groom as they start their new life together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
