Last Sunday at our Prayer meeting, Major Pascoe read Psalm 25 which contains a beautiful prayer "Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me for You are my God and my Saviour." Then in verse 21 we read, "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You." I have been reflecting on that word "integrity."
'INTEGRITY' indicates completeness, wholeness, soundness of principles, the character of uncorrupted virtues, uprightness, honesty, sincerity. Or to put it another way, "Be holy as God is holy."
The Bible clearly indicates that our lives should be one of integrity. Jesus tells us that we should be as good as our word. Are we as good as your word? As Christians we must show integrity in our words and deeds. The keeping of our word depends on the actions that we take.
We must be people of integrity when we deal with all people - inside and outside the church. When we say we are going to do something, it is as good as done! Proverbs 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity How blessed are his sons after him.
I refer to my blog posted on 3rd January 2010 when I asked the question, "Is The Salvation Army still effective?" We can be effective only when God and the people can still trust us. We must be people of integrity, be transparent in all our dealing with people.
Before Thy face, dear Lord,
Myself I want to see;
And while I every question sing,
I want to answer Thee.
While I speak to Thee,
Lord Thy goodness show;
Am I what I ought to be?
O Saviour let me know. Herbert Booth (SASB 409)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
This is my story - 11
11 – Preparation for training
The call of God to be an officer was very definite and there was no getting away from it. The Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Frederick Harvey offered me a job in The Salvation Army as a Candidate Helper of Central Corps. I assisted Lieutenant Douglas Kiff the Corps Officer who at that time was still single.
My duties involved Corps activities and in those days we had them almost every evening and whole day Sunday. There was a full programme on Sunday – Prayer meeting, Directory Class, Holiness meeting, Sunday school, Open air meeting and Salvation meeting. During the week we had band and songsters’ practice, United Holiness meeting, and Torchbearers! During the day time, we were busy with Prisoners’ Aid programme. Ex-prisoners would come to the Army to seek financial assistance. We had to visit their homes to investigate the extent of their need. Then there were visits to two prisons – Queenstown and Changi. We went everywhere on the motor-bike and I rode pillion.
During this time, Lieutenant Douglas Kiff felt the Lord was telling him to recommence Tamil work at Kolam Ayer in the home of Brother Sevanathan who at that time was worshipping at Central Corps. Before the war there was Tamil work at Race Course Road, the work pioneered by Major and Mrs Abraham, officers from India. The Corps closed down during the war. Lieutenant Kiff and I went to the Kolam Ayer area visiting every Tamil family. The area was predominantly Tamil. And we got the work started – the first Tamil corps was formed after the war.
It was a seven day work week for us plus evening duties as well. But I was happy nevertheless. My salary was $80.00 per month. I did not mind that, but I had problem with my family as my mother expected me to contribute to the family budget. My younger brother was still in school and I had to support him. By the time I contributed to the family expenses, I hardly had anything left for myself – enough just for lunch and bus fares.
Much pressure was put on me by my family to get a job with a better salary. In the end I caved in, resigned from my employment with the Army and joined the commercial world. I worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company which paid me a good salary. I was able to contribute significantly to the family budget.
I still spent my evenings in the Army and very much involved in activities at the Central Corps. I was commissioned as the YPSM and Torchbearer Secretary. I enjoyed every moment my ministry at the Central Corps.
Prospects of promotion at Singer Sewing Machine were good and the thought came to me that I might as well continue with secular employment and give my time to the Army as a lay person. My parents were happy now I was able to increase my contribution to the family budget. Surely the Lord would understand my circumstances and after all I could still be a faithful soldier and local officer. The vision of the call began to fade as I prospered materially.
I wrote to Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey expressing my desire to terminate my candidateship and assuring him of my commitment to remain a good soldier of the Army. When he received my letter, he came immediately to my work place and requested me to see him the next day. He waited for me in his office after office hours. We sat down and he listened to all that I had to say before giving me his counsel. He assured me that God would open a way for me and that I had to learn to trust Him.
He then assured me that a session would commence shortly. At that time there were only two candidates (the other was Fong Pui Chan) and he would begin a session in January 1954 regardless of the number of the cadets. I greatly respected and loved Lieut. Colonel Harvey. He was my mentor and even long after they left Singapore kept in contact with me.
I sold my small accordion to a friend for $30.00 and put that towards my uniform. Then I sat for a Corps Cadet Exam and was awarded a small sum of money. I managed to scrape enough to buy my uniform and equipment to enter Training College. I went to Sungei Road and bought a second hand suitcase to put all my earthly belongings. I had to close my Post Office Savings account as it reached zero balance! I had nothing, but I was rich in blessings.
When I told my Father, he was non committal. He had thought at least one of his three sons would one day take over his tools and be a builder. My elder brother became a mechanic and was happy in his work. Physically I was not fit to do such heavy manual work and it would appear my younger brother would not be much good either.
Mother was upset, almost bursting into tears but what could she do, but just had to let me go. She knew my mind was made up. For me there was no option but to obey the call.
So I worked till the end of December 1953 and entered training in January 1954. There were three cadets and the fourth one, Teo Poh Leng was accepted at the last minute and he had to give a month’s notice at Tan Tock Seng Hospital where he was working. So there were four cadets – Fong Pui Chan, Chan Chin Chye, Teoh Poh Leng and myself.
As I look back I give thanks to God for officers like, Captain Cecil Watts, Mrs. Major Rosa Price one of my Corps Officers and certainly the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey who contributed much to my spiritual development.
The call of God to be an officer was very definite and there was no getting away from it. The Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Frederick Harvey offered me a job in The Salvation Army as a Candidate Helper of Central Corps. I assisted Lieutenant Douglas Kiff the Corps Officer who at that time was still single.
My duties involved Corps activities and in those days we had them almost every evening and whole day Sunday. There was a full programme on Sunday – Prayer meeting, Directory Class, Holiness meeting, Sunday school, Open air meeting and Salvation meeting. During the week we had band and songsters’ practice, United Holiness meeting, and Torchbearers! During the day time, we were busy with Prisoners’ Aid programme. Ex-prisoners would come to the Army to seek financial assistance. We had to visit their homes to investigate the extent of their need. Then there were visits to two prisons – Queenstown and Changi. We went everywhere on the motor-bike and I rode pillion.
During this time, Lieutenant Douglas Kiff felt the Lord was telling him to recommence Tamil work at Kolam Ayer in the home of Brother Sevanathan who at that time was worshipping at Central Corps. Before the war there was Tamil work at Race Course Road, the work pioneered by Major and Mrs Abraham, officers from India. The Corps closed down during the war. Lieutenant Kiff and I went to the Kolam Ayer area visiting every Tamil family. The area was predominantly Tamil. And we got the work started – the first Tamil corps was formed after the war.
It was a seven day work week for us plus evening duties as well. But I was happy nevertheless. My salary was $80.00 per month. I did not mind that, but I had problem with my family as my mother expected me to contribute to the family budget. My younger brother was still in school and I had to support him. By the time I contributed to the family expenses, I hardly had anything left for myself – enough just for lunch and bus fares.
Much pressure was put on me by my family to get a job with a better salary. In the end I caved in, resigned from my employment with the Army and joined the commercial world. I worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company which paid me a good salary. I was able to contribute significantly to the family budget.
I still spent my evenings in the Army and very much involved in activities at the Central Corps. I was commissioned as the YPSM and Torchbearer Secretary. I enjoyed every moment my ministry at the Central Corps.
Prospects of promotion at Singer Sewing Machine were good and the thought came to me that I might as well continue with secular employment and give my time to the Army as a lay person. My parents were happy now I was able to increase my contribution to the family budget. Surely the Lord would understand my circumstances and after all I could still be a faithful soldier and local officer. The vision of the call began to fade as I prospered materially.
I wrote to Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey expressing my desire to terminate my candidateship and assuring him of my commitment to remain a good soldier of the Army. When he received my letter, he came immediately to my work place and requested me to see him the next day. He waited for me in his office after office hours. We sat down and he listened to all that I had to say before giving me his counsel. He assured me that God would open a way for me and that I had to learn to trust Him.
He then assured me that a session would commence shortly. At that time there were only two candidates (the other was Fong Pui Chan) and he would begin a session in January 1954 regardless of the number of the cadets. I greatly respected and loved Lieut. Colonel Harvey. He was my mentor and even long after they left Singapore kept in contact with me.
I sold my small accordion to a friend for $30.00 and put that towards my uniform. Then I sat for a Corps Cadet Exam and was awarded a small sum of money. I managed to scrape enough to buy my uniform and equipment to enter Training College. I went to Sungei Road and bought a second hand suitcase to put all my earthly belongings. I had to close my Post Office Savings account as it reached zero balance! I had nothing, but I was rich in blessings.
When I told my Father, he was non committal. He had thought at least one of his three sons would one day take over his tools and be a builder. My elder brother became a mechanic and was happy in his work. Physically I was not fit to do such heavy manual work and it would appear my younger brother would not be much good either.
Mother was upset, almost bursting into tears but what could she do, but just had to let me go. She knew my mind was made up. For me there was no option but to obey the call.
So I worked till the end of December 1953 and entered training in January 1954. There were three cadets and the fourth one, Teo Poh Leng was accepted at the last minute and he had to give a month’s notice at Tan Tock Seng Hospital where he was working. So there were four cadets – Fong Pui Chan, Chan Chin Chye, Teoh Poh Leng and myself.
As I look back I give thanks to God for officers like, Captain Cecil Watts, Mrs. Major Rosa Price one of my Corps Officers and certainly the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey who contributed much to my spiritual development.
Watchnight service and New Year
We had a great time at our church on New Year Eve. At 9.00 pm folk gathered for a barbecue. There was plenty of food for all of us and plenty left over for the weekend.
At 10. p.m. we all gathered at the main hall for our Watch night Service. Many testified of God's goodness during the past year. It was great to hear testimonies - it's like old times, people thanking and praising the Lord. Nowadays that testimony period during the meeting seems to be missing in many of our Churches.
There was silence and at the stroke of 12 midnight, we all burst into cheers and shouts of laughter as we greeted each other "Happy New Year." I'm glad I belong to The Salvation Army and the family of God. Never a moment of regret.
After the service, the youth of the Corps held a retreat under the leadership of Marcus Moo. His wife Maureen was there to be the mother of the group seeing to all their physical needs. I was very impressed with their commitment to the Lord. The group began their retreat at 1.00 a.m. on 1st January and this went on till 5.00 a.m.
They resumed their retreat the next day and I was invited to join them from 1.30 - 3.30 p.m. I was very impressed by their enthusiasm and their desire to grow the church particularly among the youth. The retreat lasted till Sunday - they were physically exhausted. Thank God for our youth. We need to pray for them.
At 10. p.m. we all gathered at the main hall for our Watch night Service. Many testified of God's goodness during the past year. It was great to hear testimonies - it's like old times, people thanking and praising the Lord. Nowadays that testimony period during the meeting seems to be missing in many of our Churches.
There was silence and at the stroke of 12 midnight, we all burst into cheers and shouts of laughter as we greeted each other "Happy New Year." I'm glad I belong to The Salvation Army and the family of God. Never a moment of regret.
After the service, the youth of the Corps held a retreat under the leadership of Marcus Moo. His wife Maureen was there to be the mother of the group seeing to all their physical needs. I was very impressed with their commitment to the Lord. The group began their retreat at 1.00 a.m. on 1st January and this went on till 5.00 a.m.
They resumed their retreat the next day and I was invited to join them from 1.30 - 3.30 p.m. I was very impressed by their enthusiasm and their desire to grow the church particularly among the youth. The retreat lasted till Sunday - they were physically exhausted. Thank God for our youth. We need to pray for them.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Paul's perspectives
First Sunday in January, we resumed our Adult Bible Studies after a month's break. This morning we continued with our studies on the letter to the Philippians. We studied Paul's perspectives on pain and pettiness (Philippians 1: 12-18)
Although in prison Paul continued to witness for Christ. He made a deep impression on the guards as well as the workers in Caesar's household. We learned one very important fact - Paul got on top of his circumstances. How easy it is for us to succumb to circumstances and situations. I pray daily that His grace will enable me to be 'more than conquerors' even over the most difficult of circumstances.
Nothing could rob Paul of the joy in the Lord. Even in prison he could write "Rejoice in the Lord." The secret - he had the right goal. He focused on Christ and had the attitude of his Lord.
Although in prison Paul continued to witness for Christ. He made a deep impression on the guards as well as the workers in Caesar's household. We learned one very important fact - Paul got on top of his circumstances. How easy it is for us to succumb to circumstances and situations. I pray daily that His grace will enable me to be 'more than conquerors' even over the most difficult of circumstances.
Nothing could rob Paul of the joy in the Lord. Even in prison he could write "Rejoice in the Lord." The secret - he had the right goal. He focused on Christ and had the attitude of his Lord.
Is The Salvation Army still effective?
Every morning my wife and I wake up at 5.30 a.m. and listen to BBC, then we go for our morning walk. At 7.00 a.m. we have our breakfast and again listen to the news in full.
This morning we listened to the programme called Global Business and the subject was "The Salvation Army." It was a very interesting commentary on the Army. It began with Peter Druckers' comment on the Army in USA. It was very positive.
The commentator then raised a question "Is The Salvation Army still as effective?" It recorded the interviews with a number of people who had benefited from the Army's social programme. We also heard the comments from our own people - Commissioner Bill Cochrane, Lieut. Colonel Marion Drew and a number of others.
Why do the Government and public still support us? Our two senior officers used one word -TRUST. I thought to myself - what a responsibility for us. We need to keep renewing ourselves, find new ways to meet changing trends and be true to our mission. General John Gowans sums this up beautifully - to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. Above all we need to be people of high integrity so that others can trust us. What an awesome responsibility.
This morning we listened to the programme called Global Business and the subject was "The Salvation Army." It was a very interesting commentary on the Army. It began with Peter Druckers' comment on the Army in USA. It was very positive.
The commentator then raised a question "Is The Salvation Army still as effective?" It recorded the interviews with a number of people who had benefited from the Army's social programme. We also heard the comments from our own people - Commissioner Bill Cochrane, Lieut. Colonel Marion Drew and a number of others.
Why do the Government and public still support us? Our two senior officers used one word -TRUST. I thought to myself - what a responsibility for us. We need to keep renewing ourselves, find new ways to meet changing trends and be true to our mission. General John Gowans sums this up beautifully - to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. Above all we need to be people of high integrity so that others can trust us. What an awesome responsibility.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Gate of the Year
In his Christmas broadcast in 1939, King George VI quoted from a poem entitled The Gate of the Year published privately in 1908 by Marie Louise Haskins, a lecturer at the London School of Economics.
His Majesty quoted:
“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year.
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’
The Christmas we anticipated has come and gone. We have just crossed over into the New Year 2010. Time with relentless motion has carried us through all sorts of situations and circumstances. We’ve been through joy and pain, laughter and tears, yes varied have been the experiences. We have had our moments of rejoicing and times of regret. Now we wonder what this year will bring.
We can take a new road in company with Jesus our Lord. The world without Christ is one of darkness and insecurity. Jesus the Light of the world dispels the world’s spiritual darkness.
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom.
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark and I am far from home:
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask the see
The distant scene; one step enough for me. (John Newman)
His Majesty quoted:
“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year.
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’
The Christmas we anticipated has come and gone. We have just crossed over into the New Year 2010. Time with relentless motion has carried us through all sorts of situations and circumstances. We’ve been through joy and pain, laughter and tears, yes varied have been the experiences. We have had our moments of rejoicing and times of regret. Now we wonder what this year will bring.
We can take a new road in company with Jesus our Lord. The world without Christ is one of darkness and insecurity. Jesus the Light of the world dispels the world’s spiritual darkness.
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom.
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark and I am far from home:
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask the see
The distant scene; one step enough for me. (John Newman)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Reflection on 31st December 2009
At the stroke of mid-night we shall usher in the New Year – 2010. I hear the lament time and time again, “Where has all the time gone?”
Consider two Greek words that refer to time. Time measured by the clock is called Chronos – space of time made up of hours, minutes and seconds, a measurable quantity. The clock ticks on relentlessly, defying our attempts to get everything done as planned. In desperation we cry out, “Sorry I can’t get this done on time.” Time controls our lives, keeps us going and these days it tends to stress us to breaking point to complete our allotted task.
The older we get the faster appears the flight of time. We hear again the lament, ‘Where has all the time gone?’ It has been well written;
When as a child I slept and wept,
Time crept.
When as a youth I laughed and talked,
Time walked.
When I became a full grown man,
Time ran.
And older as I daily grew,
Time flew.
Soon I shall find in travelling on,
Time gone
Scientists are capable of making great discoveries, but no one has ever come up with a gadget to reverse time. We may recall events of past, good or bad, but we cannot return to recapture lost time or opportunity.
There is another word for time – Kairos. This is time from God’s perspective, God’s time, the right time for something to happen, the opportune moment. God Who is eternal, is always on time, even when we don’t think so. He chooses the right time to act to reveal Himself. It is important in our busyness to take time for God and let Him reveal His timing for us. We must live in such a way as to be open to Him when He chooses to break through to us unexpectedly. Let us be alert at all times to hear His voice speaking to us.
Psalm 90 paints us several pictures of life on earth emphasising the brevity of life. It is a call to us to make best use of the time we have on earth. Our physical body is of dust and to dust we will return at death. We are like grass – it springs up very quickly, then it is cut down and withered. However long we may live on earth, life comes to an end and we return to our Maker God. Let us face realities and make preparations for that day.
Let us end the old year and begin the new one with this prayer, ‘Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well. (Psalm 90: 12 The Message)
Consider two Greek words that refer to time. Time measured by the clock is called Chronos – space of time made up of hours, minutes and seconds, a measurable quantity. The clock ticks on relentlessly, defying our attempts to get everything done as planned. In desperation we cry out, “Sorry I can’t get this done on time.” Time controls our lives, keeps us going and these days it tends to stress us to breaking point to complete our allotted task.
The older we get the faster appears the flight of time. We hear again the lament, ‘Where has all the time gone?’ It has been well written;
When as a child I slept and wept,
Time crept.
When as a youth I laughed and talked,
Time walked.
When I became a full grown man,
Time ran.
And older as I daily grew,
Time flew.
Soon I shall find in travelling on,
Time gone
Scientists are capable of making great discoveries, but no one has ever come up with a gadget to reverse time. We may recall events of past, good or bad, but we cannot return to recapture lost time or opportunity.
There is another word for time – Kairos. This is time from God’s perspective, God’s time, the right time for something to happen, the opportune moment. God Who is eternal, is always on time, even when we don’t think so. He chooses the right time to act to reveal Himself. It is important in our busyness to take time for God and let Him reveal His timing for us. We must live in such a way as to be open to Him when He chooses to break through to us unexpectedly. Let us be alert at all times to hear His voice speaking to us.
Psalm 90 paints us several pictures of life on earth emphasising the brevity of life. It is a call to us to make best use of the time we have on earth. Our physical body is of dust and to dust we will return at death. We are like grass – it springs up very quickly, then it is cut down and withered. However long we may live on earth, life comes to an end and we return to our Maker God. Let us face realities and make preparations for that day.
Let us end the old year and begin the new one with this prayer, ‘Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well. (Psalm 90: 12 The Message)
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