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)

The Gift of Friendship

We spent seven and half years in Hong Kong and Taiwan (January 1983-June 1990) and made many new friends. We have lost contact with many but some still keep in touch with us. What a joy to have Mrs. Colonel Alice Lau in Singapore this Christmas. She is visiting her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Gina. We were privileged to spend some time together and as the Cantonese would call it - yam char (had a meal) at Food Haven.

The year 2009 is coming to an end. We've been thinking and praying for our many friends who have enriched out lives. Thank God for friends.

The Gift of Friendship

Friendship is a Priceless Gift
That cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain made with gold -
For gold is cold and lifeless,
It can neither see nor hear,
And in the time of trouble
It is powerless to cheer -
It has no ears to listen,
No heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand -
So when you ask God for a gift,
Be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls or riches,
But the love of real true friends. (Helen Steiner Rice)

Christmas Day 2009

We were at Bishan Chinese Corps (church) on Christmas Day and enjoyed every moment of our time with the folk there. It is a fast growing church, the hall was filled to overflowing. It's always a joy to visit this church - the people are all very friendly and enthusiastic for the kingdom.

Lieut. Colonel Tan Thean Seng enrolled eight senior soldiers and accepted four adherents.

Christmas lunch was provided for the worshippers. We came away feeling very blessed and thank God for allowing us to minister to these good folk.

GOD IS WITH US

How good to know that God is with us still.
We must have tested well, His patient love,
Our waywardness, our protestations shrill
Must long have wearied angel hosts above.
We do not merit God's great constancy,
So much He does, and gives yet we reject,
His views by right should be hostility
And yet, we still remain, His own elect.

He then is with us, with us everyday,
In patience, wisdom, strength and gentle grace,
Is with us in our work and in our play,
And puts the light of heaven on our face.

Immanuel. that promise-laden name,
At once our hope, reality and claim. (Harry Read)

This is my story - 10

10 – The call to officership at Youth Councils
“All young people take note. Youth councils led by the Officer Commanding, Lieut. Colonel William Darby, will be held at the Central Corps, 30 Oxley Road.” announced the Corps Officer, Captain Cecil Watts of Balestier Road Corps one Sunday. I almost fell off my chair when he announced the date! Did I hear it right? No mistake! It was confirmed in a poster on the notice board! Youth Councils to be held on the second day of Chinese New Year! Unbelievable! And the Officer Commanding worked for many years as a missionary in China before being appointed here!

To me, Chinese New Year was and still is a special occasion. It is a time of celebration, reunion, visiting our relatives and friends. As a youngster it was my responsibility to visit my uncles and aunts to pay our respects. It was a worthwhile and profitable exercise, for I would be given “ang pows” (red packets with money inside) It is the custom among the Chinese for the young to visit their seniors and employees to visit their employers. The elderly are specially remembered. We just go and visit to pay our respects, no invitation is required.

Here I was on the horns of a dilemma! Should I listen to my officers and attend Youth Councils, and incur the displeasure or even wrath of my parents? Should I think of some excuse and stay away from these special meetings prepared for youth? After some struggle, I chose to attend Youth councils, much to the disappointment of my parents. Anyway, I worked extra hard in visiting the relatives on the first day so that I could spend the second day at the Army.

The theme for the youth councils was “The Old Chariot” As I reflect on this theme today, I have to smile, for who in Singapore knew what a chariot looked like! We used to have bullock carts, horses and carriages, rickshaws, and tricycles but chariots, goodness knows what they were! It would have been better to use the picture of a rickshaw and sing “We’ll pull the rickshaw along.”

So the youth of Balestier and Central united for Youth Councils. There were only two Army Corps in Singapore at that time. Never mind it was Chinese New Year, we entered wholeheartedly into the meetings. We sang with gusto, clapped our hands and waved our flags! It was most enjoyable. Being in the Army hall with other young people was the best way to celebrate the festive season.

We sang this chorus repeatedly, “So we’ll roll the old chariot along and we won’t drag on behind.” Then the verses “If the devil’s in the way we will roll it over him, and we won’t drag on behind. If the sinner’s in the way we will stop to pick him in. And we won’t drag on behind.” By the way this chorus ‘the old chariot’ is still in our Song Book Chorus section number 224 under the heading of “Warfare.” I wonder how many readers remember singing this old song!

There were a number of very challenging messages given by the officers. They spoke about the chariot rolling to different countries like India, China, Japan and so on. They spoke about trials, tribulations and triumphs! We were then challenged to roll the old chariot.

There were three sessions of meetings and at the last one appeal was made for those who wanted to be officers. I was challenged as I thought of the countless people without the gospel. I made my way to the Mercy Seat and covenanted to “roll the old chariot along” for the rest of my life. That covenant is still intact, thanks be to God.

Unbeknown to me, a young lady knelt at the Mercy Seat in the same meeting. She too heard the voice of God calling her to be a Salvation Army officer. That teenage girl, Fong Pui Chan was to enter training to be an officer in the same session in 1954. At that time we did not know each other. Looking back I can trace the hand of God in our lives, for on 7th June 1958 we were united in marriage. It was all divine planning and together we are still rolling the old chariot, albeit with a slower pace as age catches up with us.

We do not need horses to pull this old chariot, but trust in the Lord Almighty to give us strength to roll it along. We have rolled it over smooth and rough places, over hills and valleys, in sunshine and through stormy weather, under pleasant and difficult circumstances, but we have always proved God’s grace to be sufficient. “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days so thy strength shall be.” Deut. 33:25 (KJV) There has been no regrets that we committed our lives to God on that memorable Chinese New Year in 1949 when we were still students! The call of God was unmistakable!

Grandson Andrew with us

For the the last couple of days our youngest grandson Andrew has been with us during the day. The parents are at work, the brother and sister have gone with some Central Corps youth to the States for holiday, the helper has returned to Indonesia for three weeks' holiday. His father drops him at our place on his way to office and picks him up in the evening.

On Tuesday we took her with us to Peacehaven. He walked into Ms.Chang Siew Mei's office and gave her pleasant surprise! When she saw him, she thought it was a volunteer and when he greeted her and identified himself, she hugged him and kept saying, "This is the best Christmas present for this year!" Siew Mei is very fond of Andrew. It was nine years ago since we last took her to Peacehaven. He was only two then and every week we took him with us when we went for chapel service.

I am typing this at our son's home. Andrew is waiting for his private tutor to come at 3.00 p.m. I shall stay till his Mummy comes home this evening.

While we were overseas, our two older children got married. Five grandchildren arrived during our time overseas in Hong Kong, Philippines and England. Andrew was born after we retired, even then when he came I was away in Chicago conducting Bible studies and preaching the word.

We thank God for our family - three children and six grandchildren. Our youngest daughter, 40 years old is in Peacehaven Nursing Home where she receives tender loving care. God has wonderfully provided for all our needs. Life in Christ is indeed wonderful. To Him be praise and glory.

One Christmas One Hope

Orchard Road is beautifully lit up for the Christmas Season. Thousands of people, local and from overseas visit the area everyday and night. I took the bus, stopped outside Tang Plaza and walked to Plaza Singapura where there is the Nativity Village. A stage is set up there and choirs and musical groups sing carols nightly. Drama groups put on plays about the coming of Jesus.

Many young people dressed up as Mary and Joseph, soldiers, shepherds,wise men and angels mingle with the crowds every night.

Nightly performance are given by different Christian groups from 7-11 p.m. all along Orchard Road. Young people give out tracts and I even received a packet of tissue with "Jesus loves you" in Chinese printed on it.

There is a lovely international atmosphere. The performers are not all Singaporeans. Among those taking part are Christians from all over the world particularly from the Asean countries.

Mingling among the crowds are people of all races and religions. Certainly there is plenty of freedom here despite the criticisms of some westerners about our type of democracy. We all have freedom to choose our own religion. Mosques are allowed their minarets, churches have their crosses, Hindu temples have carvings of their gods, Chinese temples have their dragons.

And we all can celebrate Christmas and do not have to change the name to Winterval or simply refer to it as a festive season. Yes, we boldly celebrate the Incarnation of Christ and we called it CHRISTMAS!

It's not just Orchard Road, but all over Singapore - Suntec City, Vivo City, Chinatown, plus all the shopping Plazas and hotels are beautifully decorated.

The Brazil Continental Singers are here to perform for Christmas.

Make a trip to Orchard Road and see for see for yourself. It's worth the effort.

Christmas celebration at Peacehaven

What a great evening we had. We were truly blessed. This year the celebration was held at the entrance of Peacehaven.

The staff enacted the Nativity Story. After the drama we visited one of the Living Areas and sang carols. I accompanied the singing with my concertina.

Then we sat down and had a sumptuous Christmas Dinner.

The Lord has been blessing the Army's ministry at Peacehaven. There are now almost 400 residents - the biggest Nursing Home in Singapore under the very efficient leadership of Madam Low Mui Lan, a very active and enthusiastic salvationist.

My wife and I have been involved with this Home since the day we returned to Singapore for retirement and have enjoyed twelve and half years of voluntary service that have brought much fulfilment and blessing to our lives. We conduct chapel services every Tuesday and also visit the residents.

Our third child, Dora is a resident in the Home wonderfully cared for by the staff.

God bless Peacehaven, the staff and residents.

This is my life - 9

Involvement in The Salvation Army
Captain Cecil Watts was an excellent Corps Officer (pastor) of Balestier Corps. He really cared for the people and spent a lot of his time visiting his flock. The only transport he had was a rickety old bicycle. Some days, Sunday as well, he would carry his piano accordion tied to the pillion of his bike. It was not safe for him to leave this musical instrument in the hall – a wooden hall with atap roof. People could easily break in when no one was around. Martaban Road was in a quiet secluded area.

We had several families attached to the Corps and many young people living around the Balestier area were actively involved. Sunday meetings were:-
Holiness meeting 10.00 a.m,
Sunday School at 3.00 p.m.
Open air meeting at 5.00 p.m.
Salvation meeting at 6.00 p.m.

Every Saturday we joined the Combined Corps Open Air meeting at Dhoby Ghaut near Cathay Building. Later the venue was changed to Princess Elizabeth Walk near the Cenotaph.

Other week night activities included Joy Hour for children, Torchbearers for Youth, Singing Company Practices and Songsters’ Practice. For the ladies there was a weekly Home League meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Those were the days before television and the internet, so we had lots of time to spend at the Army.

I enjoyed the activities at The Salvation Army. I became a soldier, then a Corps Cadet. At the age of seventeen I was made a Sunday Teacher or Company Guard in Army terminology and given a class of boys to teach. The Captain held a weekly preparation class for the Sunday school teachers to make sure we knew the lesson well. He certainly knew and practised the ministry of equipping the laity for service in God’s Kingdom. I was kept busy at the Corps and finding much joy and fulfilment in the work of the Lord.

There was very little leisure time for I had to give private tuition to a few students thus earning some income for my own school fees and books. In those days the fees for Secondary School was $4.00 quite a princely sum for me. I was studying in Raffles Institution located at the junction of Bras Basah and Beach Roads quite a distance from my home. I needed money for bus fares and often lunch as well when I had to stay back for school activities.

Mrs. Captain Watts suffered poor health and could not give much practical support to her husband at the Corps. In the end Captain and Mrs. Watts with their two children Margaret a toddler and Michael the baby, had to return to England before his term of five years was due. Corps folk were very sad for they were well loved.

Years later when my wife and I were stationed in England, we were invited conduct meetings at the Welsh Corps called Llanelli where Michael and his wife were the Corps Officers. By that time Brigadier Cecil Watts lived in retirement not far from us and we were able to visit him regularly.

Captain and Mrs Watts were succeeded by Major and Mrs. Joseph Jordan. They were in charge of the Red Shield Services (not RSI). In those days there were many British servicemen or soldiers stationed in Singapore and the Majors’ responsibility was to see to their welfare. The Corps was an additional appointment and apart from conducting the meetings on Sundays, we hardly saw them for they were busy at the Red Shield Club, 40 Orchard Road. There was little or no pastoral visitation and the folk were getting discouraged. A number left the Corps to join other churches.

But thank God there were the saints like Mrs. Ong, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Norman Lim and a few faithful seniors who cared for us and gave us all the encouragement we needed.

When Major and Mrs. Joseph Jordan were transferred to Ipoh, Mrs. Major Rosa Price was appointed as the Corps Officer. Her husband Major Will A Price was the Public Relations Secretary. He spent most of his time raising funds for the support of the work of the Army. Often he would travel to Malaysia to collect donations.

The Prices, particularly Mrs. Price had a great influence on my life. She was my mentor and did much to encourage me. I used to help her son Nigel with his mathematics and she would give me a few dollars each month as pocket money. It must be very hard on her as officers at that time received very little in the way of allowance.

Every Thursday evening there was the Combined Holiness meeting held at Central Corps. 30 Oxley Road. We all had to make our own way there by public transport and we didn’t mind for it was a joy to share fellowship with Salvationists of Central Corps. On occasions when it was her turn to conduct the meeting she would use me to lead songs or give my testimony. On two occasions I was asked to give the message. The officers knew of my intention to enter the Training College some day and did all they could to help me fulfil my calling.

I sometimes wonder what would have happened to me had I not met The Salvation Army. As an introvert I might end up as a recluse. But the Army provided me the opportunity to interact with others. Balestier being a small Corps, I had to be totally involved and pushed to take leadership. I am what I am because of the tremendous interest shown by the Balestier folk in the early days of my life and the support given by officers like the Harveys, the Watts and the Prices. Many more of God’s saints have come into my life since then and as the story unfolds you will be reading about them in later chapters.

A Prayer for you

My wife and I stood outside Tangs Plaza to do our kettling this morning. We are glad we still have the strength to stand for the two hour period to ring kettles and talk with the people. What a joy to see the smiles of the people as they put their contribution into the kettle.

We were delighted to have our Territorial Commander and his wife - Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge visit us this afternoon. They took time out of their busy schedule to make pastoral visits to the officers, including retirees like us. We thank God for such caring and compassionate leaders.

Now a prayer for all the readers of this blog.

"God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas which is love;
the radiance of Christmas which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas which is justice;
the belief in Christmas which is truth;
and all of Christmas which is Christ." (Wilda English)

Jesus loves me this I know

Karl Barth the great theologian was asked if he could condensed all the theology he had ever written into one simple sentence. He replied, "Yes, I can. Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so."

This is one of the favourite hymns of the residents of Peacehaven. They sing it in Cantonese, Hokkien and English.

And this is what Christmas is all about. "Jesus loves me this I know."

Emmanuel

Emmanuel – God with us
The word Immanuel is the Hebrew name for ‘God with us.’ The Greek form of the same name is Emmanuel. The promise in Isaiah 7: 14 and 8:8 was a sign God gave Ahaz. He was caught in a tight spot not knowing what to do and where to turn for help when threatened by enemies. This reigning monarch was very weak in faith. God gave the promise of a sign - ‘virgin who would conceive and bear a son to be called Immanuel.’ That promise given through Isaiah was meant to shore up faith for the nation. They must put their trust in God Almighty. Sadly the King had His own plans for the security of his nation.

At times we are like Ahaz. Our faith in God falters and we make our own plans for our own security. We all need to learn to stand in awe of God’s love and wisdom and accept His plans for our future.

There is an old hymn written by John Neale in 1851 entitled Veni Emmanuel which translated means ‘O come Emmanuel’ It picks ups the yearnings and expectations of the Israelites in exile. They were waiting for the Deliverer – the Messiah.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

In the New Testament we read of the angel’s message given to Joseph quoting from the prophet Isaiah. ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel - which means God with us.” Matt. 1:23

Let us give recognition and pay homage to Christ, our Emmanuel – God with us. How comforting to know He has come and He is with us all the time.

God is with us all the time,
In the morning when joy bells chime,
In the evening when lights are low;
Our God is with us everywhere we go. (SASB. Chorus 123)

Pray this prayer written by Colonel Henry Gariepy in his book “100 Portraits of Christ’

“Immanuel, abide with me all through life. Thus enriched by Your fellowship, strengthened by Your presence, and led by Your guidance, I shall be able to walk life’s pathway victoriously.”

Christmas readiness

Are you willing -
To stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children;
To remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old;
To stop asking how much your friends love you, and to ask yourself whether you love them enough.
To bear in mind the things that other people have to bear in their hearts.
To trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you.
To make a grave for your ugly thoughts and a garden for your kindly feelings, with your gate open.
Are you willing to do these things for today? Then you are ready for Christmas.(Written by Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) American clergyman, educator and author. Professor of English Literature at Princeton from 1899-1923)

My prayer for today "Lord give me the grace to so live that I can truthfully say "I'm ready for Christmas."

Christmas Tinsel

Here is another poem by General John Gowans (R)

Tinsel
The superficial often blinds my eyes
And I'm entranced until, with sad surprise
I see the tawdry stuff is only tin
And wonder why I was so taken in!

Sharpen my vision, sanctify my sight,
And help me get my valuations right.

We all need to pray this prayer too.

Gift unspeakable

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift" 2 Corinthians 9: 15

What is an unspeakable gift? It must be something of inestimable value. You simply cannot put a price tag on this gift. Words simply are inadequate to describe this gift.

"Today you see in a stable
The Word speechless.
Greatness in smallness
Immensity in blankets." (Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz)

Well, we can accept or reject this gift. Let's accept God's Gift of Jesus and say with sincerity, "Thank You Lord for this Gift"

We were out kettling this morning outside Tangs Plaza. I don't know how many times during that two hour stand, we said, "Thank you" to our donors. In Malay, we say "Terima Kaseh" meaning "I accept your love." What a beautiful translation for 'thank you.'

Lord, I truly accept Your love.

Incarnation - God born among us.

General John Gowans has enriched the church with his poetry. I am sharing with you a well crafted poem called Incarnation.

My finite mind and fumbling thoughts
Still find it hard
To grasp the message printed on
My Christmas card;
That God's superb redemption plan
In Beth'lem's barn began.

What beautiful alliteration! What literary skill! I've been richly blessed by the writings of John Gowans.

This is my story - 8

8 –Influence of Roman Catholicism
My grandmother with whom I enjoyed a close relationship was getting quite frail. She must have sensed her life was coming to an end.

One day she called the family together and told them that before her marriage she was a Roman Catholic, but had given up her faith to marry my grandfather. Now it was her desire to return to her church. This was news to everyone for all through the years she participated in idol and ancestor worship and no one knew she was ever a Christian.

Her children contacted the priest of the Church of St. Peter and Paul. A Chinese priest, an old man with a long white beard came to reaccept her as a member of the church. He performed certain rituals and readmitted her into the Catholic Church. This was 1945 when the Japanese were still in power in the region.

The priest whom we addressed as ‘Father’ then told us to attend his church which we did. So every Sunday morning I went with my family to church. I could not understand a word, but faithfully imitated the actions of other worshippers such as dipping my fingers into the water at the entrance of the church and making the sign of the cross. When they knelt, I knelt. When they stood up, I did the same. The worship was quite different from what I was used to in the Salvation Army Sunday school.

The priest sent a Catholic teacher who came once a week to our house to teach us catechism and prayers. She spoke only Teochew. I was given a rosary and I learned to say the prayers, all in Teochew, my ‘mother tongue’ which I acquired through my parents and grandparents. Frankly, I spoke bazaar Teochew mixed with Malay. I don’t understand proper Teochew. So I learned by rote those prayers in Teochew and recited them with little understanding!

One day Grandmother was very ill and the family called the priest to perform the last rites. Grandmother died just before the British returned to Singapore. Her funeral was held at the Catholic Church and her body buried at the Catholic section at Bidadari Cemetery at Upper Serangoon Road.

My uncle being the only surviving son felt it his duty to look after the family ancestral tablets. He decided that he would not retain the crucifix in his house. So the relatives agreed that my family would embrace the Catholic faith and keep Grandmother’s religious icons. The other aunts and their families all wanted to keep their non-Christian faith.

So Mother set up the Catholic altar at our house and every evening I knelt before the crucifix and recited prayers using the rosary. It was quite repetitious and some nights I was so tired, I would cheat by moving two beads and sometimes three at one go to hasten the prayers! You see I had to get up very early to collect water from the tap shared by twelve families. By now I was already about thirteen years old still very shy and inwardly rebellious. I always felt sister being the only girl was the favoured one; elder brother being the oldest in the family was always given preferential treatment; and youngest brother was spoilt. That was my impression. Looking back I can see I had very low self image.

The British returned in August 1945.There were not enough schools to cater for children and preference was given to those of the right age. I was already three and half years behind! Mother was very busy trying to earn extra money to support the family. She simply did not have the time to see that I get into some school. I scouted around and eventually got into St. Andrew’s afternoon school at Upper Serangoon Road. I could not afford the bus fare so would walk by taking a short cut from Lorong Limau through Whanpoa area, at that time empty land covered with lalang (tall grass) and emerged through St. Michael’s Road to Upper Serangoon Road.

I persisted in trying to get back to my old School – Rangoon Road Primary school. I believe God was there to intervene. One day I boldly stepped into Rangoon Road School and made my way to the Headmaster’s office. With fear and trembling, I approached the headmaster Mr. Yeo Bock Hoe, a very short, stern man and said, “I want to enter school.” I had memorised those words!

He gave me a good look and must have taken pity on this nervous lad. He sent me to the Standard Three teacher, a Mr. Goh who gave me a test in English and Arithmetic. To cut the long story short, I was accepted into Std 3 B. There in the same class was a former Salvation Army Sunday School boy by the name of David Ooi Keng Teow one of my former Sunday School lads from Balestier Corps.

He had already rejoined The Salvation Army which was now at Martaban Road. The Army had built an atap house on the land belonging to Mrs. Palmer, a Home Leaguer. Later she became a Salvationist and sold the land to the Army for a token sum of $3000.00.

David invited me to attend the Army, but I declined the invitation as I had already promised the priest that I would be a Roman Catholic. One Sunday he came to my house to take me to the Army. I politely refused. He came three successive Sundays and at last just to please him, I went. Well, it was like old times again. I was warmly welcomed. It was the prodigal returning home, the lost sheep back to the fold. I felt this was where I belonged. The General Secretary Brigadier Frederick Harvey was holding on at the Corps as there was no Corps Officer. I enjoyed the singing and the Bible stories! Brigadier Harvey was a great story teller, and concertina player! I enjoyed the singing and admired the way he handled his concertina, swinging it as he played!

A couple of weeks later Captain Cecil Watts was appointed to take charge of the corps. This new Captain was a good visitor of his flock and did not hesitate to visit our family. He came and helped me in my homework and really took a great interest in me. I was very touched when I saw him cleaning the hall himself. On Saturdays he would be there to see to the garden. There was no hall keeper. He cycled everywhere and even on Sundays would cycle to the Corps with his piano accordion tied to this bicycle. It was his love, compassion and godly living that won my heart.

I stopped attending the Roman Catholic Church, much to the disappointment of my mother. Father didn’t care much as he was hardly home. Only my sister went with Mother to the Catholic Church and later they were baptised as Catholics. My younger brother came with me to The Army, but later he left and went back to the Catholic Church as he wanted to get into St.Joseph’s School.

Looking back I believe my involvement with the Roman Catholic church for that brief period of time was one of God’s ways of preparing me for my service some forty plus years later in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country. God’s ways are always perfect!

Second Sunday in Advent

Adult Bible class has been cancelled for the month of December for good reasons. A number of our folk who normally attend Bible class on Sunday morning are very much involved in Christmas activities such as kettling. Some will be going away for Christmas holidays.

It has been a joy conducting the Bible class, but it does involve a lot of preparation. So I am taking a little rest this month.

Our Territorial Leaders Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge did the meeting this morning. We were indeed blessed. They are also soldiers of our Corps. Normally they sit in the congregation, but today they were on the platform leading in worship.

Several of our bandsmen and bandswomen were away today, so I was invited to play the horn. We started the meeting with just five players, but later three more turned up. I quite enjoyed playing.

Gracehaven Christmas Programme and Dinner

What a delight it was to join our many friends at Gracehaven for their Christmas Party on Saturday night 5th December. The children put on a great show. The platform was decorated like a ship and we imagined ourselves 'on board this ship.' Magnificent display of items by the children and youth. Great entertainment and a good spiritual message.

After the concert we all were hosted to a lovely dinner.

Once a month we conduct devotions with the staff of Gracehaven. That's our small contribution to the Home. God bless Gracehaven

Christmas Party - Haven Children's Home

My wife and I were privileged to be invited to the Haven Children's Home for their annual Christmas Party on Friday 4th December. We had a lovely delicious Christmas dinner. After that we adjourned to the hall to have the programme. It was all about stars with the emphasis on the Star of Bethlehem - Jesus Christ.

I was given the privilege to share a short devotional message on "The Star of Christmas" It is our prayer that the children under the care of The Salvation Army will learn about Jesus - the Bright and Morning Star.

This is my story - 7

The Mercy Seat

Walk into any Salvation Army Corps (Church) and you will notice in front of the platform is the Mercy Seat – our Altar. The Year Book describes it: “A bench provided as a place where people can kneel to pray, seeking salvation or sanctification, or making a special consecration to God’s will and service. The Mercy Seat is usually situated between the platform and the main area of Army halls as a focal point to remind all of God’s reconciling and redeeming presence.”

We use different names to describe the Mercy Seat – the Penitent Form or the Altar. Whatever name we use is precious to the Salvationist.

The war was on. Japanese fighting planes were dropping bombs on targeted areas. Houses burning, people fleeing for refuge! The fall of Singapore was imminent.

In the shadows of the evening, a group of young people in their teens made their way to the Army hall. Their eyes were focused on the Mercy Seat. All of them had at some time or other knelt at this same Mercy Seat to seek forgiveness for their sins, to seek healing, or to rededicate their lives to God. It meant much to them.

With their own pocket money they hired a small lorry. It waited outside the hall. Out came this group of youthful Salvationists carrying the wooden bench – their altar, the Mercy Seat. They placed it, plus Song Books and Bibles on to the lorry and it sped off.

When they got to their destination, other Salvationists were waiting with paint and brushes. They quickly painted over the words “TO THE UTTERMOST HE SAVES” There hidden away in someone’s home was the Mercy Seat. It remained unused for three and a half years.

Fast forward to August 1945. The British returned to Singapore. Prison doors opened and our officers returned to the hall. The first thing they did was to have a thanksgiving meeting. Never mind there was no Army flag and no Mercy Seat. For to Salvationists they were mere symbols. They sang praises unto God and thanked Him for their deliverance from prison. They read the word of God and prayed.

Suddenly a lorry arrived and stopped outside the Army hall. Out rushed the youthful Salvationists their faces radiant with joy as they carried the Mercy Seat and placed it at its rightful place!

Missionary officers and locals hugged each other and danced for joy. There wasn’t a dry eye that day as they celebrated their freedom. At the conclusion of the meeting all knelt at the Mercy Seat to rededicate their lives to God. The Mercy Seat was wet with tears – tears of joy!

I know the story is true for it was told to me by those who were present in that meeting – Commissioners Frederick Harvey and W Stan Cottrill and Major Will A Price.

Later when the Training College was opened in January 1954, this same Mercy Seat was placed at the College chapel at 207 Clemenceau Avenue. A new text is written on it, “FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLETH YOU.” It is a reminder that God who called us into the ministry will always remain faithful to us. The first four cadets of the Shepherds’ Session knelt at this Mercy Seat to sign their covenants. Subsequent sessions did the same. Praise God, He Who called us is always faithful.

Today that same Mercy Seat is at THQ chapel at Bishan. Our brothers and sisters in Christ still use it.

In days long past the mercy seat
Was made of purest gold;
‘Twas placed upon the sacred ark,
Love’s meaning to unfold.
Within the holiest place God planned
Redemption’s grace to show;
More sacred now is Calvary’s hill
Where healing waters flow.

Thy blood, O Jesus, spotless Lamb
Once lifted up to die,
Was shed to cleanse our fallen race
And lead them to realms on high.
No one too sinful, or too low,
Too desolate, too blind,
But here before the mercy seat
Can full deliverance find.

O hallow now our mercy seat,
Thou Son of God most high!
Here may the lame man leap for joy,
The dumb sound joyful cry,
The sin-sick soul, though wearied sore,
By evil power possessed,
The halt, the blind, the great, the small,
Find peace from sins confessed.

We seek the healing of the Thy cross,
The mercy of Thy grace;
Here at this sacred mercy seat
May we behold Thy face;
Here may we glimpse Thy holiness,
Here on our souls descend,
Here may we meet, and talk with Thee,
Our Master and our friend. (Doris N Rendell, SASB 590)

An evening prayer

O Loving Heavenly Father, You created my being to serve You, and my soul to follow hard after You. With sorrow and contrition of heart I acknowledge my faults and failings.

My failure to be true to the standards I have set for myself.
My choosing of the wrong path when I should have known better.
Lord forgive.
My blindness to the suffering and pain of others,
My slowness to see the good in others.
Lord forgive.

"Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Kettling 2009

Just came home after kettling outside Tangs Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. After that my wife and I were invited out for lunch - a delicious Christmas lunch. We have committed ourselves to do kettling every Thursday.

The Origin of The Salvation Army Christmas Kettling

In 1891 Captain Joseph McFee in San Francisco, USA was very determined to provide a free Christmas dinner for the poor. But where would he get the money? Then he recalled his younger days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. On the pier there had been a large pot called "Simpson's pot" into which people passing by would throw donations for charity.

The next day he got permission from the authorities to put a similar pot at the Oakland ferry pier where it could be seen by all. Thus a tradition was launched. By Christmas 1895 the Christmas kettle was used by 30 Salvation Army Corps in the West Coast States.

In 1898 The Salvation Army kettles were "the newest and most novel device for collecting money" report the New York World. In 1901 funds from the New York City's kettle provided the first mamoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden for the homeless. This custom continued for many years.

Kettles are now seen in many parts of the world - Korea, Japan, Chile and even here in Singapore. Everywhere, public contributions to the kettles enable the Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to those who would otherwise be forgotten - to the aged and lonely, the ill, the poor and unfortunate.

Kettles have changed since rthe first cauldron was set up in San Franscisco. Behind it all, though, is the same message. "Sharing is Caring"

Morning Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for this another new day you have made. Let my first thought each morning be of You. Let my first impulse be to praise Your name and worship You.

Forbid Lord that when my morning devotion is over to think worship has ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. From the moments of quietness I go forth in your presence with joy and power to do Your will.

Lord guide me through life's journey. Guard me against all that threatens my spiritual welfare. Strengthen me in times of testing. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Fellowship with friends

Wonderful to meet old friends again! Our friends have brought much blessing into our lives.

We were invited by Mr. and Mrs. Lim Tee Houw to lunch at Turf City. We have known this couple for many years. Mrs. Lim Soo Noi was my wife's Sunday school teacher some sixty plus years ago. Mr. Lim is quite frail now and wheel chair bound.

There were salvationists of Central Corps many years ago - he the Corps Secretary and she the Corps pianist. Later they transferred their membership to Wesley Methodist Church and have remained Methodists to this day.

We have remained good friends all these years. When we were stationed Malaysia and overseas, every time we visited Singapore they would have us for a meal. They have been very hospitable and kind to us.

"True friends are the finest of all God's gifts,
They are precious and very rare.
They come with a love that laughs and lifts
When the burdens are hard to bear.
They are true when the sun is ablaze in the skies,
When life is bright and fair.
When sorrow and pain has dimmed your eyes,
Their compassion and tenderness there. (Lorie C Gooding)

Influence

"You are not responsible for what people think about you, but wait.....
You are responsible for what you give them who think about you." Stanley Ferrard

"There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None lives to himself alone.
What we send out into the lives of others,
Comes back into our own." Edwin Markham

This is my story - 6

6-The Japanese soldier prayed and wept

Much has been written about the atrocities committed by Japanese soldiers during the war. People in their seventies and above can recall those terrible years we hope and pray will never be repeated. The television series, “Price of Peace” and “War Diary” bring back memories of those dark days from 1942-1945. However, not all Japanese soldiers were cruel. Among the conquering Japanese army were some of God’s saints.

There is always the danger to stereotype people and lump together those from one country or race under one label. I don’t want in my memoirs to give my readers the impression that all Japanese are bad and wicked people. In every race there are the good and the bad. We have many Japanese friends and some of the greatest saints we have encountered are Japanese.

When I was the International Secretary for South Pacific and East Asia, it was our privilege to visit Japan to conduct official business and meetings. We found the Japanese very hospital, polite, generous and kind. They were often among the first to respond to our plea to help others in need.

After the fall of Singapore in 1942, the men and single women officers were taken prisoners of war. The Japanese, however, allowed two women officers, Major Bertha Grey and Captain Elsie Willis to remain free for some time to look after the children in the care of the Army. The two had to wear armbands in Japanese to indicate that they were aliens! After about six months, they were put in prison like the rest of the western foreigners.

One day during this brief period of freedom, Major Bertha Grey was walking along Bras Basah Road when she met a Japanese soldier by the name of Ando. Noticing the Salvation Army uniform, he quickened his steps and soon was walking alongside Major Grey. He stopped the Major, pointed to the S’s on her collar and said, “Kiu Say Goon” (Salvation Army in Japanese.) He then walked the Major back to 30 Oxley Road where the children were now housed. He showed them a photograph of himself and his family. They were in Salvation Army uniform! There is only one Salvation Army united in love for Christ and our mission in soul saving! Ando was a Japanese soldier, but more important was a soldier of Jesus Christ and of The Salvation Army!

From then on he came every Sunday to join in worship and also had lunch with the officers. He was a very kind man and often came with food for the officers and children. When it was time for prayer he would pray aloud in Japanese which no one understood. It was a beautiful relationship that existed between him and the officers, one of Christian comradeship rather than captor and captives. The love of Christ transcends all barriers. I am reminded of the words of Dr. Vincent Peale who once said “that the affairs of Christianity should not be determined by war hysteria.” That was what happened during those months at the Army centre.

This went on for a few months. Then one Sunday after lunch he indicated in sign language that he wanted to pray for the officers and the children. No one understood a word of what he was praying, but all sensed his passion and earnestness. Suddenly he stopped. There was silence; he could not continue, and began to sob. He could not control his tears that flowed freely from his eyes. Everyone, officers and children saw this weeping Japanese soldier, cried too. The whole congregation was weeping.

Through sign language, the officers discovered that this was their last Sunday together. Major Grey and Captain Willis would be taken to prison soon. Ando would be assigned elsewhere. It was their farewell meeting. Soon those children who had relatives were sent home while the rest were taken to the Poh Leong Kok Welfare Home. The Army centre closed.

On that day at 30 Oxley Road, the Spirit of God came upon that small group of officers, children and the Japanese soldier. There were no visible tongues of fire or mighty rushing wind to mark the event, but The Holy Spirit was there just the same. Otherwise how could anyone explain the kindness of a Japanese soldier, a member of the notorious Japanese Army, praying with his captives, two English ladies and a group of children of different races whose plight was yet to be determined. Amongst that group of children, was a little six year old girl, Fong Pui Chan who can still recall vividly that scene etched indelibly in her memory. (Fong Pui Chan and I were married on 7th June 1958) She was an eye witness to this incident.

The Holy Spirit tears down and destroys all superficial differences between people and emphasises the eternal values we share in Christ. Writing to the Ephesians Paul said, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Eph. 2:14. Spirit filled believers look at and accept each other as family members of God’s family. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” Eph. 2:19

I am glad I am part of the International Salvation Army. The word ‘international’ was coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1780. He wrote “The word, it must be acknowledged is a new one though is to be hoped, sufficiently intelligible.” Well there are many international agencies and organizations, but I am glad, the kingdom of God to which I belong has no frontiers!

In Christ there is no east of west,
In him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
(John Oxenham. SA Song Book No. 826)

Commisioning of cadets - 28th Nov. 2009

Last Saturday we attended the commissioning and ordination of our three cadets of the PRAYER WARRIORS SESSION. They were Cadets Anthony Yong Heng Onn and his wife Lee Wai Chan and Kevin Meredith. We thank God for these three new Lieutenants.

Lieutenants Anthony Yong and Wai Chan will be leaving soon to take up their appointment as Corps Officers of Bintulu Corps. Lieutenant Kevin Meredith with his Burmese wife, Captain Sugunama will be leaving us to take up their appointment in Kevin's home territory Australia Southern. We pray God's richest blessing on these new officers.

We earnestly pray that God will touch the hearts of our young people that they will offer themselves for officership in The Salvation Army.

The call to officership - this must be paramount and the motive for our response to God's voice. For me, I can truthfully say - it was, and still is unmistakable and it this sense of calling that has kept me and my wife faithful all these years.

The call of God comes in different ways to different people. I heard no audible voice, no direct command, but that sense of need or awareness of a conviction was clear and unmistakable. Let's look at some examples in the Bible.

Abraham heard the call to leave his country, his relatives, his home to a land that God would show him. (Gen. 12: 1-2) Moses received that revelation in the burning bush (Exodus 3: 4) Joshua received a directed command after assisting Moses for many years. (Joshua 1: 1) Samuel heard that persistent voice calling out his name (1 Samuel 3: 10) The list can go on - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos; all heard the voice of God telling them what to do. Jesus called His disciples "Follow me."

As I sat in the congregation, my mind went back to the day that I was called in 1949 at Youth Councils. It was a clear and unmistakable. Thank God for calling me and giving me fifty five years of ministry. It has all been by grace - amazing grace of God!

First Sunday Advent

At our Adult Bible study this morning we focused our thoughts on Paul's Perspective as a prisoner. (Phil. 1: 3-11)

Paul is in prison awaiting trial. He is thankful and joyful despite his circumstances. He is concerned not for himself but for his fellow believers. He prays for their continued growth in Christ. His prayers have a fervency, frequency and a focus. We have so much to learn from Paul.

Some of our folk were away on holidays overseas. There was a shortage of players and I gladly accepted the invitation to play first horn this morning.

The Corps Officer's (pastor's) message this morning was based on Isaiah 11:1-10. The text was "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His place of rest will be glorious." (Isaiah 11: 10)
God has given us this wonderful gift of peace through Jesus whose coming we celebrate.

This is my story - 5

5-Working for the Japanese Government

The British realising that defeat was imminent, wrecked their equipment and vehicles, so that the enemy would not have the benefit of them. Hundreds of these broken trucks and other vehicles were left to rust and rot in a scrap yard at Tanjong Pagar. The Japanese employed young boys to break up the vehicles.

Let me digress a little before proceeding. When the Japanese conquered Singapore they insisted that the whole nation had to change our time to synchronise with Tokyo time. So we had to add one and a half hours to our time. Years later, the Malaysian Government added half and hour to West Malaysian time to synchronise with East Malaysian time. Singapore had to follow suit! Hence Tokyo is now one hour ahead of Singapore.

Every morning at about 8.00 a.m. (6.30 a.m. local time) a lorry would pick us up at Balestier Road to take us to our place of work. Mother would pack me my lunch box of tapioca with little rice plus a bit of salt fish or ikan bilis for my lunch.

On arrival at the workplace, we had to report for duty and given our tools – a hammer and a chisel or whatever was needed for the task. The foreman would assign work to us and we spent the day knocking down old vehicles, cut the parts into small pieces and someone would collect them to put them through the machines and turned them into blocks of scrap iron. These would then be sent to Japan. The first week, my hands were all blistered. I persevered as the family needed the money to survive.

By 11.00 a.m. (9.30 a.m) it was coffee break, (but there was no coffee or tea to drink) I was so hungry I would eat up my lunch! When actual lunch time came, a few lads and I would pluck the red ‘cherries’ as we called them to satisfy our hunger. The lorry would pick us up at about 7.30 p.m. (6.00 p.m.) to take us home. There were times when no lorry was available, so we had to walk bare footed home all the way from Tanjong Pagar to Lorong Limau. It was quite an achievement for an eleven year old lad! I developed the habit of walking long distances which stood me in good stead later on in life.

Life was tough and tiring working at this place. One day a group of us boys seeing no Japanese soldier around stopped work to have some fun. We decided to play games. We were definitely in the wrong. Suddenly a Japanese soldier appeared, rounded us up and threw us into a pit. We cringed in fear! He took a shovel, raised it and was about to rain blows on this group of helpless boys who dared stop work! Immediately I was aware of the presence of Jesus and cried out “Jesus, save me!” The shovel did not land on us. The soldier walked away shouting curses at us. Certainly the Lord heard my cry of desperation. The seed sown while I attended Sunday School was not lost.

One day a middle aged man came and offered me a sweet which I politely declined. I was taught by my mother never to accept things from strangers. He then asked me a lot of questions and told me he wanted to show me something very interesting. We walked along the path; suddenly he stopped and began touching me. Something in me told me he was up to no good and I ran away from him. At that time, I knew nothing about homosexuality or even sex. But now on hindsight, I know the Lord was with me. I could have been abused and scarred for life. I told no one, but from that day onwards, I kept out of the way of that man whom I sensed had evil intentions.

One day I was involved in a fight with another lad and I was severely beaten. He sat on me and kept punching me. I was no match for him. I was not used to fighting for at home should any neighbour dared bully me; I would call my elder brother. He was very strong and knew how to fight! He was always my protector. When I got home that evening mother asked me why I looked so dirty and there were scratches all over my body. I dared not admit to her that I had a fight with another boy. Fearing punishment, I lied that I had a fall!

Life was too demanding and I sought employment elsewhere. My aunt living in Owen Road indicated that her children were working in a rope factory nearby and there were vacancies. So after working for about a year or so at Tanjong Pagar, I found a job in a rope factory at Owen Road. This was much nearer home and within walking distance - about three miles. Besides the company provided cooked rice for lunch which was a real bonus. Each day my mother would just pack some ikan bilis or salt fish for me to eat with the rice. Two of my cousins were also employed in the same company. I worked there till the Japanese surrendered.

Throughout the Japanese occupation we had to queue up for everything – firewood, charcoal etc. I would wake up at 4.00 a.m to queue for whatever there was on the go. There was a limit to how much we could purchase per family. Every family was given a ration card. The shop keeper would carefully record on the card the amount of rice sold to us.

“Where is God when it hurts? He is in us – not in the things that hurt – helping to transform bad into good. We can safely say that God can bring good out of evil; we cannot say that God brings about the evil in the hopes of producing good.” (Philip Yancy)

Immanuel - God with us

This morning at our cell, the last one for this year, we focused our thoughts on the name, Immanuel. (Immanuel in Hebrew and Emmanuel in Greek) The angel in his message to Joseph quoted from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7: 14, 8: 8)

How wonderful it is to know the promise and experience the ever watchful and protective presence of God. There is no situation, problem or enemy that we have to face alone; our Lord is with us! The Lord is always there as our constant support and supply. If we are concerned about our families, ministries, work or anything else, we can be absolutely sure God is infinitely more concerned than we are. Our need is simply to walk in the light of His presence and to count on His guidance, support, supply, and care by keeping our focus on Him (Heb. 12: 1-2)

“Have I not commanded you.” What’s the important point here? It’s the source of the command and the promises. The ‘I’ refers to Yahweh. Now read on.“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” These words stress the nature of the one who gave the command. They focus our attention on who and what God is like. One of the secrets to boldness and courage is an awareness of God’s provision and presence. He has promised to never leave us. He is our Immanuel.

Officers' Retreat - 23rd - 26th November

We had a great time at the Officers; Retreat held at Sofitel Mercure Hotel at Johore Baru. We left home at 1.45 p.m. and arrived at about 3.30 p.m. We returned home this afternoon, this time the journey was much quicker as we took the new link and came through Tuas.

The theme of the Rereat was "A charge to keep." The Bible studies were based the words of this old hymn written by Charles Weslcy. We were all reminded of our calling as officers of The Salvation Army.

It wss good to meet fellow officers from the other parts of the territory and share fellowship.

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky. (Charles Wesley)

The hymn is a paraphrase of Matthew Henry's commentary of Leviticus 8:31-36. "We have every one of us a charge to keep, an eternal God to glorify, an immortal soul to provide for, needful duty to be done, our generation to serve; and it must be our daily care to keep this charge, for it is the charge of the Lord our Master, who will shortly call us to account about it, and it is our utmost peril if we neglect it. Keep it 'that ye die not'; it is death, eternal death, to betray the trust that we are are charged with; by the consideration of this we must be kept in awe."

Christians Celebrating Christmas

God's gift of Strength, Security and Serenity

Major Pascoe in keeping with the Singapore trend has decided to celebrate Christmas early! It is not Advent yet, but she has begun her Advent series of sermons.

Her message was based on Micah's message to the nation of Judah. Our attention was brought to the promise in God's Word through the prophet. Micah shares the promise that Jesus the Shepherd will be out strength. "He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God."

Secondly, the Messiah's greatness will be our security. "And they will live securely, for then, His greatness will reach the ends of the earth."

Finally, the peace of our Saviour brings to our hearts when we have received His foriveness for sin, will be our security. "And He will be our peace."

Sunday Bible class

Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ! That's how he begins his letter to the Philippians and a number of other letters. Much of our time this morning was spent in talking about servanthood. It is a fundamental element in our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some thoughts concerning servanthood.A servant thinks in terms of stewardship and not ownership. A steward is entrusted with the care his master's possessions. They are not his own. Servants should not expect to be treated better than their masters. A servant is always accountable to the master.

It is easy to talk about servanthood, but it is another thing when others treat us like servants.

And we should not think in terms of things only. What about the time given us - 24 hours a day! Surely we are stewards of time and stewards of talents. May God grant us the wisdom and grace to be good servants.

Brevity of life

We had our cell group this morning and as usual benefited from this fellowship. We learn a lot from each other. Daily I pray for these my good friends who have brought much blessing to me and my wife.

After lunch, we visited a family who had lost a loved one. The old man age 91 had a fall and passed away soon afterwords. To night is the wake, but we decided to visit them during the day to have a prayer with the Ho family. Captain Lim Chee Kwee will conduct the wake tonight and the funeral to-morrow.

I am reminded once again of the brevity of life and my thoughts turn to Psalm 90

No one really knows when Moses wrote this psalm. It may well have been written during the time the first generation of Israelites was dying in the wilderness. Moses had invested his life serving these people, and they had often stiffened their necks against God and rebelled. Knowing that the end of his days was near, and that this generation was dying off, Moses became painfully aware of the mortality of man. Men come and quickly go. Moses desired that God would impress him with the brevity of life, and that He would somehow prosper the work of his hands, that his lifetime of ministry would not be wasted.

My wife and I have lived beyond the three score years and ten. For us every day is a bonus. I end the this reflection with this prayer, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90: 12

This is my story (4)

4- Japanese Occupation 1942- 1945 – Trials and tribulations.

World War 2 took the lives of 60 million people. This region of Malaya (as it was called then) was much affected. The Japanese bent on conquering the world wrought havoc to our land causing much pain and suffering.

On 31st January the Allied Forces (comprising British, Indian and Australian soldiers) left Malaya. Their engineers blew a hole 70 feet wide (20 metres) on the Causeway to prevent the Japanese from crossing into Singapore. But Japanese soldiers disguised as local Chinese crossed the straits in inflatable boats!

The Japanese planes came and bombed Singapore. The first bomb fell on this island on 8th December 1941. More bombs fell, day and night! I can never forget those awful days – the bombs, the sirens, the screams, the cries of women and children. We lived in fear, and when the sirens blared we would run and hide under tables or wherever we thought would be safe. My father and elder brother dug a bomb shelter outside our house and often we would run to hide in it. I was only nine years old and remember running to the shelter with my only toy, a black one-eyed dog! It was my constant companion and comfort.

At one time the bombings became so frequent, my uncle and his family, another aunt and her family came and crowded into our little house. Their homes had been damaged. Suddenly there were added some ten people. We literally slept side by side, packed like sardines! Adults sat and took turns to lie down as there was insufficient space for all to sleep at the same time.

Father would come home with toys and other things found in the street. They were left behind by those fleeing from bombed buildings. For the first time we had extra toys to add to my only toy as a child – a black dog with one eye given by The Salvation Army one Christmas.

Fighting between the Japanese and the Allied Forces went on from 7th to 15th February 1942 when the British Government finally surrendered. It was Chinese New Year – the one no one in Singapore celebrated! We didn’t welcome the New Year. It was an ‘ang pow’ we didn’t need! The Japanese took control of Singapore and the surrounding region. We lived through three and a half years of suffering.

The Japanese changed the name Singapore to ‘Syonan To’ or ‘Light of the South.’ Eighty thousand Indian, Australian and British soldiers were taken prisoners of war. And our missionary officers – all male officers, single women officers and married officers without children remained and were taken into prison at Changi. Adjutant Etta Bird who tried to escape died when the ship she was in was bombed. Women officers like Mrs. Major Mabel Harvey, Mrs. Captain Cottrill and their children were evacuated to Australia.

We were terribly poor. Father did odd jobs here and there if available sometimes in exchange for food. People had no money to pay him.

One day the Japanese issued an order. We all had to evacuate from Lorong Limau as the Japanese wanted the houses for their own people. So we packed the few belongings we had and became refugees in our own country! We walked out of our house, joined the crowds of people leaving the area, not knowing our destination. We arrived at Jalan Besar and found a shop which gave us a small space to stay, but it soon became too crowded. We scouted around and found some space under the staircase of another shop in a little lane off Jalan Besar. We took turns to lie down – Sister and Mother sat up most of the time. They were always on the look out for some kind people to bring us food – tapioca mainly or sweet potatoes. O we knew then what it was to be hungry!

My father and my elder brother, who was about 15 years old at that time, had to hide from the Japanese. The soldiers were rounding up young men to take them away for questioning. Many of them were tortured and killed, in their hundreds and thousands.

A week or so later, we heard news that we could return to our homes. We decided to take the chance and made our way back to Lorong Limau. Obviously the Japanese had other plans and did not take over the houses. We returned home and waited for Father and brother for several days. Those were anxious times. Fortunately, they were spared, but our Uncle Johnny, mother’s cousin who lived nearby never made the journey back. We did not know what happened to him and assumed he was taken prisoner by the Japanese and killed. Thousands of young men met the same fate.

Mother wanted to put my younger brother and me into a Japanese school newly set up at Chu Lai Huat, now Hoover Theatre at Balestier Road. It was a big bungalow built by a prosperous ex- garang guni (rag and bone) man! He had made his pile collecting old junk and selling them! The Japanese acquired this big bungalow and turned it into a Japanese school. When we arrived the gates were locked. Mother left us there to wait while she went to Shrewsbury Road to see grandma. She was under deep depression and somehow she forgot about us and we sat the whole morning without registering. We stayed put sitting outside the gate and waited for her. She came back in the afternoon to fetch us home. So my younger brother and I never got to learn Japanese! He wouldn’t mind as he was only five years old! I don’t think they would accept him anyway.

Mother made some tapioca nyona cakes (she had learned how to make these at Home League) and instructed me to go to Balestier Road wet market to sell them. I was so terribly shy and frightened; I did not approach anyone, but stood nervously at one corner of the wet market waiting for customers. No one noticed the nervous little boy with a basket of cakes. I spotted our good friend Mrs. Ong and approached her. Out of pity for me, she bought a piece. I was delighted and rushed home with the rest of the unsold cakes! I had sold one piece! Mother knew I was useless when it came to selling cakes. Obviously I was not cut out to be a sales person. The grace of God enabled me in later years to sell hundreds perhaps thousands of copies of War Cry in the streets, restaurants and pubs! More of such stories later.

So Father took me to help him in his work of repairing houses. I wasn’t much good as I was quite skinny and did not have the strength to carry the heavy bricks and tiles, besides I was afraid of heights. In fear and trembling I would climb the ladder with my basket of bricks or tiles to hand to my father up on the roof. Finally he felt I was too much a liability and decided I should contribute to the family income in some other way.

One day I stepped on a nail. I pulled it out and limped all the way from Beach Road to Lorong Limau. I had no money to travel by bus. My mother washed the wound with soap and water and put some home made medication and wrapped my foot up. I understand it was chicken fat soaked in salt! My advice, don’t try this remedy; it may not work for you. Thank God, He delivered me by healing the wound. Unknown to me the Lord was performing miracles in my life.

Father set up a small stall outside the house for us, sister, me and younger brother to sell sweets plus dried fruit and vegetables, but we failed to make any profit, so finally I got a job at Tanjong Pagar to work for the Japanese. By then I was more than ten years old or closer to eleven. I had to do my share to support the family.

This is my story - 3

3 – Contact with The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army began operations at the Balestier Road area in 1937. Just a short distance away from our house at the corner of Lorong Limau and Kim Keat Road was a two story bungalow which the Army rented and used it as a Boys’ Home – the first Boys’ Home in the Army’s history. The officers in charge, Adjutant and Mrs. Harold Mathews were not content to just run the Home, they moved out into Lorong Limau area and made contact with the people there. The majority were not English speaking –they were mainly Chinese, Indian and Malay families who spoke their own languages. Adjutant and Mrs. Matthews were missionaries in Indonesia before being appointed to Singapore in 1936 hence could speak the Malay language.

Lorong Limau was a new housing estate where the Government had built many small units for poor families. Each unit comprised one tiny bedroom, a sitting room, tiny kitchen and an open air well. There was no modern sanitation in those days and twelve families shared a common tap.

Adjutant and Mrs. Matthews went door to door visiting and met a Eurasian family by the surname of Hensen who agreed to have a Sunday school in their little unit same size as ours. I observe Balestier Corps began mainly with the Eurasians and peranakans as they spoke English and Malay. Hence Balestier has this peranakan tradition.

The Salvation Army began to hold open air meetings. I remember as a five year old, I used to go with my sister to watch these strange people singing and playing the concertina, the drum and tambourines. By then the Army had rented a shop house at Balestier Road. My sister, older brother and I went to the Sunday school on Sunday afternoons at 3.p.m. The children would be divided into classes, and I went with other five year olds to the back of the hall where there was a sand tray. O how I looked forward to Sundays to play with the figurines in the sand tray. My Sunday School teacher was Norman Lim and he would tell us stories from the Bible.

One day Norman was telling the story of the lost sheep. To illustrate his point, he picked me up as his lost sheep. I was that lost sheep whom the Lord called to be a shepherd of His people. I entered the Shepherds’ Session of cadets in January 1954. More of this later. To this quiet shy lad, it was fun and Sunday was a day I looked forward to. My sister and brother joined the guides and scouts respectively. They gave her the name of Rosie, a name she retained for the rest of her life.

The officers accompanied by Mrs. Ong as the interpreter visited us and seeing we were so poor, they offered my mother a job as the hall keeper. Mother was delighted as this meant extra income. It was much easier than washing clothes for so many families one of them was Mrs. Ong. She continued washing for the Ong family for many years. Mrs. Ong invited her to attend the Home League which was conducted in English and Malay. She usually took me, a very shy five year old, to the Home League and the ladies would fuss over me. They would offer me local cakes and I would hesitate to accept for that was the way I had been taught. But they would push the cakes into my hands. Of course I was delighted and looked forward to attend the Home League!

There was this family of spinsters who lived in Lorong Limau not far from us. Their niece was Lim Siok Chin who became a Salvation Army officer later. The made nonya cakes for sale, and that was their livelihood.

Mr. Ong Kay Sung was the YPSM and the family became very close to us. They would pass on the innards of chickens and ducks for mother to take home. Mrs.Ong was a registered midwife. She was quite a big woman with a big heart - very kind and gracious lady who had great influence in the community. The Ong family comprised Ruth and Janet (they and their families are now Canadian citizens) Ellen (promoted to Glory a few years back) Errol who died when he was a baby and Andrew, still active in the Balestier Corps.

I cannot recall the names of all the people of Balestier Road Corps as it was then called. (The name was changed to Balestier Corps when it moved into Martaban Road.)There was a young lady Molly Yeo who later became an officer and was married to Captain George Tan Koon Hoe. She lived in Martaban Road and used to teach in Sunday School. In 1970 when we were appointed to Central Corps, we visited her and got her and her husband back to the Army. She now attends Chatswood Corps in Australia.

Adjutant Matthews was a very tall and thin man, and his wife a big fat lady. In later years, their daughter Margaretha came and work as an officer nurse at Batang Melaka.

We children attended Balestier Corps Sunday School very faithfully until Singapore fell to the Japanese in February 1942 and The Army closed down. By then I was nine years old.

Sunday worship and celebration

On Sunday at the Adult Bible class, we did our second lesson on the Letter to the Philippians - the Epistle of joy. Our focus was on the founding of the church.

Paul arrived in Philippi a Roman colony. The story centres round two women - the lady from Thyatira and a slave girl who was demon possessed. Paul delivered this poor girl from her demon possession.

While Paul's Jewish opponents were prompted by religious differences, the Gentiles were driven solely by economics. The result was a riot which led to the arrest and imprisonment of Paul and Silas. While in prison the apostles sang and prayed. The Lord in a wonderful way caused a mighty earthquake, the prison was shaken and Paul and Silas were set at liberty.

The frightened jailer in desperation cried out "What must I do to be saved?" The response from Saul was the well known and oft quoted text, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."

It is interesting to note that God used three people from different echelons of society - the wealthy woman Lydia, high class society lady, then at the other end of the ladder a poor slave girl. Then there was this jailer who would be middle class, I reckon. God loves the rich and the poor, His message is for the whosoever.

The story of the birth of the church at Philippi is a lesson on divine guidance. God directed His servants in a variety of ways. He directed through the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. He directed through the prohibition of the Holy Spirit who caused Paul to change his plans, and through the vision given to Paul in Troas. He even directed through the evil actions of the slave girl's owners and the injustice of the magistrates. He did all these these to plant the church in Philippi.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."(Rom. 8: 28) God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform!

After the holiness meeting, our daughter Gladys and family took us out for lunch to celebrate my wife's birthday. It was the only time when she could get the whole family together. Sunday was a great day!

Tyranny of the immediate

I think it was General Albert Orsborn who coined the expression 'the tyranny of the immediate.' There are lots of things that call for our immediate attention. So we all can be so busy seeing to the immediate, we fail to spend time planning for the long term. In other words sacrificing long term interests to short term success.

We need the help of God's Holy Spirit to give discernment and direction in our lives. Without Him I cannot plan ahead and without Him I dare not move ahead.
Spirit Divine, lead me I pray.

This is my story - 2

2 – My Ancestry – Peranakan family
Like my father, my maternal grandfather came from Swatow (Shantou) China. I don’t know his history for he died long before I was born. I was told he owned or rented a farm at Alexandra Road area and kept pigs, planted vegetables and fruit trees. He married my grandmother a Teochew peranakan and had a big family – the eldest and the youngest were boys and five girls in between. Mother was the fourth daughter and my cousins would address her as See Ee or See Kor – fourth Aunt.

When Grandpa Tan saved enough money he would visit China to see his relatives. In one of his visits which took longer than usual, his employees sold his animals and deserted the farm. Grandma was a simple housewife and didn’t know what to do and waited for his return. The workers gave the excuse that tigers were found roaming the farm and they all had to run away. Well, grandpa lost everything and for the family to survive had to send his eldest son to work for the British.

On my uncle’s first day at work his British employer cut off his pig tail. Pig tails were not allowed among the employees! Grandpa had adhered strictly to his family tradition by tying his own hair into a pig tail. He was heart broken and died soon afterwards.

Grandma sent her first daughter to China to be married and she never returned to Singapore. Before long all the other daughters one after another were married off. In those days it was the custom to engage a matchmaker who would be tasked to look for spouses. My mother was the fourth daughter and she got married when she was only sixteen. As mentioned earlier she had four children – three boys and a girl and yours truly was the third child.

Grandma’s youngest son went to work as an apprentice servicing lifts. He was a strange fellow who was always very aloof. He got married, had a boy and a girl, the latter became a midwife and worked at KK Hospital for many years. She is now retired. Later when auntie (Soi Kim or youngest Aunt) was very sick for quite a long period, Uncle took on a mistress, a very gracious Cantonese lady who took care of the family including his sick Teochew wife.

My wife and I (retired by then) went to the funeral of this Cantonese aunt and found her two adopted children were about to bury her without any religious rites, so I asked to conduct the funeral for the sake of the living. She had never been against Christianity; in fact her daughter was a Christian. She did not become a Christian because she always felt it was her duty to see to the ancestral tablets of my grandfather whom she had never met! Such was her filial duty to the Tan family and their ancestors. I was totally unprepared to conduct the funeral but committed her to the mercy of God just the same. Being away from Singapore for so long, we had lost contact with our relatives. We were 14 years in Malaysia and 15 years overseas prior to our retirement.

Our family lived with Grandma at a kampong at Norfolk Road where I was born prematurely on 30th May 1932. As mother had to work, and father stayed most of his time at construction sites Grandma looked after me. Later the family moved to Kim Keat Road next door to a tau yu (black sauce) factory. I remember vaguely this big atap house. Later when I was about five years old our family moved away from Grandma’s home to Lorong Limau. We lived in one of the Singapore Improvement Trust Houses, (SIT units) predecessor to our HDB today. My younger brother was born in Lorong Limau.

We were always delighted when Grandma came to visit us. She wore her long baju kurong and sarong and always carried a box of serai and beetle nuts. She would chew the leaves wrapped with beetle nuts, lime etc and spit out red saliva! We always kept a spittoon under the table for her to use. She would arrive in a rickshaw and mother would rush out to pay the fare for her. When she was ready to go home, mother would go out to call a rickshaw, bargained with the rickshaw puller until they agreed on the fare. Poor as she was my mother would always insist on paying the fares. She was really filial.

When the Malay satay man came round, mother would stop him and we would sit around his stall to eat satay. We would always be warned beforehand, we were allowed only one stick each, no more, only grandma was allowed more. Looking back now we know the reason – mother had a hard time trying to make ends meet and really could not afford the luxury of eating satay. So we were primed before hand to say, “No, I’m full and don’t need anymore.” We were such obedient children we just obeyed instructions. We all knew the consequences of disobedience once Grandma left us.

The satay man always had two pots of gravy – one chilly hot the other somewhat milder. Everyone would dip into one of the pots of satay gravy! No one was concerned about hygiene in those days! One stick of satay but we were allowed to dip as many times as we wished and I made sure I made the maximum number of dips, just to enjoy the gravy!

In 1945, Grandma died just before Singapore was liberated. On her tombstone I saw her name for the first time. I didn’t know she was called Cecilia Koh – a name given by the priest at her baptism. We always called her “Ah Ma” meaning grandma.

Meeting old friends

We've been privileged or should I say blessed in that in the course of our ministry we have met and worked with so many people in different countries. They have really enriched our lives. Our last four years were spent in the United Kingdom, although our work entailed travelling quite a good bit to our part of the world - South Pacific and East Asia. So we got the best of both worlds!

Among the many friends we met were Lieut. Colonels David and Grace Napier. When they were the Army leaders in Scotland, they invited us to lead the Scottish Congress. What a lovely time we had with them and the people of Scotland.

What a joy it was to see them again and we had lunch together. They were on holidays here staying with Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge. The couple of hours spent at the Restaurant and later at our home passed very quickly. Thank God for friends He has brought into our lives.

"Good friendships are not measured by the frequency of phone calls, or letters, or visits.. the best friendships are recognised by the quality of time and feelings shared." Lynn Gerard.

Remembrances

Today is Remembrance Day - the anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1918.
Traditionally it is observed with with two minute silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

We don't seem to observe this in our Salvation Army Corps (church), but I recall doing this in England. In 1996 on Remembrance Sunday we were at Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps. The Corps Officers (pastors) Majors Maurice and Lynda Hunt requested that I include this. It was a beautiful ceremony held just before the commencement of the Holiness meeting.

The writer of Words of Life gave an interesting comment on the subtle difference between "remembering" and "not forgetting." Major Evelyn Merriam adds "Not forgetting implies always keeping the person or thing in mind. Remembering speaks of of being mindful again, of someone or something that may have slipped our minds. It may take another's prompting. If we need memory prompts to remind us of ordinary things, how much more essential it is of eternal things."

We were at Peacehaven to conduct Chapel services. We also visited Hope Centre where we spent some time chatting with those who have some difficulty in remembering things. They love to tell us about their past but have difficulty remembering more recent events. So we learn to listen to their stories perhaps more than once! Come to think of it, I too have come to the age when I tend to do the same thing - telling the same old story! I remember lots of things, but I've also forgotten much!

We sing one of our old songs, "Tell me the same old story, for I forget so soon. The early dew of morning has passed away at noon." Sing that to the elderly please!

Time for worship

Mrs. Lim Li-ching has been a great help to me in leading the Adult Bible class. When we are away she always takes the class. I let her choose her own subject. She has been doing parables in the New Testament and now she is going through a series of parables of the Old Testament.

Last Sunday when we were away at Central Corps, she did Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb. This story was intended as a scorching condemnation of King David who had committed the sin of adultery with Bathsheba.

Today she did the parable of the Two Sons as recorded in 2 Samuel 14: 1-24. It was not an easy lesson to teach, but she skilfully presented it to the group. This led to a lot of discussion which profited all us who were present. Our only regret - the one hour was not sufficient, but we had to leave the hall to the young people for Sunday School.

In the absence of Major Ruth Pascoe my wife and I conducted the Holiness meeting.She will be back next week. We always count it a privilege to be able to contribute our share to the Corps (church.)

It's always a joy to spend time at the church on Sunday. We thank God we have this freedom of worship.

"Worship reminds us of whom we are and whom we serve. In worship we refer our lives to God. Worship reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are not ours. It does not take God for granted, but draws us to Him with a sort of humble confidence. It is a confrontation with God apart from which we are not truly able to confront the world."
Wilbur C Lunn

Different translations and paraphrases

I grew up with the King James or Authorised version of the Bible. Today we have so many translations and it is interesting to compare the text in the different versions.

Take for example Luke 17: 10 "We are unprofitable servants."
NIV "We are unworthy servants."

The KJV use of the word 'unprofitable' does not give the right meaning. The text does not tell us that the fulfilment of one's duty is worthless. Neither does it tell us that the disciples were lazy or unreliable. The word 'unworthy' does express a measure of 'modesty' or 'humility.' We always need to read the verse in its context.

We are but clay in the Master's hand, or a simple tool He uses. We are really 'unworthy', but not 'unprofitable.'

Strong winds and typhoons

I watched from my balcony yesterday, the swaying trees in the park. There were strong winds and heavy rain. This was nothing compared with what we went through in Hong Kong and particularly Philippines during typhoon season.

I got back to my lounge, turned on the television and saw pictures of the typhoon that struck the Philippines - it was the fourth typhoon in a month. After spending slightly more than three years, 1990-1993 in the Philippines my wife and I understand the trauma the people are going through now. It was terrible, the gale force winds that shook the trees, snapped the branches, uprooted trees - only the very strong trees with deep roots withstood the force of the winds.

Houses collapsed, terrible landslides, torrential rains brought floods and many perished.

In 1983, the first year we were in Hong Kong, we experienced the first time a terrible typhoon - the worst in 50 years! Typhoon Ellen wrought havoc in Hong Kong. In our compound the trees were uprooted, electricity supply cut off, water pipes burst - we were without water or electricity for days. In trying to clear the mess later, I fell, badly injured and had to be hospitalised.

God works in a wonderful way always. I recall when I came out of hospital, our good friends, Jim and Marjorie Webb came to visit and stay with us for a whole week. You know, my left hand was in a plaster and Jim became my chauffeur for the whole week. God worked a miracle that the Webbs should come at that particular time of need. And Majorie helped in the housework, washing dishes etc. Before they left, Jim bought us an electric polisher. And they had planned their holiday with us long before the typhoon struck! Isn't God's timing great?

In life we face all kinds of disasters, some can be very overwhelming, but we remember our God is great, good and gracious. "I'm in His hands, whate'er the future holds, I'm in His hands."

Self Denial Altar Service at Central Corps

My wife and I had the privilege of ministering at Central Corps. We were there on Sunday 1st November to conduct the Self Denial Altar Service.

The attendance was very good and the congregation very responsive. The whole Sunday School joined us in worship, so it was a Family Service. The YPSM Richard Chai and the teachers sat with the children who behaved very well. There was no running around or fidgeting, in fact they sat and participated in the whole service. Quite a number of parents of the children joined us in worship. Most of the children come from the neighbourhood, the rest were children of our own members. Central has a good Sunday School.

It was good to have the Youth participating in the worship team and the band and they all did well. You can tell they were very well prepared. And of course we were proud to see our own two grandchildren - David and Rachel taking such an active part in worship. In fact David read the Scriptures and Rachel played the piano for the song during the Self Denial offering. Both are undergraduates at the National University of Singapore. We thank God for their active involvement in The Salvation Army.

After the meeting Corps Sergeant Major Peter Tan and family hosted us to lunch at a Peranakan Restaurant. We had a great time of fellowship. We came home feeling good and thank God for another wonderful and blessed day at the Army.

It's always a joy to visit this Corps and we look forward to our next visit on 21st February 2010. Central Corps has a special place in our hearts.

Wake service

On Friday evening we attended the wake of Terence Tan's father. We held a service at the HDB Void Deck. It was a testimony of our Christian love to Terence and Sze Hian and the family.

In times like this every bereaved family of the deceased needs comfort. And we the church must be ready to give it. I'm glad most of the Corps Council members took time to be present at the wake, in fact we had about 30 of our people present. Some came straight from their work place, students rushed to the wake straight from school or college. Lieut. Colonel Prema Rajan and the cadets from the Training College also supported us. In fact the cadets rushed straight from the City where they were selling the War Cry to attend the wake.

Major Ruth Pascoe is on furlough in New Zealand hence I was asked to conduct the service.

In today's busy world, many people tend to give token respect to those who are sorrowing, perhaps by just sending a card, or even to ignore them altogether. People seem unable to find time to 'weep with those who weep.' So I am pleased with our brothers and sisters in Christ who took time to be with the family during this time of need. The ministry of comfort is important to the local church. It forms a vital part of our ministry.

Cards and flowers are good and can be meaningful to those who are bereaved, but sorrowing hearts appreciate even more the presence of friends. Jesus set the perfect example. When Lazarus died, He did more than send a message. He travelled all the way to Bethany, stood by the grave and wept.

My wife and I regret we could not attend the funeral on Sunday morning as we were already committed to conducting the service at the Singapore Central Corps.

Salvation Army ranks and uniform

I just read that the Government will introduce a new rank to the Singapore Armed Forces - Senior Lieut. Colonel.

I don't know if The Salvation Army would follow suit - Lieut. Colonel, Senior Lieut. Colonel then Colonel! Very unlikely in my opinion.

When my wife and I became officers (1954) Salvation Army ranks were as follows:

Probationary Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
First Lieutenant
Captain
Major,
Senior Major
Brigadier
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Lieutenant Commissioner
Commissioner
General (elected by the High Council)

Later on the ranks of Senior Captain, Senior Major, Brigadier and Lieut. Commissioner were dropped. In fact at one time we used to have the rank of Adjutant.

Today the ranks are as follows:-

Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Commissioner
General

I recall as youngster seeing the different colour trimmings. If my memory serves me right - Lieutenant wore Yellow, Captain wore red, Major wore Blue, Brigadier wore Purple. Colourful indeed! Correct me if I am wrong for at my age memory is not that reliable.

I recall as a child seeing Lieut. Colonel Herbert Lord sometimes wearing his navy blue uniform in our tropical climate of Singapore. Maybe it wasn't so hot then.

Pre-war men officers wore tunic and long pants everyday! I remember seeing Lieutenant Lim Siok Chin in 'sam fu' with 'S's on the collar! But Lieutenant Tan Beng Neo would always wear western style white dress.

After the war, in our session,(1954) the two ladies wore 'cheong sam' uniform! In fact they were commissioned in 'cheong sam' uniform! The powers that be went somewhat overboard, for the two were different from the other women officers!

In 1957, when the Faithful Session began, there was Janos Wasagam and I don't think a 'cheong sam' would suit her! A sari would look all right! So the change was made - all women officers were to wear western type dresses. To me it was a wise thing to do.

Then Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Blake, Australian officers were appointed. Mrs. Blake insisted on women officers wearing hats. So that became the rule. Two women officers just refused to put on hats - Mrs. Brigadier Hilda Gordon and Mrs. Brigadier Tan Eng Soon. Both have gone to Glory.

Hats for the ladies disappeared from the Army scene during the time of Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Ivan Lang. So the ladies took their hats off to the Langs, also Australians. Approved by International Headquarters of course! So no hats, but never mind we shall all, men and women be wearing crowns when we get to Heaven.

We used to all wear white uniforms - yes the men wore white pants and white shirts until Lieut. Colonel George Engel (American officer)in the 1960's changed the men's pants to grey. Then our men folk came in all shades of grey! Eventually it was changed to navy blue.

Fellow officers and soldiers, be proud of your uniform and wear your uniform as a form of witness. Never be ashamed of our uniform.

The uniform has changed through the years, but what is most important is - inside each one of us. 1 Peter 3: 4 says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

This is my story -1

1- My Ancestry – My father, a stowaway.

The twelve year old boy was angry, upset, crying his heart out as he stood at the pier. He had nothing, yes absolutely nothing. He had his last gamble and lost everything and the gangsters had taken his cart and the contents of ‘tau yu’ – Chinese black sauce.

He dared not go home for fear of getting another thrashing again by his adopted parents. What should he do? He saw a stream of people – men, women, children moving slowly up the gangway to board the ship. He decided he would join them. No one seemed to take notice of this little skinny, scruffy boy whom the crew thought belonged to one of the families.

That lad was my father. His own family in order to survive had sold him to a couple who had no children of their own. Well, one less mouth to feed. Everything went well in the beginning, but soon his adopted mother gave birth to a son. His whole world gradually changed from that moment.

Love turned to dislike then hate and he was bullied, beaten and tortured for the slightest mistake. They made him sell black Chinese sauce – ‘tau yu.’ If the profits were low he would be accused of being lazy and would get a thrashing.

His friends taught him to gamble. They assured him it was an easy way to be rich and be independent. Sometimes he won, but most times he lost. One day he lost everything and the winners took all that he possessed including his cart and its contents. What was he to do? He had no option but to run away from home, so he made his way to the pier and joined the crowds boarding the ship. He became a stowaway.

During meal times, he joined the queue to get his portion of food. At night he made his way to some quiet corner among the cargo. Finally the ship cast anchor and when the crowds disembarked he joined them and landed in Singapore. The crowds dispersed and this young lad Ah Chye wandered around and finally landed at a construction site. The workers took pity on this lonely, pathetic little boy, gave him food and shelter and made him work.

He became a brick layer and did other odd jobs. He was illiterate, but a survivor. He worked hard, made money, but he loved to smoke, drink and gamble. He was very gregarious and had many friends.

Later, he married my mother a sixteen year old girl and had four children – a girl and three boys. I was the third child in the family. It was not a happy marriage and there was no love lost between them. We were never close to Father for he was often away living at construction sites. He did send money home to support us, but this depended on whether he could get jobs.

Mother had to supplement her income by washing clothes for others. Thank God the washing machine was not invented yet, or we would have starved to death.

One day one of father’s friends invited him to a Teochew Baptist church at Serangoon Road and he became a Baptist. At that time my younger brother and I were attending The Salvation Army at Balestier Corps. I remember, we had to miss Sunday School to join him at this Baptist church.
The pastor invited our family to witness my father’s baptism, but my mother who had already become a Catholic declined the invitation. For some reason my older siblings also did not attend. So my younger brother Anthony and I witnessed his baptism by immersion at the sea off Katong Park. (At that time the Park was by the sea. Since then the Government extended the park with reclaimed land) I recall the Baptist pastor, a kindly old man used to come round in a rickety old bicycle to visit and pray with him.

In 1965 when he was dying my mother got the Catholic priest to baptise him as a Catholic. We were stationed in Penang at that time. I visited him when he was very ill and unable even to talk to us. I did not know how long he would last, so after staying a couple of days with him, I returned to Penang. He died soon after I left him. I could not come for the funeral as I could not afford the fares a second time. He was buried at the Roman Catholic cemetery at Bidadari, Upper Serangoon Road.

Years later when the Government wanted to close down Bidadari Cemetery, I saw to the exhumation of the grave and took the ashes to Lim Chu Kang crematorium where his ashes were placed in a niche given by the Government. I was retired then. So, on my father’s side we had no relatives but on Mum’s side it was different.