Every last Monday of the month, we visit Gracehaven to conduct staff devotions. We had a wonderful time this week; great fellowship, plenty of laughter, good discussion, times of quietness and prayer. We all had a profitable time together.
Staff take turns to lead the meeting and I give the message.This time, it was our good friend, Tan Bee Yit who was the leader. He started with the Founder’s song, ‘O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.’ Bee Yit has been with the Army since the seventies. I understand he was converted during an evangelistic campaign and then joined Central Corps during Lieutenant Hickman’s time. He has been very faithful all through the years. He was for many years responsible for the youth and children's work at Central Corps and also at THQ. At the moment he is one of the staff at Gracehaven.
He is a Salvationist through and through in fact if he gets a cut, the blood that flows from him will be yellow, red and blue! (These are the colours of The Salvation Army flag). It was my privilege to enrol his son Ming Hui as a soldier of Central Corps on Easter Sunday. What a joy it was for me to perform this duty.
We spent some time in prayer and intercession then went to discuss the tenth commandment. “Thou shall not covet.” One of the causes for the present global financial crisis is certainly covetousness or greed. The sin of covetousness is pretty universal, don’t you think? Certainly the temptation is! Yet it remains one the most private transgressions. This commandment deals with inward thoughts and desires and it certainly is more difficult to deal with. To control one’s action is one thing, to control one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions is quite another.
Coveting is a matter of the heart, an attitude and strong emotion. It is the desire to have something we do not have, or which we think we do not have enough of. We want more! It is not content with what it already has, no matter how much that might be. It is desire not only for what we do not have, but also for what we cannot have. It wants what is forbidden, that which belongs to another and we have no right to it.
Every one in the room had something to contribute to the discussion and we learned a lot from each other.
At my age, it is good to interact with the young. What a thrill to sit with Khai Ling, MingJie, Sophia, Esther and who else, sorry I am getting forgetful. Raymond and Cathy were not there as she had a medical appointment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
I am glad I have many young friends. Don’t get me wrong, I like the elderly too, we can always talk about the ‘good old days.’ Don’t quite like the expression for it implies the current days a bad! Past or present - we have good days and bad days. We thank God for the past. We can learn so much from our past experiences, but we must not live in the past. We have to live in the present and prepare for the future.
When the meeting was over, Bee Yit, very kindly fetched us home. How kind of him! And we talked all the way about the past - yes the good old days! Wonderful to hear of how he, a non believer met the Lord and nurtured in the Salvation Army. So many have contributed to his spiritual growth and maturity – the Hickmans, Ruth Pascoe, the Corfields, the Bungays, Jim and Marjorie Webb and many others. I came home, praising and thanking God for these good people who gave of themselves for the sake of people like Bee Yit and me! I pray that the Lord will enable me to have a good influence on others.
"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
Footprints that perhaps another
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again. (Longfellow)
O Lord help me to live a Christlike life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Joshua's Long Day
It’s great to be in the house of the Lord on Sunday – to share fellowship with friends and loved ones, to praise and worship the Lord.
We began the day’s activities with Bible Study at 9.30 a.m. We are still doing Joshua and we came to the 14th lesson – Joshua 10. The enemy forces formed a coalition to fight Gibeon a nation which had allied itself to Israel. Joshua and his army went to the rescue and mighty battles were fought and won.
We came to the part where God performed a miracle in response to Joshua’s prayer. “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” This great miracle is called “The day the sun stood still” or “Joshua’s longest day.” Why did Joshua address the sun rather than the earth? Joshua was simply using the language of observation; he was speaking from the perspective and appearance of things on earth. We still do the same today, don’t we when to refer to ‘the four corners of the earth’ or ‘the dew falls on the ground.’
It was a great miracle to enable Joshua to continue fighting and subduing the enemy. God is sovereign, He is the God of nature and He can do what He likes with His creation! And God is working miracles today. I believe in miracles because the word of God tells us so and our experience proves this to be true.
It is interesting to read that in Chinese annals during King Yao’s reign the sun remain in the sky so long that many feared the world would be set on fire. The reign of Yao is said to correspond with the time of Joshua. Herodotus, a Greek historian wrote and account of ‘an extra long day’, left to us by the Egyptians. Others cite records of the Aztecs reporting the sun standing still, in about the time that Joshua defeated the enemy. Other cultures, Incas of Peru, Babylonians, Greeks, Persians etc refer to ‘the sun standing still’ or ‘the extra long day.’ It’s interesting and exciting to search the Scriptures.
We have a team of very keen students of the word and they use different versions to compare notes. Bruce Gale always turns to the Indonesian translation and it’s interesting to read it in that language. Mrs. Lim Li Ching has her Chinese translation and often throws new light on the word. Actually the one hour is insufficient, but we have no choice for we need to vacate the room for the Sunday School following our Bible class.
I thank God for the privilege of conducting the Adult Bible class. It is good to keep my mind active. I do my research and preparation every day of the week. This practice has brought me much blessing.
We began the day’s activities with Bible Study at 9.30 a.m. We are still doing Joshua and we came to the 14th lesson – Joshua 10. The enemy forces formed a coalition to fight Gibeon a nation which had allied itself to Israel. Joshua and his army went to the rescue and mighty battles were fought and won.
We came to the part where God performed a miracle in response to Joshua’s prayer. “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” This great miracle is called “The day the sun stood still” or “Joshua’s longest day.” Why did Joshua address the sun rather than the earth? Joshua was simply using the language of observation; he was speaking from the perspective and appearance of things on earth. We still do the same today, don’t we when to refer to ‘the four corners of the earth’ or ‘the dew falls on the ground.’
It was a great miracle to enable Joshua to continue fighting and subduing the enemy. God is sovereign, He is the God of nature and He can do what He likes with His creation! And God is working miracles today. I believe in miracles because the word of God tells us so and our experience proves this to be true.
It is interesting to read that in Chinese annals during King Yao’s reign the sun remain in the sky so long that many feared the world would be set on fire. The reign of Yao is said to correspond with the time of Joshua. Herodotus, a Greek historian wrote and account of ‘an extra long day’, left to us by the Egyptians. Others cite records of the Aztecs reporting the sun standing still, in about the time that Joshua defeated the enemy. Other cultures, Incas of Peru, Babylonians, Greeks, Persians etc refer to ‘the sun standing still’ or ‘the extra long day.’ It’s interesting and exciting to search the Scriptures.
We have a team of very keen students of the word and they use different versions to compare notes. Bruce Gale always turns to the Indonesian translation and it’s interesting to read it in that language. Mrs. Lim Li Ching has her Chinese translation and often throws new light on the word. Actually the one hour is insufficient, but we have no choice for we need to vacate the room for the Sunday School following our Bible class.
I thank God for the privilege of conducting the Adult Bible class. It is good to keep my mind active. I do my research and preparation every day of the week. This practice has brought me much blessing.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Preaching the word
Someone once said to me, "I don't want sermons. Who wants to listen to sermons these days?" So people come up with 'creative ministries' - show films, drama, musicals etc. These have their place in proclaiming the message of the gospel, but they cannot substitute old fashioned 'preaching of the word.'
The Bible puts it plainly, "How shall they hear without a preacher?" Of course, the size of the crowd has become the standard gauge of successful preaching, but that yardstick is not found in the Bible. Jesus addressed crowds, there were times he had a congregation of one!
We seek ways and means to fill the house of God. I believe it is not the preacher's duty to fill the house, as to fill the pulpit. The church members should try to bring their friends to fill the house.
What we need is Spirit-filled membership with fervent desire to win souls for the Kingdom. There are times when the preacher may be at fault in the state of his heart or the content of his message. So he has to examine his own heart, rather let the Spirit of God search his heart and get right with God first. He has to be a man of God and of the word - the word of God is like fire burning in the bones!
Preaching is still the appointed means to touch our hearts and bring us to the right relationship with God. We live in an age when people will not endure sound doctrine, but have itching ears instead of burning hearts, we still have the command to preach the word. God manifests His word and His will through preaching.
I don't do as much preaching as I used to. I don't have a platform, but wait for invitations to preach, but I can reach to others through even this media. Thanks for 'listening' to my message by reading this blog.
I don't give long sermons, but put in a word or two for your thought or reflection.
Richard Baxter said, " I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to a dying man."
A pastor was asked by a colleague why loud vehement preaching of his earlier years has given way to quiet, persuasive manner of speech. The pastor replied, "When I was young I thought it was thunder that killed people, but when I grew up, I discovered it was lightning. So I changed my style and am determined to thunder less and lighten more." Good thought.
The Bible puts it plainly, "How shall they hear without a preacher?" Of course, the size of the crowd has become the standard gauge of successful preaching, but that yardstick is not found in the Bible. Jesus addressed crowds, there were times he had a congregation of one!
We seek ways and means to fill the house of God. I believe it is not the preacher's duty to fill the house, as to fill the pulpit. The church members should try to bring their friends to fill the house.
What we need is Spirit-filled membership with fervent desire to win souls for the Kingdom. There are times when the preacher may be at fault in the state of his heart or the content of his message. So he has to examine his own heart, rather let the Spirit of God search his heart and get right with God first. He has to be a man of God and of the word - the word of God is like fire burning in the bones!
Preaching is still the appointed means to touch our hearts and bring us to the right relationship with God. We live in an age when people will not endure sound doctrine, but have itching ears instead of burning hearts, we still have the command to preach the word. God manifests His word and His will through preaching.
I don't do as much preaching as I used to. I don't have a platform, but wait for invitations to preach, but I can reach to others through even this media. Thanks for 'listening' to my message by reading this blog.
I don't give long sermons, but put in a word or two for your thought or reflection.
Richard Baxter said, " I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to a dying man."
A pastor was asked by a colleague why loud vehement preaching of his earlier years has given way to quiet, persuasive manner of speech. The pastor replied, "When I was young I thought it was thunder that killed people, but when I grew up, I discovered it was lightning. So I changed my style and am determined to thunder less and lighten more." Good thought.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fellowship Dinner with friends.
Last evening we were invited out for dinner by three friends. We enjoyed a delicious meal in a Thai Restaurant. Actually this was a belated birthday and Father's Day treat.How kind and thoughtful of them! They are such busy people and it was difficult to get everyone together the same evening hence the belated dinner.
These friends are all employees of The Salvation Army, two are salvationists and one now worships in another church, but that does not alter our friendship They all love the Lord. Naturally our topic centred round the church and our Salvation Army. We all have our concerns as well as our hopes for the future.
We also discussed the subject of respect. Not all leaders are worthy of respect. The most important ingredient in a leader is spirituality or Christlikeness. It really makes me think and search my own heart. Am I really worth the love and respect shown by these people? I hope I have not been a hypocrite!
We normally do not go out at night. But we accepted this invitation to dinner by these three friends as we cherish their friendship. Despite their busy schedule they made time to show their love and respect for two elderly people. And we are glad we went for we learn such a lot from them. We need to stay in touch with people like these folk who work on ground level.
We have many friends. Some are listed in our address book, but really are acquaintances only. Then there are those who are brotherly and sisterly. There is a third group who we can classify as confiding friendship. We are able to confide in one another and pray for each other regularly. Then there are those who are really close, very devoted to each other. Perhaps I may use the word 'inseparable' (distance notwithstanding.) They are willing to sacrifice or suffer for you for example David and Jonathan. But of course, the best friend is none other than Jesus! Thank God for Jesus and through him we have made many friends who are dear to us.
"Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine,
O what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a Friend of mine." (Song 709 chorus, SASB)
These friends are all employees of The Salvation Army, two are salvationists and one now worships in another church, but that does not alter our friendship They all love the Lord. Naturally our topic centred round the church and our Salvation Army. We all have our concerns as well as our hopes for the future.
We also discussed the subject of respect. Not all leaders are worthy of respect. The most important ingredient in a leader is spirituality or Christlikeness. It really makes me think and search my own heart. Am I really worth the love and respect shown by these people? I hope I have not been a hypocrite!
We normally do not go out at night. But we accepted this invitation to dinner by these three friends as we cherish their friendship. Despite their busy schedule they made time to show their love and respect for two elderly people. And we are glad we went for we learn such a lot from them. We need to stay in touch with people like these folk who work on ground level.
We have many friends. Some are listed in our address book, but really are acquaintances only. Then there are those who are brotherly and sisterly. There is a third group who we can classify as confiding friendship. We are able to confide in one another and pray for each other regularly. Then there are those who are really close, very devoted to each other. Perhaps I may use the word 'inseparable' (distance notwithstanding.) They are willing to sacrifice or suffer for you for example David and Jonathan. But of course, the best friend is none other than Jesus! Thank God for Jesus and through him we have made many friends who are dear to us.
"Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine,
O what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a Friend of mine." (Song 709 chorus, SASB)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A prayer - John Greenleaf Whittier
Last Sunday, Mrs. Lim Li Ching did the Bible Study on the parable "The Pharisee and the Publican." She has been doing a series on the parables.
I am reminded of a poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier, I want to make this my prayer.
Like the publican of old,
I can only urge the plea,
"Lord, be merciful to me!"
Nothing of desert I claim
Unto me belongeth shame.
Let the lowliest task be mine,
Grateful, so the work be Thine;
Let me find the humblest place
In the shadow of Thy grace;
Blest to me were any spot
Where temptation whispers not.
If there be some weaker one,
Give me strength to help him on;
If blinder soul there be,
Let me guide him nearer Thee.
Make my mortal dreams come true
With the work I fain would do;
Clothe with life the weak intent,
Let me be the thing I meant;
Let me find in Thy employ
Peace that dearer is than joy;
Out of self to love be led
And to Heaven acclimated,
Until all things sweet and good
Seem my natural habitude.
I am reminded of a poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier, I want to make this my prayer.
Like the publican of old,
I can only urge the plea,
"Lord, be merciful to me!"
Nothing of desert I claim
Unto me belongeth shame.
Let the lowliest task be mine,
Grateful, so the work be Thine;
Let me find the humblest place
In the shadow of Thy grace;
Blest to me were any spot
Where temptation whispers not.
If there be some weaker one,
Give me strength to help him on;
If blinder soul there be,
Let me guide him nearer Thee.
Make my mortal dreams come true
With the work I fain would do;
Clothe with life the weak intent,
Let me be the thing I meant;
Let me find in Thy employ
Peace that dearer is than joy;
Out of self to love be led
And to Heaven acclimated,
Until all things sweet and good
Seem my natural habitude.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Father's Day
We attended church as usual on Sunday. When we walked into the hall, I was greeted with "Happy Father's Day" from many people including the children from Haven and Gracehaven Children's Home. These children have come to know us even though we cannot remember all their names. I was very touched. One Filipino salvationist working here even gave me a hug!
I gave the message in the meeting. After the benediction, we left immediately to have a quick lunch at home (the hall is downstairs and we live on the 4th floor) then rushed to Bishan - to the Balestier Corps. Balestier folk meet at 2.00 p.m. in the THQ chapel. My wife led the meeting and I gave the message.
Balestier is my home corps. I started attending Balestier at the age of five, before the war. After a three and half years hiatus, (Japanese occupation) I linked up with the Corps again. In 1957, I was appointed as the Corps Officer (pastor). It was my second appointment. We got married in June 1958 and we had a very happy time together running this church till 1959. Mrs. Ong insisted that everyone must address us as Lieutenant and Mrs. Lim. No first names allowed! So my wife remains Mrs. Lim to them to many others throughout the territory to this day.
When I first came to the Army,(1937) Balestier Corps was in a shop house in Balestier Rd. This shop house now sells lamps. Then after the war, Mrs. Palmer provided land for us to build at Martaban Road off Balestier Rd. The Army put up an a wooden and atap building. There was no electricity or water but we had the presence of the Lord. Many souls were won for Christ and many disciples made. It was a thriving church!
Later the Lord spoke to Mrs. Palmer about giving the land to the Army. She accepted token payment of $3000.00 for the freehold land. The Army put up a permanent building in 1961 and it was opened by General Wilfred Kitching. It was stated in the document - the purpose of the building was 'for a gospel hall.'
The property at Martaban Road was sold for $7.1 million, much to the disappointment of the Corps comrades. I must confess I feel the pain every time I think of it, but the deed has been done, and we have to move on. The Corps vacated the building in April 2007. Maybe the Lord has better things in store for us. We just have to trust Him.
When the building was sold, a number of folk transferred to other Corps and remain faithful to God and The Salvation Army. They found the time of worship, 2.00 p.m inconvenient. Some left us to join other churches, sadly some go nowhere. We must keep praying for them.
The comrades are now waiting to move to their new hall, not a new building, the former Eye Hospital at Balestier Road. We will begin a new chapter and we hope and pray it will be the best chapter ever - to the Glory of God. We learn from the past, work for the present and hope for the future.
There was a good number in the congregation on Sunday, the hall was quite full and it was good to see my old friends again. There was Jean Yeo who attended Sunday School with me when we were five year old kids! There was Andrew Ong, one of my Sunday School School kids who is now a grandfather! And John Ooi, the ever faithful. He was my Corps Secretary when I was the Corps Officer. John was always there for me when I needed him. His godly wife Esther took earlier retirement to work in Peacehaven. Timothy their son is very active in the Corps today. Ah, there were two sisters Irene and Olivia my Sunday School children from 1957-1959. Officers, good and not so good, come and go, these two sisters remain faithful. They form the backbone of the church! And there was Aileen with her children. And quite a number who came in recent years. Well, we had very good fellowship. There was special celebration on Father's Day and as the oldest person, I had the privilege to cut the cake.
Captains Jane and Julian Wong are doing a good work and we continue to pray for them. This is their first corps appointment. So it is not easy for them and they need our prayerful support. They know they can always call on us at any time to help out. It is always a joy to visit Balestier Corps.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at William Booth and Balestier. Praise be to God!
I gave the message in the meeting. After the benediction, we left immediately to have a quick lunch at home (the hall is downstairs and we live on the 4th floor) then rushed to Bishan - to the Balestier Corps. Balestier folk meet at 2.00 p.m. in the THQ chapel. My wife led the meeting and I gave the message.
Balestier is my home corps. I started attending Balestier at the age of five, before the war. After a three and half years hiatus, (Japanese occupation) I linked up with the Corps again. In 1957, I was appointed as the Corps Officer (pastor). It was my second appointment. We got married in June 1958 and we had a very happy time together running this church till 1959. Mrs. Ong insisted that everyone must address us as Lieutenant and Mrs. Lim. No first names allowed! So my wife remains Mrs. Lim to them to many others throughout the territory to this day.
When I first came to the Army,(1937) Balestier Corps was in a shop house in Balestier Rd. This shop house now sells lamps. Then after the war, Mrs. Palmer provided land for us to build at Martaban Road off Balestier Rd. The Army put up an a wooden and atap building. There was no electricity or water but we had the presence of the Lord. Many souls were won for Christ and many disciples made. It was a thriving church!
Later the Lord spoke to Mrs. Palmer about giving the land to the Army. She accepted token payment of $3000.00 for the freehold land. The Army put up a permanent building in 1961 and it was opened by General Wilfred Kitching. It was stated in the document - the purpose of the building was 'for a gospel hall.'
The property at Martaban Road was sold for $7.1 million, much to the disappointment of the Corps comrades. I must confess I feel the pain every time I think of it, but the deed has been done, and we have to move on. The Corps vacated the building in April 2007. Maybe the Lord has better things in store for us. We just have to trust Him.
When the building was sold, a number of folk transferred to other Corps and remain faithful to God and The Salvation Army. They found the time of worship, 2.00 p.m inconvenient. Some left us to join other churches, sadly some go nowhere. We must keep praying for them.
The comrades are now waiting to move to their new hall, not a new building, the former Eye Hospital at Balestier Road. We will begin a new chapter and we hope and pray it will be the best chapter ever - to the Glory of God. We learn from the past, work for the present and hope for the future.
There was a good number in the congregation on Sunday, the hall was quite full and it was good to see my old friends again. There was Jean Yeo who attended Sunday School with me when we were five year old kids! There was Andrew Ong, one of my Sunday School School kids who is now a grandfather! And John Ooi, the ever faithful. He was my Corps Secretary when I was the Corps Officer. John was always there for me when I needed him. His godly wife Esther took earlier retirement to work in Peacehaven. Timothy their son is very active in the Corps today. Ah, there were two sisters Irene and Olivia my Sunday School children from 1957-1959. Officers, good and not so good, come and go, these two sisters remain faithful. They form the backbone of the church! And there was Aileen with her children. And quite a number who came in recent years. Well, we had very good fellowship. There was special celebration on Father's Day and as the oldest person, I had the privilege to cut the cake.
Captains Jane and Julian Wong are doing a good work and we continue to pray for them. This is their first corps appointment. So it is not easy for them and they need our prayerful support. They know they can always call on us at any time to help out. It is always a joy to visit Balestier Corps.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at William Booth and Balestier. Praise be to God!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our cell group
The strength of a church cannot be measured by the number of people attending the Sunday morning meeting, although it is a good sign when the congregation grows. The true effectiveness of a Corps or Church is to be seen by the people who are actively engaged in witness for the Lord during the week. The services and teaching of the church should aim at the building of relationships. Those who attend church on a Sunday become active participants in propagating the gospel in the community. They become encouragers of others in our pilgrim journey from earth to heaven. We all as fellow travellers along the road of life need mutual support, encouragement and inspiration.
Members of a cell group are friends who care for each other and pray for each other.
We hold a cell group at our home every Friday at 10.00 a.m. Most are retirees, but others are welcome. We always enjoy the time spent together every week. It is time well spent.
The early church ‘devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching, and to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer.’ Acts 2: 42
Some thoughts on Friendship.
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you" Winnie the Pooh
"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." Charles Caleb Colton.
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus.
Members of a cell group are friends who care for each other and pray for each other.
We hold a cell group at our home every Friday at 10.00 a.m. Most are retirees, but others are welcome. We always enjoy the time spent together every week. It is time well spent.
The early church ‘devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching, and to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer.’ Acts 2: 42
Some thoughts on Friendship.
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you" Winnie the Pooh
"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." Charles Caleb Colton.
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dora Poh Chin
It was a beautiful scene that I saw today at Peacehaven. We were walking slong Level 3 of the Nursing Home on the way to conduct the first chapel service for the day. We always conduct two services on the same floor every week - third week, third level.
I looked out of the window and saw our Dora Poh Chin at the pool receiving hydrotherapy treatment given by Anthony Yeo. Anthony is a Christian and worships at Changi Corps (church). He is now the Consultant Therapist at Peacehaven.
Here Dora was standing in the pool with inflatable rubber rings on her hands and Anthony holding her and then letting her go intermittently. Dora looked so happy, calm, peaceful and contented and seemed to be enjoying herself. What a joy to watch her.In my mind's eye, I could see our Lord Jesus in the pool too watching and smiling at His precious one in the swimming pool.
We know our daughter is receiving tender loving care from the staff at Peacehaven. There couldn't be a better place for her to be in than here in this Home. Thank God for Peacehaven. Here we see love and compassion fully expressed by a team of very dedicated workers - nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplains, administration staff - all working as a team for the glory of God.
Thank you Lord for all your goodness.
I looked out of the window and saw our Dora Poh Chin at the pool receiving hydrotherapy treatment given by Anthony Yeo. Anthony is a Christian and worships at Changi Corps (church). He is now the Consultant Therapist at Peacehaven.
Here Dora was standing in the pool with inflatable rubber rings on her hands and Anthony holding her and then letting her go intermittently. Dora looked so happy, calm, peaceful and contented and seemed to be enjoying herself. What a joy to watch her.In my mind's eye, I could see our Lord Jesus in the pool too watching and smiling at His precious one in the swimming pool.
We know our daughter is receiving tender loving care from the staff at Peacehaven. There couldn't be a better place for her to be in than here in this Home. Thank God for Peacehaven. Here we see love and compassion fully expressed by a team of very dedicated workers - nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplains, administration staff - all working as a team for the glory of God.
Thank you Lord for all your goodness.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Inconsistency
General John Gowans (R) is a poet and song writer and many of us have enjoyed reading his poems and singing his songs. Here's one of his poems I would like to share with you.
INCONSISTENCY
He preaches like an angel,
Golden voiced!
Before he's through
The driest eye is moist.
He woos and wins
The hardest heart
To you,
And in the pulpit
He's a giant, true!
But when he climbs down
From that vaulted place,
His attitudes wear
Quite a diff'rent face!
He's cold and distant,
Doesn't seem to care
How we are faring,
Hasn't time to spare.
His ways deny
The very truth he teaches.
Lord, help the man
To practise
What he preaches. (John Gowans)
INCONSISTENCY
He preaches like an angel,
Golden voiced!
Before he's through
The driest eye is moist.
He woos and wins
The hardest heart
To you,
And in the pulpit
He's a giant, true!
But when he climbs down
From that vaulted place,
His attitudes wear
Quite a diff'rent face!
He's cold and distant,
Doesn't seem to care
How we are faring,
Hasn't time to spare.
His ways deny
The very truth he teaches.
Lord, help the man
To practise
What he preaches. (John Gowans)
Seeking Pre-eminence
As citizens we are proud of our country and when Changi was declared the No.1 airport, we were so happy. However, we have slipped to No. 3 and the top position has been taken by Incheon Airport of Korea. Some of our people are very upset.
Must we always be on top? That's the trouble with some of us. We like to be the top dog! I was reading 3 John one of the smallest books in the Bible. John in his letter describes a man by the name of Diotrephes, perhaps a deacon or elder in the church, or in Salvation Army terminology perhaps a Corps Sergeant Major. We don't know but he wielded a lot of power.
Paul wrote to the church, but Diotrephes apparently intercepted and destroyed it. He wanted to be the top dog and occupy the top spot all the time. He refused to have anything to do with other spiritual leaders like Paul. He had such a stranglehold on the church and would not allow others to have any part in the church.
Come to think of it, I have sermons on every book of the Bible, I have yet to work one on Driotrephes - the man who wanted always to be on top. Nothing stifles the church more than people like him who must dominate others all the time.
Well, think of it Jesus left the glory of Heaven to come down to us and to die on a criminal's cross for our sake. Only Jesus is worthy of preeminence. We are all servants called upon to minister to others.
Monday morning, I should be having pastor's day off. But I'm a retiree, so I don't qualify. Too bad.
Must we always be on top? That's the trouble with some of us. We like to be the top dog! I was reading 3 John one of the smallest books in the Bible. John in his letter describes a man by the name of Diotrephes, perhaps a deacon or elder in the church, or in Salvation Army terminology perhaps a Corps Sergeant Major. We don't know but he wielded a lot of power.
Paul wrote to the church, but Diotrephes apparently intercepted and destroyed it. He wanted to be the top dog and occupy the top spot all the time. He refused to have anything to do with other spiritual leaders like Paul. He had such a stranglehold on the church and would not allow others to have any part in the church.
Come to think of it, I have sermons on every book of the Bible, I have yet to work one on Driotrephes - the man who wanted always to be on top. Nothing stifles the church more than people like him who must dominate others all the time.
Well, think of it Jesus left the glory of Heaven to come down to us and to die on a criminal's cross for our sake. Only Jesus is worthy of preeminence. We are all servants called upon to minister to others.
Monday morning, I should be having pastor's day off. But I'm a retiree, so I don't qualify. Too bad.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bible lesson on Joshua
Today, we focussed our thoughts on Joshua 9. Powerful alliances began to form in both the north and south of Canaan. Tribal warfare had gone on for years, then suddenly deadly enemies united against the Israelites. Battles had to be fought.
It illlustates an important point. Satan puts up opposition when we try to do right. The enemies of righteousness unite to fight truth. The more we grow in our spiritual life, the more our faith advances, the more violent the opposition will become.
Satan knows how to change tactics to suit his purpose. He can come like a roaring lion, or like a subtle serpent. The story of Joshua's encounter with the Gibeonites illustrates this point. Joshua failed to seek counsel from the Lord and entered into a partnership with the Gibeonites. As Christians we need always to pray - yes, pray without ceasing! It means taking everything to God in prayer.
We all need always to have that prayerful dependence on God and His guidance all the time. Before entering into any partnership - be it a life partner, a business joint venture with someone, we need to seek God's will.
The Book of Joshua is more than just a record of battles and military victories. We need to dig deeper and seek the inner meaning of this book. Canaan symbolies our sanctified life. There are battles to be fought and won. We have an enemy with whom to contend with during our earthly pilgrimage. Our battles will only be over when we finally arrive in Heaven to be with the Lord forever.
It illlustates an important point. Satan puts up opposition when we try to do right. The enemies of righteousness unite to fight truth. The more we grow in our spiritual life, the more our faith advances, the more violent the opposition will become.
Satan knows how to change tactics to suit his purpose. He can come like a roaring lion, or like a subtle serpent. The story of Joshua's encounter with the Gibeonites illustrates this point. Joshua failed to seek counsel from the Lord and entered into a partnership with the Gibeonites. As Christians we need always to pray - yes, pray without ceasing! It means taking everything to God in prayer.
We all need always to have that prayerful dependence on God and His guidance all the time. Before entering into any partnership - be it a life partner, a business joint venture with someone, we need to seek God's will.
The Book of Joshua is more than just a record of battles and military victories. We need to dig deeper and seek the inner meaning of this book. Canaan symbolies our sanctified life. There are battles to be fought and won. We have an enemy with whom to contend with during our earthly pilgrimage. Our battles will only be over when we finally arrive in Heaven to be with the Lord forever.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Legalism
It has been very warm these days we feel we are living in an oven. On Friday, we had our cell group meeting. Major Pascoe suggested that we meet in air-conditioned comfort in the room adjacent to her office. How thoughtful of her! We were a small group - two of our regular members were sick, one a Vietnamese now has to work, and one, my sister-in-law is away in Perth. So we were minus four members leaving the five of us.
We had good discussion as always and today we concentrated on legalism. Jesus spoke some very strong words about the legalism of the Pharisees and Scribes in His day. Philip Yancy said: "Legalism is a subtle danger because no one thinks of himself as a legalist. My own rules seem necessary; other people's rules seem excessively strict." It gave us food for thought. Isn't this true?
I pray this prayer: "Search me O God and know my heart today." Somehow it is easy to see faults in others but not in ourselves. Confucius said, "The real fault is to have faults and not to be aware of them."
From my notebook: Faults are like headlights on a car; those of others always seem more glaring than our own. How true!
We had good discussion as always and today we concentrated on legalism. Jesus spoke some very strong words about the legalism of the Pharisees and Scribes in His day. Philip Yancy said: "Legalism is a subtle danger because no one thinks of himself as a legalist. My own rules seem necessary; other people's rules seem excessively strict." It gave us food for thought. Isn't this true?
I pray this prayer: "Search me O God and know my heart today." Somehow it is easy to see faults in others but not in ourselves. Confucius said, "The real fault is to have faults and not to be aware of them."
From my notebook: Faults are like headlights on a car; those of others always seem more glaring than our own. How true!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Prayer of St.Francis of Assisi
I love reading the prayers of the saints and here is one of my favourites written by St. Francis of Assisi. It has blessed me many times. I ended the last blog with part of it and I am praying this prayer now. Join me in this prayer.
Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace:
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Dvine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be comforted as to comfort; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardond; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen
Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace:
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Dvine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be comforted as to comfort; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardond; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Cross culture communication
We live in a multiracial and multicultural society and on the whole have been able to live peacefully and harmoniously together. Of course there are racists in our midst, but they are in the minority and their influence on society is minimal and contained. Even in the church there are racists and we need to pray that the Lord will touch their hearts that they may learn acceptance of others of a different race and culture. The Kingdom of God has no boundaries.
In our Corps (church) we have a real mix of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Indonesian, Eurasian, Australian, New Zealander, Swiss etc. We all worship the Lord in English the common language.
I grew up in Lorong Limau, our next door neighbour was a Malay family, further down the road were Indians, Eurasians and Chinese speaking different dialects! I went to school, my classmates comprised different races.
In a cross cultural community, miscommunication sometimes is inevitable. We do not have enough officers of our own, so it is necessary for overseas people to come into our country to help us. Besides we are an international organisation and it is good to maintain our internationalism. We used to refer to them as missionary officers, today they are called reinforcement officers. What's in a name, the important thing is for them to come and help us in saving souls, growing saints and serve suffering humanity.
Some have adapted very well, for example our new Territorial Commanders - Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge. They have that passion of trying to reach out to our people. They have the 'pastor's heart' and seek to understand our culture for the sake of the gospel. Our Corps Officer (pastor) Major Ruth Pascoe has been here for more than thirty years, has taken up permanent residence and even speaks Singlish too adding a 'lah' here and there! She's one of us, loves our people, our food and our culture! We are glad in the history of the Army here, we have been blessed with such type of reinforcement officers.
Sadly we have had some, who find it hard to adapt. Quite often in their conversation would say, "At home (referring to their homeland) we do it like this." Once I heard the remark "You have strange ways of doing things here, not like we do at home. You are not Army." Wow. They seem to think, that unless things are done in exactly the same way as is done in their land, it is not right. Years ago we had an officer who succeeded us in a Church appointment. One of the first things she did was to change the meeting time to 11.00 am.from 10.00 a.m. because she was used to worshipping at 11.00 a.m.! One officer came and changed the name 'Sunday School' to JAM Club. Some parents withdrew their children from Sunday School.
Come, come, don't despise the 'weired or queer' practices of others.
Let's take bowing for example. To the Chinese it is just a form of courtesy and showing respect. It is not necessarily worship. The westerner expresses such courtesy with a kiss on the cheek, or a hug. It's disgusting to the old fashioned Chinese, Indian or Malay. I am not the hugging type, but in the Philippines I learned to hug (believe it or not) just like the local people do. It's their culture and when I am in their country, I must learn to accept their way of doing things. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Paul tells us to be all things to all men, that we might win some. How true.
The Emperor of China was interested in Christianity. However when the missionaries went to the Forbidden City, they refused to bow down. Why should the 'ang moh' bow to the Chinese in the so called 'pagan land'! That was their attitude. The Emperor was so hurt, disgusted and angry, he expelled them. What an opportunity missed. They could have led the Emperor to Christ if they were humble like the Lord they professed to serve.
This subject of cross culture came up during our conversation at the lunch table at Peacehaven. What a mix of culture among the staff and residents of Peacehaven. It is enriching! And it set me thinking - I have a lot to learn to cross culture. Someone called cross culture, the culture of the cross! If we are really passionate about communicating the gospel, let us try to understand the other person's culture or way of seeing and doing things. One culture views the other as offensive and crude, but to the other is is pleasing, sacred and good! One man's meat is another's poison.
Let me end with the prayer of St. Francis which I'm sure you have come across and one of the requests is "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace....not to be understood, but to understand." Amen to that. We all need to pray that prayer.
It all boils down to the Christian having the mind or attitude of Christ who left Heaven's throne to be a servant and to die on the cross for our sakes.
In our Corps (church) we have a real mix of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Indonesian, Eurasian, Australian, New Zealander, Swiss etc. We all worship the Lord in English the common language.
I grew up in Lorong Limau, our next door neighbour was a Malay family, further down the road were Indians, Eurasians and Chinese speaking different dialects! I went to school, my classmates comprised different races.
In a cross cultural community, miscommunication sometimes is inevitable. We do not have enough officers of our own, so it is necessary for overseas people to come into our country to help us. Besides we are an international organisation and it is good to maintain our internationalism. We used to refer to them as missionary officers, today they are called reinforcement officers. What's in a name, the important thing is for them to come and help us in saving souls, growing saints and serve suffering humanity.
Some have adapted very well, for example our new Territorial Commanders - Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge. They have that passion of trying to reach out to our people. They have the 'pastor's heart' and seek to understand our culture for the sake of the gospel. Our Corps Officer (pastor) Major Ruth Pascoe has been here for more than thirty years, has taken up permanent residence and even speaks Singlish too adding a 'lah' here and there! She's one of us, loves our people, our food and our culture! We are glad in the history of the Army here, we have been blessed with such type of reinforcement officers.
Sadly we have had some, who find it hard to adapt. Quite often in their conversation would say, "At home (referring to their homeland) we do it like this." Once I heard the remark "You have strange ways of doing things here, not like we do at home. You are not Army." Wow. They seem to think, that unless things are done in exactly the same way as is done in their land, it is not right. Years ago we had an officer who succeeded us in a Church appointment. One of the first things she did was to change the meeting time to 11.00 am.from 10.00 a.m. because she was used to worshipping at 11.00 a.m.! One officer came and changed the name 'Sunday School' to JAM Club. Some parents withdrew their children from Sunday School.
Come, come, don't despise the 'weired or queer' practices of others.
Let's take bowing for example. To the Chinese it is just a form of courtesy and showing respect. It is not necessarily worship. The westerner expresses such courtesy with a kiss on the cheek, or a hug. It's disgusting to the old fashioned Chinese, Indian or Malay. I am not the hugging type, but in the Philippines I learned to hug (believe it or not) just like the local people do. It's their culture and when I am in their country, I must learn to accept their way of doing things. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Paul tells us to be all things to all men, that we might win some. How true.
The Emperor of China was interested in Christianity. However when the missionaries went to the Forbidden City, they refused to bow down. Why should the 'ang moh' bow to the Chinese in the so called 'pagan land'! That was their attitude. The Emperor was so hurt, disgusted and angry, he expelled them. What an opportunity missed. They could have led the Emperor to Christ if they were humble like the Lord they professed to serve.
This subject of cross culture came up during our conversation at the lunch table at Peacehaven. What a mix of culture among the staff and residents of Peacehaven. It is enriching! And it set me thinking - I have a lot to learn to cross culture. Someone called cross culture, the culture of the cross! If we are really passionate about communicating the gospel, let us try to understand the other person's culture or way of seeing and doing things. One culture views the other as offensive and crude, but to the other is is pleasing, sacred and good! One man's meat is another's poison.
Let me end with the prayer of St. Francis which I'm sure you have come across and one of the requests is "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace....not to be understood, but to understand." Amen to that. We all need to pray that prayer.
It all boils down to the Christian having the mind or attitude of Christ who left Heaven's throne to be a servant and to die on the cross for our sakes.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Encouragement from Youth
Last weekend, a group of Youth Leaders of Central Corps met in the unit next door to us for a retreat. They organised this themselves. Before the programme started, three of them - Guan You, Clarissa and Biru who arrived early paid us a visit. That was thoughtful of them.
I recall last Chinese New Year about a dozen or so of these young people came to pay their respects. When you visit someone on Chinese New Year you are showing respect. So kind of them to think of two elderly people. They could be spending their time elsewhere.
Of course, there is a reason these young people feel quite free with us. Two of our grandchildren - David and Rachel are in this group.
We thank God for these young people. They have that sense of ownership of the Army.
Well the future of the Army is secure with such committed youth leaders. They are precious to us, to God and to the Army. Let's do all we can to encourage them.
They had their retreat next door,and they were extremely good. We enjoyed listening to their singing. It brought us blessing. The only noise they made was when their Corps Officer (pastor) came. They seem to have a hilarious time, plenty of laughter. And because they are happy, we are happy too. Captain Lim Chee Kwee relates well with them.
God bless the young people.
I recall last Chinese New Year about a dozen or so of these young people came to pay their respects. When you visit someone on Chinese New Year you are showing respect. So kind of them to think of two elderly people. They could be spending their time elsewhere.
Of course, there is a reason these young people feel quite free with us. Two of our grandchildren - David and Rachel are in this group.
We thank God for these young people. They have that sense of ownership of the Army.
Well the future of the Army is secure with such committed youth leaders. They are precious to us, to God and to the Army. Let's do all we can to encourage them.
They had their retreat next door,and they were extremely good. We enjoyed listening to their singing. It brought us blessing. The only noise they made was when their Corps Officer (pastor) came. They seem to have a hilarious time, plenty of laughter. And because they are happy, we are happy too. Captain Lim Chee Kwee relates well with them.
God bless the young people.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Our 51st Wedding Anniversary
Our Corps Officer (pastor) and a number of ladies were away for the Women's camp, so we did the meeting at William Booth Corps.I chose for my text: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit" says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4: 6. We focused our thoughts on Zechariah's vision and the challenge to Zerubbabel and his small team of followers who were feeling very discouraged, to carry on building the Temple.
We all get discouraged at times. The mountains of difficulty seem insurmountable, but with the Lord, the most impossible mountains can be flattened. So let us heed the words of the Song writer, "Let us press on then, never despair, Live above feeling, Victory's there." It's a long time since we sang this beautiful song (No 773)
We have been much encouraged by the many messages from friends, both local and overseas who remember our wedding anniversary. Last year was our Golden, so we had big celebration - once in a life time! But not this year. However a number of our friends invited us to lunch and dinner. In the evening, our daughter Gladys and family gave us a special treat - steamboat dinner at The Seventh Story Restaurant at the Barrage, Marina Bay.
We thank God for 51 years of very happy and blessed married life. The Lord has been very good to us.
We all get discouraged at times. The mountains of difficulty seem insurmountable, but with the Lord, the most impossible mountains can be flattened. So let us heed the words of the Song writer, "Let us press on then, never despair, Live above feeling, Victory's there." It's a long time since we sang this beautiful song (No 773)
We have been much encouraged by the many messages from friends, both local and overseas who remember our wedding anniversary. Last year was our Golden, so we had big celebration - once in a life time! But not this year. However a number of our friends invited us to lunch and dinner. In the evening, our daughter Gladys and family gave us a special treat - steamboat dinner at The Seventh Story Restaurant at the Barrage, Marina Bay.
We thank God for 51 years of very happy and blessed married life. The Lord has been very good to us.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Best Memory System
Forget each kindness that you do
As soon as you have done it;
Forget the praise that falls to you
The moment you have won it;
Forget the slander that you hear
Before you can repeat it;
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer
Whenever you may meet it.
Remember every kindness done
To you what'er its measure;
Remember praise by others won
And pass it on with pleasure;
Remember every promise made
And keep it to the letter;
Remember those who lend you aid
And be a grateful debtor.
Remember all the happiness
That comes our way in living;
Forget each worry and distress,
Be hopeful and forgiving;
Remember good, remember truth,
Remember heaven's above you,
And you will find through age and youth
True joy and hearts to love you. Author unknown
As soon as you have done it;
Forget the praise that falls to you
The moment you have won it;
Forget the slander that you hear
Before you can repeat it;
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer
Whenever you may meet it.
Remember every kindness done
To you what'er its measure;
Remember praise by others won
And pass it on with pleasure;
Remember every promise made
And keep it to the letter;
Remember those who lend you aid
And be a grateful debtor.
Remember all the happiness
That comes our way in living;
Forget each worry and distress,
Be hopeful and forgiving;
Remember good, remember truth,
Remember heaven's above you,
And you will find through age and youth
True joy and hearts to love you. Author unknown
Friday, June 5, 2009
Lunch with Lieut. Colonels Tan Thean Seng and Pat Tan
Lieut. Colonels Tan Thean Seng and Pat Tan were very gracious to treat us to lunch yesterday. We have been friends for many years. We met them when we became Corps Officers (pastors) of Penang Corps (1959-1962) That's half a century ago!
Thean Seng was a junior soldier and Corps Cadet and a very good one too. He not only attended classes very regularly, participated in meetings, he also used to go out with my wife to sell the War Cry on Saturday evenings. My wife and I took turns to sell the War Cry at the Clubs and the Restaurants along Penang Road. I would alternate with her, but I did not want her to go alone. When it was her turn, Thean Seng would accompany her on the bicycle to sell the papers. In those days we did not just leave the papers at the back of the hall for all and sundry to take - gratis. By the way, the only transport we had were two bicycles for the Corps officers.
Pat Loo then, joined the Army through Guides. My wife ran the Guides and Brownies on a Saturday afternoon while I conducted the outpost Sunday School at Glugor and Bayan Lepas.
In 1965 we returned to Penang to take charge of the Boys' Home, he was still in school, he would help to teach at the Salvation Army Primary School. Our appointment covered the Boys' Home, the Primary school, plus a chicken farm! The farm made money to support the Home. More on this at another blog.
After commissioning as a Lieutenant, Thean Seng was appointed to Kuala Lumpur Corps to assist us in the pioneering work. Well he had to work extremely hard. We went round from door to door, giving out tracts and inviting people to the meetings.
So you see, our association dates back a long time. When we left Hong Kong to be the Territorial Leaders of the Philippines in 1990, the Tans moved to Hong Kong, he as the General Secretary and she as the Command Secretary for Women's Organisations. They occupied the quarters we vacated for the Officer Commanding and his wife Lieut. Colonel John and Mrs. Muriel Banks preferred to live upstairs in the two storeyed building.
Fast forward to 1997, Major Tan was appointed to be my Under Secretary at IHQ while his wife assisted Lieut. Colonel Linda Bond, now Commissioner Bond.
So you see we had much to do with them all through the years. No wonder the lunch took three hours! Nostalgia indeed.
What a lot to talk about. We've been through many storms together. We've spent happy moments with each other in Singapore and Malaysia.We were blessed by their lovely spirit and their hope and desire for the future of The Salvation Army. Once again, thank God for friends who care and pray for each other.
We've had change of leaders. Sometimes we fear changes, but we are optimistic as our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge are people God, of vision and compassion and we know will lead us forward by the grace of God. To God be the glory!
A thought: We have God with us so 'If you cannot be optimistic then you must have a misty optic."
Thean Seng was a junior soldier and Corps Cadet and a very good one too. He not only attended classes very regularly, participated in meetings, he also used to go out with my wife to sell the War Cry on Saturday evenings. My wife and I took turns to sell the War Cry at the Clubs and the Restaurants along Penang Road. I would alternate with her, but I did not want her to go alone. When it was her turn, Thean Seng would accompany her on the bicycle to sell the papers. In those days we did not just leave the papers at the back of the hall for all and sundry to take - gratis. By the way, the only transport we had were two bicycles for the Corps officers.
Pat Loo then, joined the Army through Guides. My wife ran the Guides and Brownies on a Saturday afternoon while I conducted the outpost Sunday School at Glugor and Bayan Lepas.
In 1965 we returned to Penang to take charge of the Boys' Home, he was still in school, he would help to teach at the Salvation Army Primary School. Our appointment covered the Boys' Home, the Primary school, plus a chicken farm! The farm made money to support the Home. More on this at another blog.
After commissioning as a Lieutenant, Thean Seng was appointed to Kuala Lumpur Corps to assist us in the pioneering work. Well he had to work extremely hard. We went round from door to door, giving out tracts and inviting people to the meetings.
So you see, our association dates back a long time. When we left Hong Kong to be the Territorial Leaders of the Philippines in 1990, the Tans moved to Hong Kong, he as the General Secretary and she as the Command Secretary for Women's Organisations. They occupied the quarters we vacated for the Officer Commanding and his wife Lieut. Colonel John and Mrs. Muriel Banks preferred to live upstairs in the two storeyed building.
Fast forward to 1997, Major Tan was appointed to be my Under Secretary at IHQ while his wife assisted Lieut. Colonel Linda Bond, now Commissioner Bond.
So you see we had much to do with them all through the years. No wonder the lunch took three hours! Nostalgia indeed.
What a lot to talk about. We've been through many storms together. We've spent happy moments with each other in Singapore and Malaysia.We were blessed by their lovely spirit and their hope and desire for the future of The Salvation Army. Once again, thank God for friends who care and pray for each other.
We've had change of leaders. Sometimes we fear changes, but we are optimistic as our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge are people God, of vision and compassion and we know will lead us forward by the grace of God. To God be the glory!
A thought: We have God with us so 'If you cannot be optimistic then you must have a misty optic."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pastoral visitation
Tuesday was a busy day. First, we went to Peacehaven as usual on a Tuesday to do chapel service and visit the staff and residents. Came home and at 3.00 p.m. our grandson David came to fetch us to NTUC Fairprice to buy our weekly groceries. He now has a driving license and enjoys getting behind the wheel. I must say, he drives very carefully, good driver and I'm proud of him.
We borrowed our son's car and went to visit two elderly ladies in their seventies, both handicapped living in their own shared HDB flat at Dover Crescent. Grace and Mary used to attend Army meetings years ago, in fact Mary sang in the songsters for many years. They are quite house bound and do not attend church these days.
We always visit them on their birthdays, and on occasions like Christmas and Chinese New Year, so it's about four or five times a year, and when we hear that they are sick. We visit them to share God's blessings with them. And yesterday they were very nostalgic and mentioned name after name of officers who used to serve in Singapore - like the Harveys, Douglas and Jean Kiff, Ruth Naugler, Norina Staples, Moira Wright, Peter and Grace Chang, Robert and Thelma Webb etc. - officers who really gave of themselves without counting the cost. Those early day officers lived very sacrificially and wielded tremendous influence on our people. They were in touch with people.
Time always goes very quickly and we shared a prayer with them. We know they appreciate our visit. We can always feel the warmth of welcome.
When we first came home to Singapore twelve years ago, we did a lot of visitation particularly of the elderly. We were twelve years younger then so had more energy. Gradually one by one of our friends have gone to be with the Lord, so the number of elderly needing visits decreases. We cannot take on new ones as we know our limitations. We don't own a car, so have to depend on public transport. Good thing, I still enjoy walking, it's a good form of exercise.
At heart we are still Corps Officers (pastors) and we were so used to clock a minimum of eighteen hours a week. This was mandatory, written in the Orders and Regulations for Corps Officers. I wonder if this is still the regulation? But we visit not because of regulation, but the need to keep in touch to share God's word and blessing with others. To us it is a calling, a vocation in life, doing the Lord's business.
I don't know how anyone can preach relevant sermons if he does not keep in touch with the people he ministers to each week. Of course in our time there were no computers, no e-mail, and most folk did not have the telephone either. We just had to visit the people to keep in touch. We listened to their joys and sorrows, their concerns, the worries and prayed with them.
True there are problems that confront today's pastor. A pastor who finds visiting uncongenial, or too demanding, or is looking for an excuse not to do so, need not look far for arguments to support him. To some modern pastors, visitation is a hangover from the olden days. Or he may say, the time has passed when home visiting was necessary to ensure a church going people.
I'm not going to argue with the modern pastor. I feel visitation is sharing of God's fatherly love. Every time we visit someone, especially the elderly or the sick, their faces light up. We are there to share the Word, prayer and fellowship. People need the Lord and someone to talk with. that's what we find every week at Peacehaven Nursing Home.
Age has caught up with us, we still visit, perhaps not as frequently, but we do what we can as long as the Lord gives us strength. Well, as I posted earlier -"Praise God, I'm not weary yet."
"Wide was his parish, with houses far asunder,
Yet he neglected not in rain or thunder,
In sickness or in trouble, to pay call
On the remotest whether great or small
Upon his feet, and in his hand a stave.... Chaucer: The Prologue to Canterbury Tales
I am aware Chaucer speaks for Christians living in a different era. The situation varies from ours in crowded Singapore. Listen to his praise for the 'poor parson' - a diligent and devoted shepherd of God's flock.
"He stayed at home and watched over his fold
So that no wolf should make the sheep miscarry.
He was a shepherd and no mercenary."
By the way, I love to browse through the books at RSI Thrift Store. Often I pick up real old gems.You still can get Shakespeare,Chaucer Dickens, Austen etc It is only four floors down from where we live. Come and visit the store.
We borrowed our son's car and went to visit two elderly ladies in their seventies, both handicapped living in their own shared HDB flat at Dover Crescent. Grace and Mary used to attend Army meetings years ago, in fact Mary sang in the songsters for many years. They are quite house bound and do not attend church these days.
We always visit them on their birthdays, and on occasions like Christmas and Chinese New Year, so it's about four or five times a year, and when we hear that they are sick. We visit them to share God's blessings with them. And yesterday they were very nostalgic and mentioned name after name of officers who used to serve in Singapore - like the Harveys, Douglas and Jean Kiff, Ruth Naugler, Norina Staples, Moira Wright, Peter and Grace Chang, Robert and Thelma Webb etc. - officers who really gave of themselves without counting the cost. Those early day officers lived very sacrificially and wielded tremendous influence on our people. They were in touch with people.
Time always goes very quickly and we shared a prayer with them. We know they appreciate our visit. We can always feel the warmth of welcome.
When we first came home to Singapore twelve years ago, we did a lot of visitation particularly of the elderly. We were twelve years younger then so had more energy. Gradually one by one of our friends have gone to be with the Lord, so the number of elderly needing visits decreases. We cannot take on new ones as we know our limitations. We don't own a car, so have to depend on public transport. Good thing, I still enjoy walking, it's a good form of exercise.
At heart we are still Corps Officers (pastors) and we were so used to clock a minimum of eighteen hours a week. This was mandatory, written in the Orders and Regulations for Corps Officers. I wonder if this is still the regulation? But we visit not because of regulation, but the need to keep in touch to share God's word and blessing with others. To us it is a calling, a vocation in life, doing the Lord's business.
I don't know how anyone can preach relevant sermons if he does not keep in touch with the people he ministers to each week. Of course in our time there were no computers, no e-mail, and most folk did not have the telephone either. We just had to visit the people to keep in touch. We listened to their joys and sorrows, their concerns, the worries and prayed with them.
True there are problems that confront today's pastor. A pastor who finds visiting uncongenial, or too demanding, or is looking for an excuse not to do so, need not look far for arguments to support him. To some modern pastors, visitation is a hangover from the olden days. Or he may say, the time has passed when home visiting was necessary to ensure a church going people.
I'm not going to argue with the modern pastor. I feel visitation is sharing of God's fatherly love. Every time we visit someone, especially the elderly or the sick, their faces light up. We are there to share the Word, prayer and fellowship. People need the Lord and someone to talk with. that's what we find every week at Peacehaven Nursing Home.
Age has caught up with us, we still visit, perhaps not as frequently, but we do what we can as long as the Lord gives us strength. Well, as I posted earlier -"Praise God, I'm not weary yet."
"Wide was his parish, with houses far asunder,
Yet he neglected not in rain or thunder,
In sickness or in trouble, to pay call
On the remotest whether great or small
Upon his feet, and in his hand a stave.... Chaucer: The Prologue to Canterbury Tales
I am aware Chaucer speaks for Christians living in a different era. The situation varies from ours in crowded Singapore. Listen to his praise for the 'poor parson' - a diligent and devoted shepherd of God's flock.
"He stayed at home and watched over his fold
So that no wolf should make the sheep miscarry.
He was a shepherd and no mercenary."
By the way, I love to browse through the books at RSI Thrift Store. Often I pick up real old gems.You still can get Shakespeare,Chaucer Dickens, Austen etc It is only four floors down from where we live. Come and visit the store.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Library and books
It's Monday. No Monday morning blues for retirees. I spent the morning getting my Bible summary ready for the Corps bulletin, then completed my sermon for Sunday. We shall be doing the meeting at William Booth Corps on 7th June. So after lunch, I took Bus No. 67 and headed straight for Choa Chu Kang Central.
Well, I have not been there for a walk for some time. The Plaza has changed a lot after extensive renovation. One thing about Singapore, nothing is left to deteriorate. I went right to the roof top garden and watch children play in beautiful garden, then came down floor by floor window shopping. Didn't spent a cent!
Then I went to the Library. We are blessed here with libraries. We have one right in our building - the SFOT library, only two floors down from our unit. A few bus stops away there is the Bukit Panjang Library. But the Library I like best is the Jurong Central Regional Library.
Anyway I spent some time at the Choa Chu Kang Library, enjoyed browsing through the books and certainly the air conditioning. It's extremely hot these days. The National Library and Woodlands Library are excellent, but rather far from where we live.
I didn't borrow any book today as I am re-reading my old books. I seem to have acquired a number of Philip Yancy's and its great to re-read them. I think most of them were gifts from Elaine one of our nieces who is a school teacher. I've been much blessed by Philip Yancy's writings.
At the moment our cell is using his book, "What's so amazing about Grace?" I strongly recommend you to get hold of the book and read it. As the leader of the cell group, I have to read and re-read each week and this has done me good. Grace is a big word and we cannot really comprehend grace. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
Our grandson David seems to have a real appetite for Philip Yancy's books and he has certainly acquired a number of them. Must be in the genes! I have borrowed one from him - Disappointment with God. Well, I am in the midst of reading it. Of course, nowadays as age catches up with me, I am much slower in doing anything, including reading. The eyes do get tired quickly, and I want to sleep at 10.00 p.m. as we wake up every morning at 5.30 a.m. to do our exercise.
I recall in my younger days, I used to have three books going at the same time - a devotional book, a biography or autobiography and a novel. O I used to love reading Pearl S Buck, A J Cronin, Charles Dickens. Nowadays, I might get a novel, perhaps by Catherine Lim and the like from the Singapore section. Yes, I do give myself a treat by reading a novel sometimes.
So much of my time is taken up with preparation for my weekly Bible studies, reading for leisure has to be sacrificed. One has to be selective.
And I love to keep note books. The problem is sometimes I cannot decipher my own handwriting. I use the computer so much, my handwriting has deteriorated terribly. I need to practise handwriting. Anyway, here's one from my notebook.
"Truly each book is as a ship that bears us away from the fixity of our limitations into the movement and splendour of life's infinite ocean." Helen Keller.
"A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy." Edward Morgan.
Happy reading.
Well, I have not been there for a walk for some time. The Plaza has changed a lot after extensive renovation. One thing about Singapore, nothing is left to deteriorate. I went right to the roof top garden and watch children play in beautiful garden, then came down floor by floor window shopping. Didn't spent a cent!
Then I went to the Library. We are blessed here with libraries. We have one right in our building - the SFOT library, only two floors down from our unit. A few bus stops away there is the Bukit Panjang Library. But the Library I like best is the Jurong Central Regional Library.
Anyway I spent some time at the Choa Chu Kang Library, enjoyed browsing through the books and certainly the air conditioning. It's extremely hot these days. The National Library and Woodlands Library are excellent, but rather far from where we live.
I didn't borrow any book today as I am re-reading my old books. I seem to have acquired a number of Philip Yancy's and its great to re-read them. I think most of them were gifts from Elaine one of our nieces who is a school teacher. I've been much blessed by Philip Yancy's writings.
At the moment our cell is using his book, "What's so amazing about Grace?" I strongly recommend you to get hold of the book and read it. As the leader of the cell group, I have to read and re-read each week and this has done me good. Grace is a big word and we cannot really comprehend grace. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
Our grandson David seems to have a real appetite for Philip Yancy's books and he has certainly acquired a number of them. Must be in the genes! I have borrowed one from him - Disappointment with God. Well, I am in the midst of reading it. Of course, nowadays as age catches up with me, I am much slower in doing anything, including reading. The eyes do get tired quickly, and I want to sleep at 10.00 p.m. as we wake up every morning at 5.30 a.m. to do our exercise.
I recall in my younger days, I used to have three books going at the same time - a devotional book, a biography or autobiography and a novel. O I used to love reading Pearl S Buck, A J Cronin, Charles Dickens. Nowadays, I might get a novel, perhaps by Catherine Lim and the like from the Singapore section. Yes, I do give myself a treat by reading a novel sometimes.
So much of my time is taken up with preparation for my weekly Bible studies, reading for leisure has to be sacrificed. One has to be selective.
And I love to keep note books. The problem is sometimes I cannot decipher my own handwriting. I use the computer so much, my handwriting has deteriorated terribly. I need to practise handwriting. Anyway, here's one from my notebook.
"Truly each book is as a ship that bears us away from the fixity of our limitations into the movement and splendour of life's infinite ocean." Helen Keller.
"A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy." Edward Morgan.
Happy reading.
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