On Sunday our meeting had an additional item, a talk given by Bruce Gale. Bruce an ardent Salvationist is the Bandmaster of our band at William Booth Corps.
Bruce gave a very encouraging talk about his visit to Palu with the Medan band at our meeting. I was thrilled to hear the report for as the International Secretary for the South Pacific and East Asia (1993-1997) I had the opportunity to visit Palu to inspect the work and preach the gospel there.I can picture the scene of this 2009 Congress. General Paul Rader (retired) was the visiting speaker on this special occasion. There were 14,000 participants and 99% in Salvation Army uniform! Attendance by special pass only because of security reasons! Hard for Singaporeans to imagine, but it's true.
What a thrill to see pictures of the Medan band, thirty strong leading the Salvation Army march along the streets of Palu.
By the way in these areas, normally the first worship service starts at 6.00 a.m. No sleeping in on Sunday! Some of our biggest churches are in Sulawasi.
When Bruce was stationed in Kuala Lumpur, he with several members of the Kuala Lumpur Corps band went to Medan and started a brass band at the Boys' Home in 1987. He still visits Medan quite regularly at his own expense to train the bandsmen. (I don't know what happened to KL band)
This Medan 2 Corps band accompanies the congregational singing every Sunday. It also plays carols during Christmas time at shopping plazas.
I wonder how many of you read the article in The Straits Times last Friday 24th July. It had an article by Bruce Gale, the Senior Writer. The title of the article: A perspective on Indonesian affairs. 'Taking faith in the security forces.'
Bruce and his wife Wee Cheng never miss the Adult Bible Class on Sunday morning at our church. They make excellent contribution to our discussions. They and their son Peter are a real inspiration to us. We give God thanks for such dedicated salvationists.
No comments:
Post a Comment