Peacehaven Nursing Home

Life is getting more and more difficult for all of us because we live in the midst of so much change. In the twelve years of our retirement, we have seen so many changes. In this fast changing world there are so many opportunities to invest our time and energy. We can scout around for opportunities to be of service. We have received calls for help from different quarters but we need to be wise and limit our objectives. There are many choices to make and where to allocate our time.

We are glad we have chosen to commit ourselves to helping out at Peacehaven once a week. Of course, you might say we have an axe to grind (in a positive sense) in that we get to see our daughter Poh Chin. It is a bonus to put it another way. She is so wonderfully cared for by the team of dedicated staff.This morning, as usual we watched her in the pool with the therapist Anthony Yeo – a picture of serenity and peace, quite a contrast to what we see her sometimes when she hits herself in frustration and the nurses have to put gloves on for her or even tie her hand. Well God is good to send people like Anthony Yeo. The staff, nurses and therapists are very dedicated people.

This morning we spent time with the residents of Hope Centre. My wife told them the story of Noah’s Ark and I translated the message into Hokkien and English. We always keep the message short and simple.

We are glad of the opportunity to spend time with the staff especially during lunch time. There is so much to talk and share with each other.

During the week eight senior staff of Peacehaven met at Praisehaven at Upper Bukit Timah for a retreat. We live above the retreat centre on the fourth floor. I was invited to speak to the group during the first session on the subject of Christian unity - working together in the interests of the Kingdom. I thank God my wife and I despite our age, we are still able to contribute in some small way to encourage and inspire others. We do it because of God's enabling grace.

We have a very close relationship with the Peacehaven staff for many years. We can trace this long association to the days when we were the Corps Officers (pastors) of Central Corps (1970-74) when we made regular visits to the Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged at Upper Bukit Timah. In fact we were present at the opening of the first Salvation Army Home for the Aged, the predecessor of the present Peacehaven Nursing Home.

When we returned to Singapore for retirement in 1997 one of the first things we did was to visit the Home at Pasir Panjang and restart spiritual meetings with the elderly. And we have continued to this day. We have been greatly blessed in our association with the staff and residents all these years. What a privilege and joy to share God's blessings with one another.