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.