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