In Him abiding

It's the last day of the year and I am in a reflective mood - pondering on the word 'abide.' One of the key phrases in John's writings is found in Jesus' words 'to abide' These words become a special feature in chapter 15 - the theme 'abide in me and I in you.' The expression 'to abide' is used here to describe the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. By the picture of the vine, the growing branches and fruitful plant, Jesus conveys to us the idea of that living and abiding fellowship. The promises the kind of faith we are able to have through Him.

The word 'abide' has several emphases - each of which may add to our understanding and spiritual awareness.

First, an abiding friendship, a phrase that stands for a relationship of true and lasting loyalty. Everyday we meet people; many we pass by briefly in any one day, especially in the crowded life of our city. Some we get to know and after a while lose touch with. Of the people we meet, we are grateful for those whom there can be a lasting and abiding friendship. that gives continuity to our experience over the years. They are precious, they are there when we need them. We keep in touch in different ways. We live for each other, there is mutual trust and sharing.

Jesus said to His disciples. 'Abide in Me.' He also told them, 'I have called you friends.' To Jesus, discipleship means more than belonging to a group, a team, a cell or a church. It is a deeper relationship with and loyalty to Him. 'In Him abiding, my all confiding' says one of our old choruses.

Second, I think of an abiding treasure. It stands for the worth and value we place on something important and precious. In the world, there are many fashions and styles of culture and art that quickly come and go. Not all are abiding, but there are those that abide. We have the music of Beethoven and Handel, the literature of Shakespeare and paintings of Constable and Turner for example. Such works have stood the test of time. We call them classics. They are treasures of history and civilisation and have abiding value. In this sense, the message of Jesus is treasured as abiding gift to us.

Third, I think of His abiding presence. This is the last day of 2010. In a matter of hours it will be gone and we begin a new year. But I'm glad I have Jesus and His presence goes with me into the new year.

One of my favourite hymns is 'Abide with me fast falls the even tide.' The darkness that enfolds us causes us to fear and we need this abiding presence. David the psalmist sings about going through the valley of the shadow of death and his confidence in this abiding presence of the Lord - "Thou art with me." Yes, in life's journey, we need the presence of God to be with us as we move into the new year.

'Abide in me and I in you.' His presence surrounds us; much more, He dwells within us if we let Him. What a lovely relationship - His abiding friendship and presence comforts, strengthens, inspires and challenges us. That has been my experience thus far and His promise for the future.

In Jesus' call to abide in Him, He has given us a wonderful, simple yet profound assurance that helps us to look within to our own experience and to become aware of life's possibilities, more able to grow in faith and trust, more ready to look to God in openness to what He is able to do and to be for us.

From my own experience, in moments when faith is low or weak, when life is tired and lonely, when the shallowness of the world is all too evident, I turn to Him whose presence surrounds me. I hear again the injunction - 'Abide in me.' In Him I find an abiding friendship, an abiding treasure and an abiding presence to take me into the future.

I'm in the midst of writing my next chapter of my autobiography. It's about my involvement in the Salvation Army musicals. I recall playing the part of Peter and I sang this as a solo. With this I end this last message of the old year.

"For the far future I cannot see,
Promise your presence, travel with me;
Sunshine or shadow? I cannot tell;
You know I love you, all will be well. (John Gowans SASB 294

God has His reasons

The year is fast coming to an end and soon we'll begin another year 2011. What a lot has happened during the last twelve months. To us, these months have passed extremely fast.

We've been retired thirteen and a half years. We lived the first five years at Hillview Park, then eight years in a rented unit at Praisehaven, a Salvation Army complex.

We have now moved to a new unit facing the Trinity Theologial College. Here we hope we shall remain till we make the next move to the place the Lord has gone to prepare for us. There we shall live in the mansions above with our Lord for eternity.

We live in a world of change, but we serve the Lord who never changes. He is the same yesterday, to-day and forever. Let me share a lovely poem written by Mona Westergaard entitled "God has His reasons." And He does not always reveal His reasons. We trust Him and take one step at a time.


God has His reasons
For times and seasons,
For the changes in pattern and line;
The good and the bad,
The joyful, the sad,
Find a place in His ordered design.

God has His seasons
For times and reasons,
And His love in His purpose is shown;
He gives and He takes,
He makes no mistakes,
Give or take, He enriches His own.

God has His reasons
For times and seasons,
Though so much we may not comprehend;
But this we know,
However things go,
All will work for our good in the end.

God has His reasons
For times and seasons,
So why question His will and His way?
He knows what is best,
Acceptance brings rest,
He'll explain at the end of the day. - Mona Westergaard

The spirit of Christmas

Christmas Eve we joined the folk to sing carols at two homes. We visited the Lutz family at Theresaville. Mary has been very sick so it was good we were able to visit her, Bill and Shirley to sing carols to them. From there we made our way to the Wan family at Hillview.

This year we did not take on any speaking engagements, so we spent our time at our own church. On Christmas Day itself we had a great time. After the morning service we adjourned to the social hall where we had the Corps Family Lunch. Our Major and the ladies worked extremely hard to prepare the meal.

On Sunday Boxing Day, we went to worship with the Central Corps folk. After that we joined our relatives at Casafina for Family Gathering. The is the annual get together organised by Elaine and her siblings.

Christmas is a special time of 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' as the angels proclaimed. This special gift of goodwill does not come wrapped in tinsel. It cannot be bought with money, nor expressed by a hoped for gift. No, it is really none of these things. It is the heartfelt Spirit of Christmas!

It matters not where one may be - the cold lands glittering with snow, or like us here in the hot humid climate of the tropics where there is plenty of sunshine and warmth. Christmas is the same all over the world. It is the spirit that makes all the world kin and kind, always and everywhere.

When the bells stop ringing, let us continue with this same spirit of goodwill. Let's not wait till December, but practise it all the year round.

"Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth goodwill to men."

Christmas - what do we find?

"The simple shepherds heard the voice of the angel and found their Lamb; the wise men saw the light of a star and found their Wisdom." Bishop Fulton Sheen.

Thrown away

In moving house, it has been necessary to give or throw away lots of things. Some things we give to others, some to Red Shield Services downstairs, some into the rubbish bin.

In my note book, (not thrown away yet) is this quotation I recorded and here I share with you.

THROW AWAY
Any old woes to throw away,
Any old grudges, any old hates,
Any old nurseries or sad old dates,
Any old sorrows, any old spites,
Any old fuses or any old tears,
Any old wishing for yesteryears,
Any old quarrels or any old frets,
Any old fears or old regrets
You

Christmas activities

Christmas is always a busy time for everyone and for us there was this additional task of moving house. Anyway we have moved and now in the midst of sorting out our things and throwing out or giving away things we don't need. This time my wife and I have made the decision to be drastic. A lot of my books will go to SFOT or to friends whom I know will make good use of them.

To add to our woes, our computer broke down. So we have ordered a new one which will be delivered in due course. This means my wife cannot print her greeting cards and one of our grandchildren have come to the rescue. Cheryl is doing that for us so that those friends who are not IT savvy will receive the hard copy of traditional Christmas card. We have a number of friends who do not believe in computers!

I am using my lap top. My wife finds it difficult as she has poor eyesight. She needs a desk top with a big screen and large fonts.

Anyway I should not be complaining. There are many blessings in life. Now we enjoy a good night's sleep away from the machines that roar 23 hours in a day! Thank God for the blessing of sleep.

And we have been enjoying the Christmas celebrations at the different centres. Life is great and God is great, is good and gracious to us. To Him we give praise and glory.

Moving House

After living for eight years in the same unit - 04-06, we now have moved to another unit in the same building in fact just across the passage way No. 04-04. The new unit is slightly smaller, but is away from the noise. In the old place we looked out from our balcony to Dairy Farm Road, but now from our balcony we look into the compound of Trinity Theological College. It is much quieter. And the good thing we can enjoy a night of peaceful sleep.

Moving house is very stressful, in fact we have never felt so stressed as during this last week. This unit became available and the Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer very kindly suggested that to move. It was very thoughtful and kind of her to make that suggestion and we are indeed grateful.

We moved in haste, so things are just dumped into the rooms. Now we have to sort them out. We are giving a lot to RSI, or throw them away.

A new train station, Hillview Station will be built next to The Salvation Army Praisehaven Building. Construction is in progress and there is a lot of road works and digging all around us day and night. The station will be ready in 2015. So anyone coming to see us or to attend the William Booth Corps, just need to take the train to Hillview Station. In the meantime we have to put up with the inconvenience and noise.

By the way, friends please note our new telephone number - 63495355 (the old number plus 2)

This is my story - 48

48 – Working with Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Earle Maxwell.

Our first contact with Captain and Mrs. Earle Maxwell was in 1960 when one of our girls at the Penang Corps Ng Kan Ying was going to Australia to study nursing at Manly. I wrote a letter addressed to “Commanding Officer, Manly Corps, Australia.” The Maxwells happened to be the Corps Officers that that time. He graciously responded by return mail and when Ng Kan Ying arrived at Manly she was warmly welcomed. We kept in touch with the Maxwells after that. One day they came to Singapore and as the General Secretary I was able to arrange accommodation for them in one of the vacant units at The Salvation Army Headquarters.

Then in 1979 Lieut. Colonel Earle Maxwell were appointed to be the leaders of the Singapore/Malaysia Command. They arrived in September.

A month after their arrival was the visit of General and Mrs. Arnold Brown. It involved a lot of preparation, but the Singapore officers and comrades were very helpful and all worked extremely hard to make the visit a success. The General was most fascinated with our Headquarters’ building and old Chinese mansion at 207 Clemenceau Avenue. He pointed to the Chinese carvings depicting all sorts of weird creatures and made a remark which I’ve not forgotten. With a twinkle in his eye he said, “These are the former leaders of The Salvation Army in Singapore and Malaysia!”

Well, Lieut. Colonel Maxwell got down to work immediately and initiated a five year plan. Three more cadets, Lee Kong Yee, Richard Fong and Teoh Ghim Leng (now Lieut. Colonel Wendy Lee) were accepted for training in the Philippines. It was felt at that time not feasible to train such a small number of cadets in Singapore. It was envisaged that there should be a Zonal Training College in Manila. Major Gunvor Paulsson was transferred to the Philippines to be the Education Officer.

It was during the time of Lieut. Colonels Earle and Wilmar Maxwell that the Haven was established. The Army decided to amalgamate the two Homes for Girls and Children under one administration. So the Haven, costing $2 million was built and opened on 23 May 1981 by the Acting Minister for Social Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Mattar.

The original plan was to have all the residents of different age groups living under one roof. The different sections catered for the different groups – children, youth and the elderly, the latter housed directly below the Hostel for girls. In this way the elderly could act as grandparents to the children and youth. It was the ideal envisaged and implemented for a period of time. Subsequent leadership changed the plans and turned the units for the elderly into quarters for officers.

We felt the need to start a Corps (church) right from the beginning so my wife and I took over the additional responsibility of Corps Officers and began meetings in August 1981. On the weekends when we had to be away on field inspection and conduct meetings elsewhere, other officers stood in for us. Everyone was happy to make their contribution to the new Pasir Panjang Corps.

On 30th January 1982, the Corps was officially opened. It had been sixteen years since the last Corps was opened in Kuala Lumpur. (See Chapter 31) Lieutenant Samuel Chong Kok Hong, who had been assisting us, was appointed the Commanding Officer. We remained in the Corps as soldiers and gave full support to the Lieutenant and my wife continued with her women’s ministry in the Corps.

With the support of the officers, staff and residents of Haven the Corps grew. Sections catering for the various age groups were started. The ladies from the Elderly Section of the Haven were pleased to have fellowship at the weekly Home League meetings. Children from the Haven formed the nucleus of the Sunday School. Soon children from Clementi Housing Estate joined in and we had a thriving children’s work. Youth from the Hostel joined the older children of the Haven formed the Youth Group.

Twenty years later, Pasir Panjang Corps closed its doors and the soldiers, adherents and friends moved to Praisehaven, Upper Bukit Timah to form the William Booth Corps. My wife and I, by now retired were given the responsibility of conducting the last meeting at Pasir Panjang Corps on 7th July 2002. Majors Allan and Esther Satterlee the Corps Officers conducted the ceremony of closure.

It was our privilege of joy to work with Lieut. Colonels Earle and Wilmar Maxwell till December 1982, when we farewelled from Singapore to take up our first overseas appointments as Officer Commanding and President of Women’s Organisations in the Hong Kong/Taiwan Command.

Commissioning and ordination

We were privileged to attend the Commissioning and Ordination of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session of cadets held at William Booth Corps on Saturday 27th November 2010.The two cadets were Andrew Lo and Fiona Loh. Both came out of Kuching Corps. We were Corps Officers (pastors) of this Corps from 1962-1965.

They were appointed as Commanding Officer of Ipoh Corps and Assistant superintendent of the Penang Children's Homes respectively. God bless the new Lieutenants.

Sadly the School for Officers' training will be closed as there are no cadets for next year. We earnestly pray that God will touch the hearts of our youth to offer for officership. We have some very talented young people in our Corps. May they accept the challenge to respond to the call to be officers. We are in desperate need of workers for the fields are white unto harvest but the labourers are few.

Officers' Retreat - 2010

We had a great time at the officers' retreat held at the Mercure Johor Palm Resort. For us it was a real privilege. We are retirees and do not take it for granted to be invited to join such events. It is not automatic that retired officers are included. Our leaders are indeed very considerate and thoughtful and we are really appreciative.

It was good to meet our fellow officers and their families from East and West Malaysia, and also the Regional Officers from Myanmar, Majors Ian and Colleen Marshall. For my wife and me, this was a real bonus and a lovely holiday. The fellowship was enriching.

The theme was "Called to be Intentional." And we were exhorted to be Intentional in Holiness, Intentional in Prayer and Intentional in Mission.

From the mountain top we now descend to the valley of human needs. We seek God's wisdom and grace to 'save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.'

Weakness and strength

A paradox is defined as "an assertion seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, but that yet may be true in fact" (Webster)

One of our songs says,
"Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall be conqueror be.
I sink in life's alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within thine arms
And strong shall be my hand." George Metheson (SASB 508)

Here's another paradox. Paul's words have greatly encouraged me "For when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor. 12: 10. Here is paradox of power in the Christian life - conscious human weakness discovering and utilising Divine strength.

Paul had been afflicted with some ailment or weakness which he called 'a thorn in the flesh.' It was something physical, something terrible that on three occasions he asked the Lord to free him from this handicap. But he received no positive response from God. Then he received this fresh word from the Lord, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My power is made perfect in weakness" What a comforting thought. Then he went on to say "I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power my rest in me. That is why, for Christ's sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12: 9-10)

Does it still work today? Yes, certainly, I have found it so! That paradox is encouraging and instructive.

Freedom for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi

Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi has been given her freedom! The whole world rejoices. Everyone knows her story -there is no need for me to give details.

She continues her fight for freedom and democracy. After all these years of detention and house arrest, her spirit remains strong. I'm impressed. She now holds the olive branch to the regime; she bears no grudge against those who kept her under detention for more than 15 of the past 21 years. "Let's speak to each other" she requests.

Concerning her freedom, she said, "I always felt free within myself." Under house arrest or in prison, yet free! We tend to think of freedom as the opportunity to go where we want and do what we like. Many people do what they like, but not necessary like what they do. They have everything to live with, but nothing to live for.

I think of the poem I learnt in school many years ago concerning freedom"
To Althea from Prison" by Richard Lovelace

"Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage;
Minds innocent and quiet take
That for an hermitage:
If I have freedom in my love
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that soar above,
Enjoy such liberty."

Gracehaven - 20th anniversary

We attended the Gracehaven 20th Anniversary Dinner last night at the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel. Quite a number of our William Booth Corps folk were present and we had a good time.
The Guest of Honour was Mr. Yeo Guat Kwang, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC.

Good to see old friends again among whom was the Editor of IMPACT MAGAZINE, Mr. Andrew Goh. It must have been in the seventies when we worked together in the interests of God's kingdom. When he saw our pictures shown on the screen, he rushed over to our table greet us. In those days as the General Secretary of The Salvation Army here, I represented The Army in organisations such as National Council of Churches, Singapore Bible Society, Keswick committee and Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore. I learned a lot from the ministers, pastors and lay workers of other denominations. Well Rev. Andrew Goh was one of them. Thank God for good Christian friends who have brought much blessings to my life.

We had a great evening and we give thanks to God for calling us into the ministry.

To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me.
To God be the glory for the things He has done.

This is my story - 47

47 – More changes in leadership – Lieut. Colonels Hendry and O’Neill

Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Leslie Hendry, British officers serving in the India Western territory, were appointed to take over the leadership of the Command. They arrived from India on 3rd May 1975. Their term was quite short, only seventeen months and in January 1977 left for their homeland England. They were quite close to their retirement. He was an affectionate man who loved to hug the ladies. This was not quite appreciated in our rather conservative society. It is not always easy to work in another culture - something we all need to watch, observe and learn from our interaction with different cultures.

They were succeeded in February 1977 by Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Arthur O’Neil, also from the United Kingdom. He found it very difficult to adapt to the hot and humid climate and our Asian culture. Driving in Singapore and Malaysia was the biggest challenge to him. He had only learned to drive late in life when he was appointed as the Divisional Commander in Scotland two years prior to his appointment to Singapore.

He had a few accidents and a very serious one on their way home from Kuala Lumpur. The car, an Opel was badly damaged and had to be replaced at his own request with the type he was used to driving in Scotland –a Ford. It was always a challenge for him to drive alongside our Singapore and Malaysian drivers whose impatience on the roads he found rather trying!

He found it difficult to take our Asian food. I recall travelling with him for miles in Malaysia searching for a Government owned Rest House to get western food. He was a good man, but came too late in life to adapt to our way of living. Mrs. Lieut. Colonel Agnes O’Neil, a Scot was one of the most saintly women I’ve ever met, but she had poor health and suffered a lot without complaining. In the end it was necessary for them to return to England for good in mid 1979 to seek medical treatment.

On 7th September 1978 the following cadets of the Proclaimers of Salvation began their training: - Tnay Boon Tong (Kuching), Kamala Manikam (Batang Melaka), Ong Ban Tat and Chong Kok Hong (Penang) and Bob Lee Kong Chew (Balestier). August 1979 saw the arrival of Major Gunvor Paulsson from Sweden to be the Training Principal of the Training College for officers. I was pleased as this released me to concentrate fully on the work of General Secretary.

The following month October, Lieut. Colonel Arthur O’Neill and I went to Tokyo to attend the first Zonal Conference held at the Mount Fuji Hotel. It comprised the two top leaders of each territory and command. Wives of the leaders were excluded. Australia and New Zealand were not part of the Zone then. The Leader of the Zonal Conference was General Arnold Brown.

One day the General called me aside asked me of the possibility of serving overseas. I assured him that we would go where our leaders appoint us as that was part of our covenant with God. However, I shared with him some of our concerns at that particular time.

When he got back to International Headquarters we received a confidential letter from the International Secretary Commissioner Denis Hunter and this question was posed “Is there any reason why you and Mrs. Lim should not serve overseas?”

Well, there was a reason; our son Stephen could not leave Singapore until he had done his national service. To take him out of the country we would have to deposit half a million dollars with the Government and sign a guarantee that we would bring him back at the age of eighteen to do his national service. We did not have that amount of money (and never will) and we were not prepared to leave him alone in Singapore. So there was a genuine reason which we relayed to our leaders. In response the International Secretary expressed sympathetic understanding of our concerns.

Later when General Arnold Brown visited Singapore, he brought up the subject again and expressed his understanding of our situation. Then he added, “Anytime you are ready, just let us know. But once you have committed yourselves to overseas service, there is no guarantee when you will return to serve in Singapore. You may not return till you retire.” True enough, we did not return except for homeland furlough to serve in our own command till May 1997 when we retired. We were away from home for the last fifteen years of active service. We have had no regrets as we always felt it was part of our officer covenant to obey the lawful orders of our leaders as from the Lord.

After the departure of Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. O’Neill there was a brief period when the Command was without an Officer Commanding. In September 1979, Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Earle Maxwell were appointed as the leaders. They were much younger in age than the other leaders, full of enthusiasm and zeal, certainly good for us all.

Visit to Central Corps

It was our joy to visit Singapore Central Corps again yesterday to conduct the Self Denial Altar Service. Captains Lim Chee Kwee and Annie were away with a group touring the Holy Land.

We were pleasantly surprised to see such a big congregation. The worship team did well under the leadership of Mark Sim. One thing missing - no band because the Bandmaster Daniel and his wife Kathryn were in Japan for holiday. Anyway our grand daughter Rachel played the piano for all the songs.

After the meeting our niece Elaine took us out for lunch at Junction 8. She later brought us home. We had a good day and received much blessing worshipping with our folk at Bishan.

It was Dr. Stuart Holden who once said, "The life that is too busy for worship is busier than God intended it to be. Work is life's eminent duty but worship is life's pre-eminent dynamic. To divorce one from the other is to court disaster, for while work exhausts power, worship renews it."

As Thy days,so shall thy strength be Deut. 33:25

Here is a wonderful promise from God - strength according to the needs at any time. For every challenge or crisis that comes to those who love and trust Him, there is His grace to meet that need.

Why should I fear lest by their weight
Tomorrow's tasks should prove too great?
I know my Father will not ask
Me to perform a greater task
Than He will give my strength to do;
For in His precious Word so true.
He there has promised you and me,
That "As thy days, thy strength shall be."

This is my story - 46

46 – Change of Command Leaders – Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. James Sloan

The 40th Anniversary Congress and the visit of General and Mrs. Clarence Wiseman on Easter Weekend 1975 was an unforgettable event. It was the first major event in which my wife and I were actively involved in the organisation and participation. We booked the Guide Hall near Newton Circus for the weekend’s meetings.

On the Saturday evening, a very good crowd from all the Corps throughout Singapore and Malaysia assembled at the Hall. Band and Songsters and other participants were all ready to give their items to the glory of God. At the given signal the Band started to play a march and everyone expected General and Mrs. Clarence Wiseman, accompanied by Major William Rivers the ADC to come marching in accompanied by the Officer Commanding and Mrs. Lieut. Sloan. They were in for a surprise.

Behind the Army flag a tricycle appeared with two passengers – General and Mrs. Wiseman and it moved slowly up the aisle to the foot of the platform to the cheers of the crowd. I understand Major Brian Corfield, the Public Relations Secretary assisted by Captain Goh Siong Kheng had stopped a trishaw near Newton Circus. The poor fellow confronted by this tall Australian with his Chinese assistant, was dumbfounded and just obeyed instructions! It was unbelievable how they got the tricycle upstairs. Anyway I understand they did pay him the fares, handsomely I hope to make up for the fright this poor trishaw rider had experienced!

We had a glorious weekend of meetings. The improvised Mercy Seat was lined with seekers on Sunday.

After the euphoria of the visit of the General and the celebration of the 40th Anniversary Congress, we received the sad news that Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. James Sloan were to return to Canada. They were good leaders and had made a great impact upon the people here. They were very humble, in fact they quite often expressed their feelings that they should not be living at in the beautiful and luxurious quarters at 80 Sunset Way. If they had their way they would rather sell the building and live in one of the Housing Board flats as they wanted to be with the ordinary people. Housing Board flats are only made available to individuals, citizens and permanent residents and not organisations.

During their term as leaders of the Command, The Salvation Army moved the Boys’ Home from a rented bungalow at Pasir Panjang to Changi, the present site where Peacehaven Nursing Home is now situated. On 20th May 1972 President Dr. B. Sheares officially opened the Boys’ Home. The Singapore Armed Forces Band were in attendance and played “Majulah Singapura” our Singapore national anthem. At the conclusion of his speech, the president cut the yellow, red and blue ribbons at the door and unveiled a plaque. Lt-Colonel J.R. Sloan paid tribute to his predecessor, Lieut. Colonel George Engel who had initiated, raised the funds and worked untiringly on this project.

The Lee Kuo Chuan Nursery Home in Upper Bukit Timah was converted to a Home for the Elderly. This involved a lot of negotiations with the Lee Foundation and the Social Welfare Department.

In 1956, the Lee Kuo Chuan Nursery Home at 500 Upper Bukit Timah was officially opened by Sir Robert Black, the Governor of Singapore. Thousands of babies and children passed through the Army’s Nursery Home. They came from broken homes or poverty stricken families. Some of the babies had been abandoned by their parents in hospitals or outside the doors of orphanages or even placed at bus stops.

The success of the Government’s campaign in family planning to control the population resulted in fewer babies being born and less of a demand for places in Nursery Homes. Besides those who wanted to put their children in our Nursery Home were not needy cases. To accept these would defeat the purpose for which the Home was built.

With the growing number of elderly people in need of accommodation, it was felt necessary to change the use of the Home and cater for the elderly, particularly those who had no relatives to take care of them. At the turn of the century many had arrived from China to work on construction sites or as domestic helpers and now in their old age had nowhere to go or anyone to take care of them.

With the concurrence of the Lee Foundation the Army closed down the Nursery Home and changed it into Home for Elderly women. Brigadier B Tjeertes a Dutch officer with much experience in social work effected the change in 1972. Thus began the Army’s first Home for the Aged. As years went by the Army had to make significant changes and today it is the Peacehaven Nursing Home.

In 1973 it was Family Focus Year. Mrs. Lieut. Colonel Grace Sloan worked very hard with my wife and the ladies in preparing programmes. The Women’s Department initiated a quarterly combined family meetings held alternately at Central and Balestier Corps. Every centre provided items. This generated a lot of interest among our people and new people were attracted to the Army. This activity continued for many years and brought the Corps folk together.

We were sorry to bid farewell to Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Sloan who returned to Canada in April 1975. I first came to know the Colonel in 1963 when we were delegates to the same session at the International College for Officers in London. After they had left our Command we continued to keep in contact with them till their promotion to Glory. Today we look back and thank God for sending such gracious and dedicated people to serve in our Command. They were true Salvation Army missionaries who loved and cared for our people.

Search the Scriptures

A lot of my time is spent in reading and searching the Scriptures. I've been greatly blessed and thank God for the opportunity of sharing the word with others every week.

Among Bible believing Christians there are those who believe the Bible is so simple that there is no need for anyone to explain the Scriptures to us. They claim ‘we have the Holy Spirit to instruct us.’ They claim they have been in the church for many years, they know all the stories of the Bible, and there is no further need for any Bible study.

Let’s face facts. The Bible was written so many years ago on so many different subjects. People lived in cultures very different from ours. We do need the help of commentaries and people who have spent time prayerfully searching and studying the Bible.

We attend church not just to worship but to hear the word of God explained to us. What an awesome responsibility is placed upon our preachers and teachers of the word. Let us search the Scriptures and learn the truths God has for us.

No one should stop learning. In life we keep pursuing knowledge. There is so much to learn about our Christian faith and it is important that we know the word of God as revealed in the Bible.

Study the Bible to be wise; believe it to be safe; practise it to be holy. Search the Scriptures and you will be richly rewarded.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to illumine our minds (1 John 2: 20, 27). He has also appointed ‘pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4: 11, cf Acts 20: 28, 1 Pet. 5: 2) God works through means for the salvation and sanctification of His saints (meaning Christians) He uses pastors, teachers and in Salvation Army terminology, officers and local officers who are held accountable by God for the spiritual well being of people in the church.

Let us pray this prayer:

Break Thou the bread of life,
O Lord to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek Thee Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee.
O living Word (SASB 650)

A bookman's beatitudes

Blessed are those who feed the mind; the kingdom of knowledge is theirs.
Blessed are the well read for they shall be enriched.
Blessed are the educated; they shall inherit the world.
Blessed are those who invest in good books and literature for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the disciplined, for they shall find time to read.
Blessed are they that lend their books, for they shall be called true friends.
Blessed are they who return the books that are loaned, for they shall not ever be called 'bookkeepers.'
Blessed are they that persevere in good reading, for theirs is an enduring investment.
Blessed are you if, men elect you to many committees and heap many duties upon you for the community's sake, you still hold fast to your reading habits, for how great will be your reward.
This is how the wise are separated from the foolish. George Earle Owen.

Caring and sharing - spirit of self denial.

We are looking forward to our visit to Central Corps again next Sunday 7th November to conduct the Self Denial Altar Service. The Corps Officer Captain Lim Chee Kwee (pastor) will be away with a group to tour the Holy Land and we are glad of the privilege given to preach the word.

Scenes from our television screens scream at us everyday. Volcanic eruption, Mountain spewing our lava and ashes bring death and destruction; earthquakes destroyed homes and crops! Floods claimed victims! Refugees fleeing scenes of fighting! Hunger, thirst, starvation, disease, death, the list goes on.

We live in a suffering world and The Salvation Army and other volunteer charitable organisations try their best to do their small part in this tear drenched world of ours. We hear the cries for help coming from everywhere.

Where does the Army get its funds from? The public has been very generous, but we appeal to all Salvationists and fellow Christians to set aside a portion of your salary this month and give that to our Self Denial Fund. The money collected goes into an international fund which is used only for work in third world countries.

We in this region enjoy a fairly high standard of living. Let us spare a thought and dig deep into our pockets and put our contribution into the Self Denial envelope. We claim that we care, so let us share. The first lesson in the school of Christ is SELF DENIAL.

Our Missionary Altar Service will be held at every Corps (church) on Sunday 7th November 2010

Pain and suffering

The mystery of pain and suffering has baffled peoples’ minds all through the ages. Many books have been written, many sermons preached on this subject. The question is often asked, “If there is a God and He is our loving heavenly Father, as you claim Him to be, then how do you explain pain and suffering. If He does exist then He is either cold and indifferent, or powerless to act.” Really, pain, suffering and death seem inconsistent with a loving God.

I do not pretend to know all the answers, but some things relating to this subject can be explained. First, let us admit that pain does exist. It is not an illusion, as some people believe. Pain is real; we feel and suffer from pain. Some feel it more than others.

Pain and suffering may be the result of our own or someone else’s sin. It is a law of nature that we reap what we sow. The Bible furnishes us with many examples to prove this point.

Let us look at our own situation today. If a person smokes, his lungs are likely to be affected. If he commits adultery he is likely to face psychological problems and his marriage might break up. If a man squanders his money on drinks or gambling and does not support his family, the family suffers. Pain and suffering are the consequence of man’s sin. We bring pain and suffering upon ourselves and those we love because we ignore the law of God. God’s law cannot be violated without serious consequences.

In John 9 verses 1-7 we read the incident of a man born blind. The disciples asked Jesus a question, “Who did sin, this man or his parents that this man was born blind.” It has always been man’s reaction to pain and suffering. Who and what is the cause? When something happens to cause us pain and suffering our immediate reaction is to ask the question Why? It is instinctive to think of punishment as the fruit of wrongdoing. Often we blame ourselves “What have I done to deserve this?”

It is not an adequate explanation to conclude that we suffer because we have sinned. When the tower of Siloam fell and killed sixteen people, Jesus quietly explained, “those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no!…” Luke13: 5

Volcano eruptions, floods, earthquakes, typhoons, fires, plane crashes kill sinners and saints alike. Yes, we just read about the tsunami and volcano eruption in Indonesia.

Then why does God permit pain and suffering? A boy was born lacking the capacity to feel pain. Well, you say, that’s great! No pain! There was something wrong with his nervous system. The brain did not get the message from the part of his body that was hurt.

One day, his mother smelt the odour of burning flesh. She rushed into the kitchen only to find the fingers of her son badly burnt. He felt no pain, hence did not scream for help. He lacked the reflexes and sensitivity that are present in the normal person. One day he cut his foot resulting in much loss of blood but felt no pain and died a premature death.

The psalmist sang his song of praise, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14. We stand in awe and wonder as we ponder over creation and how God created this complex human being with the capacity to feel pain.

We need to think not just of physical pain, but emotional as well. Our capacity to feel pain enables us to relate to others in pain. The world has seen some notorious people who somehow could not relate to the suffering and pain of people. Think of Hitler, Mussolini, Pol Pot, Eichmann and others. Did they have that emotional pain for others? I often wonder how could they send so many to their deaths. Were they so hardened that they felt no pain?

Can you watch a film depicting some tragedy and suffering and not feel pain and sometimes even weep although it is mere acting? Watch out for the young man who boasts of his masculinity and remain unmoved and untouched by a tragic episode. Would he be able to relate to the needs of others in pain? We need not be ashamed of our God given emotions. The physical and emotional pain we feel enables us sympathise others.

There are lessons we can learn through pain and suffering. In this fallen world, God has allowed pain to exist for our own good. C.S Lewis refers to pain as “God’s megaphone.” To some of us we only turn to God because we suffer pain. It makes us more sensitive in this hurting world.

God in His own wisdom has allowed pain to exist, but He knows the limit we can take. He also has the resources to enable us to live through this world of pain and suffering. We can never fully fathom God’s way with us, especially when we are suffering pain, but we can trust his grace which is sufficient for every time of need.

The Apostle Paul had to accept the “thorn” in his body, which caused him pain. He prayed for this thorn to be removed, but God in his wisdom denied that request. Instead he was given the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for you.” God wanted Paul to remain sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.

He gives us the same promise today. We may not fully understand our present situation, which brings us pain, but we can trust our Heavenly Father and His eternal purpose.

God cares for each one of us.

Yesterday we were at Peacehaven and what a joy to watch our daughter Poh Chin in the pool with Anthony Yeo the hydro therapist. He's quite a big man, but what gentleness as he held Poh Chin's hands moving her around the swimming pool; sometimes letting her go to float in the waters, then catching her again. He never took his eyes off her. It was a moving sight and we just lifted out hearts to God for such caring people. Our daughter cannot look after herself, but receives tender loving care from the staff of Peacehaven.

The words of the chorus came to my mind. God sends His servants to care for others.

"I know He cares for me,
I'll trust my Father in Heaven,
For I know He cares for me"

"His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me." I love to sing this song. It brings joy and comfort to my own heart.

I think of God my Heavenly Father who never takes His eyes off me.

The Bliss of Heaven

This morning we focussed our thoughts on Revelation 7. The hour passed very quickly as we shared our thoughts on the subject.

John sees a crowd of people so vast that it cannot be numbered, standing before the throne of the Lamb of God. The multitude comes from all walks of life - people of every tribe and nation, no division in cast or pedigree, no separation of colour or wealth or language, all in Christ, all glorifying Christ.

This beautiful scene ends with that verse that has brought comfort to millions of people in our sorrowful world "And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Well there are different attitudes shown by people when we talk about the 'blessed hope.' Some are apathetic, some hostile, some fearful, but to those who are right with God live with joyful expectancy for this wonderful day when Jesus comes again.

Choice - to Serve or to be a Servant

Richard Foster in his book CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE said this. I've been reflecting on this the whole week.

"We must see the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to serve we are still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve... But when we choose to be a servant we give up the right to be in charge."

This is my story - 45

45– Appointed the General Secretary

I was only about a month as the Training Principal, when much to our surprise we received a telegram from International Headquarters. It read “Lim, Salvation, Singapore – appointed General Secretary Singapore/Malaysia Command –signed General.” In those days urgent messages came by telegram and our telegraphic address was “salvation Singapore” To save costs ranks were omitted and only the surname was used! This was then followed by a letter sent by air mail. My appointment was to take effect 8th November 1973.

We followed a Dutch couple, Major and Mrs. Will Krommenhoek. They had served part of their five year term in Hong Kong as the General Secretary and Command Home League Secretary respectively before coming to Singapore to complete the rest of the time, each in the same capacity. Hence they were not long in their appointment here. They were quite talented and contributed much to the Command, but were rather forceful in their way of doing things. I always think of him as the Flying Dutchman! They were impatient to get things done so in their course of duty ruffled feathers! However they were good to us; soldiered at our Corps and helped out whenever requested to do so. He loved to play the piano, most of the time at double forte! He loved to lead the combined band. In later years we met them a couple of times during our visit to the Netherlands on holiday or official business. Their last appointment before retirement was the Zeist Corps, Netherlands where we had the privilege of conducting a weekend’s meetings.

When the announcement of our appointments was first made to the officers, reinforcement and national, most of them were delighted. At last the Army had appointed a national officer to serve as second in command. Our people were proud to have their own home grown folk as leaders. About the same time, two other neighbouring commands, Philippines and Hong Kong also had nationals appointed as General Secretaries. I received many congratulatory messages from all over the world. However, one lady reinforcement officer here, when she heard about my appointment cried, “Oh no!” Maybe she thought her husband should have got that appointment! No bad feelings, I respect her honesty and frankness in expressing her feelings.

Lieut. Colonel James Sloan suggested that we should make a quick tour of Malaysia. We drove straight to Penang. In those days there were no expressways, so we had to take the long slow route which took the whole day. From there we went to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur before returning to Singapore for the public welcome conducted by the Officer Commanding on 16th December in the Thursday night United Holiness meeting held at Central Corps. There was no such thing as installation in those days. We used to have a weekly combined Holiness meeting on Thursday evening.

Running three appointments simultaneously – Central Corps, Training College and General Secretaryship was very demanding. However at the age of forty one and my wife thirty seven, we were in the prime of life and had plenty of energy! We had excellent co-operation from the officers. We had good officer neighbours living in the same compound and we knew they would keep an eye on our two older children – Gladys and Stephen when we went on tour. In the earlier part of our appointment we used to send Poh Chin to my mother at Toa Payoh for her to look after during the times when we were out of Singapore.

Major Frederika de Fretes offered to help us out with the Corps visitation every Wednesday evening. She travelled everywhere in Singapore by bus and the Corps refunded her bus fares. Other officers from the Homes were ever so willing to conduct meetings for us when requested.

My mornings were usually spent in the office at Headquarters, afternoons at the Training College and evenings at the Corps. There were Spiritual days and In Sundays when time was spent with the cadets.

Lieut. Colonel Sloan assured me he would press IHQ to send someone to take over the Central Corps. It took several months before Lieutenant and Mrs. Alan Hickman were appointed to succeed us as Corps officers of Central Corps. It must be quite a culture shock for these young Lieutenants who had been stationed in a tiny Corps in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland to be appointed to Singapore Central Corps. They had much to learn about our Singapore way of doing things.

Their appointment freed us to give all our time to the Training College and Headquarters. We were able to visit more frequently other Corps and Homes in Singapore and Malaysia.

Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. James Sloan, Canadian officers were the Command Leaders. The Colonel was a real Christian gentleman. He and his wife always wanted to know about our Asian culture, customs and traditions. They were always very sensitive to local sentiments. We count it a privilege to work under these godly officers who taught us many things about Christian living and leadership.

My wife spent much of her time assisting Mrs. Lieut. Colonel Grace Sloan with the Women’s Ministries. She really worked hard to promote and improve the Home League programme. Mrs. Sloan was a very gentle gracious lady who did a lot for the Command.

Sing unto the Lord.

Today we were at Peacehaven to do chapel services on Level 3. At Skylark, one of the ladies in her late eighties requested me to play her two hymns on the concertina. She is a Methodist so I played and sang, "Praise my soul the King of Heaven" "Blessed assurance" and "What a friend we have in Jesus." She joined in the singing and tears rolled down cheeks. She was so touched and made a request before we left her, "Please sing me two hymns every time you come. When will you come again?" I wish I could be there to sing to her everyday!

What a privilege to sing, pray and tell the people the wonderful news of the gospel.

After lunch we went by bus to Jalan Lengkok Mariam to see Mrs. Foo Kia Pang. She will be 92 tomorrow. We wanted to visit her to wish her Happy Birthday. Usually she is on her own, but today, the house was full. Joseph, his wife and three children from Australia, Marjory her daughter also from Australia and John from England were all there. So we gathered round Mrs. Foo and had a good sing of the old hymns. Mrs. Foo sang us a solo in Hokkien. My word, she sang well. I wish I had a tape recorder to record her singing. Her singing blessed us all. What a joy to have the family there to share devotions.

Thank God He has given us the privilege to minister to these people. Every time we minister to others, we feel we are being ministered to and blessed.

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19-20

Typhoon Megi hit Philippines

Singaporeans don't quite experience the terror of the wind. Having lived in Hong Kong and the Philippines we know how strong winds can wreak havoc. We experienced typhoons many times. The first time was in Hong Kong in 1983 when Typhoon Ellen caused much destruction in Hong Kong. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the trees in the compound break like matchsticks. We were marooned in our house; When the winds subsided, I went to clear the rubble and fell, broke my arm and landed in Hospital for the first time in my life. The hospital so full, I had to sleep on a camp bed.

This morning as I write, the typhoon Megi has hit Philippines.I pray for my many friends in that archipelago. Many still keep contact with us. They are dear to our hearts.

I am sure Salvation Army relief teams are out to help people affected by the disaster.

Trapped miners freed!

Wonderful news hit the whole world when it was reported that the 33 miners trapped underground in Chile for 69 days were rescued. What a delight it was to watch the scene - the tears of joy and warm embrace of loved ones. One man testified " I have been with God and with the devil. I seized the hand of God, it was the best hand. I always knew God would get us out of there." What a testimony. It cheered my own heart. We still live in the age of miracles.

I think of many people trapped by drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, pornography, shopping addictions, gambling addictions and other habits. You name it, the devil sets traps. Yes, all of us are vulnerable. We can in that unguarded moment fall into a trap. O to be vigilant! Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.

Psalm 40 comes to my mind. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40: 1-2

Think of it, Jesus mounted the rescue mission to save us from traps of sin. The only way of true escape is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Lieut. Colonel Moira Wright

Yesterday we had a lovely reunion of old friends at the Peach Garden Restaurant at Thompson Plaza. Lieut. Colonel Wright is on her way to Hong Kong for the 80th Command anniversary.

This morning on our way to Peacehaven, we picked her up at Bishan. She wanted to visit a few of her old friends as well as see our daughter Dora Poh Chin at the Nursing Home. It was in 1988 that Poh Chin was admitted, at her suggestion, to the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged at Upper Bukit Timah. Lieut. Colonel Wright was then the Officer Commanding.

We had already been in Hong Kong for five years, and Moira had a feeling that International Headquarters might transfer us to another territory. So she suggested to us that we should bring Poh Chin to Singapore and put her at the Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged. Her needs after all were no different from many of the ladies of the Home. We agreed and on my way to Indonesia to conduct SPEACO we brought her to Singapore, put her in the Home.

Two and half years later in July 1990 we were transferred to Philippines. It would have been difficult to have Poh Chin with us in the Philippines. As the Territorial Leaders we had to do a lot of travelling all over the Archipelego. We are always grateful to Moira for that suggestion. I believe the Lord prompted her to make that suggestion. We are always grateful to friends like Moira who care for each other. There is a wonderful bond of fellowship within The Salvation Army.

Moira Wright is a New Zealander who came to Malaya in 1958 where she was appointed to the Ipoh Children's Home. She served in Malacca, Batang Melaka and Kuching. There she was awarded the Order of the Star of Sarawak in 1972.

She spent nine years in Singapore as the Social Secretary and we worked closely together. I was the General Secretary. Early 1980, she was appointed to Hong Kong/Taiwan Command as the General Secretary (second in Command) and there she prepared the way for us to serve in Hong Kong! In January 1983, my wife and I were appointed to take charge of the Hong Kong Taiwan Command. She was a tremendous support to both of us. She was very loyal and worked extremely hard for the Lord.

She was appointed to Singapore again in 1987, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. It was during her time, that the old Command Headquarters was sold to the Cockpit Hotel. This sale was instrumental in providing funds for the building of the present Headquarters at Bishan. It was also during her time that the Army opened Gracehaven.

Memories! how precious they are. We thank God our paths crossed. We thank God for this wonderful woman of God who gave of herself for the sake of others. It is unlikely we will meet again here on earth. Age is catching up on us and we rest in the assurance we shall meet in our Home in Heaven. O what a time of rejoicing that will be.

This is my story - 44

44 – Officer Resignations

My last chapter was written with much heaviness of heart. The Salvation Army has ordained and commissioned many national officers before and after the war. Sadly the majority have resigned for different reasons.

All of us grow weary from time to time in our day to day living as parents, grand parents, husbands, wives, employees and employers. The world today calls this ‘burnout.’ It happens to even dedicated, committed people who feel tired and emotionally drained - tired of giving, tired of doing, tired of serving. He finds that the joy of service is gone. We all know that from time to time, faithful workers of the Lord get weary in well doing. And Satan works very hard to make us give up the good work we are doing.

One day I heard a newly commissioned officer complain that she was ‘burnt out.’ It was on the tip of my tongue to respond to this young lady, that she had not even been lighted! What she wanted was a rest or an easier time. Somehow she had cotton on to this expression ‘burnt out’ and thought it fitted beautifully into her situation. She was longing for a nice holiday. However, there are genuine cases of ‘burnt out.’

People withdraw from officership for a variety of reasons. Some are ‘burnt out’ through over commitment or through unreasonable expectations of others. Some lack discipline, become disorganized and fritter away their time without accomplishing much. In many cases prayerlessness is one of the causes. They fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep fit physically, mentally and spiritually. All of us need to exercise discipline.

I am always saddened to hear of those who entered officership with no clear sense of calling. To them, officership is but another job or profession. When pressure comes they find they are unable to cope with the demands made upon them as officers. In recent years we have had cadets who could not even complete their two year residential training. Was it made clear to them the meaning of officership? Officership or entering the ministry is a calling not just employment or profession.

Sometimes our leaders are at fault. In their zeal to get nationals, they compromise on standards and spiritual maturity for the sake of numbers. Some have been accepted only after a brief period of soldiership in the Army. They are not spiritually mature. Prospective candidates need to go through a period of training and testing, perhaps as Corps Helpers or assistants in our Social Homes; in other words to get a foretaste of what officership entails. A novice or new convert should not be accepted into the Training College.

There are officers who after some time, struggle with our structure. The Salvation Army is a church and an organization. As such we have our own structure, rules and regulations which some officers find it difficult to comply with. They want to be like our friends in the autonomous churches. Some see themselves as senior pastors of independent churches. One Corps Officer used the designation to describe himself – Senior Pastor and he was the only Corps Officer with his wife as the associate. Some see themselves as miniature Billy Grahams or world evangelists. Running a small Corps is too restrictive for them. They have visions of preaching to packed stadiums of people. They’ve grown too big for The Salvation Army. Egotism grows out of human pride.

I’ve heard of those who claim that they must follow their own heart. Is it safe to follow the maxim “I follow my own heart.”? It sounds religious, but be wary for it might be following one’s selfish ambitions. The heart is not always a perfect guide to follow. Listen to Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” Jeremiah 17: 9. You may be following your own heart, but is your heart following Jesus? We all need regular soul searching.

One of the saddest things I do see in officers is the loss of vision. He may have started with zeal and enthusiasm, but the years have taken their toll on him. Now work has become mechanical, he goes through the motions, carries out his routine responsibilities. There is no more joy in service. The fire has gone out of his life and ministry. He is now weary in well doing.

There is the feeling of hopelessness that things are not going to get better. The officer becomes mediocre. When that happens, the temptation is to give up. Often it takes the form of what Thoreau called, ‘quiet desperation.’ There are people going through the motions maintaining the pretence of a relationship but in reality have become detached emotionally and stopped working; stopped fighting; stopped caring.

Shakespeare uttered a profound truth when he made Wolsey say.
“Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambitions,
By that sin fell the angels, how can men then,
The image of his Maker, hope to profit by?”

The word ‘ambition’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘canvassing for promotion.’ People are ambitious for different reasons. Pride is one of them. They want to have authority or power above others. Jesus told His disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10: 43-44.

One of the preventatives for burnt out is found in the developing of support systems. We are all social creatures who need the support of each other. We need the support of those who will listen and counsel us. Those of us who have been in the ministry longer in years have the responsibility to mentor the younger and less mature officers. Perhaps some of us have failed because we have been too busy. Or have we gone weary in well doing ourselves thus lessening our spiritual influence.

Mentoring works both ways. Younger officers who need support must be humble enough to seek it. Some are simply too proud or too busy to contact a more senior officer for guidance. Effective mentoring can create a positive attachment relationship between two people. To avoid an unhealthy dependence of one on the other space is needed of course. It also allows the mentored to discover himself and develop his own potential, thus leading to spiritual maturity.

Let us continue to pray for the Lord to touch the hearts and lives of our youth that they will offer themselves for officership. Let us pray for our officers too that they will be kept faithful to the vows they have made to the Lord. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 37-38

Visit to Central Corps on 10.10.10

Our Bible study this morning was on Revelation 6: 9-17 - The Promise of Vindication. The Lamb breaks the next two seals - fifth and sixth as God's judgement is being poured out into the world. Witnesses now include the martyrs. Loyalty to Christ is always costly and some have to pay with their lives. It happens today. They cry out to God and ask, "How long?" God is patient. His timing is perfect. God again shows His faithfulness to those who have been faithful to Him, as He finally avenges those who are just, who have suffered for God. God wants us to be patient, to wait and trust Him for His timing.

We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, love and serve Him have this hope in us. He is our hope even when the foundations of the universe are collapsing around us. Our hope is in Christ. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness"

After the usual Bible class from 9.30 - 10.30 a.m. we left for Central Corps. Today, being 10th October 2010 or 10-10-10, the meeting started at 10.00 a.m. We arrived just after 11.15 a.m.in the middle of a film show. This was followed by a talk on the Alpha Course.

It was a good meeting. Captain Lim Chee Kwee spoke on "God's Gift of Time" based on Psalm 90. It was a timely reminder to the congregation of the importance of making used of the precious gift of time that God has given to us.

We went to the meeting at the invitation of Brothers Vincent Wong and Patrick Foo. The members of Men's and Women's ministry, plus the youth worked hard together to raise funds for their Youth Camp at the end of the year. We have a stake in this in that we have three grandchildren among the youth of the Corps. Central is my wife's home Corps.

We had a lovely lunch. The fellowship was great and we enjoyed every moment of it. We were glad we went. We have many good friends at Central Corps and it was such a joy to see them again. We look forward to our next visit to conduct their Altar Service on 7th November.

God bless Central Corps.

Morning Dawn

The camel at the close of day
Kneels down upon the sandy plain
To have his burden lifted off
and rest again.

Then, too, O Traveler, to thy knees
When daylight draweth to a close
And let the Master lift thy load
And grant repose.

Else how wouldst thou tomorrow meet,
With all tomorrow's work to do
If thou the burden all the night'
Dost carry through?

The camel kneels at break of day
To have his guide replace the load:
Then rises up anew, to take.
The desert road

So, pilgrim, kneel at morning dawn,
That God may give thee daily care;
Assured that He no load too great,'
Will make thee bear.

Author unknown

Jesus - my Guide and Stay

The funeral of Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew caused me to reflect a great deal on the subject of death, hence the blog under the caption “Abide with me” was written. I meditated a great deal on the lovely hymn, “Abide with me.” It’s a pity we don’t seem to use this hymn except during funerals and sad to say that many of our young people don’t seem to know it at all.

Hymns quite often use maritime imagery to speak about God’s guidance. Let me highlight one word in the third verse which is quite often misunderstood.

“I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘stay’ as “A large rope used to support a mast, and leading from its head down to some other mast or spar, or to some part of the ship. Something that supports or steadies something else; especially an appliance for holding up or securing in position some part of a structure.”

That word ‘stay’ is not a verb, but a noun. The masts of a ship have to be sturdily supported to prevent them from falling. A demasting would be terrible disaster to the whole ship. A ‘stay’ is the answer to the problem. It is a stout rope stretching from the bowsprit (the pole extending out over the front of the ship) up over the top of each mast and down to the stern. The thick rope keeps the masts from falling forward or backward. Thus it is the ‘mainstay’ of the ship. Everything depends on the mainstay.

Thank God Jesus is my guide and stay in life. The storms may come, but I have Jesus my guide and stay. I pray that the Lord will make my life a ‘stay’ for someone in need.

Prayer: Lord, be my stay and grant me the grace of a stout heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all my burdens upon You, my Help, my Guide and my Stay. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Abide with me

On the weekend of 3rd & 4th May 1997, shortly before our return to Singapore to retire, my wife and I visited Brixham to conduct meetings at a very small Corps.

It was in this little town that Henry Francis Lyte wrote his swan song in the valley of the shadow of death. He was stricken with tuberculosis and had been ordered to go to the south of France to rest. Mr Lyte preached his farewell sermon at Brixham. After the service, he went for a stroll along the shore he loved so well. It had been a beautiful day and the sun was setting over the distant Dartmoor in a blaze of glory. Most probably he likened the scene to his own life. Later that evening he handed to a member of his family the words of "Abide with me" together with the tune of his own composing. He left for France, never to return to his beloved Brixham.

It was lovely to hear the church bells chime the lovely tune, "Abide with me" It was a most refreshing weekend we had in England and I often reflect on the time spent at Brixham.

With us that weekend was a Singaporean lady, Susan Lio who worked at the Property Department at UK Territory Headquarters. She was strong and healthy, full of life and energy. Never did we dream that she would be promoted to Glory soon after our return to Singapore the same year. We don't know when the Lord is going to call us home. Let us be ready when the summons comes.

"Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me"

"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. yet their pride is but labour and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away." Psalm 90: 10

From the Book of Common Prayer.

"O Lord, support us all day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in Thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last."

Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore owes a great debt to MM Lee Kuan Yew. Behind this great man stood a wonderful woman, his dear wife. Thousands have paid tribute to this great lady. Tributes are still pouring in from all over the world. Many have never met her in person, but they admired her - a wonderful wife and mother.Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew have set the model for a happy marriage.

We just came back from visiting Peacehaven for chapel service. Just as we were about to have lunch, Madam Low Mui Lan and a group were making their way to the Istana to attend the wake.

This is my story - 43

43 – Additional appointment – training of cadets

The Singapore and Malaysia Command heavily depended on missionary (or reinforcement officers as they are called now) to run Headquarters and the various centres. It has always been the policy of The Salvation Army to train local people to take over from the overseas personnel.

Before the war The Salvation Army had two sessions of cadets (students of our Training College) The Training Principal was Adjutant Etta Bird a Canadian officer. On 13th February 1942, two days before the fall of Singapore, she with Mrs. Major Wilkinson left the island on the SS Gian Bee. It was bombed by the Japanese and the two officers were among the victims who perished.

Lieut. Colonel Herbert and the officers worked hard to get nationals to serve full time. He started the first session of Cadets called the “Enthusiasts Session” in 1938 which comprised seven cadets. This was followed in 1939 by the “Hold Fast Session” with five cadets. The Army was about to begin the third session in 1940 when war broke out, so he commissioned the two candidates without training as Lieutenants. So before the war the Army had a total of fourteen national officers.

After the war, Colonel and Mrs, Herbert Lord were transferred to Korea as the Territorial Leaders. The General Secretary Major Charles Davidson was appointed to Japan as the Chief Secretary. (Mrs. Davidson was promoted to Glory in Scotland during the war.) International Headquarters appointed Lieut. Colonel John Wainwright as the new Officer Commanding. He and his wife had never seen overseas service or serve outside their own culture. On hindsight, perhaps had the General kept Colonel Lord a little longer in the Command as the leader or had they appointed Major Davidson to take charge, the national officers might not have left the Army. Our people had been through the war and three and a half years of Japanese occupation. The atmosphere was still tense, and our people needed emotional support.

Conditions were very difficult and money was scarce. Besides, the Government was in need of social workers and many of our officers (both national and missionary) found it difficult to resist the temptation to join the Social Welfare which offered material security.

By the time, when my wife and I were candidates for officership in the early 50’s there was only one national couple who remained, namely Captain and Mrs. Tan Eng Soon. She (Mrs. Tan nee Doris Ee) was never trained as an officer. He met and married her in Penang during the war. So in actual fact Captain Tan Eng Soon was the only officer out of the total number of fourteen. It was tragic.

The first post-war session, 1954 was the “Shepherds Session” comprising four cadets. My wife and I formed half the session! We were both single then and not even dating! (See Chapter 17 – “Concertina and Courtship”)

This was followed by the “Faithful Session” in 1956 with seven cadets. Six resigned for different reasons. Major Janos Wasagam is the only one who remained faithful and is now enjoying her retirement.

There was a long wait of ten years before the Training College reopened with three cadets – Tan Thean Seng, Loo Lay Saik and Florence Ee who formed the “Messengers of Faith” session in 1966. After that another cadet, Esther Rengasamy, was sent to New Zealand for training.

Before the war (1935-1942) there were fourteen national officers. After the war from 1954 to 1969 the Army commissioned twenty five officers making a total of thirty nine national officers altogether. It is sad that so many resigned from officership for different reasons.

Captain and Mrs. Peter Chang came from Korea to train two sessions of cadets - in 1968 the “Undaunted Session” and 1969 the “Victorious Session.” Up till then the residential period for each session of training was nine months.

One day the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel James Sloan called me into his office and expressed his desire to reopen the doors of the Training College. The Candidates’ Board had accepted four cadets. Then he continued to say that he wanted me to add to my responsibility at Central Corps the role of the Training Principal, as he did not have anyone to appoint full time to training work. He and the Headquarters’ staff would give their full support in the training programme. I was tasked to draw up a programme and curriculum for the next session.

So on 18th September 1973, five cadets entered the Training College to form the “Soldiers of the Cross Session.” The cadets were Andrew Periasamy, Richard Gunasekeran, Ann Ho Sau Choo, John Umasanthiram and Tong Yat Lan.

The Financial Secretary Major Frederika de Fretes took over the additional responsibility of Home Officer. My wife and I took over the bulk of the teaching. Mrs. Lieut. Grace Sloan taught Salvation Army Doctrine. The Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Sloan and the General Secretary Major Will Krommenhoek did most of the lectures and of course conducted Spiritual Days and In-Sunday meetings. Mrs. Major Krommenhoek conducted many lessons on Women’s ministries.

I had planned the curriculum to cover one year, but during the session, International Headquarters announced the introduction of the two year residential session. This was good in that I could spread the lessons out somewhat, but it was quite a challenge to rearrange the curriculum to extend the session by another year. Thus we began our two-year residential training from that time onwards. I received excellent co-operation from the officers. Everyone was ready to chip in to help.

Reinforcement officers were given an allowance for domestic help. An exception was made for us because of the dual responsibility we were holding. Besides we had a handicapped child, Poh Chin with us who needed full time care and attention. So we had the privilege of employing a Malay lady to work part time. This enabled my wife to spend time at the Corps and also help in the college. Our two older children were very co-operative and did much to share the load of household duties.

We were kept extremely busy, but enjoyed our work at the Central Corps and Training College. Our local officers were extremely helpful. The youth were at the Corps almost everyday and ever willing to help out with the chores. The Home League ladies were most helpful in cooking and preparing meals for special events like Home League Helping Hand Project, Annual Soldiers’ Rally and quarterly Family Fellowship.

A Day with the Word

At our Adult Bible class this morning we reflected on Revelation 6: 1-8 - "Four horsemen of the Apocalypse." As Christ successively breaks the four seals each of the living creatures, highly intelligent beings appointed by the Almighty God for the special tasks cries out "Come." In response the four horsemen appear in succession - white, red, black and pale come into the scene - the white horse and rider symbol of conquest, the red horse and rider symbol of war, the black horse and rider symbol of famine and the pale horse and rider symbol of death.

When we think of the catastrophes happening in the world today as the different colour horses signify we need to heed the warning given in God's word. Today instead of war horses, a prophet will have visions of tanks, nuclear submarines, supersonic planes, nuclear bombs. Yes, we face economic chaos, earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis.

Yes, we all need to be ready for His second coming. Let us heed the counsel of our Lord, "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." Matthew 24: 44

It is interesting when we compare the different translations of the Bible. Dr. Bruce Gale our Corps Bandmaster and regular attender at Bible class always checks out with the Indonesian translation that throws new light on the passage. Mrs. Lim Li Ching always has her Chinese translation and we have been greatly helped as these folk put in the contributions.

As we delve deeper into the word, the studies have become more interesting. I always give the people two pages of notes prior to our class. I am wondering whether I should change the method by writing the notes after class as the folk have some very interesting comments to share with others. Although I lead the class, I have learned much from the people.

Well Sunday is not just a day of worship, but of fellowship and sharing of the word of God. Our Corps Officer preaches from the Bible and we can always look forward to real meat from the Word. People are hungry for the word.

Today we set aside time to pray of the victims of human trafficking, a gross offence against God our Creator and towards His children the victims. Jesus sets us the example of caring for these unfortunate people.

This morning the sermon was "God's compassionate heart." One of the songs used during our meeting was General Albert Orsborn's beautiful song,

The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which He loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread.
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep
And still straying sheep to be led.

Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwellest Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.

General Orsborn's songs never fail touch my heart every time I sing them. Truly he was an inspired writer.

Hurts

We all get hurt sometimes. Someone hurt you, maybe yesterday, or a week ago, maybe long time ago and you cannot forget it. You did not deserve that hurt. It has deeply lodged in your memory where it keeps hurting.

Really you are not alone. Lots of people, including yours truly have this experience. A friend betrays us, a relative makes a caustic remark, someone you love shouts at you for no reason. The only way to stop this stream of painful memories is to forgive. It is not always easy is it? Our sense of fairness tells us that these people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving can result in miraculous healing and even reconciliation.

Here is a prayer written by retired General John Gowans. I want to make this my prayer.

Hurts
"I'm glad I can forget
All kinds of things,
Life's hurts and harms,
Its unexpected things.
I contemplate
My bruises for a while
And then I let them go again.

But when I nurse
Some special wound or woe,
And stubbornly
Refuse to let it go,
Prise from my fingers
What might fester there,
And cleanse my mem'ry
Of encrusting care.

It may prove rather painful
But I'll be
A cleaner, saner,
Nobler me!"

The art of listening

Imprinted in my mind is a statement I read years ago. It says something about listening if we want to be of help to others. It is called mind-healing listening; we don't merely listen to what is said; we listen to the person who is saying it. In other words, the messenger is more important than the message. We need to be genuinely sensitive to needs of others, because talking is often so personal that inattention is the same as disrespect or disregard for the talker.

People hear what we speak, that is if they are not deaf, but only a caring person listens. Hearing is done with the ear while listening is done with the mind and heart. We meet many people with emotional wounds, people who are crying out 'please listen to me.' But we live in a busy world, and we hear, but have no time to listen.

We talk our problems away when we know someone who cares is listening. Last weekend, God sent us someone who needed counselling, or should I say, needed a listening ear. She was able to pour out her heart and soul. She has left us for home in a foreign land, but we shall keep in contact with her by e-mail. Hopefully she has found some relief for her aching heart. The important thing as we told her is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. He is the perfect Listener and Healer of all wounds.

Yesterday, I had a very interesting day chatting with a young person. I always feel the need to be involved with the young to keep relevant in this day and generation. Talking with older folks, we hear of aches and pains, illnesses, visits to the doctors, complaints about the young and of course, the usual subject - the good old days. But talking to the young brings one up to date with today's challenges, new opportunities to serve God. It keeps me relevant. So I had a good and interesting day talking with this young person. It did my soul good.

I give thanks to God for sending these people -the elderly, the middle age and the young into our lives. Not a day passes without people crossing our paths and they have blessed us.

I once read a story of a child who returned home with a crayon drawing he had done in school. He rushed into the kitchen where the mother was preparing dinner. "Mum, you'll never guess what.." he cried out.

"I don't know what" replied Mum, "but I'm listening."

"No, you are not Mum, you are not listening with your eyes."

Telephone conversations are good up to a point. E-mail is good up to a point. Nothing beats eye to eye contact and listening with heart and mind.

A blessed day at church

The last few of studies on Revelation 4 and 5 were on "Worship and Praise' in heaven. Yesterday, out thoughts were focused on planet earth. We turned our attention to the 'opening of the seals and judgement.' I gave an overview of John's vision of God's wrath and judgement against sin, chapters 6-16. From next week onwards we shall go into more detail study of the opening of the seals. I am pleased our studies have generated a deal of interest among our people.

Whether we see the calamities as events of the past or future depending on the view one takes - the historicist, preterist, futurist or spiritual, much of it is certainly contemporary in application.

Frightening indeed, the judgements as recorded in Revelation, but none is inconsistent with the suffering love as seen at the cross on Calvary. Albert Schweitzer described Jesus as 'laying hold of the wheel of he world to set moving on that last revolution which is to bring all history to a close." Jesus did it at tremendous cost of personal agony, pain and suffering.

It appears that Revelation falls far below the standards set in the gospels or the teachings of Jesus or even much of the Old Testament. The God of the Apocalypse seems to contradict the picture expressed by Jesus. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil because God was with Him.

Really, in my own study of Revelation I find nothing in Revelation inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus spoke about hell with great intensity of feeling. In the gospels as well as in Revelation we see God does not approve of war and famines and plagues. These are but the consequences of men's persistence to go against God. We live in a moral world - the inevitable outcome of selfishness is disaster and doom. The wages of sin is death. Herbert Butterfield said this, "The character of divine judgment in history is that men are made to execute it upon themselves."

In his book, THE GREAT DIVORCE C S Lewis said, "There are only two kinds of people in the end; those who say to God 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God says in the end 'Thy will be done.'" Revelation certainly supports this thought.

The last Sunday of the month is always Family Sunday when the children and youth all join in worship at the main hall. The message was "From generation to generation' based on Psalm 78. We were reminded of our responsibility to the next generation. We are to pass on our faith and the lessons we have learned in life to the next generation.

How do you pray?

Some years back I copied into my notebook a little humorous poem that teaches you can pray in any position:

“The proper way for a man to pray,” said Deacon Lemuel Keys;“
And the only proper way - is down upon his knees.”

“Well I should say - a man should pray with rapt and upturned eyes-
With both his hands lifted up,” said Rev. Brother Wise.“

Oh no, no, no!” Said Elder Snow “Such posture is too proud!
A man should pray with eyes fast closed and head contritely bowed.”

“Well it seems to me, that his hands should be austerely clasped in front
With both his thumbs pointing down.” said Rev. Dr. Blount.

“Last year I fell in Higgins’ well - Head-first!” said Cyrus Brown
“With both my feet a sticking’ up and my head a pointing’ down.
I prayed a prayer right then and there - the prayingest prayer I’ve said.
Stuck in a well that day a standing’ on my head!”

It is not the posture but the attitude of the heart that really matters. A man may kneel in prayer but still maintains a proud heart.

I can pray while waiting for the bus to arrive, I can pray sitting or standing inside the bus. I can go for a prayer walk and talk with God, my eyes wide open my heart turns to Him. I can sit quietly in my chair, or kneel beside my bed and commune with Him. It's my attitude that really counts.

"Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit Divine."

"Prayer is the sum of our relationship with God. We are what we pray. The degree of our faith is the degree of our prayer. Our ability to love is our ability to pray." Carlo Carretto

My quiet time with God

"We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to find a place where we can be alone and look upon Him present within us." St. Teresa of Avila

"It is not for His gifts that I continue in my prayers, but because He is true life." Gregory of Narek.

"Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known;
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escape the tempter's snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer." William Walford.

Thank God for the privilege of prayer.

Jesus is coming again!

"Christ is our hope because Christ is our future. That means we are waiting and hoping for His second coming, praying 'Come, Lord Jesus, come to the world, come to us.' Without the expectation of Christ second coming there is no hope." Jurgen Moltmann in Experiences of God.

I've spent much time reading and meditating on the Book of Revelation. I know there is a keen and widespread hunger to know the truths this book proclaims, to unravel its mysteries, to know what's coming. I don't think there is any other book in the Bible that produces such wide divergence of views or interpretation.

One thing is certain, this Book tells us clearly Christ is coming again. Maranatha - the Lord is coming soon! I pray this prayer often.

"O send Thy Spirit Lord,
Now unto me,
That He may touch my eyes
And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed
Within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed
I see the Lord" (Alexander Groves SASB 650 verse 3)

A day in the house of the Lord.

We had a good time at our Bible class and as usual lively discussion on Revelation. We concentrated on the portion Revelation 5: 8-14 - "Worthy the Lamb." Just imagine one day we shall join the thousands, millions and billions to sing the praises to our Lord and King in Heaven. This is our belief and our hope. Yes, there is something to look forward to when the time comes for us to leave this world.

In the world we have our trials and tribulations, there is so much sin, suffering and pain in this fallen world. For the Early church suffering persecution this message came as a great comfort and reassurance that being a Christian community is meaningful, relevant and important for now and for eternity.

Heaven is a place of worship and our church is a mere shadow of this - a rehearsal that pales in comparison. Worship is our hearts pouring out to God's heart.

Good to spend time in the house of God yesterday and to enjoy the fellowship of believers. The Songsters sang beautifully the old hymn "All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing. Alleluia!" I've retired from Songsters as I cannot spare the time to attend practices, but I do enjoy their singing. Sitting in the congregation I joined them in singing, albeit quietly so as not to disturb others in the congregation.

We had special prayer for peace at out meeting. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in me. " was my silent prayer in my own heart.

The sermon was on Psalm 84 and the theme "The Living God." It's a great psalm and this morning I read it again in different versions.

"One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honoured as guest in the palace of sin." (Psalm 84: 10 The Message) I don't know what Greek island beaches look like, but I presume they must be beautiful. I have no plans to go there. I like my Home Sweet Home

Container or Contents

Mooncakes are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival or Zhongqiu Festival. They are regarded as an indispensable delicacy on this occasion. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four important Chinese festivals.

Traditional mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter. The filling is usually made from lotus seed paste. Some come with yolk of salted duck eggs or nuts. Nowadays the filling can be anything, even durian paste. I still prefer the traditional ones.

Moon cakes are on sale everywhere. We've been the recipient of a number of boxes of moon cakes. We just came upstairs after visiting Red Shield Services Store, for the 8th anniversary celebrations. A very good friend of ours gave us a box of moon cakes. His wife made them herself so they are special. We are going to make these cakes last a long time.

Nowadays moon cakes are packed and sold in beautiful boxes and it's a shame to throw the boxes away after we have consumed the contents. What matters more - container or content? Come to think of it, it is the moon cakes that we enjoy eating, not the boxes! These expensive boxes only add to the cost. What a waste of money.

While eating mooncakes I am reminded of the words of Paul. "If you look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know yourselves that we've not much to look at." 2 Corinthans 4: 5-7 The Message)

Apparently Paul was small in stature, had bad eyesight, not a great speaker and constantly on the run. He had many enemies and critics. He was hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and even put in prison. But in this 'clay pot' body of his he carried an important message and had an important ministry. So what matters most really is not the container but the content, not the packaging but the filling, not the external elements but the heart.

As for me, this clay pot is aging, perhaps a little marred or chipped and a little worn out, (not cracked) but I am glad its contents are precious to God. I still have a ministry in an earthern vessel. Well God works within the limits of our humanity. We are still fallible human beings living in an imperfect world.

On a lighter side let me tell you the story of a young preacher who took the words of Paul about this 'treasure in earthern vessels' for his sermon. He published the subject of his sermon in the church bulletin -"The Glory of a Cracked Pot."

Now I'll finish the rest of my piece of mooncake.

Knowledge and wisdom

"Knowledge is proud that he has learn'd so much;
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more" W Cowper, "Poems"

A morning at Peacehaven

On arrival at Peacehaven Tuesday morning, we met a man in a wheelchair looking very sad and depressed. He was waiting at the foyer for the van to take him Changi Hopsital. I tapped his shoulder and assured him of my prayers. He thanked us and started to smile. Obviously seeing familiar faces and receiving a gentle touch brought comfort.

We then went to the fourth level to greet the staff who are always very courteous. Its always a joy to meet these lovely folk who never fail to bless you by their cheerful spirit and warm smiles.

We did chapel service at two places - Partridge and Sparrow Living Areas. As usual we went round to chat with the residents, nurses and visitors. We met a lady from Australia who has come to visit her mother, now bed ridden. I saw she was holding a book by Rick Warren "Purpose Driven Life." It provided that opportunity to begin a conversation about spiritual things. She was not a Christian yet, but have been attending Bible class in Sydney. So we spent some time talking about God's purpose for each individual. We prayed with her and also went to the room to pray for her mother a devout Christian.

We went over the HOPE centre to visit the residents there. They are in different stages of dementia. What a joy to talk with these dear people. One lady always tells us she wants to take us out for a meal. We know she can't but we always thank her and make her feel we are very grateful to her for her invitation.

Time passes very quickly when we are at Peacehaven, There are always people, residents and staff who need a listening ear. We thank God for the privilege of ministering to the folk there.

Of course we visit Poh Chin as well. We give thanks to God everyday for the provision He has made for her. She is receiving tender loving care.

God is great, good and gracious. How wonderful for us to be able to share God's blessings with others