This is my story - 53

53 – Congress on Evangelism – All one in Christ!

It has been my privilege throughout my years of service to attend retreats, conferences and seminars organised by The Salvation Army and other church groups. There was one congress which made a great lasting impact on me. It was the Asia South Pacific Congress on Evangelism held at the Singapore Conference Hall in November 1968.

We had been sent to establish the work of The Salvation Army in Kuala Lumpur in 1966 and had been there for only two years when I had to leave the family for Singapore to attend this meeting. Our work was new and challenging. It was not easy to leave my wife and our two small children. The third child was on the way. I must confess I went with a certain amount of reluctance.

Looking back now, I believe the Lord wanted me to be present at this special Congress. Dr. Stanley Mooneyham, vice-President of inter relations of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was the coordinating director of the Congress. In his opening address, he quoted Charles Dickens. “It was the best of times it was the worst of times.”

That statement described a different age but fitted the time of the Congress. Tensions were high politically. In Malaysia there was much unrest which led to the racial riots in May 1969. Our youngest child Dora Poh Chin was born on 26th April that year. She is now a resident of The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. (See chapter 34 of this series – ‘coping with crisis.’)

The relationship between Indonesia and Singapore the host country of the Congress was at very low ebb. There was the sacking of the Singapore Embassy at Jakarta just three weeks before the Congress.

India and Pakistan were not on good terms and beneath the layer of civility there was tension.

Philippines and Malaysia were arguing over the question of the sovereignty of Sabah.

And here we were Christians from twenty four nations were holding a Congress in Singapore with the theme –“Christ Seeks Asia.” It appeared to be the wrong time, yes, the worst of times, but God always keeps perfect timing always. Our timing and God’s are not always in sync; hence it is vital that we seek Divine wisdom always.

When we met for the eight day Congress, we did not feel any tension; on the other hand there was that wonderful unity of spirit. Indians and Pakistanis prayed together, Malaysians and Filipinos interceded for each other, Singaporeans and Indonesians held hands and pleaded with the Lord to save the nations. That Congress taught me an important lesson - the Kingdom of God transcends all boundaries.

Fast forward ten years to 1978, when I attended the International Congress in London. I was privileged to witness the performance of the Musical “The Blood of the Lamb” It was based on Vachel Lindsay’s epic poem “William Booth Enters Heaven.” John Gowans himself acted the part of the Founder William Booth and John Larsson was the pianist. I can still visualise the scene, “William Booth” walking slowly, yet confidently leading his soldiers into Heaven singing “Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” It was a very touching scene. Here are the words of that song.

They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God;
Both the rich and the poor, the despised, the distressed,
They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.
And none will ask what they have been
Provided that their robes are clean;
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God;
To be met by the Father and welcomed and blessed,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God.
The black, the white, the dark, the fair,
Your colour will not matter there;
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God;
Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest
They’ll sit down in the Kingdom of God.
From every tribe and every race,
All men as brothers shall embrace;
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,
And sit down in the Kingdom of God. John Gowans (SA Song Book 170)

Nations may be at war with each other today, but the Kingdom of God knows no boundaries. What keeps me going? I look to Jesus the author and finisher of my faith who is waiting to me in the Kingdom to come. What has kept me faithful to Him all these years? The grace of God and the support of friends all over the world, yes the international army of believers. To God be the glory!