Our prayer list grows longer by the day as we meet more friends. At our age, a large number of our friends are getting on in years with deteriorating health. We've often been asked to pray for the sick which includes the young as well. This we do everyday.
We pray for healing, rightly so. The word of God tells us to pray for the sick. "Is any one among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.... The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5: 13-16. The writer uses Elijah as an example of a prayer warrior. There are other portions of Scripture that urges and encourages us to pray for healing.
We pray for healing as the word of God tells us. Sometimes miracles happen; other times our requests or pleas to the Lord are denied. Why are some believers miraculously healed while others are not. This is something that baffles many people. I spoke with one young lady recently who gave her reason for not attending church any more. She said, "God does not answer my prayer. Why should I bother to worship Him"
Casting our demons and healing people was our Lord's way of showing who He was. While He had great compassion and love, that was not the primary purpose of the miracles nor the primary purpose of His ministry. Christ came took on our humanity and died on the cross for our sin, give spiritual healing and bring us back to God. (1 Peter 2:24-25)
Jesus healed many, but there were those whom He did not heal. The miracles proved He Had power over disease and demons. It showed He was the only Who could save people from their sins
Can God heal us? Certainly and we should pray for healing in accordance with His will. We must also seek wisdom and find solutions like going to the doctor and also take care of our own health. God's ability to heal does not absolve us from our own responsibility to take care of our own health and seek medical advice and treatment.
Let me give you another very encouraging verse of Scripture. "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (See also Psalm 145: 18, Isaiah 58: 9, Matthew 7: 7) His answers - sometimes He grants us straightaway, at other times He lets us wait for His timing. There are times when He in His wisdom denies out request. He has something better for us. He knows what is best for His children.
Yes, we are to intercede for each other.
Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire
1 PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast.
2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.
3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.
4 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry, 'Behold he prays!'
(Charles Wesley)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Terrorist threats
The tragedy that struck Norway is another grim reminder that Satan is alert and alive and is all out to do his worst. Extremists both left and right belonging to different faiths and philosophies are a real threat to society all over the world.
Our Singapore Embassy in Jakarta had a close shave this last week. Good thing the Indonesian Anti-terrorism Agency discovered in time the plans of the terrorists and acted quickly to prevent a terrible disaster. According to investigations Singapore is a target of the terrorists because of our close association with Israel.
What is the world coming to? In our Adult Bible Study class on Sunday mornings, we are focusing our thoughts on Revelation. So far I've done 40 lessons on this Book and next Sunday I shall conduct Lesson 41
John's vision shows us the world system comes under the scrutiny and condemnation of God. It must perish and out of its demise comes God's perfect Kingdom under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In Christ is our Hope. The world is in a mess. God does not want us to be isolated from the world, rather, He wants us to be insulated from its evils. He gives us His wisdom and His grace to live for His glory.
Our Singapore Embassy in Jakarta had a close shave this last week. Good thing the Indonesian Anti-terrorism Agency discovered in time the plans of the terrorists and acted quickly to prevent a terrible disaster. According to investigations Singapore is a target of the terrorists because of our close association with Israel.
What is the world coming to? In our Adult Bible Study class on Sunday mornings, we are focusing our thoughts on Revelation. So far I've done 40 lessons on this Book and next Sunday I shall conduct Lesson 41
John's vision shows us the world system comes under the scrutiny and condemnation of God. It must perish and out of its demise comes God's perfect Kingdom under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In Christ is our Hope. The world is in a mess. God does not want us to be isolated from the world, rather, He wants us to be insulated from its evils. He gives us His wisdom and His grace to live for His glory.
Friday, July 22, 2011
A most memorable week
It was a great week for both of us - a trip down memory lane! We left Singapore by Air Asia on 13th July and spent the first few days in Penang.
On Saturday evening, about 70 people turned up to welcome us - former Home children now parents and grandparents bringing their families to introduce to us. Some of the Youth we knew in the 1950's and 1960's are grandparents! Two of the former Home Leaguers now in their eighties who normally do not go out in the evenings, made the long journey to meet us.
They brought special Penang food to share with the others. One of our former boys, now a bank manager gave a talk on "managing your assets." He was one of the small boys when we were in charge of the Home. Another brother an IT specialist spoke on the Internet. I gave a short devotional to close the meeting.
Sunday morning began with Prayer meeting, then Public worship. The hall was quite full and we had a glorious time singing praises to God and meditating on His word.
Our final meal was provided by Brother Neoh Ah How whom my wife first met when she went to Penang as a cadet to do her field training in 1954. He is now in an Old peoples' Home. When we were appointed as Corps Officers in 1959, he was one of those who welcomed us. He was a bandsmen, songster organist and Corps pianist. Lim Kim Ann and Jasinta who provided transport were with us to share this fellowship meal in a Restaurant. It was quite an emotional parting that day.
Jasinta's parents - Mr.& Mrs. Michael (already gone to Glory) opened their home at Bayan Lepas for me to conduct meetings for children every Saturday. This lovely couple opened with hearts and home to us and we spent many hours of fellowship with them during the period 1959-62. I used to cycle from Perak Road to Bayan Lepas every Saturday to conduct meetings.
In the afternoon, Mr and Mrs. Eddy Choong (Tong Yat Lan) took us to Ipoh where we visited the various centres. Lovely to see the Boys' Home where we were stationed in 1969 during the time of racial crisis in Malaysia. We recalled having to remain indoors because of the curfew.
We went to the village in Tambum and visited the RSI store. That quiet village is now a bustling town! Amazing changes.
We visited the Corps a beautiful building quite a contrast with the atap and wooden hut where we used to worship on Sundays at Kampong Simee.
Things have changed. We have better facilities, modern buildings and excellent equipment. Thank God for material blessings. The message we proclaim remains the same - the gospel of Jesus Christ is still the same. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
A real bonus, Tong Yat Lan and Eddy took us to visit Cameron Highlands. I wasn't too keen when I thought of winding road from Tapah Station. That's what we did in 1958 when we went there for our honeymoon. This time, Yat Lan drove along the new highway up the hill. What a contrast! But Cameron is not as cold as it used to be - climate change and more buildings!
Lieut. Andrew Loh drove us back to Penang where we boarded Air Asia again bound for Singapore. Glad to be away, glad to be home. The best part of the roaming is the homing!
On Saturday evening, about 70 people turned up to welcome us - former Home children now parents and grandparents bringing their families to introduce to us. Some of the Youth we knew in the 1950's and 1960's are grandparents! Two of the former Home Leaguers now in their eighties who normally do not go out in the evenings, made the long journey to meet us.
They brought special Penang food to share with the others. One of our former boys, now a bank manager gave a talk on "managing your assets." He was one of the small boys when we were in charge of the Home. Another brother an IT specialist spoke on the Internet. I gave a short devotional to close the meeting.
Sunday morning began with Prayer meeting, then Public worship. The hall was quite full and we had a glorious time singing praises to God and meditating on His word.
Our final meal was provided by Brother Neoh Ah How whom my wife first met when she went to Penang as a cadet to do her field training in 1954. He is now in an Old peoples' Home. When we were appointed as Corps Officers in 1959, he was one of those who welcomed us. He was a bandsmen, songster organist and Corps pianist. Lim Kim Ann and Jasinta who provided transport were with us to share this fellowship meal in a Restaurant. It was quite an emotional parting that day.
Jasinta's parents - Mr.& Mrs. Michael (already gone to Glory) opened their home at Bayan Lepas for me to conduct meetings for children every Saturday. This lovely couple opened with hearts and home to us and we spent many hours of fellowship with them during the period 1959-62. I used to cycle from Perak Road to Bayan Lepas every Saturday to conduct meetings.
In the afternoon, Mr and Mrs. Eddy Choong (Tong Yat Lan) took us to Ipoh where we visited the various centres. Lovely to see the Boys' Home where we were stationed in 1969 during the time of racial crisis in Malaysia. We recalled having to remain indoors because of the curfew.
We went to the village in Tambum and visited the RSI store. That quiet village is now a bustling town! Amazing changes.
We visited the Corps a beautiful building quite a contrast with the atap and wooden hut where we used to worship on Sundays at Kampong Simee.
Things have changed. We have better facilities, modern buildings and excellent equipment. Thank God for material blessings. The message we proclaim remains the same - the gospel of Jesus Christ is still the same. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
A real bonus, Tong Yat Lan and Eddy took us to visit Cameron Highlands. I wasn't too keen when I thought of winding road from Tapah Station. That's what we did in 1958 when we went there for our honeymoon. This time, Yat Lan drove along the new highway up the hill. What a contrast! But Cameron is not as cold as it used to be - climate change and more buildings!
Lieut. Andrew Loh drove us back to Penang where we boarded Air Asia again bound for Singapore. Glad to be away, glad to be home. The best part of the roaming is the homing!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Visiting Penang
We are getting ready to leave for Penang on Wednesday to conduct meetings. We've not been inside the new building since it was built, so are looking forward to this visit.
We were stationed in Penang twice - first at the Corps (church) from 1959 to 1962. Had a great time. We went there as a young married couple with no children. We left Penang in April 1962 with two children both born at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital Burmah Road. We moved to Kuching where we spent three wonderful years at the Corps and Boys' Home, then returned to Penang in 1965 and spent about 18 months before being posted to Kuala Lumpur to pioneer the work of The Salvation Army in the capital city. Here our third child Poh Chin was born at Petaling Jaya.
Thank God for friends and we look forward to a great time of reunion and fellowship.
We were stationed in Penang twice - first at the Corps (church) from 1959 to 1962. Had a great time. We went there as a young married couple with no children. We left Penang in April 1962 with two children both born at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital Burmah Road. We moved to Kuching where we spent three wonderful years at the Corps and Boys' Home, then returned to Penang in 1965 and spent about 18 months before being posted to Kuala Lumpur to pioneer the work of The Salvation Army in the capital city. Here our third child Poh Chin was born at Petaling Jaya.
Thank God for friends and we look forward to a great time of reunion and fellowship.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Love Singapore devotional
I always look forward to receiving the annual devotional booklet published by LOVE SINGAPORE prior to National Day. It has readings for forty days. This year the theme is "The eleventh hour." To me it is one of the best devotional booklets. It is relevant to our nation and culture.
Yes, we are living in the eleventh hour. The Lord may come any time. Years ago The Salvation Army chose a similar theme called "The midnight cry" based on the parable of the Ten virgins or Ten Bridesmaids told by Jesus in Matthew 25: 1-13. Our Lord wants us to be ready and how to live until He comes. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last moment. Our relationship with God is of prime importance.
Yes, we are living in the eleventh hour!
Yes, we are living in the eleventh hour. The Lord may come any time. Years ago The Salvation Army chose a similar theme called "The midnight cry" based on the parable of the Ten virgins or Ten Bridesmaids told by Jesus in Matthew 25: 1-13. Our Lord wants us to be ready and how to live until He comes. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last moment. Our relationship with God is of prime importance.
Yes, we are living in the eleventh hour!
Monday, July 4, 2011
O boundless salvation - Founder's Song
O boundless salvation! deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above,
The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free,
Now flowing for all men, now flowing for all men,
Now flowing for all men, come, roll over me!
My sins they are many, their stains are so deep,
And bitter the tears of remorse that I weep;
But useless is weeping; thou great crimson sea,
Thy waters can cleanse me, thy waters can cleanse me,
Thy waters can cleanse me, come, roll over me!
My tempers are fitful, my passions are strong,
They bind my poor soul and they force me to wrong;
Beneath thy blest billows deliverance I see,
O come, mighty ocean, O come, mighty ocean,
O come, mighty ocean, and roll over me!
Now tossed with temptation, then haunted with fears,
My life has been joyless and useless for years;
I feel something better most surely would be
If once thy pure waters, if once thy pure waters,
If once thy pure waters would roll over me.
O ocean of mercy, oft longing I've stood
On the brink of thy wonderful, life giving flood!
Once more I have reachèd this soul cleansing sea,
I will not go back, I will not go back,
I will not go back till it rolls over me.
The tide is now flowing, I'm touching the wave,
I hear the loud call of the Mighty to Save;
My faith's growing bolder, delivered I'll be;
I plunge 'neath the waters, I plunge 'neath the waters,
I plunge 'neath the waters they roll over me.
And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation, of boundless salvation,
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above,
The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free,
Now flowing for all men, now flowing for all men,
Now flowing for all men, come, roll over me!
My sins they are many, their stains are so deep,
And bitter the tears of remorse that I weep;
But useless is weeping; thou great crimson sea,
Thy waters can cleanse me, thy waters can cleanse me,
Thy waters can cleanse me, come, roll over me!
My tempers are fitful, my passions are strong,
They bind my poor soul and they force me to wrong;
Beneath thy blest billows deliverance I see,
O come, mighty ocean, O come, mighty ocean,
O come, mighty ocean, and roll over me!
Now tossed with temptation, then haunted with fears,
My life has been joyless and useless for years;
I feel something better most surely would be
If once thy pure waters, if once thy pure waters,
If once thy pure waters would roll over me.
O ocean of mercy, oft longing I've stood
On the brink of thy wonderful, life giving flood!
Once more I have reachèd this soul cleansing sea,
I will not go back, I will not go back,
I will not go back till it rolls over me.
The tide is now flowing, I'm touching the wave,
I hear the loud call of the Mighty to Save;
My faith's growing bolder, delivered I'll be;
I plunge 'neath the waters, I plunge 'neath the waters,
I plunge 'neath the waters they roll over me.
And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation, of boundless salvation,
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
Founder's Day
Saturday evening we joined our folk at the William Booth Corps to celebrate Founder's Day. At this meeting, the Territorial Commander, Colonel Gillian Downer installed the new Territorial Youth Secretary,Captain Zane Haupt. You can read his testimony in this month's War Cry. He shared with us his hopes and desires "I have two passions that I think go hand in hand. The first is to see the Holy Spirit working in and changing people on a daily basis. I love to see spiritual formation and transformation taking place in all believers and including myself. My other passion is for authentic worship." Amen to that and we share his hopes and aspirations.
This territory is terribly short of officers and we hope and pray that our youth will offer themselves for officership. As Candidate's Secretary the Captain will certainly be encouraging our youth to obey the call to be officers of The Salvation Army. We need officers and need them badly.
Sunday we celebrated Founder's Day at our Corps. It was also the welcome of our new Corps assistants - Auxiliary Captains Raymond and Cathy Aloba. They will take over much of the management of Corps affairs and pastoral care of our folk. This will allow our Corps Officer Major Ruth Pascoe to concentrate on her preaching and pastoral activities which cover not only William Booth Corps, but also Eratchippu Corps and the centre at Bukit Panjang. The Major will also conduct training courses for our people in the territory and give pastoral care to our officers.
One thing noticeably missing during this weekend - we did not sing the Founder's Song - "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love. O fullness of mercy Christ brought from above."
I did Revelation Chapter 17 yesterday - the 39th lesson in this series. John's vision encompasses more than his immediate age. That civilisation has gone, but the enemies of God's people are still around. Whatever anti christian morality infects the church or seduces the believers to forsake God and embrace worldliness, there the scarlet woman, the harlot flaunts her charms. John's vision applies to our generation and our situation.
Never think that evil is just in the world, it invades the church as well and we must be vigilant - watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. Let us pray hard and also search the Scriptures daily. Sadly many of our folk are content with limited knowledge of God's word. I was saddened when one lady in our church said to me, "Your studies are too 'chhim'" meaning too deep for her. She and her ilk are content with superficial knowledge of the word. It's tragic to have such attitude.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3: 16 & 17 (NASB)
This territory is terribly short of officers and we hope and pray that our youth will offer themselves for officership. As Candidate's Secretary the Captain will certainly be encouraging our youth to obey the call to be officers of The Salvation Army. We need officers and need them badly.
Sunday we celebrated Founder's Day at our Corps. It was also the welcome of our new Corps assistants - Auxiliary Captains Raymond and Cathy Aloba. They will take over much of the management of Corps affairs and pastoral care of our folk. This will allow our Corps Officer Major Ruth Pascoe to concentrate on her preaching and pastoral activities which cover not only William Booth Corps, but also Eratchippu Corps and the centre at Bukit Panjang. The Major will also conduct training courses for our people in the territory and give pastoral care to our officers.
One thing noticeably missing during this weekend - we did not sing the Founder's Song - "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love. O fullness of mercy Christ brought from above."
I did Revelation Chapter 17 yesterday - the 39th lesson in this series. John's vision encompasses more than his immediate age. That civilisation has gone, but the enemies of God's people are still around. Whatever anti christian morality infects the church or seduces the believers to forsake God and embrace worldliness, there the scarlet woman, the harlot flaunts her charms. John's vision applies to our generation and our situation.
Never think that evil is just in the world, it invades the church as well and we must be vigilant - watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. Let us pray hard and also search the Scriptures daily. Sadly many of our folk are content with limited knowledge of God's word. I was saddened when one lady in our church said to me, "Your studies are too 'chhim'" meaning too deep for her. She and her ilk are content with superficial knowledge of the word. It's tragic to have such attitude.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3: 16 & 17 (NASB)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Malaysian Railway
When we returned to Singapore to retire in 1997, we lived at Hillview Park and everyday we could hear the rumbles of trains as they passed by. In fact, some days I used to take a short cut crossing the railway track! Rather risky, but I was extra careful hence I am alive to tell the tale. When Praisehaven was built we vacated the flat at Hillview Park and moved to the present location, still not too far from the railway line.
June 30 2011 marked the end of an era. Tanjong Pagar railway station, was the railway terminus owned by the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) It was completed on 3rd May 1932 (almost a month older than I) and officially opened by Sir Cecil Clementi. Tanjong Pagar Station is the same age as yours truly. I was more fortunate, rather blessed to enjoy fourteen years of retirement, Tanjong Pagar Station continued in service for a total of 79 years!
Many people are not aware that The House of Tan Yeok Nee at 207 Clemenceau Ave before the war it was 207 Tank Road) was at one time the quarters for the Station Master of Malayan Railway. The Chinese mansion which looks like a Chinese Temple was built by a Teochew merchant Tan Yeok Nee for himself and his large family.
Tan lived in this mansion for most of his life; he died in China at age 75. He outlived his sons and the house was left to his eight grandsons.
At the turn of the 20th century, when the Singapore-Johor Railway was being built, the house was acquired for use by the Tank Road Station master. Within a decade, the government granted Tan's house to the Anglican Church, which established St Mary's Home and School for Eurasian Girls in 1912.
When the Home closed, the Anglican church rented this place to The Salvation Army. Later the Church sold it to The Salvation Army for $50,000. International Headquarters provided $25,000 and The Government of Singapore loaned the Army $25,000.00!
On 28 May 1938, the Salvation Army established their headquarters and Central Corps here. The house remained the Salvation Army's centre of operations for over 50 years, with the exception of the war years, during which the Japanese controlled it.
After the war, it was found shattered and torn to pieces by repeated bombing and looting. A lot of money was spent on repairs and rebuilding over the next few years.
In July 1951, it was officially reopened by Governor Sir Franklin Gimson.I was there for the official opening.
In 1991, the Salvation Army's headquarters was relocated to Bishan the present Headquarters and the house was sold to the Cockpit Hotel. The House of Tan Yeok Nee has since been purchased by the Wing Tai Group, which invested S$1.2 million for its restoration. The building is now occupied by The Uiversity of Chicago Booth School of Business as its Asian campus. (No relation to William Booth the Founder of The Salvation Army)
From January 1970 to 1974 we lived in this building, upstairs just behind the main hall. Then we moved to the quarters in a three-storeyed building built by The Salvation Army in the compound till end of 1982.
Well the closure of KTM or the Malaysian railway brought back memories of the Army's connection.
I travelled on the Malaysian Railway for the first time on 7th June 1958, on the night of our wedding! We did not have a wedding dinner, so missed the 'ang pows' (red packets with money enclosed!) We had only a reception after the wedding so no 'ang pows' except all kinds of gifts like like tea set, glasses, electric iron, book, album, photo frames etc.
The second time was when we, just the two of us, moved from Balestier Corps to Penang Corps on November 1959. We embarked at Tanjong Pagar Station at 10.00 p.m, arrived at Kuala Lumpur next morning, changed to the Day train then journeyed to Penang! O it was exciting to see Penang for the first time. We loved Penang.
In 1962, we travelled with two children - a two year old and a six months' old baby from Penang to K.L, then from KL to Singapore where we boarded the cargo boat "Bentong" to go to Kuching where we spent three wonderful years! Enjoyed every moment of it.
We farewelled from Kuching 1965 to go back to Penang this time to manage the Boys' Home, again travelled by boat and train. I travelled several times by train to Kuala Lumpur to scout for a place to start the Army in Kuala Lumpur. We finally left Malaysia by train to our appointment in Singapore.
Memories of those train journeys - up and down many many times doing Army business. Rather nostalgic.
June 30 2011 marked the end of an era. Tanjong Pagar railway station, was the railway terminus owned by the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) It was completed on 3rd May 1932 (almost a month older than I) and officially opened by Sir Cecil Clementi. Tanjong Pagar Station is the same age as yours truly. I was more fortunate, rather blessed to enjoy fourteen years of retirement, Tanjong Pagar Station continued in service for a total of 79 years!
Many people are not aware that The House of Tan Yeok Nee at 207 Clemenceau Ave before the war it was 207 Tank Road) was at one time the quarters for the Station Master of Malayan Railway. The Chinese mansion which looks like a Chinese Temple was built by a Teochew merchant Tan Yeok Nee for himself and his large family.
Tan lived in this mansion for most of his life; he died in China at age 75. He outlived his sons and the house was left to his eight grandsons.
At the turn of the 20th century, when the Singapore-Johor Railway was being built, the house was acquired for use by the Tank Road Station master. Within a decade, the government granted Tan's house to the Anglican Church, which established St Mary's Home and School for Eurasian Girls in 1912.
When the Home closed, the Anglican church rented this place to The Salvation Army. Later the Church sold it to The Salvation Army for $50,000. International Headquarters provided $25,000 and The Government of Singapore loaned the Army $25,000.00!
On 28 May 1938, the Salvation Army established their headquarters and Central Corps here. The house remained the Salvation Army's centre of operations for over 50 years, with the exception of the war years, during which the Japanese controlled it.
After the war, it was found shattered and torn to pieces by repeated bombing and looting. A lot of money was spent on repairs and rebuilding over the next few years.
In July 1951, it was officially reopened by Governor Sir Franklin Gimson.I was there for the official opening.
In 1991, the Salvation Army's headquarters was relocated to Bishan the present Headquarters and the house was sold to the Cockpit Hotel. The House of Tan Yeok Nee has since been purchased by the Wing Tai Group, which invested S$1.2 million for its restoration. The building is now occupied by The Uiversity of Chicago Booth School of Business as its Asian campus. (No relation to William Booth the Founder of The Salvation Army)
From January 1970 to 1974 we lived in this building, upstairs just behind the main hall. Then we moved to the quarters in a three-storeyed building built by The Salvation Army in the compound till end of 1982.
Well the closure of KTM or the Malaysian railway brought back memories of the Army's connection.
I travelled on the Malaysian Railway for the first time on 7th June 1958, on the night of our wedding! We did not have a wedding dinner, so missed the 'ang pows' (red packets with money enclosed!) We had only a reception after the wedding so no 'ang pows' except all kinds of gifts like like tea set, glasses, electric iron, book, album, photo frames etc.
The second time was when we, just the two of us, moved from Balestier Corps to Penang Corps on November 1959. We embarked at Tanjong Pagar Station at 10.00 p.m, arrived at Kuala Lumpur next morning, changed to the Day train then journeyed to Penang! O it was exciting to see Penang for the first time. We loved Penang.
In 1962, we travelled with two children - a two year old and a six months' old baby from Penang to K.L, then from KL to Singapore where we boarded the cargo boat "Bentong" to go to Kuching where we spent three wonderful years! Enjoyed every moment of it.
We farewelled from Kuching 1965 to go back to Penang this time to manage the Boys' Home, again travelled by boat and train. I travelled several times by train to Kuala Lumpur to scout for a place to start the Army in Kuala Lumpur. We finally left Malaysia by train to our appointment in Singapore.
Memories of those train journeys - up and down many many times doing Army business. Rather nostalgic.
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