61 – Typhoon Ellen struck Hong Kong
Singapore’s climate is hot and humid. This island referred to as a ‘little red dot’ on the map does not have clear-cut seasons like spring, summer, autumn and winter. Normally November has the highest rainy days and according to the National Environment Agency, Singapore receives 2342.2 mm of rain fall in an average year.
Eight months after our arrival in Hong Kong we experienced one of the worst typhoons that ever hit Hong Kong. The Stand-by Signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 5.00 a.m. on 7 September 1983 when Ellen was about 420 nautical miles east-southeast of Hong Kong. By 7.45 a.m Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, was in place and the wind became fresh to strong during the afternoon. The Northeasterly Storm Signal, No. 8 was hoisted at 4.45 p.m. and by 1. a.m. the signal was further raised to Storm Signal No.9. In the middle of the night at 2.00 a.m it was announced that the warning signal was upgraded to Hurricane Signal, No. 10. What I had seen in films was now a reality before my eyes. The trees in our compound swayed and some were uprooted. Branches snapped like matchsticks!
Hurricane force winds continued to affect Hong Kong for the next several hours. When the storm subsided, I looked out of our window and saw the devastation the typhoon had wrought. The whole compound was littered with leaves, tree trunks, branches and debris. Our telephone wires were cut. I tried to clear the debris, but tripped and fell, dislocating my elbow. I was in pain, so went back to the quarters and rested on the sofa.
During this time the General Secretary Major Moira Wright was on homeland furlough. The other house in the same compound was unoccupied. We were the only occupants on this compound on a hill facing the sea.
My wife walked to the village of Sam Cheng (famous for roast goose) some distance away, borrowed a telephone and rang up Major Andrew Lo, the Divisional commander at Kwai Chung. He and his wife came immediately and took me to Princess Elizabeth Hospital where I was warded. There were no beds available; a camp bed was set up for me. A few days later, I returned home with my arm in a plaster and sling. I could not drive but the Lord sent His angels to help us.
Months earlier Jim and Marjorie Webb had already planned to have holidays in Hong Kong with us. They arrived after the typhoon and stayed with us for about a week. During that time, Jim became my chauffer and drove us to office everyday. They then took the train and went for their tours in Hong Kong. They were always back in time by 5.00- 5.30 p.m or so to drive us home! What a coincidence, but I believe it was all Divine providence. God’s timing is always perfect.
The Webbs, Salvationists from United Kingdom supported us for many years in Singapore when he was working with Cooper Lybrand. Jim has gone to be with the Lord, but Marjorie, now in a Home for the Elderly keeps contact with us. Lately she has learned to use the computer and is sending out e-mail!
That was a great experience to be in the midst of storm and typhoon. God was preparing us for our next appointment - the Philippines a land frequently hit by natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes and drought. An average of twenty typhoons hit the Philippines every year!
Former President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino said, “Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”
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