Andrew Ong promoted to Glory

Andrew Ong was promoted to Glory yesterday at the age of 65. I have known Andrew since he was a baby. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Ong Kay Sung were the first Salvationists of Balestier Corps (church) Andrew was a faithful and enthusiastic salvationist.

He leaves behind his wife Irene, three children - Janaine, Aaron and Amelyn, son-in-law Christopher Loh and two grandchildren, Hannah and Ariele.

His sisters, Ruth and Janet residing in Canada are now on their way to Singapore to attend the funeral.

My wife and I attended the wake last night. The funeral will be on Christmas Eve. He will be cremated at the Mandai Crematorium at 1.00 p.m.

Promoted to Glory is a term used by The Salvation Army to describe the death of a Salvationist.The term was actually coined by Herbert Booth, son of the Founder William Booth, following the death of Catherine Booth, the Mother of the Salvation Army

Promoted To Glory (funeral Song written by Herbert Booth)

Summoned home, the call has sounded,
Bidding a soldier his warfare cease;
And the song of angels resounded,
Welcomes a warrior to eternal peace.
Praise the Lord! from earthly struggles
A comrade has found release.
Death has lost its sting, the grave its victory;
Conflicts and dangers are over;
See him honored in the throne of glory,
Crowned by the hand of Jehovah!

Refrain

Strife and sorrow over,
The Lord’s true faithful soldier
Has been called to go from the ranks below,
To the conq’ring host above.

Once the sword, but now the scepter,
Once the fight, now the rest and fame,
Broken every earthly fetter,
Now the glory for the cross and shame;
Once the loss of all for Jesus,
But now the eternal gain.
Trials and sorrow here have found their meaning
Mysteries their explanation;
Safe, forever in the sunlight gleaming
Of His eternal salvation.