My wife and I use the The Salvation Army's daily devotional "Words of Life" for our private devotions. This morning the writer uses the text "The Lord had said to Abraham "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you..and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you."
The writer Major Beverly Ivany testifies about the blessings she has received from God, her family and friends. Then she adds, "It is amazing to know through God's Spirit we can be a blessing to others...I pray each each morning that he will 'make me a blessing to someone today.'"
Just think of this - God blesses us, He is the source; we approach Him and bless Him; we bless others, others bless us and in they in turn are blessed. So blessings come from God and when we pass on His blessings, givers and recipients are blessed. Blessings keep going round. "Blessings abound where'er He reigns" says Isaac Watts in his well known hymn, "Jesus shall reign"
Make Me a Blessing by Ira Wilson
1 Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life
May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2 Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev'ry moment you live.
3 Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Let us bless God, thank and praise Him for Who He is - our Creator, our Sovereign God, our Redeemer. We thank Him for lavishing His blessings on us. Let us bless one another.
God bless you, the readers of this blog. Pass on His blessings and you will be blessed.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Prayer
Teach me. O God, to use all the circumstances of my life to-day that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin.
Let me use disappointment as material for patience:
Let me use success as material for thankfulness:
Let me use suspense as material for perseverance:
Let me use danger as material for courage:
Let me use reproach as material for long-suffering:
Let me use praise as material for humility:
Let me use pleasures as material for temperance:
Let me use pains as material for endurance.
~John Baillie's A Diary of Private Prayer
Let me use disappointment as material for patience:
Let me use success as material for thankfulness:
Let me use suspense as material for perseverance:
Let me use danger as material for courage:
Let me use reproach as material for long-suffering:
Let me use praise as material for humility:
Let me use pleasures as material for temperance:
Let me use pains as material for endurance.
~John Baillie's A Diary of Private Prayer
Sunday, January 29, 2012
With Balestier family
It made my day! The best day this year spending time with Balestier folk. Such warmth of fellowship. It did us good!
Judy Chun came for us at 10.00 a.m. From there we went to Cashew Park to pick up Jennifer Loh and the four of us went to Balestier now at 126 Balestier Road. We arrived early and there were already people there, welcoming visitors. It was great to meet old friends and new friends, the elderly, the middle aged, the youth and children.
After the introduction by the pastor, Captain Hary Haran, we went straight into the meeting. The whole congregation read Psalm 90: 1-4, thus affirming our faith in the eternal sovereign God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The meeting began with Song 552 "Thank you Lord for all Your goodness" - a beautiful song written by August Ludvig Storm and translated into English by Flora Larsson. We thank God for past and present mercies, sunlit pathways also byways rough, fragrant flowers among the weeds, the peace He gives us even when the spirit bleeds, prayers answered as well as prayers denied.
Another old hymn we sang as "Unto the hills around do I lift up, my longing eyes"
written by John Campbell. It is a metrical rendering of Psalm 121, one of the "Songs of Ascent" It has sometimes been called "The Traveller's Psalm. I spoke on the three key words of this psalm - The Lord - my Helper, my Keeper, my Preserver." Sadly many of our younger people do not know these great hymns of the church.
After the message we sang another old song, "O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end."
1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2. O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
We say Amen to that prayer. May the Lord keep us faithful.
We had lunch with Jack and his wife Catherine, Terence and Amy. What a great time of fellowship we had as we shared food and ended with prayer.
Praise and thank God for another good day.
Judy Chun came for us at 10.00 a.m. From there we went to Cashew Park to pick up Jennifer Loh and the four of us went to Balestier now at 126 Balestier Road. We arrived early and there were already people there, welcoming visitors. It was great to meet old friends and new friends, the elderly, the middle aged, the youth and children.
After the introduction by the pastor, Captain Hary Haran, we went straight into the meeting. The whole congregation read Psalm 90: 1-4, thus affirming our faith in the eternal sovereign God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The meeting began with Song 552 "Thank you Lord for all Your goodness" - a beautiful song written by August Ludvig Storm and translated into English by Flora Larsson. We thank God for past and present mercies, sunlit pathways also byways rough, fragrant flowers among the weeds, the peace He gives us even when the spirit bleeds, prayers answered as well as prayers denied.
Another old hymn we sang as "Unto the hills around do I lift up, my longing eyes"
written by John Campbell. It is a metrical rendering of Psalm 121, one of the "Songs of Ascent" It has sometimes been called "The Traveller's Psalm. I spoke on the three key words of this psalm - The Lord - my Helper, my Keeper, my Preserver." Sadly many of our younger people do not know these great hymns of the church.
After the message we sang another old song, "O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end."
1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2. O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
We say Amen to that prayer. May the Lord keep us faithful.
We had lunch with Jack and his wife Catherine, Terence and Amy. What a great time of fellowship we had as we shared food and ended with prayer.
Praise and thank God for another good day.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Comforting touch
We have had many visitors during the last few days of Lunar New Year. I noticed something - especially among the young people. They loved to grab the cushion on the settee and put on the lap.
I notice too of late, there are a lot of teddy bears on sale. Girls especially love to have them in their rooms, on their beds, on their tables. Hugging a teddy bear seems to be a favourite past time.
I understand teddy bears are named after one of the Presidents of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. A story is told of how one day walking in the woods he came upon a pack of yapping dogs surrounding a frightened baby bear. The President, a big man with a compassionate heart went to the rescue and helped the bear escape.
The press came to know about this and cartoonists would link the President whose nicknamed was Teddy with the bear.
At that time, toy shops all over the country were marketing a cuddly toys for children, so the teddy bear was born commemorating the loving action of President Roosevelt.
Next time you see as girl (or even a boy) cuddling a teddy bear, or someone cuddling the cushion on your settee, think of the importance of loving touch.
I think of our visits to the Peacehaven Nursing Home. These old and not-so-old dears love a touch. Perhaps shyness or culture prevents us from touching someone. Are we not in danger of losing one of the most human links God has given us?
Jesus reached out and touch the leper whom society treated as an outcast. This dreaded disease was believed to be highly contagious and yet it is recorded,"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.."Mark 1:14. Physical healing was immediate and even more valuable was the demonstration of compassion in that vital touch.
I notice too of late, there are a lot of teddy bears on sale. Girls especially love to have them in their rooms, on their beds, on their tables. Hugging a teddy bear seems to be a favourite past time.
I understand teddy bears are named after one of the Presidents of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. A story is told of how one day walking in the woods he came upon a pack of yapping dogs surrounding a frightened baby bear. The President, a big man with a compassionate heart went to the rescue and helped the bear escape.
The press came to know about this and cartoonists would link the President whose nicknamed was Teddy with the bear.
At that time, toy shops all over the country were marketing a cuddly toys for children, so the teddy bear was born commemorating the loving action of President Roosevelt.
Next time you see as girl (or even a boy) cuddling a teddy bear, or someone cuddling the cushion on your settee, think of the importance of loving touch.
I think of our visits to the Peacehaven Nursing Home. These old and not-so-old dears love a touch. Perhaps shyness or culture prevents us from touching someone. Are we not in danger of losing one of the most human links God has given us?
Jesus reached out and touch the leper whom society treated as an outcast. This dreaded disease was believed to be highly contagious and yet it is recorded,"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.."Mark 1:14. Physical healing was immediate and even more valuable was the demonstration of compassion in that vital touch.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Encouragement
Just received a lovely note of encouragment from someone I've never met. Ian Woodgate of Horsham discovered my blog by accident and he took the trouble to write that note of thanks and appreciation. Well, it made my day. Some days I don't feel like writing, but when such words of encouragement comes, it inspires you to keep pressing on.
Encouragement
You can't light a candle
To show others the way,
Without feeling the warmth
Of that bright little ray.
And you can't pluck a rose,
All fragrant with dew,
Without part of its fragrance
Remaining in you.
Let us encourage one another in our journey in life.
By the way, lots of times we have discovered blessings by accident. Actually, I believe they are God's designs.
The other day, after my visit to the Hospital, I took a little stroll to the Kent Ridge Train Station, just to have a look. Then at the spur of the moment decided to take a ride to the next station. I got out to the Har Par Villa station, just wandered into this tourist spot, only to meet a salvationist who had not been attending our church for some time. I was able to spend about half and hour sitting on the bench in the park and talked to her about spiritual things.We ended our session in prayer. That same night I received a phone call and she is back attending church. She even paid us a visit during Chinese New Year. Coincidence? No Divine providence.
I love the old hymn by William Cowper.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Encouragement
You can't light a candle
To show others the way,
Without feeling the warmth
Of that bright little ray.
And you can't pluck a rose,
All fragrant with dew,
Without part of its fragrance
Remaining in you.
Let us encourage one another in our journey in life.
By the way, lots of times we have discovered blessings by accident. Actually, I believe they are God's designs.
The other day, after my visit to the Hospital, I took a little stroll to the Kent Ridge Train Station, just to have a look. Then at the spur of the moment decided to take a ride to the next station. I got out to the Har Par Villa station, just wandered into this tourist spot, only to meet a salvationist who had not been attending our church for some time. I was able to spend about half and hour sitting on the bench in the park and talked to her about spiritual things.We ended our session in prayer. That same night I received a phone call and she is back attending church. She even paid us a visit during Chinese New Year. Coincidence? No Divine providence.
I love the old hymn by William Cowper.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Visiting the elderly
The first two days of Chinese New Year, we stayed home to receive visitors. On the third day, we visited a neighbour Mrs. Liok. She has been sick and not been able to attend our meetings for the last few weeks. Well she was delighted to receive us and spent an hour of fellowship and prayer together. We went to minister to her, but in turn we were really blessed.
Almost 60 years ago in Malacca, Malaysia, her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. C Y Chang used to invite me to their home to spent New Year Eve with them.I was single then. They treated me as a member of their family and for three years - 1954 to 1957. every New Year Eve I joined the family in reunion dinner. What a privilege.
The last time I talked to C Y Chang was in England. In his old age, he was living with his daughter at Berkhamstead, England and he chose to worship at The Salvation Army instead of going to his own Methodist church. The Corps Officer (pastor), Lieut.Stephen Poxon had invited us to conduct meetings at their church. Unfortunately, Mr. Chang was away that weekend and we were not able to see him. However we talked on the phone and he was telling me his plans to visit China to share the gospel with his relatives. He was already in his nineties then! He and his wife have gone to be with the Lord. Recently their daughter visited Singapore and we were able to renew our friendship. She was only ten years old when I was stationed in Malacca.
We make it a point to visit the elderly who are housebound especially during this festive season. Yesterday, we visited an elderly couple at Serangoon Gardens. We have no vehicle and travel everywhere by public transport. Thank God these days we are able to google for directions and means of getting from one place to another, by bus on train. Yesterday we met many kind people at bus stops and on the buses and trains. People normally give up their seats for us. We thank God for these kind people who make life meaningful.
Almost 60 years ago in Malacca, Malaysia, her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. C Y Chang used to invite me to their home to spent New Year Eve with them.I was single then. They treated me as a member of their family and for three years - 1954 to 1957. every New Year Eve I joined the family in reunion dinner. What a privilege.
The last time I talked to C Y Chang was in England. In his old age, he was living with his daughter at Berkhamstead, England and he chose to worship at The Salvation Army instead of going to his own Methodist church. The Corps Officer (pastor), Lieut.Stephen Poxon had invited us to conduct meetings at their church. Unfortunately, Mr. Chang was away that weekend and we were not able to see him. However we talked on the phone and he was telling me his plans to visit China to share the gospel with his relatives. He was already in his nineties then! He and his wife have gone to be with the Lord. Recently their daughter visited Singapore and we were able to renew our friendship. She was only ten years old when I was stationed in Malacca.
We make it a point to visit the elderly who are housebound especially during this festive season. Yesterday, we visited an elderly couple at Serangoon Gardens. We have no vehicle and travel everywhere by public transport. Thank God these days we are able to google for directions and means of getting from one place to another, by bus on train. Yesterday we met many kind people at bus stops and on the buses and trains. People normally give up their seats for us. We thank God for these kind people who make life meaningful.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Welcoming visitors
We spent the first two days of Chinese New Year at home to receive visitors. In keeping to tradition our children and grandchildren were the first to visit us. They brought their mandarin oranges and gifts and we in turn reciprocated.
Later in the morning, other relatives - our nieces and their spouses and children paid their visits.
It was good to have our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer and her two friends from England, now on holidays here come to pay their respects.
Most of the visitors came on the second day. Our grandchildren came with their youth group from Central Corps. Good to have young people visiting us. All of them knew how to bring mandarin oranges to greet us. The Lord has blessed us with many friends. It was good we were able to share prayers with them.
On the third day, we went to visit a lady living nearby. She has been sick for several weeks and have not been able to attend our meetings. We came home for lunch and in the evening had more visitors.
Well, we had two days of quietness all around us- less traffic on the roads. Construction work stopped for two days as most of the foremen are Chinese or Korean and they want to celebrate Chinese New Year.
To day we were out visiting some more housebound elderly folk. We do this while we still have the strength and the means to do so. God has so wonderfully blessed us, and it is our duty to share His blessings with others.
Later in the morning, other relatives - our nieces and their spouses and children paid their visits.
It was good to have our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer and her two friends from England, now on holidays here come to pay their respects.
Most of the visitors came on the second day. Our grandchildren came with their youth group from Central Corps. Good to have young people visiting us. All of them knew how to bring mandarin oranges to greet us. The Lord has blessed us with many friends. It was good we were able to share prayers with them.
On the third day, we went to visit a lady living nearby. She has been sick for several weeks and have not been able to attend our meetings. We came home for lunch and in the evening had more visitors.
Well, we had two days of quietness all around us- less traffic on the roads. Construction work stopped for two days as most of the foremen are Chinese or Korean and they want to celebrate Chinese New Year.
To day we were out visiting some more housebound elderly folk. We do this while we still have the strength and the means to do so. God has so wonderfully blessed us, and it is our duty to share His blessings with others.
Monday, January 23, 2012
New Year traditions and supersitions
We woke up the usual time this morning, the first day of Chinese New Year. We did our usual exercise, went for our morning walk in our compound. It was unusually quiet, as most people were still asleep after a late night on New Year Eve.
In my younger days, we used to stay up late to welcome the New Year. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I used to attend the Chinese New Year Watchnight Service at Balestier Corps (church)
After breakfast at 7.00 a.m. we did our devotions. Then I began to sweep and mop the floor, something I was not allowed to do when we were children. After New Year Eve, the brooms would be kept away, and no one was allowed to touch till after the third day. This was to prevent us from sweeping away the blessings or luck as we used to call them. We laugh at such superstition, but it was a tradition I was brought up.
As I swept, my mind went back to my childhood days. Memories are indeed precious. Lots of traditions we still keep, some mere superstitions, we swept them away.
The word of God guides us. God's Holy Spirit enlightens us. That is the reason I make it a point to read God's word and have my daily devotions early in the morning. A good maxim to follow - Begin the day with God.
In my younger days, we used to stay up late to welcome the New Year. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I used to attend the Chinese New Year Watchnight Service at Balestier Corps (church)
After breakfast at 7.00 a.m. we did our devotions. Then I began to sweep and mop the floor, something I was not allowed to do when we were children. After New Year Eve, the brooms would be kept away, and no one was allowed to touch till after the third day. This was to prevent us from sweeping away the blessings or luck as we used to call them. We laugh at such superstition, but it was a tradition I was brought up.
As I swept, my mind went back to my childhood days. Memories are indeed precious. Lots of traditions we still keep, some mere superstitions, we swept them away.
The word of God guides us. God's Holy Spirit enlightens us. That is the reason I make it a point to read God's word and have my daily devotions early in the morning. A good maxim to follow - Begin the day with God.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Chinese New Year greetings
It is obvious the most common Chinese New Year greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai in Mandarin, Kong Hee Fatt Choy in Cantonese, Keong Hee Huat Chai in Hokkien/Teochew.
Businessmen love to hear it. It has to do with material prosperity, more business, more money. It fits well with the world's materialistic thinking.
It is good to be happy and the Lord wants us to be happy. Material prosperity is not necessarily an evidence of divine blessing, is it? Think of the many marriage, family breakups; think of the quarrels that end up in courts - all over money. Wealth can bring a lot of pain and sorrow.
I prefer these greetings - Xin nian Kuai Le in Mandarin, Sin Ni Kuai Lok in Hokkien/Teochew Sun Neen Fai Lok in Cantonese. "Wishing you Joy and Peace"
Among Christians there is another greeting Sin Ni Bong Un in Hokkien and Teochew, or Sun Neen Mong Yan in Cantonese or Xin Nian Meng En in Mandarin. It is the expression meaning "May you be highly favoured with God's blessings."
Personally I refrain from using Kong Hee Fatt Choy or Keong Hi Huat Chai or Gong Xi Fa Cai. I don't wish anyone material prosperity but I wish you God's richest blessings of Joy and Peace. If God prospers us materially, let us thank Him, pay our tithes and share our material blessings with others.
Let me share with you one of Herbert Booth's songs written in the early days of The Salvation Army. You can sing it to the tune "Old folks at home."
Joy, freedom, peace and ceaseless blessing
Yours all shall be,
If, while your weakness still confessing,
To your Redeemer you flee.
Chorus:
All the world can ne'er console you,
Cannot bring you joy.
Jesus alone can satisfy you,
He will your sorrow destroy.
Joy, greater than earth's dearest treasure,
You may receive;
Jesus will deal it without measure
If in His power you believe.
Free from your doubts and fears forever
Will you not be?
Jesus, those chains of doubt will sever
And you His freedom shall see.
Peace, flowing as river,
Now you may find;
From all your troubles He'll deliver
While to His will you're resigned.
Businessmen love to hear it. It has to do with material prosperity, more business, more money. It fits well with the world's materialistic thinking.
It is good to be happy and the Lord wants us to be happy. Material prosperity is not necessarily an evidence of divine blessing, is it? Think of the many marriage, family breakups; think of the quarrels that end up in courts - all over money. Wealth can bring a lot of pain and sorrow.
I prefer these greetings - Xin nian Kuai Le in Mandarin, Sin Ni Kuai Lok in Hokkien/Teochew Sun Neen Fai Lok in Cantonese. "Wishing you Joy and Peace"
Among Christians there is another greeting Sin Ni Bong Un in Hokkien and Teochew, or Sun Neen Mong Yan in Cantonese or Xin Nian Meng En in Mandarin. It is the expression meaning "May you be highly favoured with God's blessings."
Personally I refrain from using Kong Hee Fatt Choy or Keong Hi Huat Chai or Gong Xi Fa Cai. I don't wish anyone material prosperity but I wish you God's richest blessings of Joy and Peace. If God prospers us materially, let us thank Him, pay our tithes and share our material blessings with others.
Let me share with you one of Herbert Booth's songs written in the early days of The Salvation Army. You can sing it to the tune "Old folks at home."
Joy, freedom, peace and ceaseless blessing
Yours all shall be,
If, while your weakness still confessing,
To your Redeemer you flee.
Chorus:
All the world can ne'er console you,
Cannot bring you joy.
Jesus alone can satisfy you,
He will your sorrow destroy.
Joy, greater than earth's dearest treasure,
You may receive;
Jesus will deal it without measure
If in His power you believe.
Free from your doubts and fears forever
Will you not be?
Jesus, those chains of doubt will sever
And you His freedom shall see.
Peace, flowing as river,
Now you may find;
From all your troubles He'll deliver
While to His will you're resigned.
Chinese New Year Eve reflection
It is Chinese New Year's Eve and in a matter of hours we shall 'guo nien' (cross over) from the current Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon. Singapore hopes to have an increase of babies born during this special year as most Chinese like to have 'dragon' babies.
Many families meet this evening for the family reunion dinner. Religion and philosophy in China have always put family first and community second, ahead of individual happiness or freedom. On New Year's Eve, the family sits down to family reunion dinner, probably occupies the same place as the Christmas dinner at Christmastide. It is a traditional feast, dating back to time immemorial symbolising the solidarity of the Chinese patriarchal family.
In modern times, we need to be pragmatic. We went with our daughter and family to have reunion dinner at a Restaurant at Beach Road last Thursday evening. It was the only evening when we could get the whole family together. Our eldest grandson, Daryl is an auditor with Ernst and Young and it was the only night he could get away by 7.00 p.m.
Then to fit in our son's family, we had the reunion dinner in their home last evening, Saturday when the whole family was available.
The actual day itself or place is not that important. In this age and in our pressure cooker society like Singapore, we need to be flexible; it has to fit in with the schedules of family members or the availability of restaurant bookings. It is the sharing of fellowship meal and the renewal of relationship that really matters. The Chinese place great emphasis on family relationships which must be maintained and strengthened, a time honoured tradition we must not discard.
In our younger days, Balestier Corps (church) used to hold a Chinese New Year Watch Night Service. The Central Corps folk would join them in the celebration. In those days the folk worshipping at Balestier all lived in the same area around Balestier so it was quite convenient after their own family reunion dinner, folk would meet at church to 'guo nien' together as a church family. In this way we expressed out church unity or solidarity as we moved to New Year.
Many families meet this evening for the family reunion dinner. Religion and philosophy in China have always put family first and community second, ahead of individual happiness or freedom. On New Year's Eve, the family sits down to family reunion dinner, probably occupies the same place as the Christmas dinner at Christmastide. It is a traditional feast, dating back to time immemorial symbolising the solidarity of the Chinese patriarchal family.
In modern times, we need to be pragmatic. We went with our daughter and family to have reunion dinner at a Restaurant at Beach Road last Thursday evening. It was the only evening when we could get the whole family together. Our eldest grandson, Daryl is an auditor with Ernst and Young and it was the only night he could get away by 7.00 p.m.
Then to fit in our son's family, we had the reunion dinner in their home last evening, Saturday when the whole family was available.
The actual day itself or place is not that important. In this age and in our pressure cooker society like Singapore, we need to be flexible; it has to fit in with the schedules of family members or the availability of restaurant bookings. It is the sharing of fellowship meal and the renewal of relationship that really matters. The Chinese place great emphasis on family relationships which must be maintained and strengthened, a time honoured tradition we must not discard.
In our younger days, Balestier Corps (church) used to hold a Chinese New Year Watch Night Service. The Central Corps folk would join them in the celebration. In those days the folk worshipping at Balestier all lived in the same area around Balestier so it was quite convenient after their own family reunion dinner, folk would meet at church to 'guo nien' together as a church family. In this way we expressed out church unity or solidarity as we moved to New Year.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friends from Australia
The Aussies are always a friendly lot of people. We have many Aussie friends, those who served with us in Singapore, Malaysia and elsewhere.Many have regularly kept contact with us. Some of our closest friends are Aussies.
On Thursday it was our pleasure to welcome two Aussies, Lieut.Colonel Olive Lucas and her daughter Helen into our home. They were on their way home to Australia. Olive served in International Headquarters with us for about a year and lived in our neighbourhood in Beckenham, England.
They came by bus from the city to visit us and we had a great time together in our home and later at the eatery at Rail Mall. And I was able to have my special chapati and Indian curry like the two ladies, while my wife kept to Hainanese chicken rice. She is not keen on hot spicy Indian food. The time passed very quickly and the couple of hours spent together bought much blessing.
We thank God for friends, local and overseas who have enriched our lives. It has been said, "When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy."
On Thursday it was our pleasure to welcome two Aussies, Lieut.Colonel Olive Lucas and her daughter Helen into our home. They were on their way home to Australia. Olive served in International Headquarters with us for about a year and lived in our neighbourhood in Beckenham, England.
They came by bus from the city to visit us and we had a great time together in our home and later at the eatery at Rail Mall. And I was able to have my special chapati and Indian curry like the two ladies, while my wife kept to Hainanese chicken rice. She is not keen on hot spicy Indian food. The time passed very quickly and the couple of hours spent together bought much blessing.
We thank God for friends, local and overseas who have enriched our lives. It has been said, "When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy."
The Chinese festive season
Singapore being a multi racial, multi religious country is rich in cultures. Most cultures have moved from their old folk lore, thus losing their awareness of its rhythms and purposes. This is certainly true of our Chinese customs. I am a Singaporean, born and bred in this 'little red dot' called Singapore. I am also ethnic Chinese, my father came from China when he was only twelve years old as a stowaway. He was a brave and adventurous person.
On my mother's side, she was born in Singapore. Her mother was a peranakan nyonya. She was always dressed in sarong kebabaya. She got married to a China man (arranged marriage of course) and I understand he even wore a pig tail right to the end of his life. When his eldest son went to work for the British, the colonial master on the first day cruelly cut off his pig tail. It broke my grandfather's heart and I was told, he wept for days and no one could console him. He was so grief stricken, he health broke down, returned to China and died of a broken heart. I've never met my grandfather or first uncle; I only heard these stories from my mother.
So we have preserved many of the Teochew customs and when it came to celebrating Lunar New Year, in my younger days, the rules were strictly applied. Of course, we live a an age of change. I am married to a Cantonese and have absorbed some of the Cantonese customs.
For seven and a half years, we kept to the Cantonese way of doing things for Hong Kong is largely populated by the Cantonese, although there is a significant Teochew, Hakka and Hokkien population almost everyone in Hong Kong speaks Cantonese.
Then for seven years, three in Philippines and four in England, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year for we had to be in the office! However, we did invite friends to join us on New Year Eve for what is termed 'reunion dinner'. In Rome do what the Romans do. Chinese New Year is not a holiday in these countries. It is interesting to note that President Aquino has declared Chinese New Year a public holiday in the Philippines for 2012! I am sure the ethnic Chinese Filipinos are delighted.
The New Year goodies are now sitting comfortably on the table in our lounge. We have mandarin oranges all ready to be exchanged during the New Year. We are ready to welcome visitors come Monday, the first day of Chinese New Year.
The doors of all Chinese families are open to all visitors. There is a welcome in every home.
On my mother's side, she was born in Singapore. Her mother was a peranakan nyonya. She was always dressed in sarong kebabaya. She got married to a China man (arranged marriage of course) and I understand he even wore a pig tail right to the end of his life. When his eldest son went to work for the British, the colonial master on the first day cruelly cut off his pig tail. It broke my grandfather's heart and I was told, he wept for days and no one could console him. He was so grief stricken, he health broke down, returned to China and died of a broken heart. I've never met my grandfather or first uncle; I only heard these stories from my mother.
So we have preserved many of the Teochew customs and when it came to celebrating Lunar New Year, in my younger days, the rules were strictly applied. Of course, we live a an age of change. I am married to a Cantonese and have absorbed some of the Cantonese customs.
For seven and a half years, we kept to the Cantonese way of doing things for Hong Kong is largely populated by the Cantonese, although there is a significant Teochew, Hakka and Hokkien population almost everyone in Hong Kong speaks Cantonese.
Then for seven years, three in Philippines and four in England, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year for we had to be in the office! However, we did invite friends to join us on New Year Eve for what is termed 'reunion dinner'. In Rome do what the Romans do. Chinese New Year is not a holiday in these countries. It is interesting to note that President Aquino has declared Chinese New Year a public holiday in the Philippines for 2012! I am sure the ethnic Chinese Filipinos are delighted.
The New Year goodies are now sitting comfortably on the table in our lounge. We have mandarin oranges all ready to be exchanged during the New Year. We are ready to welcome visitors come Monday, the first day of Chinese New Year.
The doors of all Chinese families are open to all visitors. There is a welcome in every home.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Study of the Book of Judges
I feel sad that many Christians know so little about the Bible. They may be familiar with the stories of the New Testament - the parables, the miracles, events in the life of Jesus, but are quite ignorant of the rest of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament which is looked upon as too long and uninteresting.
I've been conducting Bible Studies for many years since 2002 when the William Booth Corps commenced. Previous to this we were known as the Pasir Panjang Corps and shared the premises with Haven Children's Home. It was Major Allen Satterlee who requested me to undertake this responsibility. The Major is himself a great student of the word of God and we used to enjoy his teaching and preaching from the platform. He was most encouraging and supportive. About once a month he would sit in at my Bible class. He even loaned me a lap top so that I could take it to the library or sit in the corps office to prepare my studies.
Sometimes we are invited to preach at the other Corps in Singapore. Major Satterlee arranged for Mrs. Lim Li Ching a school teacher by profession and student of the word, to fill in for me in my absence. The arrangement still works today. And today, I have also Corps Secretary Terence Tan to call on to fill when I am away. He is a keen Bible scholar and communicates well the word of God.
We have a group of people who attend the class regularly every Sunday morning 9.30- 10.30 a.m. For the last one of a half years, I did Revelation at the request of one of our members. Another member requested that I teach the Book of Judges.
We have had two lessons this year. Lesson 1 was an introduction. Yesterday Sunday, we had our second lesson on the Canaanites. It was interesting to look at the origin of the Canaanites as recorded in Genesis 9.
Christians are uneasy with the fact that God commanded the Israelites to exterminate and annihilate the Canaanites. Today we live in a different dispensation and this command does not apply directly to Christians today. We have civil government responsible for the execution of evil doers. (Rom. 13: 1-7)
However we learn a principle from this important injunction. We are to be merciless when it comes to sin in our hearts and in the church. There should not be 'co-existence' with sin. We certainly read the stories in Judges as historical, but they are also parables to teach us important lessons.
We live in dark and uncertain days in some ways similar to the days depicted in Judges. God provided the Israelites with Judges or deliverers, but they died and the Israelites went from bad to worse. What Israel needed was a king to rule over them. What we need is the Lord of lords and the King of kings - Jesus Christ to reign in our hearts.
The hour passed very quickly. We had plenty of questions and discussions and I myself have benefited from the feedback from the participants.
I've been conducting Bible Studies for many years since 2002 when the William Booth Corps commenced. Previous to this we were known as the Pasir Panjang Corps and shared the premises with Haven Children's Home. It was Major Allen Satterlee who requested me to undertake this responsibility. The Major is himself a great student of the word of God and we used to enjoy his teaching and preaching from the platform. He was most encouraging and supportive. About once a month he would sit in at my Bible class. He even loaned me a lap top so that I could take it to the library or sit in the corps office to prepare my studies.
Sometimes we are invited to preach at the other Corps in Singapore. Major Satterlee arranged for Mrs. Lim Li Ching a school teacher by profession and student of the word, to fill in for me in my absence. The arrangement still works today. And today, I have also Corps Secretary Terence Tan to call on to fill when I am away. He is a keen Bible scholar and communicates well the word of God.
We have a group of people who attend the class regularly every Sunday morning 9.30- 10.30 a.m. For the last one of a half years, I did Revelation at the request of one of our members. Another member requested that I teach the Book of Judges.
We have had two lessons this year. Lesson 1 was an introduction. Yesterday Sunday, we had our second lesson on the Canaanites. It was interesting to look at the origin of the Canaanites as recorded in Genesis 9.
Christians are uneasy with the fact that God commanded the Israelites to exterminate and annihilate the Canaanites. Today we live in a different dispensation and this command does not apply directly to Christians today. We have civil government responsible for the execution of evil doers. (Rom. 13: 1-7)
However we learn a principle from this important injunction. We are to be merciless when it comes to sin in our hearts and in the church. There should not be 'co-existence' with sin. We certainly read the stories in Judges as historical, but they are also parables to teach us important lessons.
We live in dark and uncertain days in some ways similar to the days depicted in Judges. God provided the Israelites with Judges or deliverers, but they died and the Israelites went from bad to worse. What Israel needed was a king to rule over them. What we need is the Lord of lords and the King of kings - Jesus Christ to reign in our hearts.
The hour passed very quickly. We had plenty of questions and discussions and I myself have benefited from the feedback from the participants.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Colonel Mrs. Alice Lau.
What great time of fellowship and feasting we had today with Colonel Mrs. Alice Lau of Hong Kong, her son Michael and our son and family. Mrs. Lau described this as a 'reunion dinner.' That's true as it is quite close to our Lunar New Year and about a week's time we shall be having reunion dinner.
I know it's not New Year Eve, but what does it matter; it is the spirit of the occasion that counts. We were sorry Gina was not able to join us as she on duty at the Hospital where she works.
We first came to know Captain and Mrs. James Lau and their two children Michael and Kenneth when we took up our appointment in Hong Kong/Taiwan in 1983.How the years have flown. We visited Taiwan Division as it was called then and were warmly welcomed by Captain and Mrs. Lau, as they were then. Michael was only about 11 and Kenneth 9 or 10 years old. After the welcome at Taipei Central Corps, they took us round the Division travelling as far south as Tainan. We had a great time.
The next year, they farewelled and came to Hong Kong as the Field Secretary and we worked together at the Command Headquarters until the General appointed them to Singapore, he, Major James Lau then as the General Secretary and Mrs. Lau responsible for women's ministries.
In 1993, they were reappointed to Hong Kong, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel.
They left their two children, Michael and Kenneth behind in Singapore. Michael has remained here since and even took up Singapore citizenship and married a Filipino Nurse Gina who worked at Peacehaven. Today she is employed by the National University Hospital of Singapore.
Kenneth completed his studies in US and to day he and his American wife lived there.
We thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.
"Win new friends but keep the old. The first are silver; the latter gold." ~ Author Unknown
"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." ~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin
I know it's not New Year Eve, but what does it matter; it is the spirit of the occasion that counts. We were sorry Gina was not able to join us as she on duty at the Hospital where she works.
We first came to know Captain and Mrs. James Lau and their two children Michael and Kenneth when we took up our appointment in Hong Kong/Taiwan in 1983.How the years have flown. We visited Taiwan Division as it was called then and were warmly welcomed by Captain and Mrs. Lau, as they were then. Michael was only about 11 and Kenneth 9 or 10 years old. After the welcome at Taipei Central Corps, they took us round the Division travelling as far south as Tainan. We had a great time.
The next year, they farewelled and came to Hong Kong as the Field Secretary and we worked together at the Command Headquarters until the General appointed them to Singapore, he, Major James Lau then as the General Secretary and Mrs. Lau responsible for women's ministries.
In 1993, they were reappointed to Hong Kong, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel.
They left their two children, Michael and Kenneth behind in Singapore. Michael has remained here since and even took up Singapore citizenship and married a Filipino Nurse Gina who worked at Peacehaven. Today she is employed by the National University Hospital of Singapore.
Kenneth completed his studies in US and to day he and his American wife lived there.
We thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.
"Win new friends but keep the old. The first are silver; the latter gold." ~ Author Unknown
"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." ~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin
Friday, January 13, 2012
Cell group
We had our last Cell group before Chinese New Year. We shall not meet for the next two Fridays as folk will be extremely busy preparing and then celebrating the New Year.
We had a good time of sharing and it was good to have Brother Bill Lutz today. He had not been attending for more than a year since his wife Mary had a stroke. Bill always has much to contribute.
Later, a number stayed for fellowship lunch.Faith and food are closely linked in human experience and belief. One reason is the obvious importance of nourishment to life. Yes, first we shared spiritual food, then the physical.
We had a good time of sharing and it was good to have Brother Bill Lutz today. He had not been attending for more than a year since his wife Mary had a stroke. Bill always has much to contribute.
Later, a number stayed for fellowship lunch.Faith and food are closely linked in human experience and belief. One reason is the obvious importance of nourishment to life. Yes, first we shared spiritual food, then the physical.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Friends - old and new
We have many friends in Singapore and overseas. Some have been friends for years and everyday we are adding new friends. They enrich our lives.
I was at National University Hospital this morning, so missed the weekly prayer meeting. I tried a new bus route - took Bus 75 to Holland Village, then crossed the overhead bridge (thank God I can still climb the steps) and took Bus 95 which took me to Kent Ridge and it took only one hour.
When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to see Toh Tzu at our home. She had brought my wife home after the prayer meeting. We had a great time as we shared fellowship and prayer together.
Then at noon four new friends came - Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs and Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring and we went for lunch and what great time of fellowship we had! And of course, we enjoyed the meal.
We thank God for friends God has brought into our lives. My prayer list grows longer by the day. But then we have more friends praying for us.
"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendship in constant repair." Samuel Johnson.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you." Dale Carnegie.
The best friend I have is Jesus.
A friend of Jesus! Oh, what bliss
That one so weak as I
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!
Refrain:
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!
A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!
A Friend when life’s short race is o’er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,
A Friend when home at last! (Joseph C Ludgate)
I was at National University Hospital this morning, so missed the weekly prayer meeting. I tried a new bus route - took Bus 75 to Holland Village, then crossed the overhead bridge (thank God I can still climb the steps) and took Bus 95 which took me to Kent Ridge and it took only one hour.
When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to see Toh Tzu at our home. She had brought my wife home after the prayer meeting. We had a great time as we shared fellowship and prayer together.
Then at noon four new friends came - Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs and Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring and we went for lunch and what great time of fellowship we had! And of course, we enjoyed the meal.
We thank God for friends God has brought into our lives. My prayer list grows longer by the day. But then we have more friends praying for us.
"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendship in constant repair." Samuel Johnson.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you." Dale Carnegie.
The best friend I have is Jesus.
A friend of Jesus! Oh, what bliss
That one so weak as I
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!
Refrain:
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!
A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!
A Friend when life’s short race is o’er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,
A Friend when home at last! (Joseph C Ludgate)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Culture and our faith
The Lunar New Year will soon be here. For us Chinese or ethnic Chinese we observe our Chinese culture, rightly so. Even among the different dialectic groups there are differences in the observation.
We live in an area where there are so many cultures. Our forefathers came from different parts of the world and have passed down to us their languages, beliefs, customs, way of life and superstitions all under the umbrella called culture. We live in a multi racial, multi religious and multi cultural country and on the whole we have been able to live peaceably with each other.
However there are times when we have to face cultural conflicts within the community and family. This often happens when one member of the family decides to convert to another faith. This means not just a change of religion, but to some extent a change of culture or behavior pattern.
Christianity was brought to us by missionaries from the west and is often seen as a ‘western religion’ and that is not true. The fact is Christianity originated from the Middle East and not Europe or America.
We are indebted to the many western missionaries in the past who had left the comfort of their own homeland to come to our country at that time when we were still classified as the ‘third world.’ We are no more third world. They brought to us the gospel and at the same time they could not help influencing us with their cultures as well. Missionaries are human and although living in another culture could not help living out their culture and sometimes find it difficult to accept our culture. And worst still when the missionary is seen as threatening our culture.
Once we had an Officer Commanding who on arrival made the comment that Christians should not observe the customs of Chinese New Year. He spoke too soon and brought much unhappiness among our people. My advice to our overseas friends, "Don't be too quick to make negative comments about our way of doing things. You may live to regret it."
To me the willingness to learn is the prerequisite or condition for the right to preach and teach! That sounds hard and many of us would prefer to wince at such a demand. But is not humility a virtue that our Lord portrayed when He came to earth to be our Saviour. He emptied Himself and took upon Himself our nature which includes our culture. He became totally one of us.
Now what is culture? It has to do with beliefs and behaviour patterns passed down from generation to generation. It is our way of life and we cannot separate from religion. Conversion to Christianity does not involve stepping out of our own culture into a new culture. Culture has the habit of adapting itself to its surroundings and the wise person learns to evolve with culture.
We must recognize that we live in a fallen world, tainted with sin. So cultures can be good or bad. As Christians we measure our culture with the word of God. To quote the Lausanne Covenent, “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.Because man is God’s creature, some of his culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because he has fallen, culture may be tainted with sin and some of it perhaps even demoniac.”
So we need to search the Scriptures and seek God’s wisdom in knowing how to distinguish between right and wrong in our own culture. It is important for us to learn the difference, Culture which is inherently evil or against the Christian faith, must be renounced, but culture which is good, should be retained. There are some that lie in what we might termed the grey areas might even be transformed and enriched.
In our society where Christians in the minority, we have to accept the fact that non-Christians culture still dominate. These may or may not conflict with our Christian culture. Culture is ambivalent. Not one culture is superior to another culture Culture expresses itself in customs and people feel threatened when we criticize their customs.
I pray for the enlightenment by God's Holy Spirit.
We live in an area where there are so many cultures. Our forefathers came from different parts of the world and have passed down to us their languages, beliefs, customs, way of life and superstitions all under the umbrella called culture. We live in a multi racial, multi religious and multi cultural country and on the whole we have been able to live peaceably with each other.
However there are times when we have to face cultural conflicts within the community and family. This often happens when one member of the family decides to convert to another faith. This means not just a change of religion, but to some extent a change of culture or behavior pattern.
Christianity was brought to us by missionaries from the west and is often seen as a ‘western religion’ and that is not true. The fact is Christianity originated from the Middle East and not Europe or America.
We are indebted to the many western missionaries in the past who had left the comfort of their own homeland to come to our country at that time when we were still classified as the ‘third world.’ We are no more third world. They brought to us the gospel and at the same time they could not help influencing us with their cultures as well. Missionaries are human and although living in another culture could not help living out their culture and sometimes find it difficult to accept our culture. And worst still when the missionary is seen as threatening our culture.
Once we had an Officer Commanding who on arrival made the comment that Christians should not observe the customs of Chinese New Year. He spoke too soon and brought much unhappiness among our people. My advice to our overseas friends, "Don't be too quick to make negative comments about our way of doing things. You may live to regret it."
To me the willingness to learn is the prerequisite or condition for the right to preach and teach! That sounds hard and many of us would prefer to wince at such a demand. But is not humility a virtue that our Lord portrayed when He came to earth to be our Saviour. He emptied Himself and took upon Himself our nature which includes our culture. He became totally one of us.
Now what is culture? It has to do with beliefs and behaviour patterns passed down from generation to generation. It is our way of life and we cannot separate from religion. Conversion to Christianity does not involve stepping out of our own culture into a new culture. Culture has the habit of adapting itself to its surroundings and the wise person learns to evolve with culture.
We must recognize that we live in a fallen world, tainted with sin. So cultures can be good or bad. As Christians we measure our culture with the word of God. To quote the Lausanne Covenent, “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.Because man is God’s creature, some of his culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because he has fallen, culture may be tainted with sin and some of it perhaps even demoniac.”
So we need to search the Scriptures and seek God’s wisdom in knowing how to distinguish between right and wrong in our own culture. It is important for us to learn the difference, Culture which is inherently evil or against the Christian faith, must be renounced, but culture which is good, should be retained. There are some that lie in what we might termed the grey areas might even be transformed and enriched.
In our society where Christians in the minority, we have to accept the fact that non-Christians culture still dominate. These may or may not conflict with our Christian culture. Culture is ambivalent. Not one culture is superior to another culture Culture expresses itself in customs and people feel threatened when we criticize their customs.
I pray for the enlightenment by God's Holy Spirit.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Memorial Service - Andrew Ong
We met at Balestier Corps for the Memorial Service for Brother Andrew Ong on Saturday 7th December. The hall was quite full with relatives and friends of Andrew. The three children - Janaine, Aaron and Amelyn paid tribute. They spoke about their father's love for the family. Janaine played the piano for the meeting and also paid her tribute in singing a solo "Amazing Grace."
Andrew's sister Janet and her two children from Canada were at the meeting. Jocelyn the daughter read tributes from Andrew's eldest sister Ruth who was not able to be present.
Because of my connection with Balestier Corps and the family, I was asked to give the devotional message and conclude the meeting with the song "When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there." I then pronounced the benediction.
The folk proceeded upstairs to the social hall for a meal provided by the family.
We were pleased to meet many old friends, some we had not seen for years. It seems to me that's the time we meet - as weddings, funerals and wakes! We hope some of these folk would return to The Salvation Army.
I knew Andrew when he was a baby and played with him when he was a toddler. I was a teen ager then after the war.
Later in 1957 as Lieutenant I returned to Balestier to be the Corps Officer (pastor), Andrew was about 11 and I used to sign his Boys' Brigade card to prove that he had attended our Sunday School.
Fast forward to 1970 when my wife and I were Corps Officers of Central Corps, Andrew used to join Central for Torchbearers. It was at Central that he met Irene and they fell in love with each other. I signed the transfer note for Irene to take to Balestier. Later they got married and had three children. Now they are grandparents!
When we were in England, Andrew came with Janaine and prior to entering University in the United Kingdom, stayed with us for a short while. Andrew one day took Janaine to the see the grave of William Booth. At the graveside, he said this to his daughter "Janaine, remember the Lord and his servant William Booth the founder of The Salvation Army. Had it not been for William Booth, I don't know where we would be today. He was a man of faith and vision. The Salvation Army spread to Singapore and your grandparents were among the first to accept Jesus as Saviour."
Andrew was a godly man. His roots sank deep in the Army. Pastors came and went, but Andrew remained faithful.
Andrew was very musical and loved his guitar and today he is enjoying heavenly music in heaven with the Lord.
It was a good to arrange the Memorial Service on the Saturday. I do not think it right that we should give up our Worship Service on a Sunday to hold a memorial service, especially when we have only one meeting on a Sunday. No family should expect the pastor to replace the Sunday service with the Memorial Service.
Andrew's sister Janet and her two children from Canada were at the meeting. Jocelyn the daughter read tributes from Andrew's eldest sister Ruth who was not able to be present.
Because of my connection with Balestier Corps and the family, I was asked to give the devotional message and conclude the meeting with the song "When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there." I then pronounced the benediction.
The folk proceeded upstairs to the social hall for a meal provided by the family.
We were pleased to meet many old friends, some we had not seen for years. It seems to me that's the time we meet - as weddings, funerals and wakes! We hope some of these folk would return to The Salvation Army.
I knew Andrew when he was a baby and played with him when he was a toddler. I was a teen ager then after the war.
Later in 1957 as Lieutenant I returned to Balestier to be the Corps Officer (pastor), Andrew was about 11 and I used to sign his Boys' Brigade card to prove that he had attended our Sunday School.
Fast forward to 1970 when my wife and I were Corps Officers of Central Corps, Andrew used to join Central for Torchbearers. It was at Central that he met Irene and they fell in love with each other. I signed the transfer note for Irene to take to Balestier. Later they got married and had three children. Now they are grandparents!
When we were in England, Andrew came with Janaine and prior to entering University in the United Kingdom, stayed with us for a short while. Andrew one day took Janaine to the see the grave of William Booth. At the graveside, he said this to his daughter "Janaine, remember the Lord and his servant William Booth the founder of The Salvation Army. Had it not been for William Booth, I don't know where we would be today. He was a man of faith and vision. The Salvation Army spread to Singapore and your grandparents were among the first to accept Jesus as Saviour."
Andrew was a godly man. His roots sank deep in the Army. Pastors came and went, but Andrew remained faithful.
Andrew was very musical and loved his guitar and today he is enjoying heavenly music in heaven with the Lord.
It was a good to arrange the Memorial Service on the Saturday. I do not think it right that we should give up our Worship Service on a Sunday to hold a memorial service, especially when we have only one meeting on a Sunday. No family should expect the pastor to replace the Sunday service with the Memorial Service.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Our first cell group meeting for 2012
Nine of us met for the first cell meeting in 2012 at our home this morning and we had a blessed time sharing fellowship, the word and lunch together.
The purpose of Cell groups is to enhance friendship, give mutual support to each other, sharing the Word of God and prayer and helping each other in discipleship. The early church did not have their own buildings, but met in the homes of the believers.
Acts 4:32-35 gives us a picture of how Christians cared for each other and the kind of community the Spirit produced in the early church.
The Holy Spirit of God took charge of the lives of the believers on the day of Pentecost. He produced a mystical unity among them. We read that the believers were of one heart and mind. They were experiencing a oneness, a unity which they could never have produced on their own. The diverse multitude that had gathered from all nations and tongues had been melted together by divine love into a union which was mystical in nature and divine in origin. The things which had divided them in the past now faded away into insignificance. They had met the Lord. They were together and they were one.
1 John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." It is only as we walk in the light of the truth of God’s Word that we can enjoy true fellowship with one another. A common faith unites us.
They were not only united by their faith, they were also united in heart. Their faith had brought them together and now their desire was to follow Jesus Christ. They desired to express His love and to share it with others. They not only believed it intellectually and accepted it by faith, but also knew it to be true experientially. Because of the love of Jesus for them, they had fallen in love with Him; and along with Him, every other believer as well.
Unity in terms of our ministry produces an even greater sense of community among us. We move from a mystical unity of spirit into a practical unity of purpose. We’re a community but we’ve also been given a responsibility to carry out. There is work to be done. We are to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
The purpose of Cell groups is to enhance friendship, give mutual support to each other, sharing the Word of God and prayer and helping each other in discipleship. The early church did not have their own buildings, but met in the homes of the believers.
Acts 4:32-35 gives us a picture of how Christians cared for each other and the kind of community the Spirit produced in the early church.
The Holy Spirit of God took charge of the lives of the believers on the day of Pentecost. He produced a mystical unity among them. We read that the believers were of one heart and mind. They were experiencing a oneness, a unity which they could never have produced on their own. The diverse multitude that had gathered from all nations and tongues had been melted together by divine love into a union which was mystical in nature and divine in origin. The things which had divided them in the past now faded away into insignificance. They had met the Lord. They were together and they were one.
1 John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." It is only as we walk in the light of the truth of God’s Word that we can enjoy true fellowship with one another. A common faith unites us.
They were not only united by their faith, they were also united in heart. Their faith had brought them together and now their desire was to follow Jesus Christ. They desired to express His love and to share it with others. They not only believed it intellectually and accepted it by faith, but also knew it to be true experientially. Because of the love of Jesus for them, they had fallen in love with Him; and along with Him, every other believer as well.
Unity in terms of our ministry produces an even greater sense of community among us. We move from a mystical unity of spirit into a practical unity of purpose. We’re a community but we’ve also been given a responsibility to carry out. There is work to be done. We are to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Year meal with family
God has given us three children and six grandchildren and they are all precious to us. As mentioned earlier, we had Christmas meal with our son and family. Last night we had New Year fellowship meal with our daughter and family. However, due to work and school commitments the two boys were not able to join us for the occasion. They are a busy family most of the time they are involved in church activities. Their eldest son Daryl is an auditor with Ernst and Young and quite often has to work overtime.
This morning we went to Peacehaven by bus to see our youngest daughter Dora Poh Chin. We got into the bus at 10.00 a.m and the journey took us two hours - bus number 67 then Bus number 2 from Kemangan station. When we arrived it was about 12 noon, so we went to the garden to have our lunch of sandwiches that we packed with us. O it was so peaceful and quiet. The garden is well kept and what a lovely time we had before going upstairs to see Poh Chin.
I sat there thinking what the garden of Eden was like. It must be very beautiful before sin entered the world.
Quietly we sat and I tried to envision what it must have been like living among all that beauty of Eden. I could breathe in the scent of the flowers, feel the wind on my face, see the beauty of the trees, the sparkling waters rippling path.I could feel God's love surrounding me. Yes God's presence was there as I shut my eyes, and mentally picture this Garden of Love, and the beauty He created. I could sit there the whole day, just enjoying God's creation.
Soon we had to leave that garden. We made our way upstairs to see our dear daughter, God's special child. We had taken her with us when we were appointed to Hong Kong; had her living with us till she was 19 and in 1988 brought her back to Singapore and placed her at the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged where she received tender loving care. It was sad parting with her, but it was for her and our own good.
We know she is well looked after at Peacehaven Nursing Home. When we retired nearly 15 years ago, for the first few years we used to bring her home for Chinese New Year. This ia now not possible as age catches up with us. In any case, she is happy in her own environment, well cared for 24 hours a day. It is best for all concerned.
Soon it was time to make the journey home. We thought we should try a different route, so we took bus No, 5 to Simei Station, took the train to Clementi Station and bus 184 home. It was a longer journey, very comfortable by train, but we had to wait a long while for the bus at Clementi. In the end the journey home took just as long - two hours!
God knows best and we thank Him, we can leave everything in His hands.
This morning we went to Peacehaven by bus to see our youngest daughter Dora Poh Chin. We got into the bus at 10.00 a.m and the journey took us two hours - bus number 67 then Bus number 2 from Kemangan station. When we arrived it was about 12 noon, so we went to the garden to have our lunch of sandwiches that we packed with us. O it was so peaceful and quiet. The garden is well kept and what a lovely time we had before going upstairs to see Poh Chin.
I sat there thinking what the garden of Eden was like. It must be very beautiful before sin entered the world.
Quietly we sat and I tried to envision what it must have been like living among all that beauty of Eden. I could breathe in the scent of the flowers, feel the wind on my face, see the beauty of the trees, the sparkling waters rippling path.I could feel God's love surrounding me. Yes God's presence was there as I shut my eyes, and mentally picture this Garden of Love, and the beauty He created. I could sit there the whole day, just enjoying God's creation.
Soon we had to leave that garden. We made our way upstairs to see our dear daughter, God's special child. We had taken her with us when we were appointed to Hong Kong; had her living with us till she was 19 and in 1988 brought her back to Singapore and placed her at the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged where she received tender loving care. It was sad parting with her, but it was for her and our own good.
We know she is well looked after at Peacehaven Nursing Home. When we retired nearly 15 years ago, for the first few years we used to bring her home for Chinese New Year. This ia now not possible as age catches up with us. In any case, she is happy in her own environment, well cared for 24 hours a day. It is best for all concerned.
Soon it was time to make the journey home. We thought we should try a different route, so we took bus No, 5 to Simei Station, took the train to Clementi Station and bus 184 home. It was a longer journey, very comfortable by train, but we had to wait a long while for the bus at Clementi. In the end the journey home took just as long - two hours!
God knows best and we thank Him, we can leave everything in His hands.
All the way my Saviour leads me
Besides The Salvation Army Song Book I have a number of other hymnals that I use for my devotion. A former Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army in Singapore/Malaysia Command was an American - Colonel George Engel. He and his wife were very godly and humble servants of God. Before they left Singapore, he gave me a lot of his books and among them were some hymn books that I still use today.
Nearly four days have gone in the year 2012. What the remaining months and days will bring, no one but the Lord knows. It's wonderful all we need to do to have peace of heart is just to trust Him for He leads us all the way.
1.All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2.All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
3.All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
Nearly four days have gone in the year 2012. What the remaining months and days will bring, no one but the Lord knows. It's wonderful all we need to do to have peace of heart is just to trust Him for He leads us all the way.
1.All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2.All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
3.All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Yesterday and today
Yesterday I spent my time getting rid of things, some for RSI if I deemed them usable, others into the rubbish chute. Yesterday is gone, thrown away like an old garment I had. Yes, I recall the day it was given me, a gift from a good friend. I used it for years, till it was torn, threadbare not fit for anyone to use except as a rag. It had to be thrown away.
I cannot keep my yesterdays, I cannot live in the past; I can look back and learn lessons from my yesterdays, but like the old garment it's gone. I cannot have yesterday back.
I must live today, fresh from God, full of opportunities, duties, responsibilities, obligations, joys and sorrows and pain, all part of the blessings from God. Not all the so called nice things are blessings, not all the bad things are curses. Bane and blessing come to us to make us and prepare us for heaven.
I cannot use the old garment called yesterday, but use the new garment called today, the now, the present. I thank God for this new day, the day He has made, a gift from my heavenly Father.
By the end of this day, when my weary eye lids close for the night and sleep overtakes me, my day is gone. I wake up in the morning to a new day and I praise the Lord, "This is day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
My prayer, "Lord thank you for yesterday and the days previous to that. I've learned some valuable lessons from my yesterdays, but I know you won't give me back. They are gone, gone for ever, but today is mine and You and I will be together for this day. Give me wisdom and grace to live the day to your glory. Amen.
I cannot keep my yesterdays, I cannot live in the past; I can look back and learn lessons from my yesterdays, but like the old garment it's gone. I cannot have yesterday back.
I must live today, fresh from God, full of opportunities, duties, responsibilities, obligations, joys and sorrows and pain, all part of the blessings from God. Not all the so called nice things are blessings, not all the bad things are curses. Bane and blessing come to us to make us and prepare us for heaven.
I cannot use the old garment called yesterday, but use the new garment called today, the now, the present. I thank God for this new day, the day He has made, a gift from my heavenly Father.
By the end of this day, when my weary eye lids close for the night and sleep overtakes me, my day is gone. I wake up in the morning to a new day and I praise the Lord, "This is day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
My prayer, "Lord thank you for yesterday and the days previous to that. I've learned some valuable lessons from my yesterdays, but I know you won't give me back. They are gone, gone for ever, but today is mine and You and I will be together for this day. Give me wisdom and grace to live the day to your glory. Amen.
Monday, January 2, 2012
My dream for the New Year
Today is a public holiday and all around me is peace and quiet. My wife and I spent the day at home, tidying our place, putting away gifts friends have so kindly given us.
One of rooms in our unit is used as my office cum study. At times it gets somewhat untidy.I cleaned my desk,put away or throw away some of my stuff. Now it really looks tidy. Whilst doing this, I indulged in a little day dreaming. It's multi tasking if you like. I love to iron my clothes and prepare my sermons at the same time. Never once in my life have I got one garment burnt.
I have a dream.
I dream that the people in our church will always stretch out their hand of friendship to welcome the visitors regardless of race or colour.
I dream that the foreigners who have come to live and work here will learn to integrate with local people, they will sit round the same tables with the those of a different race or colour. It is sad to see some 'ang mohs' (local name for Caucasians) only sit with their fellow 'ang mohs' We love to feel we all belong to the same Lord, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
I dream that we in The Salvation Army will truly be ONE ARMY.
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west
And sit down in the kingdom of God.
Heaven is multiracial, so why not practise now to sit together regardless of race of colour.
One of rooms in our unit is used as my office cum study. At times it gets somewhat untidy.I cleaned my desk,put away or throw away some of my stuff. Now it really looks tidy. Whilst doing this, I indulged in a little day dreaming. It's multi tasking if you like. I love to iron my clothes and prepare my sermons at the same time. Never once in my life have I got one garment burnt.
I have a dream.
I dream that the people in our church will always stretch out their hand of friendship to welcome the visitors regardless of race or colour.
I dream that the foreigners who have come to live and work here will learn to integrate with local people, they will sit round the same tables with the those of a different race or colour. It is sad to see some 'ang mohs' (local name for Caucasians) only sit with their fellow 'ang mohs' We love to feel we all belong to the same Lord, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
I dream that we in The Salvation Army will truly be ONE ARMY.
They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west
And sit down in the kingdom of God.
Heaven is multiracial, so why not practise now to sit together regardless of race of colour.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
First Day of 2012
Last night, we joined our comrades of William Booth Corps for Watch night service. Good to be with Christian friends, brothers and sisters in Christ to end the year 2011 and begin a new year 2012.We are always blessed when we have fellowship with God and fellow believers. I feel sorry for those who choose to spend time at Marina Bay and other tourist places on the last day of the old year and miss all the blessings of attending Watch night service.
On the first day of 2012 we woke up at the usual time 5.00 a.m. and listened to BBC news. At 6.00 a.m went for our morning walk in the compound for about half an hour. I always walk and pray and intercede for our many friends overseas. Then we returned home and had our breakfast, our devotions, yes time with God in the early morning is absolutely essential if we are to survive spiritually.
At 10.15 a.m. Jack and Catherine Leong of Balestier Corps came for us. There was not much traffic, so it took us about 20 minutes. Quite a number of the folk were already at the Corps. Balestier is a welcoming church and everyone who enters the hall is greeted with a warm handshake.
What a great time we had today to spend time with the Balestier folk. To me it was home coming, for my association dates back to 1937 when I was only five years old. Memories came flooding my mind especially when I met once again folk like Jean Yeo, Beatrice Lim, James and Peggy Lim, Janet Ong who had come from Canada to attend her brother Andrew's funeral and memorial service. Janet and her sister Ruth grew up with me. She and her sister sang a duet at our wedding in 1958. There were others, too many to mention, all faithfully serving the Lord. Yes, we met old and new friends.
After a brief introduction by the Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran, we took over the leadership of the meeting.Captain Zane Haupt the Territorial Secretary an excellent pianist played for the songs. Zane an Australian officer has chosen to worship with the Balestier folk and is a good supporter for the church.
We began with the New Year Song of dedication.
Father, let me dedicate, this new year to Thee,
In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be:
Not from sorrow, pain or care,
Would I ask that Thou shouldst spare;
This alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name.
Yes we met to glorify God's name. Good to make that affirmation on this first morning of the New Year.
One of the young people nervously got to the platform and before she prayed gave her testimony of God's goodness. Sister Mew Hui Ying works at the Cancer Society and finds fulfilment ministering to the cancer patients.
A young lad, Barry Leong confessed it was his first time to take part in the meeting by reading the scriptures. Captain Hary is making use of the lay people and allow them to participate. Some of our officers sadly like to do everything themselves. Maybe they feel others are not good enough to take part, or perhaps they love the sound of their own voices.
Rachael Yeo and the worship team did very well as they continued with worship by singing the contemporary songs. We need to keep a good balance by singing the traditional and contemporary song and Balestier has maintained this well.
The congregation stood up and prayerfully sang that beautiful hymn. It was the united prayer and desire as we sang,
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in him always, and feed on his word;
Make friends of God's children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
My message for the day was based on 2 Peter 3: 1-18 and the text chosen was "What kind of people ought we to be?" We need to be a holy, a vigilant, prayeful and growing people.
Following the message we sang Song 534 with the chorus,
"By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which thou didst shed for me,
Whilst thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with thee."
During the singing of Will Brand's prayer of dedication, folk streamed out to the altar to renew their covenant with God. It was a moving sight; some were in tears as the redicated their lives to God.
It was a blessed God glorifying moment and for me, the year began well. It was a great day for me and my wife and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Yes, it was Back to Balestier, back to renew my covenant with God.
After the benediction and doxology, we had lunch fellowship togeher in the fellowshp hall upstairs.
Judy Chun very graciously brought us home. It was a great day to start the year. We are grateful to Captain Hary and the Balestier folk for having us to lead in worship to day. Praise be unto God.
On the first day of 2012 we woke up at the usual time 5.00 a.m. and listened to BBC news. At 6.00 a.m went for our morning walk in the compound for about half an hour. I always walk and pray and intercede for our many friends overseas. Then we returned home and had our breakfast, our devotions, yes time with God in the early morning is absolutely essential if we are to survive spiritually.
At 10.15 a.m. Jack and Catherine Leong of Balestier Corps came for us. There was not much traffic, so it took us about 20 minutes. Quite a number of the folk were already at the Corps. Balestier is a welcoming church and everyone who enters the hall is greeted with a warm handshake.
What a great time we had today to spend time with the Balestier folk. To me it was home coming, for my association dates back to 1937 when I was only five years old. Memories came flooding my mind especially when I met once again folk like Jean Yeo, Beatrice Lim, James and Peggy Lim, Janet Ong who had come from Canada to attend her brother Andrew's funeral and memorial service. Janet and her sister Ruth grew up with me. She and her sister sang a duet at our wedding in 1958. There were others, too many to mention, all faithfully serving the Lord. Yes, we met old and new friends.
After a brief introduction by the Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran, we took over the leadership of the meeting.Captain Zane Haupt the Territorial Secretary an excellent pianist played for the songs. Zane an Australian officer has chosen to worship with the Balestier folk and is a good supporter for the church.
We began with the New Year Song of dedication.
Father, let me dedicate, this new year to Thee,
In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be:
Not from sorrow, pain or care,
Would I ask that Thou shouldst spare;
This alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name.
Yes we met to glorify God's name. Good to make that affirmation on this first morning of the New Year.
One of the young people nervously got to the platform and before she prayed gave her testimony of God's goodness. Sister Mew Hui Ying works at the Cancer Society and finds fulfilment ministering to the cancer patients.
A young lad, Barry Leong confessed it was his first time to take part in the meeting by reading the scriptures. Captain Hary is making use of the lay people and allow them to participate. Some of our officers sadly like to do everything themselves. Maybe they feel others are not good enough to take part, or perhaps they love the sound of their own voices.
Rachael Yeo and the worship team did very well as they continued with worship by singing the contemporary songs. We need to keep a good balance by singing the traditional and contemporary song and Balestier has maintained this well.
The congregation stood up and prayerfully sang that beautiful hymn. It was the united prayer and desire as we sang,
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in him always, and feed on his word;
Make friends of God's children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
My message for the day was based on 2 Peter 3: 1-18 and the text chosen was "What kind of people ought we to be?" We need to be a holy, a vigilant, prayeful and growing people.
Following the message we sang Song 534 with the chorus,
"By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which thou didst shed for me,
Whilst thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with thee."
During the singing of Will Brand's prayer of dedication, folk streamed out to the altar to renew their covenant with God. It was a moving sight; some were in tears as the redicated their lives to God.
It was a blessed God glorifying moment and for me, the year began well. It was a great day for me and my wife and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Yes, it was Back to Balestier, back to renew my covenant with God.
After the benediction and doxology, we had lunch fellowship togeher in the fellowshp hall upstairs.
Judy Chun very graciously brought us home. It was a great day to start the year. We are grateful to Captain Hary and the Balestier folk for having us to lead in worship to day. Praise be unto God.
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