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.