Enrolment of Junior Soldiers

Yesterday at our church six junior soldiers were enrolled. We were very pleased to welcome these children - three were children of Salvationists.


A Junior Soldier is a boy or girl who, having professed conversion, having signed the junior soldier’s promise, and being between the age of 7 and 13. He/she is publicly enrolled and given a badge to wear.

The 'Junior Soldier promise' reads - "Having asked God for forgiveness, I will be his loving and obedient child. Because Jesus is my Saviour from sin, I will trust him to keep me good, and will try to help others to follow him. I promise to pray, to read my Bible and, by his help, to lead a life that is clean in thought, word and deed. I will not smoke, take harmful drugs or drink alcoholic drinks."

It is always a joy to see children accepting the Lord and willing to take up membership in the church.
We are glad to have a good Junior Soldier Sergeant in the person of Gina Porter Lau who cares and nurtures these children. God bless your young people.

"Mid all the traffic of the ways

William A Dunkerly using the pen name John Oxenham wrote this beautiful poem that has blessed countless people throughout the the years.He wrote this from a small chapel, where as he described it as 'an abode of peace.' In the hustle and bustle of life, we need to make our retreat to the 'abode of peace.'

I cherish my quiet moments with God. I need this everyday. I cannot go without it. "Solitude" means experiencing  oneness with God whom I love and serve  I often use this beautiful poem in my meditation. Early this Sunday morning, I spent my quiet time with God and really felt His overwhelming presence in and around me. A great time to begin the day spent 'in the secret of  His presence, in the hiding of His power.'

’Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein.

A little shrine of quietness,
All sacred to Thyself,
Where Thou shalt all my soul possess,
And I may find myself.

A little shelter from life’s stress,
Where I may lay me prone,
And bare my soul in loneliness,
And know as I am known.

A little place of mystic grace,
Of self and sin swept bare,
Where I may look upon Thy face,
And talk with Thee in prayer.

Come occupy my silent place,
And make thy dwelling there!
More grace is  wrought in quietness
Than any is aware.

Prayer for healing

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5: 14-16

I always believe in prayer and at the same time seeking medical help. I was far from well and on Wednesday, so went to the Government Polyclinic to seek medical attention. Thursday I stayed home, took my medication, rested, reflected on God's goodness and  prayed. It was a day of quiet time with the Lord. My friends at the Prayer meeting also prayed and the result, I feel well enough to lead the Cell meeting at our home this morning. The Lord is good.

We had a good meeting as we shared fellowship, studied God's word and prayed. We then adjourned for lunch. Christians need to take time to bond with each other. It is not enough just to meet for worship on a Sunday.

Let us as believers in Christ learn to bond together as we encourage and inspire one another in faith.
God's word enjoins us to mutual accountability, mutual encouragement, mutual serving, and mutual honouring. Many times in the New Testament we are commanded to do different tasks for "one another" and "each other." The Bible says, “Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” Romans 14:19. God expects each one of us to do whatever we can to help!

We are one in the bond of love

We are one in the bond of love
We have joined our spirit
With the Spirit of God
We are one in the bond of love

Let us sing now everyone
Let us feel His love begun
Let us join our hands
That the world may know
We are one in the bond of love (Otis Skillings)

Reflecting on God's goodness

I missed the Prayer meeting this morning as I was not feeling too well, besides I do not want to pass on the virus to others. Yesterday, I had to go to the Polyclinic to see the doctor as my cough was getting from bad to worse. So I am resting at home and reflecting on God's goodness.

We thank God for good medical facilities in our country and they are affordable as we do get Government subsidy. The doctors and nurses and other staff are always very polite and treat you with utmost courtesy. I cannot say that of certain countries we lived in. We lived a total of 28 years of our working life outside Singapore.

When we trust in Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we become a child of God, one who is both born and adopted into the family of God. As such, we become the recipients of God’s personal care as a loving heavenly Father.


John 1:12-13 But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children  - children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.


Matthew 7:7-11 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.

As God is great, good and gracious. We have confidence in His personal care for believers in Christ as His beloved children.

Dora Poh Chin's birthday celebration

We were at Peacehaven Nursing Home this morning.  We celebrated our daughter, Dora Poh Chin's birthday (the actual day is 26th April) We bought a two-kg. birthday cake for her to share with the residents and staff of the ward called Partridge.

Brother Jimi Tan, the Home chaplain was there. He always makes it a point to be present on Poh Chin's birthday to pray for her. We also invited the Corps Officer (pastor) of Changi Corps Major Annie Lim to be present for the occasion as Poh Chin is an adherent of the Corps. Major Lim Chee Kwee is attending the International College for Officers in London at the moment. We sang Happy Birthday to her.

Present was also Lan Ying who now works at the laundry. In 1976, when the Home for the Aged at Upper Bukit Timah was without an officer, my wife had to take over the responsibility as Acting Superintendent for about three to four months till a new superintendent was appointed. I was then the General Secretary.

Major Norina Staples the superintedent of the Girls' Home in Singapore very kindly arranged for Lan Ying a 16 year old girl to look after Poh Chin so that my wife could concentrate on the residents and adminstration. I had to remain at Command Headquarters at Clemenceau Aveune. Our two older children were with me. They were still at School - Gladys at Singapore Chinese Girls' School at Emerald Hill Road and Stephen at ACS Barker Road. Sometimes I would drive over to the Home in the evening to have meal with my wife and also visited the staff and residents. So Lan Eng was like a big sister to Poh Chin and still maintains a close relationship with us. So we make sure she is at the celebration every year.

We had sufficient cake for the residents of the ward as well as for the nurses of the other two shifts as well.

After the celebration, we made our way to HOPE Centre where we did the chapel service this time on Level 2. We normally conduct services with Level 3 group, but in the absence of Major Lim Chee Kwee at the ICO in London, we covered for him.

We thank God for Poh Chin - God's special gift to us. In her own way she has brought much blessing to us and many other people.

Sunday

It's always a joy to go to the meeting to have Bible class followed by worship. We thank God for the freedom of worship in our country. I am glad that at the age of five I made my first contact with The Salvation Army and seven five years later I am still enjoying my fellowship with believers and sharing the Word.

We've been studying Judges and on Sunday we focused our thoughts on Judges 4: 1-10. Once again we read of the sin of the people and God allowed them to be oppressed by the enemy. They cried to the Lord and He heard their prayer and this time raised a woman Deborah to be their leader.

Fancy a woman in a partriachal society! God always has His man or woman for the hour. She rose to fill the vacuum. God blessed her for her faith in Him. And God selected Barak to be the general for the hour.  I suppose after 20 years of oppression at the hands of the Canaanites, Barak had reason to be concerned. So he consented to go to battle on condition Deborah the judge and prophetess go with him! It would be an insurance that God would be with the army for Barak recognised that God had called her.

I was encouraged by the participation of our folk who are keen Bible students.

After Bible class we all went to the main hall for worship.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119: 105
 
"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2 Peter 1: 19

Funeral of Mrs. Foo

We attended the funeral of Mrs. Foo on Friday morning at Mandai Crematorium conducted by the Corps Oficer, (pastor) Captain Hary Haran. Christopher Foo one of the sons gave an eulogy. It was a beautiful service of celebration for a life well lived. In the evening I joined the family for dinner at Jumbo restaurant at East Coast Park.Lieut, Colonel Bob Lee very kindly came to fetch me and Major Paul Herring there. I understand this was the wish of Mrs. Foo made known to the family before her promotion to Glory. We say goodbye to the ones we love. In Christ have that calm assurance that one day we will see them again.

Promotion to Glory

This evening we shall be attending the wake of Mrs. Foo and tomorrow will be the funeral.

I recall two years ago, our Territorial Commander Keith Burridge was promoted to Glory. He was one of God's saints and in that short time he was the leader did lot for our people in this territory. It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to give the message at the William Booth Corps the evening we celebrated his promotion to Glory.

In 2003 the year of SARS, Alex Choa was promoted to Glory. He a doctor was only in his thirties and died in the course of duty. Alex was the Corps Sergeant Major of Singapore Central Corps. He was another saint of God. When we were stationed in England, every time he visited the country, he would come to stay for with for one or two nights.

Why did God take these good folk away when they had so much to contribute? It's something I don't understand, but God had His purpose in doing so. One day everything will be revealed to us.

Intercessory Prayer

"Intercessory prayer is the purifying bath into which the individual and the fellowship must enter every day." Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

I have my own daily prayers. I enter the closet alone to be with God. These are precious moments in my daily life.

I have prayers with my wife every evening before we end the day. We thank Him for giving us another day of blessings. We bring the family - children and grandchildren to Him and commit them to the Lord. We intercede for our many friends especially the sick, the bereaved and those who need special prayers.

We have been attending The Salvation Army's Global prayer sessions every Thursday. We met again this morning - officers and lay people. We divided into two groups and I was truly blessed by the sincere prayers of our people. Oh to hear believers especially lay people making impassioned pleas to the Lord to bless our Army and our people.

The hour passed extremely quickly. I was glad I could be part of the prayer group.

Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.
~ Elisabeth Elliot

Promotion to Glory

Mrs. Foo (Tan Mook Hiong) soldier of Balestier Corps was promoted to Glory on 16th April. Wake is held every evening at St. Stephen's Church, 30 Sallim Road at 8.00 p.m. -17-19 April. Cortege leaves on Friday 20th April at 11.00 a.m. for funeral service/ cremation at Mandai Crematorium Hall 3 at 12 noon

We were requested by the family to conduct family prayers with the family on the first night. We did the wake on the second night. Patrick one of the sons paid a beautiful tribute to the Mother. We were very touched when he called on the Indonesian maid Mariata to stand up and publicly thanked her for looking after Mrs. Foo for the last eight years. Patrick then asked the rest of the family to stand up and give Mariata a standing ovation. The whole congregation clapped.

Although Mrs. Foo had seven children, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, she chose to live alone at Martaban Road, opposite the old Balestier Corps building (which The Army sold it few years ago. It has been demolished) Mrs.Foo was a faithful soldier of Balestier Corps.

She was one of the those quiet, unassuming ladies who worked behind the scenes. She was always making cakes, or cooked for the Corps to raise funds like Helping Hand etc.

Ehud and Shamgar

We continued with our study of the Book of Judges. This morning we did Judges 3: 12-31.

The Israelites tired of Eglon’s oppression cried out to God for deliverance. God provided another deliverer named Ehud. This left handed man, armed with a double sided dagger safely concealed beneath his clothes visited Eglon king of the Moabites.

After presenting his tribute or gift to this king, a very fat man, Ehud and his delegation left. Ehud returned alone later and told King Eglon he had a secret message for him. The unsuspecting Eglon instructed his bodyguards to leave. Thus in that summer palace were just Ehud and the Eglon. Ehud pulled out the dagger hidden beneath his clothing and plunged it into the king. The dagger could not be removed as the fat had completely absorbed the blade.

Ehud slipped out of the summer palace unnoticed, locked the doors behind him and went on to kill 10,000 Moabite men. The land then had peace for 80 years.

There must be a reason for the writer to include the story of Ehud and Eglon, with all the gory details.

The question we ask is “Can assassination be God’s will? (3:21) The Moabites oppression was broken and Israel’s territory freed because of Ehud’s courage and cunning. We do not have to admire his assassination of Eglon or that God approved it. Other such distasteful scenes in this book reflect the prevailing wickedness of the times. The stories cannot be used to blame God for evil or to sanction it ourselves.

The next judge or deliverer is Shamgar. Very little is written about him.

Shamgar's administration in the West included Ehud's administration of 80 years in the East. He is an example of a man used by God for the purpose God designed for him. There is no mention of what Shamgar did for a living prior to his battle with the Philistines, or after the battle. He was just an ordinary Israelite who responded to the threat from the enemy – the Philistines. God’s Spirit selected him to fight and lead others to in fighting the Philistines.

The instrument he used was an ox goad. It is an instrument about eight feet long, armed with an iron spike or point at one end with which to spur the ox at plough, and with an iron scraper at the other end with which to detach the earth from the ploughshare when it became encumbered with it. The fact of their deliverer having no better weapon enhances his faith, and the power of his divine helper.

The farmer’s tool became an effective instrument in the hands of one anointed by God to deliver Israel. What is that in your hand? What is it that you and I possess? To Moses it was a simple rod. To David five small stones to kill the giant Goliath.

The Bible reminds us "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Rom. 15: 4 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.." 2 Tim.3: 16

Lord, speak to me

This song expresses my daily prayer

Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart overflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessèd face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share. (Frances Ridley Havergal)

Still/Be Still And Know by Don Moen

Tsumani warning, earthquakes, civil wars what is the world coming to?
God tells us clearly "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46: 10

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise
And the thunders roar
I Will soar with You
Above the storm
Father You are King
Over the flood
And I will be still
And know You are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

Be still and know
That I am God

I am the God
That healeth thee

International Prayer Focus

Good to meet fellow believers at our Territorial Headquarters every Thursday for prayer. My wife and I were there as usual. We continued to pray for Salvationists world wide to be 'intentional in holiness.'

"We call Salvationists worldwide to commit themselves and their gifts to the salvation of the world, and to embrace servanthood, expressing it through the joy of self giving and the discipline of Christ-like living."

A number of us thanked God for the wonderful Easter weekend when many people sought Christ and made re dedications. This was one the the best Good Friday meetings I attended at Central. There was that wonderful spirit of unity among us and we were truly blessed. Easter meetings were held separately in our own Churches.

We specially prayed for Korea as the North prepares to fire a long range rocket. South Korea is a praying nation and we know God answers prayer.

Our thoughts went to Africa and we prayed specially for Uganda where the Army has been ministering for 70 years. Forgotten in a media driven world, the humanitarian crisis in the north of Uanda is extremely tragic. Rebel attacks are increasing. It is estimated that 12,000 children have been abducted in the last two years to serve as sex slaves of the so called "Lord's Resistance Army" or LRA. The Salvation Army International Emergency Services are involved in meeting the needs of 400,000 people seeking refuge.

We prayed for our own territory and other subjects as well. The hour went very quickly.

Jesus Christ set the example of interceding for others. He stands between God and and sinful man and intercedes. For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).He died, and rose again and now sits at the right hand of God,and makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

Visiting Peacehaven

We were at Peacehaven Nursing Home as usual on a Tuesday. We did chapel service at the Residents Living Area at Sparrow. Today we had good time with them. Some days we do not seem to get good response and it can be quite discouraging. The people seem to be half asleep or even asleep. Some are affected by the medication they take. Others have dementia. But we know we must persevere. We sow the seed and leave the results with God.

Isn't it natural to want to work where we feel comfortable? Jesus did not choose to be comfortable. He went where the need was the greatest. My mind goes to a song written by Miriam Richards.

"What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.

Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.

What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbour's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.

What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to make this life worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.

The song was written by Miriam Richards at a time when she was required to work in a difficult situation. She wrote:

I was returning by train to an appointment not altogether congenial. Family and friends were left behind and adjustment had to be made to what lay before. I had spoken of my unhappiness to a friend who had seen me off at the station and some words she had said lingered in my mind. I began to rough out the lines, Just where He needs me' and I seemed to be given the answer to my questioning and the larger outlook to the verses followed. This song which marked the rededication of my life has been blessed around the world -more than any I have written."

My prayer is for strength to keep going even when things are hard or even when I see little or no response. I cannot opt out of the zone of discomfort to the comfort zone. Not my will but the Lord's be done.

Visited Mrs. Foo at Hospital

Yesterday, we went with Major Pascoe to visit Mrs. Foo at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. She lives just opposite the old Balestier Corps at Martaban Road. She has been a member and great supporter of the Balestier Corps for many years. She brought up a beautiful family all loving the Lord.

She had already purchased all the ingredients to make 'mee siam' and 'nasi lemak'- local dishes for the folk attending the Sunrise Service at Balestier Corps. But she had to miss Easter as she was admitted to Hospital.

We went into the room and sang two songs - "What a Friend we have in Jesus" and "God will take care of you." Then I prayed, thanking God for her life and ministry through the years, her influence in the church and her contribution to society. We asked the Lord to strengthen and comfort her in this hour of need." At the conclusion of my prayer, she opened her eyes and said quite audibly, "Thank you."

Easter Sunday

We were up early and that's not unusual as our alarm goes at 5.00 a.m when we are waken up by BBC news everyday. Quite often we are awake before the alarm. Having said that we go to bed early. We listen to the 9.30 p.m. news and at 10.00 p.m switch off the lights and go to sleep.

We attended the Sunrise Service held at the front of our church building. There must be at least about 100 people present. Major Ruth Pascoe conducted this service. At 8.30 a.m. we had breakfast in the Social hall. We are grateful to those who worked hard to have breakfast ready for the worshippers.

Major had to conduct the Tamil service at the Eratchippu Corps, so my wife and I took over the English meeting at 10.00 a.m. Normally this was held at 11.00 a.m.
The hall was packed, there must be more that 200 in the congregation.

We thank God for the privilege of sharing worship and the word with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a real joy to see the Mercy Seat lined with seekers this morning. To God be the glory. Christ the Lord is risen today. Hallelujah

Preaching at a wake

Good Friday evening, we attended a wake at Ang Mo Kio. Sister Thian Huay's mother passed away, and although the lady and family are Toaists, Tian Huay and some of the relatives are Christians. They invited me to conduct the service in Hokkien.

How did I get invited? The family recalled 37 years ago, I conducted the wedding of Ng Seng Chow and Thian Huay. They remembered me and wanted me to preach on Friday night.

Thian Huay attends Chinese Corps. Lieut. Colonel Tan Thean Seng was kind enough to bring his singing group to sing Chinese gospel songs. Then I read the Scriptures in Hokkien and gave the whole message in Hokkien.

The last rites will be done according to Toaist tradition on Sunday night and funeral on Monday.

Good Friday

Good Friday combined service was held at The Salvation Army Central Corps at Bishan. The hall was packed to capacity. It was led by the Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer. The Speaker was the Chief Secretary Lieut. Colonel Bob Lee who spoke on "Crucified and Crowned" based on Colossians 2: 13-15. The combined band of Central and William Booth Corps provided music for the meeting.

The William Booth Corps Songsters and Chinese Corps Singers rendered items.

Two comrades were selected to give their testimonies - Sister Esther Ooi of Balestier Corps and our grandson David represented Central.

The opening prayer was made by three comrades in three languages - CSM Hemma of Eratchippu Corps prayed in Tamil, Sister Tian Huay of Chinese Corps prayed in Chinese and Kar Leong of Changi Corps prayed in English.

The meeting lasted about two hours. Glory crowned the Mercy Seat. It was good to see the long line of seekers kneeling at the Altar.

Beautiful service. We were all blessed.

Maundy Thursday - Prayer meeting

Every Thursday we join the prayer group which meets at our Territorial Headquarters at Bishan. Normally we meet in the chapel, but this morning the Prayer meeting was held at the Central Corps Hall. I have never seen such a splendid display in a Salvation Army Hall with the theme EXPLORING EASTER. thanks to the new Corps Officers (pastors) Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring. For a whole week people are given the opportunity to look into the events leading up to Easter.

Lunch time during Passion week, meetings are held and the different speakers are tasked to speak on events leading up to Calvary. In the evenings church members are responsible for giving talks on subjects such as "Cleansing the temple" "Jesus serves" etc and to night the pastor will reflect on Gethsemane.

Let me describe some of the displays in the hall. Right in the centre in front of the Mercy Seat is the empty cross. On one side on display is the art work display of the Rose of Sharon. The story behind this is printed for display. To see the perfect Rose and the pain of the barb wire wrapped around the stake represents Jesus, the perfect Lamb (sacrifice) crowned with thorns and nailed to the cross to bear the sins of the world.

There are displays of chair, basin and towel depicting the scene of Jesus washing His disciples; feet. Then there is the scene of the Last Supper. The next scene shows some of the torture tools depicting the pain an suffering our Lord went through. We then see a big stone among trees in the Garden of Gethsemane and finally the empty tomb. I went inside and saw the white sheet and the place where the body was laid. At each display there are Scripture portions printed. Yes and there is the cross of a thousand nails. We are invited to put on hands on the nails to feel the pain and then write a prayer to put it the cross.

It is similar to the Stations of the Cross. The pastors and church members certainly must have spent a lot of time and put as lot of effort into such a display.

On the wall behind the platform are three large banners made by the Youth of the church. The Youth Group (three of our grandchildren are among them) meet every Friday night to worship together before meeting in small discussion groups. The display on the banners are the result of their discussions. Each banner focuses on a different thought - the betrayal, the cross and the risen Christ.

After touring and reflecting, we returned to the front of the hall, split into two groups to continue our prayers and interceding for others.

My wife and I were truly blessed this morning as we participated in this special prayer meeting on Maundy Thursday.

Hospital visitation

Just came home after visiting a 93 year old salvationist, Goh Seow Kiang. He migrated from China and first lived in Penang. It was there he met The Salvation Army and became a Christian and has been a faithful salvationist ever since. He moved to Singapore and worshipped at the Central Corps for many years.

He had planned to visit China again in April, but this now had to be postponed. What an encouragement to hear his testimony of the Lord's goodness to him all through the years. He told me he was ready to meet His Maker in heaven, but somehow the Lord has spared him.

I thank God for health and strength to be able to visit the elderly and the sick and share God's word and prayer with them.

How long will God allow me the privilege to serving Him here on earth, I do not know. Long or short, may I be given the grace to do His will. I pray this prayer by John Donne

BRING us, O Lord God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity; in the habitations of thy glory and dominion, world without end. Amen.
~ John Donne

Ministering at Peacehaven Nursing Home

Every Tuesday we go to Peacehaven Nursing Home to conduct Chapel Service, and yesterday, we did the service at Level 1. It was hard work as most of the men there were old, tired, sick and there was little or seemingly no response. But one never knows when sowing the seed - some may fall on good ground. We do the sowing and leave the results with God.

We visited the residents of Level 3. Sad to hear that the lady who always welcomed and greeted died during the week. We see the folk one week and the next week someone is gone into eternity.

"The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no." Psalm 103: 15-16

Wedding dinner - Peirong and Dirk Gerlach

We were among the more than 200 guests invited to the Copthorne King's Hotel at Havelock Road for the wedding dinner on Monday evening 2nd April. There were quite a number of folk from Central Corps (Salvation Army church at Bishan) Some of these are now worshipping in other churches. It was great to meet up with our old friends we have not seen for a while.

There was plenty of delicious food, fun and laughter, but there were serious moments as well. The family made it a point to emphasise the Christian faith. Father and uncles of the bride sang Hokkien and English songs. Peirong's parents now attend the Church of Singapore, Hokkien congregation. The mother is a deaconess in the church.

Wedding of Lin Pei rong and Dirk Gerlach

I was invited to conduct the wedding of Peirong and Dirk at the Fort Canning Park. Since our retirement in 1997, this was the fourth wedding I conducted. When I was the General Secretary in the then Singapore/Malaysia Command (1973-1982) I conducted many weddings. We still keep in touch with these folk a number of them have celebrated their 25 or even 30 years of marriage.

However this was the first time I conducted a wedding at the Park! Come to think of it, God did the first wedding in the Garden of Eden and the guests were the animals, fowls and angels. I used this picture as an introduction to my exhortation.

Good thing, there was no rain. This was a real answer to our prayers.

When we retired in 1997, we were requested by the then Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Ivan Lang to run the Central Corps (church) for three months. Captain Andy Lim was having a change of appointment to be the Youth Secretary. Anyway we were pleased to be acting pastors for the period till after the commissioning. The Lieutenants Ooi Inn Bok and Carol were appointed to take over the church.

In our congregation was the Lim family, fairly new Christians. We had a cell group at our home at Hillview Park. And the Lim family of five- Hin Hoe, Carol and their three lovely children Chunrong, Peirong and Yuerong came with their parents regularly to our home for cell meeting every Friday.

After three months, we relinquished responsibility. We then took over another church at Pasir Panjang. The Lim family except the youngest child Yurong, left The Salvation Army and joined another Church of Singapore nearer their home. We remained good friends and kept in contact.

I count it a privilege and an honour to be invited to conduct the wedding. Yesterday was the 'church' or religious wedding and in half an hour's time we shall be leaving for the dinner at Copthorne Hotel.

Peirong and Dirk both work for World Vision and they will be living in Brussels. She will continue her part time studies in Germany. We are pleased both share the same vision and goal serving the Lord by caring for suffering humanity. We thank God for young people who are willing to go the extra mile to care for others.

Churong her brother is a doctor now working in Hawaii. Our grandson David is dating their youngest daughter Yurong and we are delighted. They both play in the Central Corps band. Some time last year they were among the delegates to the International Youth Congress in Sweden.

God is good to us and it is such a joy to see our young people growing up serving the Lord. God has blessed us with many good friends.