We were at Peacehaven this morning to visit the residents and conduct chapel service at HOPE centre. We had a good time, chatting with the residents, staff and nurses offering words of encouragement.
Most people think we have two children and six grandchildren all living not far from were we live.
But not many are aware or perhaps have forgotten that we have a third child Dora Poh Chin who will be 44 years old on Friday 26th April. She was born in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia at a time when the country was going through political turmoil which later led to the racial riots. We were caught in the storm raging in the country.
Then we received a change of appointment to Ipoh where things were very difficult. The area called Tambum where the Home was situated was under curfew. Besides there was trouble among the staff and boys.
Somehow we noticed Poh Chin was different from her older siblings but we consoled ourselves that each child was different. It was in 1970 when we were appointed to Singapore that we saw the paediatrician who made that statement that shook us "You child is mentally retarded."
To cut the long story short, she is now a resident in Peacehaven Nursing Home, very well cared for by the staff and nurses. She is in good and capable hands. We see her every Tuesday. The chaplain Jimi Tan visits her regularly to pray with her for which we are grateful.
To day was a special day for us. Majors Susan and Amaro Pereira, Regional Commanders of Myanmar came to Peacehaven and requested to see Poh Chin! So after lunch we took them to see her who by that time was in bed. She seemed happy and I saw her smile. She must have sensed the warmth of these Majors.
Earlier on a 10.30 a.m. we had celebrated her birthday in advance. The nurses surrounded her and we all sang Happy birthday to her.
Well, we have prayed for healing, but for some reason, God has allowed her to remain in this condition where she needs full time care. I believe He has a purpose, for Poh Chin touches lives and as I have often said, she brings a new note into our ministry. Everyday we thank God for our children and grand children, Poh Chin included even if others have forgotten. God does not forget her.
You know, we all offend God, but not Poh Chin for she is eternal innocence. So one day we shall meet her in heaven and hear for the first time, "Mummy, Daddy, I love you." And we will hug her and reply, "We love you too as we have always done on earth, but you could not respond." There in heaven she will sing with the holy angels praises unto God.
Thank you Majors Susan and Amaro for taking the time to visit our Precious Treasure. Thanks Pastor Jimi for so faithfully visiting and praying with her. Thanks to those who make the effort to visit and pray for Poh Chin even if she does not respond to you.
Dora means "Gift of God" and Poh Chin means "Precious Truth"
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