In a short while we shall be at the home of our son and family to have the reunion dinner. In 1997 we came home to Singapore to retire. We held the reunion dinner at our place and our son's family came to us. We did that for the first several years. but in recent years this traditional dinner is held at their home, about six kilometres from where we live.
Last night we had reunion dinner with our daughter and family. This was held at Jurong Point. It was also to celebrate the birthday of our son-in-law.Tonight they will be at the home of Kum Pui's parents at Toa Payoh - the Aw family reunion.
During the period overseas working in Hong Kong and Taiwan we celebrated Chinese New Year with our Hong Kong and Taiwan friends. In Hong Kong we would invite some expatriate officers to join us for the reunion dinner as the local folk would be with their families.
The three years in the Philippines, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year in the same way. We had to be in office, but on the eve of Chinese New Year we would invite some of our officers to join us for reunion dinner. Now Chinese New Year is a public holiday in the Philippines. We were in the Philippines for three years July 1990- June 1993. On 1st July we took up our appointment at International Headquarters.
In November 2011, President Aquino declared Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday.This then allowed Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to celebrate the festival. President Aquino's ancestors, the Cojuangcos - his matriarch's clan - are Filipino-Chinese.
In England, Chinese New Year is a normal working day. So each year we invited some friends to join us for dinner. One year we had General Paul Rader and his wife Commissioner Kay Rader plus the ADC Lieut. Colonel Bartlett.
So for the last 16 years we always have reunion dinner with our own biological family. It is good that in retirement days, we can enjoy our own children and grandchildren and by next year to add two grand daughters-in-law. God has showered us with abundant blessings.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! God is great, is good and gracious.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Preparation for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year will be here soon - yes, 31st January this year! I was at Fair Price Supermarket this morning and wow, the crowds! Long queues waiting to pay the cashiers.
We've been spring cleaning! It took me a whole afternoon just do clean the wall fans. The older you get the slower you work. This is something we have to learn to accept. There is a lot of pollution around here and the blades of the fans are coated with dust of the months.
We've already bought or given some cookies, sweets, nuts and packet drinks.
I went to the bank nearby to exchange old notes for new. It is the custom to give 'hong baos' (red packets) using new notes.
We are in the year of the snake. It will slither out and on Friday morning the horse will gallop in.
Being a Christian does not mean we abandon our own culture and traditions as long as they do not conflict with the teachings of Scripture.
We've been spring cleaning! It took me a whole afternoon just do clean the wall fans. The older you get the slower you work. This is something we have to learn to accept. There is a lot of pollution around here and the blades of the fans are coated with dust of the months.
We've already bought or given some cookies, sweets, nuts and packet drinks.
I went to the bank nearby to exchange old notes for new. It is the custom to give 'hong baos' (red packets) using new notes.
We are in the year of the snake. It will slither out and on Friday morning the horse will gallop in.
Being a Christian does not mean we abandon our own culture and traditions as long as they do not conflict with the teachings of Scripture.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
A blessed Sunday
Not long ago we celebrated the New Year 2014. Major Lee Kong Yee in his message spoke from Philippians 3: 12-14. He exhorted the congregation to 'put the past behind and press forwards towards the goal for the prize that God has in store for us." It was a good message that blessed us all
In less than a week, January 31st, we shall be celebrating Chinese New Year. Two New Years in the same month. It was his wife's turn to preach the word. Major Irene Chang's theme was "Do you know where are you going in 2014?" She based her message on Genesis 13: 1-11 - Abraham and his nephew Lot came to the parting of the ways. The Uncle based his choice on faith in God, but Lot based his choice on sight. That was a good message for us to ponder.
We thank God bringing Majors Lee Kong Yee and Irene Chang and their two sons to Singapore and already they are making good contribution to our church. We thank God for them.
In less than a week, January 31st, we shall be celebrating Chinese New Year. Two New Years in the same month. It was his wife's turn to preach the word. Major Irene Chang's theme was "Do you know where are you going in 2014?" She based her message on Genesis 13: 1-11 - Abraham and his nephew Lot came to the parting of the ways. The Uncle based his choice on faith in God, but Lot based his choice on sight. That was a good message for us to ponder.
We thank God bringing Majors Lee Kong Yee and Irene Chang and their two sons to Singapore and already they are making good contribution to our church. We thank God for them.
How wonderful it is to walk with God
Sunday night and I am thanking and praising God for another blessed day we had. We had our Bible study and this morning the Major focussed on the importance of meditation. Whatever age we are we seem to be busy and it is absolutely necessary to set aside time for contemplation. Jesus Himself set us the example. He withdrew many times from the crowd to spend time with the Father.
The words of the song written by Theodore Kitching came to my mind.
The words of the song written by Theodore Kitching came to my mind.
How wonderful it is to walk with God
Along the road that holy men have trod;
How wonderful it is to hear Him say:
Fear not, have faith, ’tis I who lead the way!
Along the road that holy men have trod;
How wonderful it is to hear Him say:
Fear not, have faith, ’tis I who lead the way!
How wonderful it is to talk with God
When cares sweep o’er my spirit like a flood;
How wonderful it is to hear His voice,
For when He speaks the desert lands rejoice!
When cares sweep o’er my spirit like a flood;
How wonderful it is to hear His voice,
For when He speaks the desert lands rejoice!
How wonderful it is to praise my God,
Who comforts and protects me with His rod;
How wonderful to praise him every hour,
My heart attuned to sing His wondrous power!
Who comforts and protects me with His rod;
How wonderful to praise him every hour,
My heart attuned to sing His wondrous power!
How wonderful it is to fight for God,
And point poor sinners to the precious blood;
How wonderful it is to wield His sword
’Gainst sin, the enemy of Christ, my Lord!
And point poor sinners to the precious blood;
How wonderful it is to wield His sword
’Gainst sin, the enemy of Christ, my Lord!
How wonderful ’twill be to live with God
When I have crossed death’s deep and swelling flood;
How wonderful to see Him face to face
When I have fought the fight and won the race!
When I have crossed death’s deep and swelling flood;
How wonderful to see Him face to face
When I have fought the fight and won the race!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Sharing fellowship and meals - Chinese New Year.
Fourteen of us met this morning to share fellowship, coffee/tea, light refreshments and of course the Word. There was a visitor from Japan who came with a lot of questions concerning the Bible. Unfortunately, there was no time for the group to look at his questions. We have our lesson prepared for the morning and we owe it to our regular members to keep to our series of studies. Besides, my wife and I had another appointment following our morning fellowship.
We spent the afternoon at Kallang an old housing estate. We celebrated Chinese New Year by having lunch together - steam boat. Brother Alwin a taxi driver took time off to join us. He led the singing of Hokkien and Mandarin songs with accompaniment on the guitar by Brother Tommy. Cadet Joyce gave an excellent message in Mandarin. I felt very proud of this young nurse who with her husband Wee Kiang are undergoing training to be come Salvation Army officers. God bless these cadets.
It has been a long day for us. We give thanks to God for the privilege of continuing in ministry even in retirement.
A week today, it will be Chinese New Year. I found myself singing the old hymn "O God our help in ages past."
We spent the afternoon at Kallang an old housing estate. We celebrated Chinese New Year by having lunch together - steam boat. Brother Alwin a taxi driver took time off to join us. He led the singing of Hokkien and Mandarin songs with accompaniment on the guitar by Brother Tommy. Cadet Joyce gave an excellent message in Mandarin. I felt very proud of this young nurse who with her husband Wee Kiang are undergoing training to be come Salvation Army officers. God bless these cadets.
It has been a long day for us. We give thanks to God for the privilege of continuing in ministry even in retirement.
A week today, it will be Chinese New Year. I found myself singing the old hymn "O God our help in ages past."
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The priority of prayer
Each of us is an individual and there is need for every believer to be alone with God. In Exodus 34: 2-3 God told Moses "Be ready in the morning and come up to Mount Sinai. Present yourself to Me on top of the mountain. No one is to come with you. Or to be seen anywhere on the mountain."
My mountain is a quiet corner in my bedroom, or at the balcony. There I meet my God alone. There is that need to be alone with God.
We believe in family prayers. Every evening just before we sleep, my wife and I share prayers together. There is the need for husband and wife to pray together. When our children were young we had the whole family together for family prayers.
We believe in meeting with fellow Christians for corporate prayer. Jesus told us that "where two or three are gathered together in my name I am in the midst of them." We meet for our cell group every Friday to pray and have fellowship and sharing of the word. Every Thursday we meet at Territorial Headquarters' chapel for the global prayer meeting. We are part of the prayer chain set up by The General of The Salvation Army. Think of it - a link in the chain of prayer!
What a blessed time we have every Thursday.
Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven.
From earth's confusion to Jesus' breast;
My sin and weakness, my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost forever in sweetest rest.
My mountain is a quiet corner in my bedroom, or at the balcony. There I meet my God alone. There is that need to be alone with God.
We believe in family prayers. Every evening just before we sleep, my wife and I share prayers together. There is the need for husband and wife to pray together. When our children were young we had the whole family together for family prayers.
We believe in meeting with fellow Christians for corporate prayer. Jesus told us that "where two or three are gathered together in my name I am in the midst of them." We meet for our cell group every Friday to pray and have fellowship and sharing of the word. Every Thursday we meet at Territorial Headquarters' chapel for the global prayer meeting. We are part of the prayer chain set up by The General of The Salvation Army. Think of it - a link in the chain of prayer!
What a blessed time we have every Thursday.
Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven.
From earth's confusion to Jesus' breast;
My sin and weakness, my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost forever in sweetest rest.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Nigel and Winny
On 6th January 1983, we moved to Hong Kong to take up our new appointment. Soon after our arrival, my wife's relatives came to our quarters New Castle Peak Road to see us.
Her step mother and family were very excited to meet us for the first time. In the group of visitors was a baby named Nigel.
Well last Saturday, Nigel and his wife Winny were in Singapore and what a joy to meet this lovely couple and had lunch with them at Kopitiam at Novena. We had a few hours of fellowship.. They love the Lord and are members of the English speaking St. Andrew's Anglican church at Kowloon. I had the privilege of preaching once at this church when we were stationed in Hong Kong in the 1980's.
They serve in the worship team. Winny is a music teacher in a secondary school.
They seemed very interested in family history which my wife shared with them. God bless this lovely Christian couple who brought us much blessing in the brief period spent together.
Her step mother and family were very excited to meet us for the first time. In the group of visitors was a baby named Nigel.
Well last Saturday, Nigel and his wife Winny were in Singapore and what a joy to meet this lovely couple and had lunch with them at Kopitiam at Novena. We had a few hours of fellowship.. They love the Lord and are members of the English speaking St. Andrew's Anglican church at Kowloon. I had the privilege of preaching once at this church when we were stationed in Hong Kong in the 1980's.
They serve in the worship team. Winny is a music teacher in a secondary school.
They seemed very interested in family history which my wife shared with them. God bless this lovely Christian couple who brought us much blessing in the brief period spent together.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Sharing fellowship, the Word and Prayer.
It is a privilege to host a weekly cell group and today ten of us met to share fellowship and the Scriptures. We began with coffee/tea and refreshments, then celebrated the birthday of one of our members.
The rest of our time was spent in discussing the Scriptures. At the moment our focus is on "life in the Promised Land". The Israelites after entering Canaan still struggled with unfaithfulness, disobedience and grumbling.
What lessons we can learn from our spiritual forefathers. We are saved, yet continue "being saved" till eventually we arrive by God's grace in Heaven. We are all pilgrims on the journey of life to Heaven. May God grant us wisdom, grace and strength to keep persevering till we reach our Heavenly Home.
We were able to share complex issues like living in the multi religious society. It is not easy for many whose family embrace other faiths. As usual we ended with a period of prayer.
Thank God for His Word the Bible. In Hebrews 4: 12 we read that the Word of God "is living and active." Those who have taken the time to read it devotionally can testify to the effectiveness of the Word in our lives. God's word probes the deep secret recesses of our souls. We experience comfort often, but there are times we sense that discomfort in reading His Word when our hearts are not right with Him. Somehow the Word like a two edge sword divides us asunder, then puts us together again.
Let's make time for God's Word. Let's share His word with others.
The rest of our time was spent in discussing the Scriptures. At the moment our focus is on "life in the Promised Land". The Israelites after entering Canaan still struggled with unfaithfulness, disobedience and grumbling.
What lessons we can learn from our spiritual forefathers. We are saved, yet continue "being saved" till eventually we arrive by God's grace in Heaven. We are all pilgrims on the journey of life to Heaven. May God grant us wisdom, grace and strength to keep persevering till we reach our Heavenly Home.
We were able to share complex issues like living in the multi religious society. It is not easy for many whose family embrace other faiths. As usual we ended with a period of prayer.
Thank God for His Word the Bible. In Hebrews 4: 12 we read that the Word of God "is living and active." Those who have taken the time to read it devotionally can testify to the effectiveness of the Word in our lives. God's word probes the deep secret recesses of our souls. We experience comfort often, but there are times we sense that discomfort in reading His Word when our hearts are not right with Him. Somehow the Word like a two edge sword divides us asunder, then puts us together again.
Let's make time for God's Word. Let's share His word with others.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The Name of Jesus
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer's ear;
it soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds
and drives away our fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
my shield and hiding place,
my never failing treasury,
filled with boundless stores of grace.
Jesus, my shepherd, guardian, friend,
my prophet, priest and king,
my Lord, my life, my way, my end:
accept the praise I bring.
How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought,
but when I see thee as thou art
I'll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim
with every fleeting breath,
and may the music of thy name
refresh my soul in death.
in a believer's ear;
it soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds
and drives away our fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
my shield and hiding place,
my never failing treasury,
filled with boundless stores of grace.
Jesus, my shepherd, guardian, friend,
my prophet, priest and king,
my Lord, my life, my way, my end:
accept the praise I bring.
How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought,
but when I see thee as thou art
I'll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim
with every fleeting breath,
and may the music of thy name
refresh my soul in death.
I love this beautiful hymn written by John Newton. I have been singing this hymn all week and received much blessing doing so. Few thoughts came to me from just the first two verses. I speak from experience in my walk with the Lord.
All of us have gone through the 'dark night of the soul.' We need the Lord to come near us and lift us up out of our loneliness and despair. The Name of Jesus.
1. It soothes his sorrows. How true! Who can comfort us like Jesus does. His Holy Spirit the Comforter is always with us.
2. Heals his wounds. Living in this fallen world, we get hurt often. We suffer wounds. In Him we receive healing. He was wounded for us and He is the One who can heal our wounds.
3. Drives away his fear. The world is in chaos. He is our peace. He makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast.
4. Manna to the hungry soul. Recall the story of Israelites in the wilderness. God miraculously provided manna. And to us today, remember He is the bread of life.
5 And to the weary rest. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for our souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30
All of us have gone through the 'dark night of the soul.' We need the Lord to come near us and lift us up out of our loneliness and despair. The Name of Jesus.
1. It soothes his sorrows. How true! Who can comfort us like Jesus does. His Holy Spirit the Comforter is always with us.
2. Heals his wounds. Living in this fallen world, we get hurt often. We suffer wounds. In Him we receive healing. He was wounded for us and He is the One who can heal our wounds.
3. Drives away his fear. The world is in chaos. He is our peace. He makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast.
4. Manna to the hungry soul. Recall the story of Israelites in the wilderness. God miraculously provided manna. And to us today, remember He is the bread of life.
5 And to the weary rest. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for our souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Deepening of Spiritual Life
Sunday - the Lord's Day. Thank God there is freedom of worship in our country. Thank God I just walk downstairs to join my fellow believers in worship.
After leading the Bible studies for the last ten years, I felt it was time for me to relinquish this responsibility. Major Ruth Pascoe has taken over the class in the new year.
The contemplative stream in the life of Jesus is characterized as a life of intimacy with God. We seek to have a closer relationship with God. We seek a closer walk with God.
Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11
The service of Christ is the business of my life.
The will of Christ is the law of my life.
The presence of Christ is the joy of my life.
The glory of Christ is the crown of my life. Author unknown.
After leading the Bible studies for the last ten years, I felt it was time for me to relinquish this responsibility. Major Ruth Pascoe has taken over the class in the new year.
The contemplative stream in the life of Jesus is characterized as a life of intimacy with God. We seek to have a closer relationship with God. We seek a closer walk with God.
Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11
The service of Christ is the business of my life.
The will of Christ is the law of my life.
The presence of Christ is the joy of my life.
The glory of Christ is the crown of my life. Author unknown.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Visit to Chinatown to shop
Chinatown is well decorated for Chinese New Year. As it will be the Year of the Horse, we see Lantern horses every where. I looked at the decorations of horses and coins (symbolising wealth) the verse of Scripture came to my mind. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm." Psalm 20: 7-8.
I took a bus (No 961) from our place to Hong Lim Park, then walked to Hong Kong Street to buy nuts from the wholesalers - Teck Sang my regular shop. We love nuts of all kinds - cashew nuts, wall nuts, almonds, chestnuts, dried figs etc. We are such nutty people. I carried five and a half kilograms of nuts - in my knapsack plus a cloth bag provided by the shop. From there I walked to Stamford Road to take bus 171 home. I always enjoyed walking. Thank God for strength. Enjoyed every moment of it.
As I walked I meditated on the greatness, goodness and graciousness of God. He has given me 81 plus years on this earth. How many more will He allow me here, I don't know. But whether long or short, it is for Him to decide.
Thank You Lord for all your goodness
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank You too for present mercies
And Your blessing on the way.
Thank You for each revelation,
And for what You choose to hide;
Thank You Lord for grace sustaining
As I in Your love abide. August Ludvig Storm (translated by Flora Larsson.)
Rejoice in the Lord always!
I took a bus (No 961) from our place to Hong Lim Park, then walked to Hong Kong Street to buy nuts from the wholesalers - Teck Sang my regular shop. We love nuts of all kinds - cashew nuts, wall nuts, almonds, chestnuts, dried figs etc. We are such nutty people. I carried five and a half kilograms of nuts - in my knapsack plus a cloth bag provided by the shop. From there I walked to Stamford Road to take bus 171 home. I always enjoyed walking. Thank God for strength. Enjoyed every moment of it.
As I walked I meditated on the greatness, goodness and graciousness of God. He has given me 81 plus years on this earth. How many more will He allow me here, I don't know. But whether long or short, it is for Him to decide.
Thank You Lord for all your goodness
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank You too for present mercies
And Your blessing on the way.
Thank You for each revelation,
And for what You choose to hide;
Thank You Lord for grace sustaining
As I in Your love abide. August Ludvig Storm (translated by Flora Larsson.)
Rejoice in the Lord always!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
This is my story - 91 Philippines
91 –
Joyville – A Home for children
Child beggars were a common sight in cities
and towns in the Philippines
We were told that some of these child beggars were controlled by syndicates. This made us somewhat reluctant to hand out money to these unfortunate children, even though our hearts went out to them.
Everyday on our way home from office we
drove past an intersection and noticed a bedraggled couple sitting on the
pavement nursing babies and small children. The street was their home; the push
cart beside them contained all their worldly possessions. The children were
clothed in rags or even naked. The kids looked under nourished and sickly.
Occasionally the smaller ones would come to
us for pesos or centavos. The older ones would run to the big chauffeur driven
vehicles and give us a miss. We passed them everyday on our way home. We felt
sorry for them, but learned to be wary. We knew when we gave to one a dozen
would rush out to join them. My concern, I might accidentally knock a kid down.
During the Advent Season, their numbers
would swell. There they were smiling and
shouting out “Pasko, Pasko” (meaning Christmas) with hands holding out their
collecting boxes. It’s that time of the year when people on the whole were more
generous.
The Salvation Army ran the ON THE WAY HOME
programme to cater for such needy people. Regrettably the lack of facilities
and support limited our involvement in this area of need. Landlords and
landladies were reluctant to lease their properties to us when they learned of
our type of programme.
After much prayer and effort, we found a
place some 55 kilometres away from Manila America
The need is always greater than what The
Salvation Army can cope. We can do our best with support from generous donors
in the Philippines
What we do to the least of these of God’s
children, we are doing it unto the Lord.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Memories of the past - The Ten commandments
Ten
Commandments in rhyme
I recall my Sunday School days when at the beginning of the year we were all given a little booklet each. It had the attendance
page where the Record Sergeant would put a star for attendance and in the next
column the record of money given by the user.There were a number of pages of
songs and choruses, and quarterly responsive Bible readings (in King James
Version) and one page of the Ten Commandments in rhyme. Here it it is and I still remember it.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
1 Thou shalt
have no gods but Me.
2 Before no
idol bow thy knee.
3 Take not the
name of God in vain.
4 Nor dare the
Sabbath Day profane.
5 Give both thy
parents honour due.
6 Take heed
that Thou no murder do.
7 Abstain from
words and deeds unclean.
8 Not steal
though thou are poor and mean.
9 Do not tell a
lie nor love it.
10 What is thy
neighbour's do not covet.
I still remember the day when I attended the first Sunday School at the age of five. Later after the war as a youth I was the Record Sergeant. Then there was a period when I served at the Y.P Sergeant Major. What a privilege.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
"I will be joyful in God my Saviour." This lovely verse greeted me when I turned to today's devotional reading from "Words of Life."
Joy is certainly the hall mark of the Christian.
Jesus our Lord and Master made this remark, " I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
Paul said, "The fruit of the Spirit is joy...." Galatians 5: 22
The hymn quoted for our meditation, expressing the joy of the Lord was written by Henry van Dyke, gifted author and poet.
Joy is certainly the hall mark of the Christian.
Jesus our Lord and Master made this remark, " I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
Paul said, "The fruit of the Spirit is joy...." Galatians 5: 22
The hymn quoted for our meditation, expressing the joy of the Lord was written by Henry van Dyke, gifted author and poet.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
First cell group meeting in the new year
Ten of us met Friday morning for our small group meeting for the first time this year. We had a great time of fellowship and sharing of the word.
At the suggestion of our pastor, Major Pascoe, we met at the Praise chapel in instead of at our home. This gives us more room. It is more comfortable as the room has air conditioning.
Towards the end of last year Brother Francis Zhan led the studies. Mrs. Lim Li Ching took over on this first meeting of the year. We are now taking turns to lead the sharing and discussion. Most of the participants are retirees hence we hold it in the morning.
2 Timothy tells us, "Study to show yourself approved unto God a workmen that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
At the suggestion of our pastor, Major Pascoe, we met at the Praise chapel in instead of at our home. This gives us more room. It is more comfortable as the room has air conditioning.
Towards the end of last year Brother Francis Zhan led the studies. Mrs. Lim Li Ching took over on this first meeting of the year. We are now taking turns to lead the sharing and discussion. Most of the participants are retirees hence we hold it in the morning.
2 Timothy tells us, "Study to show yourself approved unto God a workmen that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Friday, January 3, 2014
Caring ministry of the church
New Year Day. We spent time with two elderly handicapped women whom we have known for well over sixty years. They live in a two bedroom HDB flat at Dover. They both share one room the other is rented out to bring in some income. We always visit them about Christmas time, Chinese New Year and close to their birthdays to celebrate and pray with them.
Many years ago they used to attend the Salvation Army, but in recent years worship at Faith Community Baptist church which provides transport for them on Sundays and attendance at other activities. Good to hear of our involvement in the church cell group.
The neighbourhood Anglican Church of St John and St. Margaret blesses the residents in the area, so our friends benefit from their Christian ministry.
Thank God for the ministry of the church in caring for the people - especially the poor and needy.
Many years ago they used to attend the Salvation Army, but in recent years worship at Faith Community Baptist church which provides transport for them on Sundays and attendance at other activities. Good to hear of our involvement in the church cell group.
The neighbourhood Anglican Church of St John and St. Margaret blesses the residents in the area, so our friends benefit from their Christian ministry.
Thank God for the ministry of the church in caring for the people - especially the poor and needy.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year - God's Gift to us.
In joyful moments - thank Him.
In busy moments - bless Hm.
In trying moments - trust Him.
In quiet moments - praise Him
Roy Lessin
In busy moments - bless Hm.
In trying moments - trust Him.
In quiet moments - praise Him
Roy Lessin
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year 2014
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put thine hand into the hand of God. That shall be better than light and safer than a known way" M Louise Haskins.
I want to share with you my favourite hymn. I use it often in my devotions.
Hold Thou my hand!
And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put thine hand into the hand of God. That shall be better than light and safer than a known way" M Louise Haskins.
I want to share with you my favourite hymn. I use it often in my devotions.
Hold Thou my hand!
Hold Thou my hand; I am so weak and helpless,
I dare not take one step without Thy aid;
Hold Thou my hand; for then, O loving Savior,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.
Hold Thou my hand, and closer, closer draw me
To Thy dear self—my hope, my joy, my all;
Hold Thou my hand, lest haply I should wander,
And, missing Thee, my trembling feet should fall.
Hold Thou my hand; the way is dark before me
Without the sunlight of Thy face divine;
But when by faith I catch its radiant glory,
What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine!
Hold Thou my hand, that when I reach the margin
Of that lone river Thou didst cross for me,
A heavenly light may flash along its waters,
And every wave like crystal bright shall be. by Fanny Crosby
I wish all the readers of this blog a Happy and Blessed New Year.
I dare not take one step without Thy aid;
Hold Thou my hand; for then, O loving Savior,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.
Hold Thou my hand, and closer, closer draw me
To Thy dear self—my hope, my joy, my all;
Hold Thou my hand, lest haply I should wander,
And, missing Thee, my trembling feet should fall.
Hold Thou my hand; the way is dark before me
Without the sunlight of Thy face divine;
But when by faith I catch its radiant glory,
What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine!
Hold Thou my hand, that when I reach the margin
Of that lone river Thou didst cross for me,
A heavenly light may flash along its waters,
And every wave like crystal bright shall be. by Fanny Crosby
I wish all the readers of this blog a Happy and Blessed New Year.
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