We first came to know Marilou Ventura when we were stationed in the Philippines. She was a bandswoman, songster, timbrellist, a very active Salvationist.
Eighteen years ago she came to work at the Home for the Aged in Singapore and attended the meetings at the Pasir Panjang Corps (church) which shared the same premises with Home. We were asked to hold on as pastors for the church in 1998 for ten months. So we worked closely with Marilou. She gave excellent support.
The Home later moved to Changi and a few years later was changed to the Peacehaven Nursing Home. Marilou of course had to move to Changi, but she continued her membership with church.
Pasir Panjang Corps later moved to Upper Bukit Timah and became the William Booth Corps. Marilou continued worshiping with us at William Booth Corps.
Last Sunday was her farewell. As usual she took part in the band, and worship team and after the message by our pastor Major Ruth Pascoe, it was my privilege to offer the special prayer for Marilou.
She is leaving today for the Philippines. She will be living at Tondo and look after he aged mother and support the family. She will be back in the Tondo band and Songsters and take an active part once again at the home church.
God bless Marilou. She has relinquished her responsibilities in Singapore but that is not the end of the road for her. It was just a bend and the journey resumes that will take her to new responsibilities or ministries bringing glory to God.
The closing song was No 821 which says,
"We're an Army fighting for a glorious King;
We will make the world with hallelujahs ring;
With victorious voices we will ever sing:
There's salvation for the world.
Chorus:
For the world, for the world, Jesus died, Jesus died,
For the world, for the world, there is room in Jesus' side.
All the world to save, to battle we will go,
And we ever will our colours boldly show
With a trumpet voice we'll let the millions know
There's salvation for the world.
This song was written by William J Pearson (1832-92) an early day salvationist. Converted at the age of 14 he later became a local preacher. He moved from Derby to London in 1874 and joined The Christian Mission (which later became The Salvation Army) He travelled a lot preaching the gospel and was well known for his ministry of faith healing. For a number of years he wrote on song per week and contributed to the Army's publication "The War Cry" and occasionally "The Musical Salvationist" In our present Song Book there are 21 songs written by him, e.g
"Come join our Army to battle we go" 681
Joy, joy joy there is joy in The Salvation Army"807
"O Thou God for every nation" 622
"I'm set apart for Jesus" 495
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Thoughts on a Saturday evening.
We may desire to bring to God a perfect work. We would like to point, when our work is done, to the beautiful ripened grain and bound up sheaves, and yet the Lord frustrates our plans, shatters our purposes, lets us see the wreck of all our hopes, breaks the beautiful structure we thought we were building and captures us up in his arms and whispers to us, 'It's not your work I wanted, but you.'
From an unknown source quoted by General Shaw Clifton (R) in his book, "Something Better"
From an unknown source quoted by General Shaw Clifton (R) in his book, "Something Better"
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Sunday at Changi Corps
Despite my pain in the knee, I got up the same time and together with my wife went for our early morning walk. But I had to be careful; I took my walking stick with me and confined myself to a certain area and avoided the steps. Early rise gives us time to have a leisurely breakfast and devotions. Quiet time with the Lord is important and just to be still and ponder over His love gives a good start for the day. The older I get the more I need this time of stillness.
AT 9.00 a.m. Jacob Tan and his wife Patricia with their two lovely children, Joseph and Justus were here to meet and take us to Changi Corps. We have known Jacob for many years. He started as a policeman patrolling the Choa Chu Kang area, but now holds a fairly high post at Police Headquarters. Jacob was the worship leader on Sunday 21st September.
Good to see quite a number of Salvationists in uniform too. We were very impressed with two uniformed Filipino salvationists Anne and Lady. Both are working in Singapore (not at Peacehaven) Sunday is their day off and they spend the time at the Salvation Army. They were busy welcoming visitors. It shows they are well integrated with our local folk. Some people like to keep their own group, but not these two who were so helpful looking after others especially the elderly. I was greatly encouraged and inspired by these two sisters.
After the usual formalities my wife took leadership of the meeting and I gave the message based on 1 Corinthians 13 "The Excellence of Love."
Thank God for the privilege of ministry even in retirement. We will continue as long as we have the strength to do so. God is great, is good and gracious.
Two lovely Christians - John and Ruth Samuel volunteered to fetch us home. In fact they wanted to give us lunch, but we had to decline as we already had something to eat earlier on immediately after the meeting. What a joy to share fellowship with these two friends in the car. We were truly blessed.
AT 9.00 a.m. Jacob Tan and his wife Patricia with their two lovely children, Joseph and Justus were here to meet and take us to Changi Corps. We have known Jacob for many years. He started as a policeman patrolling the Choa Chu Kang area, but now holds a fairly high post at Police Headquarters. Jacob was the worship leader on Sunday 21st September.
Good to see quite a number of Salvationists in uniform too. We were very impressed with two uniformed Filipino salvationists Anne and Lady. Both are working in Singapore (not at Peacehaven) Sunday is their day off and they spend the time at the Salvation Army. They were busy welcoming visitors. It shows they are well integrated with our local folk. Some people like to keep their own group, but not these two who were so helpful looking after others especially the elderly. I was greatly encouraged and inspired by these two sisters.
After the usual formalities my wife took leadership of the meeting and I gave the message based on 1 Corinthians 13 "The Excellence of Love."
Thank God for the privilege of ministry even in retirement. We will continue as long as we have the strength to do so. God is great, is good and gracious.
Two lovely Christians - John and Ruth Samuel volunteered to fetch us home. In fact they wanted to give us lunch, but we had to decline as we already had something to eat earlier on immediately after the meeting. What a joy to share fellowship with these two friends in the car. We were truly blessed.
Once to every man and nation
1 Once to ev'ry man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth and falsehood,
For the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision,
Off'ring each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
'Twixt that darkness and that light.
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth and falsehood,
For the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision,
Off'ring each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
'Twixt that darkness and that light.
2 Then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses
While the coward stands aside.
Till the multitude make virtue
Of the faith they had denied.
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses
While the coward stands aside.
Till the multitude make virtue
Of the faith they had denied.
3 By the light of burning martyrs,
Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv'ries ever
With the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties,
Ancient values test our youth;
They must upward still and onward,
Who would keep abreast of truth.
Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv'ries ever
With the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties,
Ancient values test our youth;
They must upward still and onward,
Who would keep abreast of truth.
4 Tho' the cause of evil prosper,
Yet the truth alone is strong;
Tho' her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above His own. -James Russell Lowell
Yet the truth alone is strong;
Tho' her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above His own. -James Russell Lowell
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Household duties
Although my knee hurts, life has to go on. My wife and I share responsibilities. I always make it a point to clean the house and do the laundry on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It took me longer time to do the house chores.
She sees to the meals. Yes, all through our married life, we have shared household duties.
"As your days so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33: 25
She sees to the meals. Yes, all through our married life, we have shared household duties.
"As your days so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33: 25
Sunday, September 14, 2014
The Lord heals
God is still working miracles. I had excruciating pain on my left leg because of my arthritis and could hardly walk. Had to use a walking stick to move around. By Saturday it was terrible and I was wondering how I could preach the sermon at our Church. But I had faith in our Almighty God and prayed for healing.
Our grandson Daryl and his wife Christine, and Emmanuel came to visit us. That evening Daryl and Christine took me to the Central 24- hour clinic at Clementi to see the doctor. This clinic has the CHAS sign and there was a big sign board announcing their participation in the Pioneer Generation Progamme.
Well, it did not take long when I was ushered into see the doctor who after examination and advice, prescribed medication. We returned home and had a good rest.
I have faith in God and our medical doctors. This morning I was able to go up to the pulpit to preach the word. No walking stick was needed. Faith in God and our doctors plus prayer support from friends and loved ones bring miracles. God is a God of healing.
Psalm 103:1-3 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases
At even, ere the sun was set,
the sick, O Lord around thee lay;
O in what divers pains they met!
O with what joy they went away!
Once more 'tis eventide, and we
oppressed with various ills draw near;
what if thy form we cannot see?
we know and feel that thou art here.
Thy touch has still its ancient power;
no word from thee can fruitless fall:
hear, in this solemn evening hour,
and in thy mercy heal us all. (Henry Twells)
Our grandson Daryl and his wife Christine, and Emmanuel came to visit us. That evening Daryl and Christine took me to the Central 24- hour clinic at Clementi to see the doctor. This clinic has the CHAS sign and there was a big sign board announcing their participation in the Pioneer Generation Progamme.
Well, it did not take long when I was ushered into see the doctor who after examination and advice, prescribed medication. We returned home and had a good rest.
I have faith in God and our medical doctors. This morning I was able to go up to the pulpit to preach the word. No walking stick was needed. Faith in God and our doctors plus prayer support from friends and loved ones bring miracles. God is a God of healing.
Psalm 103:1-3 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases
At even, ere the sun was set,
the sick, O Lord around thee lay;
O in what divers pains they met!
O with what joy they went away!
Once more 'tis eventide, and we
oppressed with various ills draw near;
what if thy form we cannot see?
we know and feel that thou art here.
Thy touch has still its ancient power;
no word from thee can fruitless fall:
hear, in this solemn evening hour,
and in thy mercy heal us all. (Henry Twells)
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
What is love?
What is love?
It is silence - when your words would hurt.
It is patience - when your neighbour's curt.
It is deafness - when a scandal flows.
It is thoughtfulness - for other's woes.
It is promptness - when stern duty calls.
It is courage - when misfortune falls
It is silence - when your words would hurt.
It is patience - when your neighbour's curt.
It is deafness - when a scandal flows.
It is thoughtfulness - for other's woes.
It is promptness - when stern duty calls.
It is courage - when misfortune falls
Saturday, September 6, 2014
The Tallest Moon Cake Festival Lantern
The tallest Moon Cake Festival Lantern in Singapore, a new record at 5 metres (more than 16 ft.) tall built by residents with dementia, ITE students and other volunteers. This two storey lantern was made with 10,240 drinking straws, plus lights.
It was put on Singapore Records.
We were privileged to be present for this special occasion part of The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home celebration of Moon Cake Lantern Festival.
Monday, September 1, 2014
When we are old, whom do we depend
All being well, before the year ends, we shall be moving to a smaller unit at Changi. We shall be near our youngest daughter, Dora Poh Chin a resident at Peacehaven Nursing Home, Changi.
There is a time for everything! Time to stay, time to move on.
Someone sent us the following and I thought I would share with the readers of this blog.
Ourselves, ourselves, only ourselves, ... & God(The truth, as disclosed by a group of old folks). "Have your own abode. No matter what, do not lose it, until your death! If you have an old companion Keep each other good company. Watch your health while it is still good
Maintain a positive outlook and you will be happy.
Now, our health is still good Our mind still clear. But on whom can we depend in our old age ? We will have to analyse in various stages.
1st Stage : (Just after retirement, between 60 to 70 yrs old) Our health will still be comparatively good So too our financial means. Eat moderately while we have the means
At times. wear what we fancy Those who like it, have some fun. Do not be hard on yourself Our days are numbered So, grasp the opportunity. Have some savings !Keep the house !Make arrangements for the days ahead or retreat. If the kids are well off, It is their business ...If the kids are filial They have good traits .... We need neither decline financial help from our kids Nor decline their respect. But we should remain independent &
Live our own life well.
2nd Stage : If no mishap and illness strike after we are 70, We will still be able to take care of ourselves. Not a major problem. However, we must realise we are really getting old Gradually, .. our body and mind will give way. Our reflex will slow down with time ...We will have to eat slowly, to avoid choking. We will have to walk slowly, to avoid falls. We can no longer put on a front, we have to look after ourselves! Do not meddle anymore with this and that, or control the kids! Some even interfere with the third generation !!!We have intervened our entire life, It is time for us to be a little selfish .....
Take hold of ourselves. Life must come full circle. Help with the cleaning chores ....Try to maintain our health for as long as possible. Give ourselves more opportunities to take control of our own life.....We lead an easier life when we do not have to solicit help from others .....
3rd Stage:- Our health begins to fail .... We have to request help from others ....We have to be mentally prepared for it. The majority of us cannot escape this hurdle. We have to prepare ourselves, emotionally, to accept that :-In life, living and aging, sickness and death are milestones we have to encounter. This is the final stage in life .....Nothing to fear !Be prepared for it in advance and we will not be too depressed.
Either check into a private nursing home ...Or an old folks home ....
Depending on affordability, of course.
There must be a way out ....The idea is not to add to the kids' burden, emotionally, increase their chores & their financial commitments.
Try our best to overcome -
What hardship has our generation not endured ? What disasters have we not experienced ?
Trust us to take life's last lap in our stride.
4th Stage:- Our mind is still clear, but We are terminally ill,
When our quality of life has deteriorated drastically ..We must be courageous enough to face death! Insist that the family not try to prolong our life ....Do not incur unnecessary expenditure .....
WHEN WE ARE OLD, WHOM DO WE DEPEND ON : -
Ourselves, Ourselves, only Ourselves... & God.
Maintain a positive outlook and you will be happy.
Now, our health is still good Our mind still clear. But on whom can we depend in our old age ? We will have to analyse in various stages.
1st Stage : (Just after retirement, between 60 to 70 yrs old) Our health will still be comparatively good So too our financial means. Eat moderately while we have the means
At times. wear what we fancy Those who like it, have some fun. Do not be hard on yourself Our days are numbered So, grasp the opportunity. Have some savings !Keep the house !Make arrangements for the days ahead or retreat. If the kids are well off, It is their business ...If the kids are filial They have good traits .... We need neither decline financial help from our kids Nor decline their respect. But we should remain independent &
Live our own life well.
2nd Stage : If no mishap and illness strike after we are 70, We will still be able to take care of ourselves. Not a major problem. However, we must realise we are really getting old Gradually, .. our body and mind will give way. Our reflex will slow down with time ...We will have to eat slowly, to avoid choking. We will have to walk slowly, to avoid falls. We can no longer put on a front, we have to look after ourselves! Do not meddle anymore with this and that, or control the kids! Some even interfere with the third generation !!!We have intervened our entire life, It is time for us to be a little selfish .....
Take hold of ourselves. Life must come full circle. Help with the cleaning chores ....Try to maintain our health for as long as possible. Give ourselves more opportunities to take control of our own life.....We lead an easier life when we do not have to solicit help from others .....
3rd Stage:- Our health begins to fail .... We have to request help from others ....We have to be mentally prepared for it. The majority of us cannot escape this hurdle. We have to prepare ourselves, emotionally, to accept that :-In life, living and aging, sickness and death are milestones we have to encounter. This is the final stage in life .....Nothing to fear !Be prepared for it in advance and we will not be too depressed.
Either check into a private nursing home ...Or an old folks home ....
Depending on affordability, of course.
There must be a way out ....The idea is not to add to the kids' burden, emotionally, increase their chores & their financial commitments.
Try our best to overcome -
What hardship has our generation not endured ? What disasters have we not experienced ?
Trust us to take life's last lap in our stride.
4th Stage:- Our mind is still clear, but We are terminally ill,
When our quality of life has deteriorated drastically ..We must be courageous enough to face death! Insist that the family not try to prolong our life ....Do not incur unnecessary expenditure .....
WHEN WE ARE OLD, WHOM DO WE DEPEND ON : -
Ourselves, Ourselves, only Ourselves... & God.
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