The Old Year 2015

Today is the last day of 2015. When we were about to retire, I made a wish that the Lord would allow me five years of retirement to enjoy myself. But the Lord has other plans, I have lived to see the end of 2015 and hopefully will wake up tomorrow to greet the New Year.

My wife and I have no complaints - God has been good to us and has blessed abundantly. Let me share a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read, retired officer living in England.

THE OLD YEAR

I look with gratitude  on this old year,
I have good cause to show that gratitude.
So many times I've seen God's loving care
A problem turn into beatitude.
Though ill wind seems at times to blow,
And difficult indeed the course to hold;
All needful grace has then begun to flow,
With mercy rich. and mercies manifold.

It's true, I've sometimes worked below my best;
Have failed to work to my capacity,
Yet God has always love to me expressed.
Encouraged, strengthened and established me.

His goodness has  o'er shadowed all these days.
And I look backward, with a heart of praise.  _Harry Read.

Blessings from family and friends.

The year is coming to and end and soon we will celebrating the New Year 2016. We have been counting our blessings - spiritual and material and our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude.

God has wonderfully blessed us with children and grandchildren and many friends. Older friends have left us for the Home above, but God has added new ones.

The last few days we have been wonderfully blessed by the visits of friends. Yes, just to sit and chat, recall the days that are past, sharing fellowship and parting with prayer.

We are so glad we are part of the family of God.

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God  - William J Gaither

I'm So Glad I'm a Part of the Family of God

Christmas - by John Coutts

     God the Father, Spirit, Son,
May Your broken world be mended,
Pain relieved, and foes befriended
     By a Christmas well begun.
Make us glad in word and deed,
Welcome, Jesus, child in need.  by John Coutts

Singing carols and sharing the message

There is never a dull  moment here in Changi. We live in our own apartment on the 4th level, quite private really. Next door to us are our pastors - a young energetic couple full of enthusiasm for the Lord.

Last night we were invited to their home to celebrate her birthday. The Indonesian nurses not on duty were there and we had a wonderful time, singing carols and enjoying our fellowship.

Today my wife and I visited our daughter Dora Poh Chin as we normaly do, but this time I took my piano accordion with me and we sang carols to her and the residents in the living area. Then we went round singing and playing carols at four other areas. This was just before lunch. Delighted to see the smiles from the residents and their relatives who were there to visit them.

What opportunities there are for us to share the Christmas message to all and sunday.

Christmas celebrations

Peacehaven Nursing Home has 401 residents living in the Home plus many who come daily to the Day Care at Hope Centre. You can just imagine the number of parties that are being held during this Christmas season.

Each  RLA (Residents' Living Area) had its own Christmas party and we have been invited to all of them. So the last couple of days, it meant going from one party to the next! Good to have THQ officers - Majors Garth and Patti Niemand joining us for the occasion.

God has been good to us. We moved to Changi to be near our daughter Poh Chin who is a resident in the Home. We have benefited far more. We give thanks to God who has so wonderfully provided for us.

Pleasant surprises

Last Friday a group of our former young people of Central Corps were visiting one of the residents of  Peacehaven Nursing Home. We received a surprised visit from them, one of them we had not seen for at least the last 25 years. I conducted her wedding way back in 1975. I was able to show her the photograph taken all those years ago.

Then the next day Saturday another group turned up with our son and daughter- in- law who normally visit us on a Saturday. They normally bring food to share. This time the group brought a lot of food and we had a wonderful time of fellowship and feasting!

It is wonderful that friendship formed all those years ago when we were the Corps Officers (pastors) of Singapore Central Corps from 1970-1974 still remain intact. God has blessed us with many friends.

As age catches up with us, we are inclined to stay home most of the time. We do appreciate the visit of these old friends - former songsters, bandsmen/women, youth group members etc. God bless these our former young people now in their middle age.

Officers' Fellowship - 2015

We were invited to attend the annual Officers' Fellowship held at the La Grandeur Hotel, Johor, Malaysia.  We had a great time. Our guests this year were Commissioners Robert and Janet Street, retired UK Officers.

We first met them in England when he was the Divisional Commanders at Norwich, England.

We were invited to speak at the Divisional Soldiers' Rally held at the Norwich Corps in March 1997, shortly before we left England for retirement. We stayed with them for the night. The next morning we did the Sunday's meetings at the Norwich corps.  Major and Mrs. Barry Wilson were the Corps Officers.

Commissioner Robert Street has been a Salvation Army Officer for more than 40 years, during which time he has served at Corps, Divisional, territorial and international levels. As an author and editor he enjoys communicating the truths of the Christian faith in an easy-to understand style and has written numerous books. Mrs. Street, formerly Janet Adams has been an officer for the same number of years and a great support to her husband.

We found the couple to be very humble people and integrated freely with the officers young and old. We certainly have been much blessed in the fellowship.

We were at the Retreat from Monday 23rd to Thursday 26th November. We thank God for this special privilege to be part of the group.

Priority - what does it mean?

After selecting the items I needed at the supermarket, I made my way to the section with the sign "Priority for Senior Citizens." I dutifully lined up, but to my surprise, it was a long queue of people including those in their thirties and forties. The cashier took no notice of the sign and served everyone in the queue. I had to wait a long time for my turn.

Maybe the cashier was unaware of the sign, or the shoppers were all illiterate. Why put up the special queue when the rule for Senior Citizens is not adhered to?

Yesterday, I decided to avoid the Priority for Seniors queue. There was only one person ahead of me, and I got through paying very quickly. Now I know, avoid the Priority Queue, or be patient and wait.

All of us need to learn the lesson of patience.

Deepavali - public holiday in Singapore

Hindu families all around the world turned their homes into enclaves of warm golden light even as they offer prayers, exchange gifts and share sweetmeats with each other.

Singapore is a multiracial country and Tuesday was a public holiday - Deepavali.  This is celebrated by Hindus to mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The celebration begins with the simple act of lighting an oil lamp

In his Facebook post our Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugararetnam explained the tradition of lighting up oil lamps in homes to celebrate the festival. "It's about the flame of the human spirit - overcoming the darkness of ignorance and bigotry with learning and understanding."

Public holidays or not, life remains the same with us. Last night we had our usual Bible class where we dealt with the conversion of Saul - a most unlikely candidate to become a Christian. He was all out to get rid of Christians when he met Christ on the road to Damascus. What an event.  Saul the persecutor of Christians met Christ the Light of the world and was wonderfully transformed. The persecutor saw the light and vision of Christ and heard His voice. He submitted to Divine authority and became a wonderful disciple of Jesus bringing thousands to the light of Christ.

Visit to the Columbarium

We went to the Columbarium to visit the niches where my wife's aunt's ashes were placed. She went to be with the Lord 60 years ago at the age of 59. When my wife's mum died at the tender age of 26, this aunt took over the guardianship of her and her sister.

We went to see my father's niche nearby. He left this world in 1965 at the age of 79- fifty years ago. What a life he lived, when at the age of 12 he left China as a stowaway and the ship brought this illegal boy immigrant to Singapore. He was a survivor, what trials he went through.

The thought came to my mind - how old is old. Some died in their twenties, thirties, some even only two years old. Today some people do not consider themselves old even at 80!

I could not help reading the details written on the neighbouring niches - one died at the age of two, another just 2 days, others in their 30's and 40's ,not many in their eighties.

This journey to the Columbarium probably would be our last visit. As age catches up with us, we face challenges like negotiating stairs. There are no lifts at the columbarium. A sense of gratitude overwhelmed me. God has been good, He has given us good children and grandchildren we can be proud of. He has granted us all these years to see our children and grandchildren grow up.

Aging is an inevitable process. The Bible tells us of the average life span of 'three score years and ten' My wife and I have gone past this line. Everyday is a bonus. Thank God for life, thank God for eternal life given through His Son Jesus Christ.

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Praise the Lord.

Reason and season for friendships

Everyday we are making new friends. At our age, often we get news of another friend has passed away or 'promoted to Glory' or "gone Home to be with the Lord forever."

Some of our friends are unable to connect with us through e-mail or snail mail. They are too old, too frail or the mind has gone. We know they are still alive, but we cannot communicate, but we continue to pray for them. We thank God for  they came into our lives for some reason or season.

In my note book I found the following poem by an unknown author and I would like to share with friends who read this blog.

Reason, Season, Lifetime (Poem)

 People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which one it is,

you will know what to do for each person.

 When someone is in your life for a REASON,

It is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and  put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

 

— Unknown

 

 

When We Cannot See Our Way (Lyrics) - The International Staff Songsters

Give thanks to God for his guidance

Sixty one years ago, yesterday I received my commission as a Salvation Army Officer  and took up my first appointment to pastor a church in Malacca, then Malaya. A young lady named Fong Pui Chan was commissioned the same day and appointed to assist a very saintly officer Captain Agnes Morgan a New Zealander.

Fifty seven years ago on 7th June 1958 we were united in marriage. We have always worked as a team raising a family and proclaiming the gospel in word and in deed, the Lord helping and blessing us.

We have no regrets and will continue to love and serve Him till He calls us Home.

Today we are enjoying our retirement with no official duties as far as The Salvation Army is concerned. However ministry never ends. I still preach in churches when invited to do so. We still hold Bible class and fellowship groups in our home and receiving much blessings doing so.

"The STOPS of a good man, as well as his STEPS are ordered by the Lord" (George Muller)

"The Lord who planned the route in general has also arranged the steps in particular, and the stops in addition." Fred Mitchell.

When we cannot see our way,
Let us trust and still obey;
He who bids us forward go,
Cannot fail the way to show.

Though the sea be deep and wide,
Though the passage seem denied,
Fearless, let us still proceed,
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead

Though it be the gleam of night,
Though we see no ray of light,
Since the Lord himself is there.
'Tis not meet that we should fear.

Night with him is never night,
Where he is there all light:
When he calls us, why delay
They are happy who obey.

Be it ours, then, while we're here,
Him to follow without fear,
Where he calls us , there to go,
What he bids us, that we do. Thomas Kelly.

Wisdom from Catherine Booth

God does not change. He is Sovereign so His authority remains the same. The fundamental truths from His word that makes life worth living do not change.

Our culture is constantly undergoing change; for the way we do things today is different from our ancestors. Read Catherine Booth's wise words written many years ago.

"God prescribed the machinery under the old dispensation; but Jesus Christ and his Apostles left us free as air to modes and measures, that we may provide that kind of organisation most suited to the necessities of the age. There is not a bit of “redtapeism” in the whole of the New Testament. God does not care about forms or modes, so that we have the living spirit in them; and all forms are but corpses when the spirit has gone out of them. Nevertheless, we must have forms and methods; and the more intelligently planned and the more widely adapted, the better they will succeed. Haphazard, fitful, unreliable action fails everywhere, no matter how good the cause in which it is engaged."

Through all the changing scenes of life,
  In trouble or in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
  My heart and tongue employ   (Nahum Tate/Nicholas Brady)

The Big Pineapple in Queensland Australia

I went into this Big Pineapple!

Cherished Memories of Australia

Our grand daughter Cheryl was in Gold Coast, Australia on business for about a week. Last Sunday 18th October, she made her way to The Salvation Army Gold Coast Temple. She found the meeting quite traditionally Salvation Army singing songs and hymns accompanied by the band or  piano. She sent us some pictures of the building and meeting. I don't think the folk knew she was sent  by her company to do business at the Gold Coast. They must have mistaken her for a young school girl. I understand there was a lady named Dot who spoke to her and gave her some souvenirs.

Her visit brought back memories. Way back in 1975 my wife and I were invited to conduct an evangelistic campaign at Petersham, NSW.  My wife could not go as there was no one to look after our special daughter Dora Poh Chin. So I went on my own.

I left home on 9th October 1975 from Singapore and arrived at Sydney the next day.The evangelistic campaign lasted ten days at Petersham NSW. The Corps Officers (pastors) were Major and Mrs. Ivan Rees. Their twin sons John and David with their respective wives Narrelle and Christine while stationed in Singapore worshiped at the Singapore Central Corps (church) where we were pastors and gave excellent support.

On 20th October, I left for Queensland where I was warmly welcomed by my host the Divisional Commander Lieut.  Colonel George Godkin. He and Mrs. Godkin drove me to Nambour where I gave the message.

I remember visiting the the  Big  Pineapple, quite a landmark on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland on the way to Nambour preach. I was guest of a lovely couple Brigadier and Mrs Drew, the Corps Officers (pastors.)

Gold Coast Temple (church) was my next destination. That evening of the 22nd October there was a special evangelistic meeting and I was the preacher. I remember being given the delicious meal of roast lamb chop which I could only eat half of it. The portion was very big. I was taken for the tour of the holiday resort of Gold Coast.

On 23rd and 24th October, I was the guest speaker at Gatton run by Captains John and Narrelle Rees, our old Singapore friends. I preached at the Corps and outposts - which formed in Salvation Army terminology Gatton Circle. We had a great time of fellowship. Time passed very quickly and I had to go to my next destination.

Ipswich Corps Anniversary and I was the guest speaker for the weekend's meetings. I was billeted at the home of the Whybird family. They own the well known packing and removal company in Australia. Major and Mrs. Everett and the folk made me feel very welcome.

Mr. and Mrs. Whybird had visited Central Corps one Sunday evening. After the Sunday night meeting, we invited them to our quarters for supper. They sat till quite late for they seemed to enjoy the fellowship. When they went back to Australia they wrote to thank us and we kept up our friendship. They even invited us to go to Australia to stay with them.

On 28th October I returned to Singapore. This was the first of my several visits to Australia - Twice to conduct Brengle Holiness seminars; later as the International Secretary we were there to conduct meetings and Army business - in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra and many other places.

Forty years ago - and what memories of that friendly country. As age catches up with us we have called it a day - our travelling days are done.

Ten months in our new home

We moved from Upper Bukit Timah on 16th December 2014  to Changi- exactly ten months ago. No regrets but full of thanksgiving to God for His Divine planning.

We have been able to see our special daughter Dora Poh Chin everyday and pray with her. The rest of the family visit us regularly.

We are surrounded by beautiful caring friends - the Administration Staff, the nurses, therapists and other workers.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29: 11

Praise be unto God and to Him be the glory.

Get on with the job

I recall reading an old story about four men - their names were Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was work to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody assumed Somebody would do it. But Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it for it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it. But Nobody realize that Everybody would not do it. It ended up with Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody did the job then. Anybody could have done it in the first place. (Anonymous)

When there is work to be done, let's get on with it. I am glad I am kept busy always doing something everyday. I feel fulfilled. Thanks be to God.

Work for the  night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work 'mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work for the night is coming,
When men's work is done.  (Annie L Coghill)

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

General Frederick Coutts warned of the danger of fixing one's eyes on the caricatures of holy life. For example the holy life is sometimes portrayed as being grim, sanctimonious and humourless.

Many people gaze too long at the television or internet, become too occupied with sports and games, sexual exploits, and material things and fail to fix eyes on Jesus for anywhere near the same length of time.

The thoughts came to me during this last week; I sang several times during worship at church, and at prayer meeting with the Peacehaven Nursing Home staff my favourite song.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

It's my prayer as a pen this message.

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

My home is in Heaven

Everyday the pages of our newspapers and television screens portray the sad plight of refugees fleeing their own homeland for a safer place.

The 1951 Refugee Convention spells out that a refugee is someone who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country."

Looking back, my ancestors were refugees. Not much is known of my mother's side, but her father was from China. He died long before I was born back in his home town in China.

My father escaped from poverty and ill treatment by this adopted parents in China. At the age of 12 he joined a group of people at the Swatow (or Shantou)  pier and boarded a ship not knowing where it was heading to. The ship arrived in Singapore and when passengers disembarked, he joined them. He was alone and made his way to a construction site where he found work.

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform and here I am today.

During the course of duty, my wife and I visited China several times, but not once to Shantou. There was no craving to search my roots. Where I am heading is more important than where I came from.

My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world. _ Dr Billy Graham

 

Lieut. Colonel Jose Aguirre - Promoted to Glory

This morning when I turned on the computer received news of the Promotion to Glory of another friend. This message appeared on Facebook.

"The Aguirre Family would like to inform our friends and loved ones that on 01 October 2015, at 7:12 P.M Lt. Col. Jose A. Aguirre Sr. was promoted to glory. He was 78 years old."

He was my Chief Secretary when we were appointed as Territorial Leaders for the Philippines in 1990.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" John 11: 25

"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:21–23)"

Haze - when will this end?

Everybody is asking, "When will haze end?" Everyone is hoping the situation will change. People are suffering the effects of haze. Let's all pray for rain especially in the affected areas in Indonesia. We pray for wisdom and guidance from God for the leaders to act wisely

We quote Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, “remain calm and look out for one another”. Our family is of our utmost importance right now, and if our loved ones experience any haze related illness, stay calm and visit your general practitioner (GP) or polyclinics, whichever convenient."

Mrs. Janet Tang-Liok

Janet Liok a lovely Christian lady 84 years old has gone to be with the Lord. She was called home last Saturday 26th September 2015. We shall miss her.

Despite the haze, my wife and I made our way to Mount Vernon for the service held at Grace Hall. Some Salvation Army folk were already there - Major Ruth Pascoe (former pastor of William Booth Corps), Janet Ong, Ng Mei Ling and Sze Hian were there too.

We did not go to the crematorium as it was just for the family. We understand Major Pascoe did the committal.

Mrs. Janet Liok was the daughter of the well known C K Tan. When the family moved to Cashew Road, they decided to attend the William Booth Corps (church).She was in poor health, but attended meetings regularly until recent months when her health deteriorated. She was a great supporter to the church.

It was at her request that the William Booth Corps band began to play carols every year at the entrance of Tang Department Store. The Salvation Army also has a kettling stand to raise funds for our social and community work. Every year she would invite the carollers and bandsmen to Christmas dinner at the Marriot Hotel Restaurant.

When I was a young Lieutenant in my early twenties, I was appointed to Malacca Corps (church) Her uncle Rev. C Y Chang and aunt were great supporters of The Salvation Army. I recall going to their shop to collect their monthly donation to the church. Every Chinese New Year Eve I would be their guest for the family reunion dinner.

When we were stationed in London, we were able to make contact with Mr. Chang at that time in his nineties and living with their daughter.

God has blessed us with many good friends in many countries all through the years. What  a wonderful day it will be to meet again in Heaven when we see Jesus face to face.

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be.
When we all see Jesus and sing the songs of victory."

2014 13 July WBC Sun Service - Compassion In Action - Commisioner Lim Ah...

Hari Raya Haji

Today is Hari Raya Haji, a public holiday for Singapore. Unfortunately, the haze situation is terrible and at the time of writing the PSI is 210 - unhealthy. Our doors and windows are shut tight.

Thousands are suffering because of the selfishness of those who slash and burn without thinking of the harm caused, not only to their own countrymen, but others in the neighbourhood as well.

We pray for rain to come.

Preach the word of God

“Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God; such alone will shake the gates of hell.” ~ John Wesley

“I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.” ~ Richard Baxter


“Some of the best things I have ever thought of I have thought of during bad sermons.” ~ Jayber Crow (a fictional character by Wendell Barry)


“To preach Christ is to feed the soul, to justify it, to set it free, and to save it, if it believes the preaching.” ~ Martin Luther


“A man who first tried to guess 'what the public wants,' and then preached that as Christianity because the public wants it, would be a pretty mixture of fool and knave” ~ C.S. Lewis


“People have an idea that the preacher is an actor on a stage and they are the critics, blaming or praising him. What they don't know is that they are the actors on the stage; he (the preacher) is merely the prompter standing in the wings, reminding them of their lost lines.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard


“If the truth were known, many sermons are prepared and preached with more regard for the sermon than the souls of the hearers.” ~ George F. Pentecost


“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” ~ Mother Theresa

“The sermon has been reduced to parenthetical church remarks about newspaper events,” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer


“A prepared heart is much better than a prepared sermon. A prepared heart will make a prepared sermon.” ~ E.M. Bounds


“I don't like to hear cut and dried sermons. No—when I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

“It matters to God what is preached. And it matters to Him how it is preached. No man is free to preach whatever and however he so chooses.” ~ Steven Lawson


“The most important thing a pastor does is stand in a pulpit every Sunday and say, 'Let us worship God.' If that ceases to be the primary thing I do in terms of my energy, my imagination, and the way I structure my life, then I no longer function as a pastor.” ~ Eugene Peterson


"He preaches well that lives well." ~ Miguel DeCervantes

Bible study group

Every Tuesday evening a number of our friends meet at our home for Bible Study. At the moment we are doing the Book of Acts. These are adults, very busy people who make time to get together to share the word and fellowship together.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)


We read in Deuteronomy 6:4-9,"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (NIV)

What a privilege to be able to share the word with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Going forward

Dr. Luis Palau the evangelist once said,

"We can go forward and succeed;
We can go forward and fail;
We can stay safe and be mediocre."

At our age, the temptation is to stay at home and be comfortable, waiting for friends to visit us. No, there is no end to ministry - we still can contribute with whatever strength God provides.

Blessed by friends

We have been richly blessed by our many friends local and overseas. Here at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Changi,  we are well supported by the staff and nurses of the Nursing Home.

There is a difference between being friendly and being a friend. We meet many friendly people in Singapore, but not all can be considered true friends.

Last Sunday afternoon we were blessed by the visit of one of the cell groups of William Booth Corps.  The pastors - Majors Beth and Mark Brooks, delightful people brought a number of folk in the Corps van and Earnest and Janice with their two children came in their car. We still keep in touch with our many friends in the other Corps (churches).

The haze was quite bad the PSI  reading was above 100 in the unhealthy range so we were confined indoors, otherwise we could have gone to the poolside and the children could have some fun in the pool. Never mind, we had a great time of fellowship. We were members of the William Booth Corps till our transfer to Changi nine months ago.

A grateful heart

Everyday is a bonus from God to me. Everyday I get up thanking God for yet another day. Despite the haze that seem to blanket our country - 'the little red dot', we keep reasonably well.

I find myself reciting one of the George Herbert's poems I learnt in school - that's ages ago.

"Thou hast given so much to me,
Give me one more - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me;
As if Thy blessing had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise."

Ruling Party PAP elected

The majority of Singaporeans made their choice of Government in the elections held last Friday 11th September 2015. The PAP will continue ruling Singapore until the next election when we go the next polls. Out of the 89 seats the ruling party now control 83 - more than two thirds majority. A big responsibility rests upon them. They need our loyal support and prayers.

Singaporeans have made their choice. Now the nation must work together to move the country forward. We are glad the opposition have graciously accepted the decision of the majority of the people.

Let me share with you a prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr.

"O God give us grace to walk humbly,
and save us from pretension
and every arrogant folly.

You have made us, and not we ourselves.

Help us to remember the limits
of our power and wisdom,
but, help us also
to do our duty within the limits of our own power and wisdom. Amen.

Election Day

My wife and I went at 9.00 a.m to cast our votes. It is our duty as loyal citizens to vote for the party we reckon will do the best for the nation.

We thank God daily for our leaders. They are by no means perfect, but they are doing their best for Singapore. God bless the nation of Singapore.

It is a public holiday today. Except for the haze, it is so peaceful all around us. When we arrived at the polling station we were met by very polite ushers. As senior citizens we went through the priority line. The whole process of voting took up only about five minutes.

Majulah Singapura!

Golden Series Worshop

I attended the first session of "The Golden Series Workshop" arranged by the Health Promotion Board. It was held at the Tampines Polyclinic.  Good to be reminded that we need to take care of our health. I received some very useful tips.

I thank God that at my age of 83, I keep reasonably well. God has been good to me.

And much more important I need to take care of my spiritual health. This is Saturday evening and tomorrow we shall join our brothers and sisters in worship at church.

Of course, I need to look after my own physical and spiritual health by my own daily devotions.

Begin the day with God

Did you have a good start this morning? How do we commence the day?

I assure you there is the perfect way to begin the day. Begin the day with God.
"My voice You shall hear in the morning O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You. And I will look up." Psalm 5: 3 (NKJV)

Before you talk with others, talk with God. It is important to keep our relationship with God right.
                                               
                                                “In the Morning” by Ralph  Cushing

I met God in the morning

When my day was at its best,

And His presence came like sunrise

Like a glory in my breast.

 

All day long the Presence lingered;

All day long He stayed with me.

And we sailed with perfect calmness

O’er a very troubled sea.

 

Other ships were blown and battered,

Other ships were sore distressed;

But the winds that seemed to drive them

Brought to us a peace and rest.

 

Then I thought of other mornings

With a keen remorse of mind,

When I, too, had loosed the moorings

With the Presence left behind.

 

So I think I know the secret,

Learned from many a troubled way.

You must seek God in the morning

If you want Him through the day.

Jesus in the midst

We normally join our brothers and sisters on a Thursday morning for prayers at The Salvation Army Headquarters, Bishan. We are part of the world wide Salvation Army prayer chain.

Every Monday morning we join the Peacehaven Nursing Home Staff for breakfast followed by prayer meeting. Staff attendance is voluntary. Although we are not part of the staff, we are welcomed to participate. It's always a joy and privilege to join our brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer fellowship.

We always sense the presence of our Lord right in our midst. We are reminded of the promise given by our Lord which says,  "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

After the eventful days following Good Friday and the Resurrection a  group of ten nervous and fearful disciples gathered behind closed doors. There was no record of what they were discussing, but I guess they might be recalling the days prior to and after the crucifixion. Perhaps they were wondering what would happen next.

Suddenly, Jesus appeared in their midst.

Events happening in our region and all over the world give us concern, but let us have faith for God is still on the throne and nothing can shake it. He is our Creator of the universe and our Sovereign God is in absolute control.

I've been pondering over the phrase -  Jesus in the midst. Read John 20: 19-23 When we meet for Prayer and Christian Fellowship, our Lord is in the midst.

1 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PROBLEMS

Problems confront us every day. Problems bring perplexities. It is comforting to know that right in the midst of our problems and perplexities our Lord is present in our midst. We are not alone.

Notice, He breathed upon them. The breath of God at Creation meant physical life, and the breath of Jesus Christ in the new creation meant spiritual life. We believers have received the baptism of the Spirit at the point of conversion and the daily infilling of the Spirit when we seek His presence. Life has its problems and perplexities, but thank God He is in our midst to share our problems.

2 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PAIN

There are issues in life that bring us pain. For example, a dear friend of relative is suddenly taken ill or had a serious accident. Or we hear of someone we know killed in a bomb blast while on holiday in the foreign land. Or we might hear of a church member who has decided to give up his faith in God.

We share the hurts and pain of others. Our hearts are burdened with grief. We meet in prayer and suddenly our Lord appears - we know He is our midst to share our pains.

3 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PRAYERS

My wife and I have our own private devotions in the morning. We also have our prayers together before we end the day. When visitors come to visit us, we end the visit with prayer. God answers prayer.

Sometimes we get the answer to our prayer immediately, at other times the answer is delayed. God has His reasons for delayed answers. There have been occasions when in His wisdom He has chosen to deny our requests. However, it is comforting to know He is in our midst to answer our prayers. God knows our needs and He wants the best for us.

Our Lord bids us pray. He has given us the promise. "Ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be open unto you." Luke 11: 9

Let us seek every opportunity to pray be it personal or corporate.

National Day - Sunday 9th August at Changi Corps

National Day celebrations

It was good to begin the day with worship. We joined our fellow believers praising the Lord.

It was a good meeting. In our eighteen years of retirement, we've not heard a Singaporean give the national day message! So for the first time we heard the sermon given by Singaporean Lieutenant Joyce Ng. It was a good message well presented - "Let Charity and Justice Flourish in Our Nation" based on Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 3: 27-30. You can read the outline of the sermon if you turn to the Changi Corps Facebook.

What an encouragement to us to listen three young ladies giving their thanksgiving testimonies - Vanessa Tan, Jaime Yeo and Cleone Tan. In between the verses we sang the song "Count your blessings name them one by one.

Good to see so many wearing red and white, even though different shades of red. What thrilled me was to see a number of non- Singaporeans dressed in red. They just wanted to identify with us Singaporeans.

The National Pledge  was recited in four languages - English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. We sang some of the Singapore songs too!

In the afternoon, we joined our son and family to watch the national day parade. We had the family dinner there.

It was a great day for us. Thanks be to God.

Majulah Singapura!

Today is our National Day. The nation celebrates its 50th year of independence.

We got up early this morning and the first thing I did was to thank God for this another new day. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

I had my prayers and devotion. I prayed for our Government - the President, the Prime Minister and the his cabinet. The 50 Day Devotional published by Love Singapore has the list of leaders  - the Government, the civil service etc.

God has blessed our nation. The future is unknown, but we keep our faith, for God holds our future.

In a short while we shall be joining the folk in worship at our Corps (Church). We pray for the church of which The Salvation Army forms a part. Pray for the church and its leaders that they will remain faithful.

SG50 Film 1965

We've not been to a cinema for a very long time. What a joy to be invited by our grandson David and his wife Yurong, and grand daughter Rachel to join them watch this soul stirring film at Tampines Mall. Our hearts were touched as we viewed the old scenes of Singapore, the racial riots and the destruction. Thank God for good, strong leaders who gave of themselves to the nation.

All over the world there is racial and religious tension, resulting in loss of property and lives. We thank God in Singapore the various races are able to live harmoniously together. Thank God for our founding fathers Lee Kuan Yew and his team. We cannot take this racial harmony for granted. We pray that God will enable our leaders and people to live together in peace and harmony.

The lessons we learn - appearances can deceive us; things are not what they seem. So let's guard our thoughts and our tongues.

"And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself."  James 3: 6

As we celebrate SG50 let us not forget to pray for our nation and its leaders that Divine wisdom and grace be granted them to rule wisely.

The Serenity Prayer

Most of us are familiar with the Serenity Prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
It's been quoted many times.

O God, give us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed,

The courage to change what can be changed,

and the wisdom to know the one from the other

The most well-known form of the prayer attributed to Niebuhr is a late version, as it includes a reference to grace not found before 1951.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

 

He Touched Me [Live]

This beautiful song is found in The Song Book of The Salvation Army No. 475
I've been much blessed singing this song. I use the Song Book besides the Bible for my daily devotions

A sense of belonging

We have had many people after attending our church once or more times decide not to continue but move on to another church. There are many reasons – maybe the style of our worship or they disagree with our doctrines. Perhaps they have moved to another area and it is convenient to worship at a nearby church. There are those who stay on and become involved in the activities, or even become Salvationists or adherents. Some prefer to keep the membership of their own church, but choose to attend our meetings and share fellowship with us. There is a welcome for everyone in the Army.

The probability of new people becoming actively involved is directly related to the number of friends they develop soon after joining the church. Survey shows those who have found new friends and formed personal relationships within the congregation are more likely to remain in the church and become more actively involved. Those who stayed had developed an average of more than seven new friends in the church.

On the other hand those who dropped out could identify an average of less than two friends. This may not be due to the church members being unfriendly. The new members may not be overtly rejected. Often, dare I say, there is a superficial level of friendliness. So let us not go just for superficial courtesy – this ‘nice to see you’ then leaving them. They are forgotten. “The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference” says Ken Abraham.

Let’s offer people genuine friendship, enquiring about their families and seeking to bless them with any practical help we can give. Try and sit with them on the same table. Let us love them with the love of the Lord. Every person is precious in the eyes of God.

 It is good to have our special group of friends – people who talk the same language, share common interests or citizens of the same country. The kingdom of God knows no boundaries. It is inclusive not exclusive. Broaden your group to make new people feel they belong. Let us all unite to create the atmosphere where when new comers feel they belong. And they will want to come again because they have found friends here!

  In Christ there is no east of west,

      In Him no south or north,

But one great fellowship of love

     Throughout the whole wide earth.  John Oxenham (SASB 826)

 

 

 

Esther Lau Ee Soo (Mrs. Foo Kia Pang)

 This saintly lady went to be with the Lord on 11th July. the funeral was held on 15th July. We have known Mrs.Esther Foo for many years - my wife first knew her more than 70 years ago!

When we were Corps Officers (pastors) of Singapore Central Corps from 1970 to 1974, we made regular visits to the Foo family at Pasir Panjang.  

After 15 years away on overseas service (January 1983- 1997) we returned to our homeland Singapore to retire. We spent another three months holding on at Central Corps. We made pastoral visits to their home at Jalan Lengkok Mariam in Changi. We enjoyed fellowship with them.

Within weeks of our arrival home for retirement, Mr. Foo Kia Pang was promoted to Glory. We were able to minster to him at Changi Hospital and later I conducted his funeral.

Mr. Foo was a Salvation Army officer before the war. He was assistant to Adjutant Fred Harvey in Penang. Mrs. Foo as Esther Lau was about to enter Training to be an officer, but war came. Colonel Lord commissioned her and another officer as Lieutenants (although they were not trained yet) and appointed to do social work.

She married Lieutenant Foo Kia Pang. Later they resigned from the Salvation Army and joined the Social Welfare. They remained as Salvationists.

God bless the Foo family.

Thelma Webb (Major) Promoted to Glory

Today is the funeral of Mrs. Major Thelma Webb, a very close friend of ours. She was promoted to Glory last week. The funeral is being held at Box Hill Corps, Australia.

30th April 1962, my wife and I with our two children - Gladys two years' old and Stephen a baby of six weeks arrived at the Wharf at Pending, Brigadier Elsie Willis and Captain and Mrs. Robert Webb were there to welcome us and take us to the quarters at Sekama Road, Kuching. That was the beginning of our friendship with this lovely couple who were stationed at the Boys' Home. We were appointed to the Corps. Since that day we have remained the best of friends.

We were Uncle and Aunty to their two children Geoffrey and Carolyn. To our two children they were Uncle Bob and Aunty Thelma. We shared fellowship in each other's homes. Quite often on  a Monday, we would take time off and had picnic in the Park. The four adults chatted while the children played together. The day would end with a meal in what they called the 'coffee shop' across the road.

Later in 1965 they left for homeland furlough, we took over the Home from them. We ran both the Corps and Home.

After furlough they returned to the Command, and were appointed to Singapore Children's Home. We moved to Penang Boys' Home and Primary school. We kept up our friendship through correspondences.  Their last appointment was at Balestier Corps. We have kept up our friendship and we count them as our very close friends.

Just recently Julie visited us in Singapore.  I recall dedicating her in Kuching Corps!

The Webb family are dear to us  - Geoff, Carolyn, Julie and Russell and spouses still keep in touch with us and our family. God bless the Webb family. Thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.

2015 June 28 WBC Sunday Service

JDOP 2015 Jubilee Countdown 100 Shofars

Serving suffering humanity

At the end of our lives we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread but for love. Naked not only for clothing but naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of bricks, but homeless because of rejection. Who will pass the test?
50.DAY 2015

Air conditioning

The weather is extremely hot and to add to the discomfort the air conditioner in our bedroom broke down! The compressor went bust and is beyond repair! The set is more than 10 years old!  For the last few days, we slept in a sauna; or seemed to be!

Anyway, we have a new unit put in as the old one put in and we are able to get a good night's sleep.

We are so privileged!  We should be grateful; think of the heat in Pakistan. The extreme heat has spared no one. The very young, the very old and those in the prime of their lives are affected. Hospitals are overwhelmed, relying on volunteers and donors for ice, water and even spare beds. By Thursday, the death toll from the oppressive heat wave in Sindh province topped 1,000.

What is the world coming to?

The dream of our General

Let's share the dream of our General  - Andre Cox

I dream of a committed, effective and joyful Army, rooted and confident in the word of God and on its knees.
I dream of an Army that truly reflects the mind of Jesus in our commitment to the poor and the marginalised.
I dream of an Army that practices what it preaches from the top leadership down, an Army that is a visible and living example of Kingdom values.
I dream of an Army that values its youth where our young people feel that they have a voice.
I dream of an Army with strong relevant and streamlined administrative structures and a much more effective use of our financial and material resources.
I dream of an Army where all cultures are equally accepted and celebrated through the spiritual ties that bind us all together.
I dream of an Army that shuns the dependency culture.

We say Amen to that statement. May it be the dream of every Salvationist and anyone connected with The Salvation Army.

50 Day 2015 - Daily Readings for 50 days before National Day

We have always been blessed in using the Daily Readings produced by Love Singapore. In previous years,  the readings were for 40 days leading to our National Day.

The articles are very well written in simple language - no highfalutin, pompous language like some writers do just to boost their own ego. It is always better to be plain and simple than burden the readers' mind with language that they cannot understand.  Long, complicated, complex sentences tend to confuse the reader. Let's be simple and relevant.

Get your copy now and use it in your devotions. Be assured, you will be truly blessed as I have been.

Tragedy at Charleston USA

The world shares the grief and sorrow of the relatives and friends of nine innocent black people who were mercilessly gunned down by a racist young white 21 year old man. The victims were at a Bible class held at a Methodist Episcopal church. What a tragedy for the nation.

For PeaceEternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (From Book of Common Prayer)

 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2: 1-4 (ESV)

My soul be on thy guard

Shakespeare in his play "Cleopatra" paints a picture of Antony as one of the great soldiers in the world. He was pictured as one of the triple pillars of the Roman Empire.

Sadly, his dealings with Cleopatra led to lust of the flesh. Gradually he yielded to temptation and became a fleshly slave of Cleopatra - " a strumpet's fool, reduced to dotage and disgrace."

O God, Am I to run a race,
Who lack the very self restraint
That would all subtle lust abase
And win the laurel of a saint?

Everyday, lust lies in wait like a crouching tiger or a serpent at the door ready to pounce upon us, urging us to surrender to passion. Remember the warning in Scripture against the wiles of the flesh - the world, the flesh and the devil. They appear on the screens of television, the internet, in books and magazines, the list is endless.

My soul, be on they guard!
Ten thousand foes arise;
The hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.

O watch, and fight and pray!
The battle ne'er give o'er;
Renew it boldly everyday,
And help divine implore

Ne'er think the victory won,
Nor lay thine armour down;
Thy arduous take will not be done
Till thou obtain the crown.  George Heath

 

 

Picture printed in the Sunday Times 8th June 1958

Our 57th Wedding Anniversary

Fifty seven years ago, 7th June 1958, my wife and I were married. As we look back we thank God for all these years He has given us. We've journeyed together through stormy seas, dark valleys; we have enjoyed mountain top experiences. We thank God for days of adversity and days of prosperity. And the Lord has always been with us.

Every morning we have our own private devotions. We make use of The Salvation Army publication "Words of Life" thus join ourselves with the International Army world in prayer. In the evening we share the Daily Bread.  

Every evening before we end the day, we have prayers together. At the end of each day we thank God for His blessings for the day and bring before Him our family and friends.

God is with us all the time,
In the morning when joy bells chime.
In the evening when lights are low,
Our God is with us everywhere we go. (Author unknown)

Lieut. Colonels Allen and Esther Satterlee

In our lifetime, we have met and worked with many reinforcement officers, or missionaries as we used to refer to them. Some came and worked for a term or even less, others served more than one term; a few served a whole life time here in Singapore and Malaysia. In the past they used to work for five years, then the length was reduced to four. Then there was a further change to allow a mid-term furlough after the first two years. Now the term is changed to three years.

Some officers do not connect with us after their return to their home country. There are others who keep up the relationship. Among these were the Satterlees.  Lieut. Colonel Allen was our editor of the War Cry and his wife Esther worked the Women's Department. They were appointed Corps Officers (pastors) of the Pasir Panjang Corps which later moved to Upper Bukit Timah and became the William Booth Corps. We were privileged to work with them through the years and have been blessed by their ministry.

We have kept contact with them since they left us to serve in Papua New Guinea, the Caribbeans and now back in their homeland, USA. They were on their way to visit Thailand and was able to break their journey to spend some time with old friends in Singapore. They visited us and we were able to share lunch fellowship with them.

One of the precious gifts in life is friendship and my wife and I have been truly blessed by many friends. Of course the majority live in Singapore our homeland. But we have friends all over the world. Now with modern technology we are able to make contact very easily.

Birthday celebrations

Last week was a week of celebration for my birthday. We were invited out for lunches and dinner by friends and relatives. On the day itself, 30th May, we had high tea in a restaurant at Thompson Plaza with our son and family. We came home and I thought to myself -'now I can have a quiet evening all to ourselves.'

This was not to be; for in the early afternoon, our son and daughter-in-law turned up and before long, a group of our former young people of Singapore Central Corps invaded our home. We were Corps Officers (pastors) of this church at that time in Clemenceau Avenue from January 1970-1974 some 40 years ago! These 'young people' now in their fifties have not forgotten us and a group came to celebrate my 83rd birthday! One came from Italy for holiday and was able to join in the celebration. There was an abundance of food that they brought. One lady, Lydia a professional cake maker made a lovely cake iced with the Salvation Army Crest. What an unforgettable evening we had! It will remain in my memory for a long time.

We thank God for the privilege of serving Him in Singapore and Malaysia in the early days of our ministry - Singapore, Melaka, Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching. We have friends in all these places. God has blessed us with many spiritual children quite a number we still keep in touch.

In January 1983 we were transferred to Hong Kong and Taiwan and after seven and half years moved to the Philippines. What adventures we had; not a dull moment. Our last four years in active service were spent in London. Our work entailed visiting 15 countries in South Pacific and East Asia and making even more contacts. As a bonus we were invited to conduct meets in Europe and America. God has been wonderful to us.

The day after my birthday another of our former young people, now happily married and settled in Australia telephoned us. She had heard from her friends about the celebration and wished she could be with the group. We had a long chat on the phone.  She wanted to know why I have not been blogging of late. The truth is as age catches up with me, I do feel tired at the end of the day. She had been following by blog. So here am I starting again rambling along, typing the thoughts as they come.

We became officers in The Salvation Army in October 1954 and retired in May 1997. Active and retired, we have been serving God as officers for almost 61 years. Not a moment of regret. There have been disappointments and discouragements, but His grace has always seen us through.

Visit to Marina Sands Skypark

A friend took a group of visitors and us to the Marina Sands Skypark during the week. What a spectacular view of our island city from the 57th Storey!! Amazing!  We had a breath taking view of the Singapore Skyline; we could see the Singapore Flyer the world's largest Giant Observation Wheel which stands at a hight of 165 metres.

I felt like Moses standing on Mount Pisgah's (or Mount Nebo) lofty height viewing the land.

God has blessed us with family and friends who have been very generous and kind to us. Daily we thank God and pray for them.

Need for discipline

In his book "Spiritual Leadership" J Oswald Sanders wrote: Only the disciplined person will rise to his highest powers. The leader is able to lead others because he has conquered himself... A leader is a person who has first submitted willingly and learned to obey a discipline imposed from without, but who then imposes upon himself a much more rigorous discipline from within. Those who rebel against authority and scorn self-discipline seldom seldom qualify for leadership of a higher order...(Those) of leadership caliber will work while others waste time, study while others sleep and pray while others play."

A prayer for discipline from Amy Carmichael.

    God, harden me against myself,
    The coward with pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and rest and joy.
    Myself, arch traitor to myself,
       My hollowest friend,
       My deadliest foe,
My clog, wherever road I go.

Exploring the neighbourhood.

Had a good time exploring Tampines area. We visited the Polyclinic and had our names registered for the next appointments. Then went off for lunch at Tampines Mall and shopped at FairPrice supermarket. We have been in the eastern side of Singapore for nearly four months and are gradually learning the area.

God has been good in providing for our needs and everyday we give Him thanks and praise His Mighty name.

God's blessings!

In the past when we were much younger my wife used to bake her own hot cross buns and shared with our neighbours. We always had hot cross buns on Easter Sunday morning!

Just before Easter, she said to me she would like to have some hot cross buns although she felt too tired to bake. I went to Bedok and visited cake shops and supermarkets but could not find any.

On Saturday, day after Good Friday when we went to Territorial Headquarters someone gave us a packet and inside were some cakes plus two hot cross buns! We said to this friend, "You are the answer to prayer!" God sees the desires of our hearts.

But God blessings were to come in abundance - during that week our two grand daughters one after another brought us hot cross buns! Then just as I was leaving church another friend came with some more hot cross buns.

God's blessings come in abundance. His word tells us, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

The word of God assures us that if we delight ourselves in him, his glory, beauty, love and majesty will so fill us that we will desire nothing else.  We will be perfectly content.  He will have satisfied every desire of our hearts — in Himself.

And Psalm 37: 4 tells us that God will do this for everyone who delights himself in the Lord.

Easter quotations

Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. ~ Clarence W. Hall

The stone was rolled away from the door, not to permit Christ to come out, but to enable the disciples to go in. ~ Peter Marshall

We live and die; Christ died and lived!  ~ John Stott

Do not abandon yourselves to despair: We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song. ~ Pope John Paul II

Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death. ~ Soren Kierkegaard

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:14

Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility and our ultimate destiny. ~ Rick Warren

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time. ~ Martin Luther

Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection. ~ Watchman Nee

Easter is always the answer to "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!" ~ Madeleine L’Engle

We must not forget that it wasn’t the Jews that put him on the cross, and it wasn’t the Romans. It was my sins, it was your sins, the sins of this world. ~ Franklin Graham

A dead Christ I must do everything for; a living Christ does everything for me. ~ Andrew Murray

Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, "Christ is risen," but "I shall rise." ~ Phillips Brooks

"He is risen; he is not here." ~ Mark 16:6

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" ~ Jesus Christ, John 11:25, 26

Visit of General Andre Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox

Our International Leaders are now in Singapore and to-morrow will be speaking at the Combined Good Friday Service at Singapore Central Corps at 10.00 a.m. In the evening they will be addressing the youth.

We look forward to a good and blessed time with our leaders who are here to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Army in Singapore.

Saturday we shall have a busy day for us. The day begins with Officers' Councils at 10.00 a.m.

After lunch at 3.00 p.m. will be the Cadets' Commissioning and Ordination Service for the six cadets.

In the evening there will be the Celebration of Praise.

On Sunday we shall be joining the folk in celebration of Easter. One thing we shall miss this year will the the usual Sunrise Service early in the morning.

Choir from St John's College, University of Cambridge, sings "Home" at P...

Signed the condolence book at Tampines

The body of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, our first Prime Minister is lying in state at Parliament House. Thousands brave the heat and long wait of up to eight hours in the queue to pay their respects. The response from Singaporeans, permanent residents, visitors is overwhelming.

Because of the distance and other factors we decided to go to the nearest centre at Tampines to pay our respects and sign the book of condolences. We were welcomed by the volunteers this morning. People have taken leave to volunteer to man the centres.

We stood for some quiet moments and thanked God for raising such a man as Lee Kuan Yew. He was the man for the hour. Thank You Lord for all Your goodness.

Mr.Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully 23rd March 2015

We woke up as normal 5.00 a.m. on Monday 23rd March 2015. Suddenly the music from the radio was interrupted by the announcement that our nation's founding father, the first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew "passed away peacefully at 3.18 a.m"

Frankly we were saddened, but we give to thanks to God for Lee Kuan Yew. Without him where would Singapore be?  History would have to be written differently.

My wife and I belong to that generation referred to as Pioneer Generation. We went through those difficult days.

I shall keep the special edition of the Straits Times.  Wonderful to read the tributes which have made by people all over the world and our own Singaporeans and even the non-citizens residing in Singapore.

Three months in our new home

Exactly three months ago we moved to our present home at Changi. By the end of that day we were really tired physically. The staff of Peaceehaven came to help us unpacked and we settled for the night on a new bed.

We are quite settled now. We have been exploring the neighbourhood. This morning we went to Simei East Point to do some shopping. We got a lift from Mr. Michael Ng in the Peacehaven van. He dropped us at the car part and we made our way to the mall.

We were to meet him again at the Car Park at 11 a.m. Unfortunately we made the wrong turn and got lost. We asked a young man for directions. He used his phone to check the location and even spent time to take us to the car park. His was a national serviceman.

We hear criticism of today's youth for being thoughtless. Certainly there are many thoughtful and kind young men and women around who will go out of the way to help someone particularly the elderly.

We step into a train or bus and someone is sure to give us his or her seat. Thank God for good and kind people everywhere. Here in Peacehaven we are very well cared for by our many friends. God has certainly blessed us with good friends.

Family gathering for Chinese New Year

The Aws and the Lims - First day of Chinese New Year at our Changi home.

Prayer on giving

Let me share a prayer written by John Gowans, a former General.

"Please let me be extravagant
In what I give or do.
I want to spend my 'Everything'
And all my time with You.

Not penny-pinching, miserly,
Not keeping strict account;
Investing all I have and then
Forgetting the amount!

If, feeling sorry for myself,
I start to count the cost,
Then I shall be the poorer -
What I have gained will all be lost.

O Lord when I begin to stray
From dedication's track,
Remind me of the way You gave
And I'll hold nothing back!  (from "O Lord" by John Gowans)

Privileges of ministry

We have been living in Changi since 16 December last year, almost three months. How fast time flies! The speed of time increases as we get older. By the end of May I shall be 83 that's past the average life span for Singaporeans! I do enjoy life and still find fulfilment in ministry.

We are able to visit our special daughter every day and let her have her bottle of Vitagen or Yakult. She enjoys this. The question is often posed to us, "Does she know or recognise you?" Well we don't know as she cannot indicate, but I believe in her own way she knows God and she is in communication with the Almighty. We always pray a simple prayer with her and commit her to Him.
Sometimes we sing to her songs like "Gentle Jesus meek and mild, Look upon a little child" or "Jesus loves me, this I know."

We still have a ministry here at the Corps (church) and Peacehaven. Every alternate Wednesday evening we have a fellowship meeting with the Indonesian nurses. They are the newest lot of nurses at the Home and we have been asked to specially care for them. All of them are from Palu Salvation Army Academy of Nursing.

We start the evening with singing. They love singing from the Salvation Army Song Book in both English and Indonesian. We are brushing up our Bahasa Melayu which is similar to Indonesian. We do not get the same nurses each week because of rotation of duties. These nurses are good support to the Corps. We have been much blessed by these new nurses.

Of course we do meet with the other nurses as well. The Home has nurses from Philippines, Myarmar, China, India, Malaysia and of course Singapore.

We have been retired close to 18 years but there is no retirement from ministry. Thank God there are always opportunity for ministry.

Chinese New Year Party with staff of Peacehaven

Kind neighbours

Just across the road from where we live is the company called APPLIED MATERIALS. There is a standing invitation from the management for residents of Peacehaven and Hope Centre to visit their canteen every Wednesday for coffee and refreshments. The number forming the visiting giroup depends largely on the number of volunteers coming forward to help our residents.

We have been invited to join them any time we wish. We have been three times since we moved in here.

Memorial Service - Charles Lim

"Precious memories, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold J B F Wright

What memories of times past! About 350 people met at Changi Corps Hall for the Memorial Service for our friend Charles Lim. I recall the day when he was born. I was a teen-ager at Balestier Corps (church) then. We were enjoying some fellowship there that day, 65 years ago, when a messenger came running to announce the arrival of a new baby to the Lim family - named Charles!

On 23 January 2015 while on a visit to America for the graduation of his son, Ian, Charles was promoted to Glory. He was cremated in the States and on Saturday 7th February we had a Memorial Service.

Charles' father was my Sunday School teacher when I, a five-year old, first joined The Salvation Army. way back in 1937. So I had very close association with the Lim family.

Charles had been helping out at the Peacehaven Nursing Home since his retirement. Madam Low Mui Lang, the Executive Director, a fellow Salvationist arranged for the Memorial Service.

The Central Corps band was invited to play at the Memorial. Some of the bandsmen from William Booth Corps joined the Central Band for the occasion. The family chose four of Charles' favourite songs - 'Onward Christian Soldiers,' 'Jesus loves me,' 'Pass me not O loving Saviour' and 'It is well with my soul.'

Representative speakers were Ian Lim the son, and Benny Tan a good friend for many years. Ben Soh Charles cell leader read the Scriptures.  Madam Low a fellow Salvationist led the meeting.

I was invited to give the exhortation and close the service in prayer and benediction. Then the folk adjourned to the Peacehaven Dining room to have lunch.

We thank God for the life of Charles Lim. We are assured by the promise of our Lord we shall meet him again in Heaven.

"Some day this earthly house will fall,
   And I no more as now shall see,
But this I know my All in All,
   Has now a place in heaven for me.

And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story , saved by grace.