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