It was real joy on a Sunday afternoon (28th February) to have David and Christine Rees here to visit us, thanks to our good friend Ng Seng Chow who brought them. The Rees had only arrived that morning, put their luggage in the hotel, rushed to join in the service at 11.00 a.m.at Central Corps and to meet old friends. They used to worship in this church more than forty years ago. We were then the Corps Officers (pastors)
We had a great time recalling the good old days. We were very nostalgic indeed.
We then made our to a nearby restaurant to have a late lunch; returned to Peacehaven to have a brief tour of the Nursing Home, had a drink before they left us.
David and Christine had gone to visit their old mission field Sri Lanka and were now on their way home. They are here for a couple of days as tourists.
David and John his twin brother did their national service in Singapore. As good salvationists they spent their Sundays and other spare time at The Salvation Army. They played in the Central Corps Band and with their wives Christine and Narrelle respectively sang in the Songsters. We were privileged to have such good people supporting us. In fact they used to help us with Christian broadcasts over Radio Singapore. They used to sing quartets. David and Christine were also the pianist and organist.
They left us some 46 years ago to return to their homeland Australia. Both couples entered The Salvation Army Training College and became officers. They have retired recently. We look forward to meet Majors John and Narrelle when they will be Singapore for a few days holiday at the end of May.
Good friends when they part may not have the opportunity to meet because of distance, and other reasons such as work commitments, but when the privilege comes for them to meet, it seems like no time separation at all.
Modern life is hectic especially for Singaporeans. Our schedules are packed even for us retirees! There are channels that we can make us of - the internet, e-mail etc and for us who know the Lord, we can intercede for each other.
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes , our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship gain
Through all eternity. John Fawcett
Monday, February 29, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Facing death
Since returning to Singapore in mid 1997, a number of our friends have gone to be with the Lord. ".... each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment." Hebrews 9: 27 (New Living translation) This is the reality of life. Sooner or later all of us have to face death whether we are ready or not. We have no choice.
We may use euphemism to describe death like "promotion to Glory" "passed away" "gone home to be with the Lord" to soften the thought of it but it does not change its reality.
Death is described as The Grim Reaper - it comes as a skeletal figure carrying a scythe ready to mow down the individual regardless of race, religion, gender or age. It takes away the spouse leaving the other broken, helpless victim without companion to fend for himself or herself. It robs parents of their precious baby leaving them to mourn their loss. It arrives unannounced suddenly, or we feel its shadow lingering in the sick room waiting to claim the victim.
The Grim Reaper at times and hauls away hundreds or even thousands making use of an earthquake, a tsumani, typhoon, fire, a plane crash or sunken vessel. No way can anyone prevent death from claiming the victims. Power, wealth whatever we possess are useless to prevent the reality of death.
Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "Be vital, enjoy life, make the best of it, never think of death." Sounds great wisdom to avoid worries! Years later when he was seriously ill he had this to say, "With the best will in the world, no man can always be twenty five, the shadow of this prison house is creeping over my life"
It is impossible not to think of death. We view it on our television screens, we read in the newspapers. We suddenly receive an sms telling us the news of the passing of a loved one. We comfort ourselves using euphemism and in The Salvation Army we often say, 'promotion to Glory.' It's a fact, we move from this earth and promoted to the Heavenly realms. But it is natural to feel the pain of parting and grieve our loss.
Soon we shall be celebrating Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. In fact every Sunday when we meet we are celebrating the Lord's Day - His resurrection.
Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, imprisoned by the Nazis was told by his captors one day in April 1945 to get ready for his death. He requested his guards for five minutes for a last prayer in the cell. Then standing up, he shook hands with them and said, "For me, this is the beginning of life. Now to be with Him."
In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul writes, “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. ‘O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He lives, I know that my Redeemer lives!
We may use euphemism to describe death like "promotion to Glory" "passed away" "gone home to be with the Lord" to soften the thought of it but it does not change its reality.
Death is described as The Grim Reaper - it comes as a skeletal figure carrying a scythe ready to mow down the individual regardless of race, religion, gender or age. It takes away the spouse leaving the other broken, helpless victim without companion to fend for himself or herself. It robs parents of their precious baby leaving them to mourn their loss. It arrives unannounced suddenly, or we feel its shadow lingering in the sick room waiting to claim the victim.
The Grim Reaper at times and hauls away hundreds or even thousands making use of an earthquake, a tsumani, typhoon, fire, a plane crash or sunken vessel. No way can anyone prevent death from claiming the victims. Power, wealth whatever we possess are useless to prevent the reality of death.
Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "Be vital, enjoy life, make the best of it, never think of death." Sounds great wisdom to avoid worries! Years later when he was seriously ill he had this to say, "With the best will in the world, no man can always be twenty five, the shadow of this prison house is creeping over my life"
It is impossible not to think of death. We view it on our television screens, we read in the newspapers. We suddenly receive an sms telling us the news of the passing of a loved one. We comfort ourselves using euphemism and in The Salvation Army we often say, 'promotion to Glory.' It's a fact, we move from this earth and promoted to the Heavenly realms. But it is natural to feel the pain of parting and grieve our loss.
Soon we shall be celebrating Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. In fact every Sunday when we meet we are celebrating the Lord's Day - His resurrection.
Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, imprisoned by the Nazis was told by his captors one day in April 1945 to get ready for his death. He requested his guards for five minutes for a last prayer in the cell. Then standing up, he shook hands with them and said, "For me, this is the beginning of life. Now to be with Him."
In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul writes, “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. ‘O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He lives, I know that my Redeemer lives!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Farewell of Chief Secretary and TSWM
Lieut. Colonels Leopoldo and Evelyn Posadas who have been working here for two years and ten months will be returning to their home territory on 28th February 2016 to take up the same role as they held here - Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary of Women's Ministries.
When we first met they they were Corps Officers (pastors) of Camiling in the Philippines. Since then they took up other appointments in different parts of Philippines and spent a number of years in Bangladesh. The Army wheel turns and soon they will be back home to take up their last appointment (probably) before they retire.
God bless our comrades as they leave us for the Philippines.
When we first met they they were Corps Officers (pastors) of Camiling in the Philippines. Since then they took up other appointments in different parts of Philippines and spent a number of years in Bangladesh. The Army wheel turns and soon they will be back home to take up their last appointment (probably) before they retire.
God bless our comrades as they leave us for the Philippines.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Major Lim Teck Fung promoted to Glory
The Major was promoted to Glory on 23rd February 2016. The news came as a shock to all his friends and relatives. I understand Mrs. Grace Lim went to wake him up in the morning and found he had gone to be with the Lord.
We knew the couple when they came from Malaysia to work at the Army's Boys' Home at Bakau Lane. They later entered training and while they were cadets came to Kuala Lumpur where we were the pastors to do their practical training.
They served in the different parts of Malaysia and eventually retired to his hometown near Kuala Lumpur. They have been worshipping at Kuala Lumpur Corps.
The funeral will be on 25th February following two nights of wake.
We thank God for the Major, a faithful servant of Christ. We remember Mrs Lim and the family in our prayers.
We knew the couple when they came from Malaysia to work at the Army's Boys' Home at Bakau Lane. They later entered training and while they were cadets came to Kuala Lumpur where we were the pastors to do their practical training.
They served in the different parts of Malaysia and eventually retired to his hometown near Kuala Lumpur. They have been worshipping at Kuala Lumpur Corps.
The funeral will be on 25th February following two nights of wake.
We thank God for the Major, a faithful servant of Christ. We remember Mrs Lim and the family in our prayers.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Chinese New Year - Yu sheng
Singaporeans love to have Yu sheng, a dish of strips of raw fish, usually salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables, a variety of spices and condiments among other ingredients. Yu sheng literally means raw fish symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
Family and friends sit at the round table. The celebration begins when all stand up to toss the yusheng saying appropriate words.
We had the first yusheng with a former cell member Vicky and her friend at a restaurant at Tampines. This was done before New Year when she came to visit us.
The second time was held at the appropriate time, New Year's Eve at our son's home with his family. Eight of us sat round the table to celebrate the usual reunion dinner.
The third time was at Peacehaven Nursing Home with the staff and invited guests including the Territorial Leaders - Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham and Major Patti Niemand.
Today is the 11th Day of the Lunar New Year. Come 22nd, the 15th February, there will be more celebrations - Lantern Festival, Chinese Valentine's day and the closure of the New Year.
Family and friends sit at the round table. The celebration begins when all stand up to toss the yusheng saying appropriate words.
We had the first yusheng with a former cell member Vicky and her friend at a restaurant at Tampines. This was done before New Year when she came to visit us.
The second time was held at the appropriate time, New Year's Eve at our son's home with his family. Eight of us sat round the table to celebrate the usual reunion dinner.
The third time was at Peacehaven Nursing Home with the staff and invited guests including the Territorial Leaders - Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham and Major Patti Niemand.
Today is the 11th Day of the Lunar New Year. Come 22nd, the 15th February, there will be more celebrations - Lantern Festival, Chinese Valentine's day and the closure of the New Year.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Chinese New Year 5th Day
New Year's Eve, we were at our son's home for reunion dinner. Eight of us sat round the table to enjoy 'steam boat.' It was a lovely time for the family.
The first two days we received many visitors - our relatives and friends who came to visit us to pay their respects. They brought mandarin oranges to wish us happiness and prosperity. As is the custom we reciprocated using appropriate words to convey God's blessings.
The third day, I had a hospital appointment, so the afternoon was spent at Changi General Hospital, In the evening we had two visitors.
The superstitious believe it is unlucky to visit on the third day as it might lead to quarrels. Of course as Christians we do not share this view. However, I can see the wisdom of resting on the third day. It has been hectic for many making preparations for the New Year, and after two days of visiting it is wise to stop and take a rest. In any case, it is not a public holiday in Singapore. People have to back to work and at the end of a working day take a rest.
The seventh day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to man and is therefore every one's birthday! Some may make it a time to invite friends and business colleagues to special dinner. Another excuse to celebrate in Singapore!
Chinese New Year in fact lasts for a period of 15 days. Of course, no one today spend all the 15 days in celebration. This 15th day is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In ancient China it was the only day of the year when young ladies could leave their homes with mothers to the temples where they would steal shy glances at young handsome male worshippers. There is no need for our young girls to wait to do this. Today's world, young men and women are free to find their own boy friends or girl friends any time. Plenty of freedom!!
The first two days we received many visitors - our relatives and friends who came to visit us to pay their respects. They brought mandarin oranges to wish us happiness and prosperity. As is the custom we reciprocated using appropriate words to convey God's blessings.
The third day, I had a hospital appointment, so the afternoon was spent at Changi General Hospital, In the evening we had two visitors.
The superstitious believe it is unlucky to visit on the third day as it might lead to quarrels. Of course as Christians we do not share this view. However, I can see the wisdom of resting on the third day. It has been hectic for many making preparations for the New Year, and after two days of visiting it is wise to stop and take a rest. In any case, it is not a public holiday in Singapore. People have to back to work and at the end of a working day take a rest.
The seventh day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to man and is therefore every one's birthday! Some may make it a time to invite friends and business colleagues to special dinner. Another excuse to celebrate in Singapore!
Chinese New Year in fact lasts for a period of 15 days. Of course, no one today spend all the 15 days in celebration. This 15th day is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In ancient China it was the only day of the year when young ladies could leave their homes with mothers to the temples where they would steal shy glances at young handsome male worshippers. There is no need for our young girls to wait to do this. Today's world, young men and women are free to find their own boy friends or girl friends any time. Plenty of freedom!!
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Day before Lunar New Year Eve
To day Saturday is a quiet day for us at home. However it is busy time for the young and middle age who are preparing for Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.
This year Lunar New Year begins on Monday - first day of the first moon (month). According to the Gregorian calendar, this is anytime between 21st January and 19th February.
The years from 1990 - 1997 the period we were in the Philippines and London, we did not celebrate Lunar New Year. No public holiday in these countries and we had to be in office. But privately we arranged for dinner in the form of 'steam boat' and invited some of our friends to our home on New Year's Eve.
Since we returned to Singapore we always have reunion dinner with our family. We had one last Thursday with our daughter and family. Tomorrow on the eve of New Year they will be with our son-in-law's family for the reunion dinner. We, of course will celebrate the reunion dinner at our son's home with his family.
Tradition has it that it is a time of settling all debts. Tradition has it that all debts must be paid before New Year's Day. The superstitious believe that if debts are not cleared before the New Year the debtor will be debt ridden for the rest of the year.
Today's world, the majority still have to pay their mortgage for the HDB flat, perhaps for the next 20 or thirty years! And the bank loan you took for the son's education you still need to pay.
Its also the time for reconciliation, to start life afresh. One of our grandchildren will come for us to-morrow to take us to their home for the reunion dinner. We are indeed very blessed. We have no debts to pay, nothing to worry just trust in the Lord who provides for all our needs. The pension from The Salvation Army is sufficient for our needs. Take heed of our Lord's promise to His children who trust Him - Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This year Lunar New Year begins on Monday - first day of the first moon (month). According to the Gregorian calendar, this is anytime between 21st January and 19th February.
The years from 1990 - 1997 the period we were in the Philippines and London, we did not celebrate Lunar New Year. No public holiday in these countries and we had to be in office. But privately we arranged for dinner in the form of 'steam boat' and invited some of our friends to our home on New Year's Eve.
Since we returned to Singapore we always have reunion dinner with our family. We had one last Thursday with our daughter and family. Tomorrow on the eve of New Year they will be with our son-in-law's family for the reunion dinner. We, of course will celebrate the reunion dinner at our son's home with his family.
Tradition has it that it is a time of settling all debts. Tradition has it that all debts must be paid before New Year's Day. The superstitious believe that if debts are not cleared before the New Year the debtor will be debt ridden for the rest of the year.
Today's world, the majority still have to pay their mortgage for the HDB flat, perhaps for the next 20 or thirty years! And the bank loan you took for the son's education you still need to pay.
Its also the time for reconciliation, to start life afresh. One of our grandchildren will come for us to-morrow to take us to their home for the reunion dinner. We are indeed very blessed. We have no debts to pay, nothing to worry just trust in the Lord who provides for all our needs. The pension from The Salvation Army is sufficient for our needs. Take heed of our Lord's promise to His children who trust Him - Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
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