The Lord has given us with many friends who are of great blessing to us. Many live locally here, others reside elsewhere; Where they live is immaterial. It is a small world and with modern technology we can always connect with each other.
I recall the year 2002 when my wife and I were invited to visit Perth to preach and conduct Bible studies at Floreat Park Corps (church) The following week we took on responsibility of preaching at the Perth Chinese speaking Corps. The officers in charge, Keith and Mary Cheng were originally from Hong Kong where we were the leaders from January 1983 for seven and half years. Keith was then the Social Services Secretary.
This couple resigned and emigrated to Australia where Keith worked for the Australian Government as a social worker for quite a number of years. However, one day they decided to return to The Salvation Army. They were reaccepted as officers of The Salvation Army and appointed as the pastors of the Chinese Ministry at Perth. We were invited to preach to his congregation.
Keith introduced us to his brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Wendy, a lovely devoted Christian couple belonging to the Anglican church. They were very hospital to us, invited us to their home for dinner and I recall we spent a whole evening singing hymns and Salvation Army songs.
We learned that day that Kenneth was formerly a Salvationist of Kowloon Central Corps Hong Kong in his younger days! He was one of the delegates to the Salvation Army International Youth Congress held in London! I could sense his heart was very much "Army."
At present he and his wife worship at a Church in Perth where the pastor and his wife were formerly from Trinity Christian Church Singapore! In fact she is Angelina Yeo of Balestier Corps (church) and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Yeo! My wife dedicated Angelina when she was a baby! What a small world.
Kenneth and Wendy Cheng decided to attend Changi Corps (church) on Sunday and I happened to be the preacher for the meeting. After the service we went for lunch and spent the whole afternoon together reminiscing the past. They are here to visit their daughter and family who are now Singaporeans.
We had a great time together and felt truly blessed by their company. We thank God for our many friends like the Chengs.
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” Anon.
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”– Albert Schweitzer
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