burninginthebones

Prayer meeting

2012-02-16T10:14:00.003+08:00

What a privilege to spend time with fellow believers in prayer! An enthusiastic group met this morning at THQ chapel to spend time in prayer.

There were two new people with us - a stranger named Irene walked in and joined us. Obviously she is a mature Christian and could participate in praying. That was a real encouragement to us.

Jeffrey Jiang whose testimony appeared in the February issue of the War Cry joined us for the first time. He is at the moment in Singapore waiting for his visa to go to Bintulu. He has a wonderful testimony to give. Let me quote what he wrote in the War Cry "..my grandmother in China used to believe in 'I-Kuan Tao which is a traditional Chinese religion rooted in Chinese traditions., with teachings emphasising universal values such as family, honour, respect and moderation. When my grandfather, who was Deputy Commissioner of Customs, was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution, my grandmother accepted Christianity. She was among the first group of believers who accepted Christ when the Church reopened in the 1980s in China.

It was my grandmother's numerous prayers that I have experienced many miracles of God......Following my time as a theological student..... I finally became a pastor in the Da Lian Christianity Association which had more than 300 thousand members in three provinces.....During this period I obtained a graduate diploma and MBA degree.
...God has blessed me with a family."

His wife and daughter are still in China. He had been awarded a Masters Degree in Theology from a Malaysian Bible College. He has become a Salvationist and wants to serve full time with The Salvation Army.

We thank God there are people who want to join our Army to spread the gospel. We prayed for our brother in Christ. The fields are white unto harvest, let's welcome those who want to join us in ministry of sharing the gospel with others.

70 years ago today

2012-02-15T16:04:00.013+08:00

Three and a half months short of my 10th birthday! Singapore fell to the dreaded Japanese forces which had been bombing Singapore. We had been running to and from the bomb shelter our hiding place. It was a relief, the end of bombings but what about the future? For comfort I held on to my one eyed black toy dog, given one Christmas by the Salvation Army Balestier Corps!

Japanese soldiers soon came round to our housing estate. They knocked on the doors looking for young women. Every time we received a knock on the door, my sister would climb up the ladder and hide on the flat roof under the eaves. Many women were raped, often in front of their parents or husbands! Young men were forcibly taken away, some never to return.

One day news came round and the Japanese would take over the estate to house their soldiers. My mother, my older sister, my younger brother and I fled. My older brother a young man of 16 ran to hide under bridges or anywhere he could find safety. My father was out looking for job and he tried to evade the Japanese soldiers.

We walked to Jalan Besar and a shop owner gave us some space in their shop. There were other refugees and the place was overcrowded. However people were kind enough to give us tapioca and sweet potatoes to eat. We scouted around and then moved to a more "comfortable" place, under the staircase of a shop house. We were there a few days, but without food supplies, we just could not survive. So we took the risk to return home. When we got home, no soldier was around and we were safe. We had been so gullible to listen to false rumour. Still we learned some hard and painful lessons.

A few days later my older brother returned home. He had been captured by the Japanese but fortunately was released. Others including some of his friends were taken away and were killed at Changi or Ponggol. This was infamous Sook Ching Massacre. My uncle never returned probably shot by the soldiers. Among the salvationists was an ex-officer, Koh Liang Seah. He had resigned from Salvation Army officership to work for the local press. He had written many articles against the Japanese. When the Japs invaded Singapore, he was one of the first to be beheaded.

The Sook Ching Massacre, which began on February 18, 1942 and ended on March 3rd, claimed according to the Japanese 5000 lives. That's the “official” number. Other sources have put the count at more than 100,000 killed. The true number will never be known.In Chinese language, “sook ching” roughly means “a purge through cleansing”.

When war ended, several Japanese officers were tried for leading the massacre. Two were executed while the others received life sentences. Japan eventually made reparations payments to Singapore but, to our knowledge never officially apologized for the actions of its military.

Yes, that fateful day, the beginning of three and half gloomy years. Salvation Army was proscribed so I went with my family to the Roman Catholic church - Church of St. Peter and Paul at Queen Street. Every Sunday I kissed the feet of St. Peter and St Paul and asked for their blessing! It was the first time I heard of the word Purgatory. We went through three and half years of purgatory!

Looking back I thank God for His provision. We learned some valuable lessons in life. My family have all gone to be with the Lord and I am the sole survivor of those dark days.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23: 4

Valentine Day quotes

2012-02-13T17:57:00.004+08:00

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. ~Henry Van Dyke

A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn’t put there to stay -
Love isn’t love
'Til you give it away.
~Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music, "You Are Sixteen (Reprise)"

Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown

Do it anyway

2012-02-13T09:27:00.002+08:00

Someone sent me the following. I think it's worth pondering and put into action. Love is patient and endures all things.

"Here's a great reminder about living a good life and how we shouldn't let the world stop us or hold us back...

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway."

Searching the Scriptures

2012-02-12T17:43:00.007+08:00

Among Bible believing Christians there are those who believe the Bible is so simple that there is no need for anyone to explain the Scriptures to us. They claim ‘we have the Holy Spirit to instruct us.’ They claim they have been in the church for many years, they know all the stories of the Bible, and there is no further need for any Bible study.

Let’s face facts. The Bible was written so many years ago on so many different subjects. People lived in cultures very different from ours. We do need the help of commentaries and people who have spent time prayerfully searching and studying the Bible.

We attend church not just to worship but to hear the word of God explained to us. What an awesome responsibility is placed upon our preachers and teachers of the word. In this church we have Bible classes for children, youth and more mature adults. Those who take the time and make the effort to attend Bible classes can testify of the blessings received. We study systematically through the Bible – both Old and New Testaments.

No one should stop learning. In life we keep pursuing knowledge. There is so much to learn about our Christian faith and it is important that we know the word of God as revealed in the Bible.

Study the Bible to be wise; believe it to be safe; practise it to be holy. Search the Scriptures and you will be richly rewarded.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to illumine our minds (1 John 2: 20, 27). He has also appointed ‘pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4: 11, cf Acts 20: 28, 1 Pet. 5: 2) God works through means for the salvation and sanctification of His saints (meaning Christians) He uses pastors, teachers and in Salvation Army terminology, officers and local officers who are held accountable by God for the spiritual well being of people in the church.

I count it a privilege to be responsible for the Adult Bible class held every Sunday in our church. For the last few weeks, we have been studying the book of Judges, probably a closed book to many. It is often looked upon as too long and uninteresting. Some consider this book as irrelevant to warrant our time and effort studying it. This is a serious mistake for the Old Testament is alive with interest and highly relevant for our day an generation.

Look at the world today, confused and chaotic. I believe in democracy, but not the kind as found in Judges and in some countries. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit." Judges 21:25 (NIV) There was no king in Israel, no supreme magistrate, Joshua being dead, Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes; there being none to restrain him from it, or punish him for it.

Call it democracy? I call it twisted and skewered democracy!

Farewell to the Founder

2012-02-10T19:37:00.006+08:00

I have just read "Farewell to the Founder" written by R Gordon Moyles, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. This year, the Army commemorates the 100th Anniversary of William Booth's promotion to Glory. The General died on 20th August 1912.

The writer gives a full and comprehensive account of General Booth's final moments on earth, his death and funeral. He records the reaction of salvationists and friends and even his critics. Condolences poured in from Presidents, Prime Ministers, Emperors, Kings and Queens, including one from Britain's King George V who sent a four foot floral wreath. This was placed at the head of the coffin.

More than 100,000 people stood in line for hours to pay their respects at a four day public viewing at Clapton Congress Hall in London. On the day of the funeral more than two million people flanked the streets of London to view the five mile long funeral cortege pass by. As I read this interesting account, I could picture myself among the crowd.

The book became more interesting as the author Mr. Moyles and his wife were here in Singapore to visit their daughter Kathy Wallace who is a lecturer in music at the University of Singapore. The Wallaces live just across the road from our William Booth Corps and of course the Moyles, very good salvationists joined us in worship on Sundays. They also attended the official opening of Balestier Corps on 11 November. They spent about three months in Singapore. He spent quite a lot of time helping Major Pascoe sort out the books in our library.

On 1st July, my wife and I will be conducting Founder's Day meeting at Changi Corps in the absence of the Corps Officer Major Lim Chee Kwee who will be attending the International College for officers in London. So this book came in handy for my preparation for this special Sunday.

Should anyone want to have a loan of the book, please let me know as eventually, I shall put it in the Army's library.

The Love of God

2012-02-08T18:18:00.003+08:00

Valentine’s Day is universally observed on 14th February. This may be a good time for the young man to send his girl-friend a lovely bouquet of flowers, even if it costs more this time of the year! Or it may be the opportune moment to have a romantic dinner by candlelight in a restaurant! What about sending a Valentine card expressing sentiments of an amorous and sentimental nature? Or a trip to Sentosa island to spend the evening.

Love is the most used and perhaps the most abused words in our vocabulary. It may describe the intense affection between two people who have fallen in love. It could be the description of friendship like David and Jonathan in the Bible. Good to see family members loving and caring for each other. Fondness, relationship ties, sharing the same chemistry or emotional love is not out of place, however, such love cannot compare with the love of God.

Much of the love we talk about today cannot survive without reciprocity. It is often conditional and mercurial. This is seen in the number of broken marriages when couples fall out with each other. The media reports of family breakups which sometimes end up in court.

When we ask the question to some of the people we minister to,“Is there a song you want us to sing today?” The response is invariably “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” I am not referring to Sunday School or Children’s meeting, but to the chapel service that we conduct every Tuesday at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. The congregation comprises the elderly, the handicapped, the blind, the deaf, the wheelchair bound – all with some form of infirmity. Some can recall the song they learned during childhood days.Someone remarked, “Everything I need to know about theology I learned from this song. ‘Jesus loves me.’” It has been translated into many languages and is universally loved.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16.) “God is love.” (1 John 4: 8) It is surely to us a mystery we cannot fully comprehend - how He could send his only Son into the world to die for our sins.

The word ‘love’ in the English language is used to describe four different words in the Greek. When it refers to God the word ‘agape’ is applied. God’s love transcends human love. It is unconditional and not based on merit, feelings or emotions. We are loved not because we are lovable, good or deserving. God loves because it is inherent in His nature. He created and redeemed us so that we can have this loving relationship with Him.

How are we to respond to God’s love? We do so by first of all accepting this gift of love and then honouring, loving and worshipping Him. God is worthy of our adoration and praise. We are to heed and obey His teaching. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10: 27)

Receiving the love of Jesus and living in His love everyday, is the first and most essential step we all need to take. Accept the wonderful, undeniable truth that Jesus loves you, then draw close to Him and allowing Him to pour His love into your heart. “Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15: 13)

Love has the vertical and horizontal dimensions. The vertical extends to our Lord and the horizontal to our fellowmen. It is imperative that once we have accepted God’s love we are to heed His command to love others. Our Lord was specific when He said, “My command is this: love each other as I have love you (John 15: 12). We cannot limit the scope or intensity of our love.

Christian love is the reflection of God’s love expressed in that word ‘agape’. It is undeserved love. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this” While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8.

(This article is printed in the February issue of The War Cry - Singapore/Malaysia/Myanmar Territory)

The healing power of empathy

2012-02-07T19:25:00.003+08:00

We were at Peacehaven this morning and spent the whole morning talking to nurses, residents and today one lady took up a lot of my time. I don't resent this intrusion, but it gave this lady the opportunity of unburdening her heart. I was blessed as I heard the story, how grateful she is today to her adopted mother who brought her up. Thank God for such a filial daughter who has given up her job to care for the mother and now visits her everyday at Peacehaven. Thank God she has a very understanding husband, an Englishman working in Singapore.

The nurses have their stories to tell and I thank God my wife and I are given this privilege to share their burdens as well as their joys.

When I got home in the afternoon the words 'empathy' and 'sympathy' kept ringing in my mind. According to Carl Rogers 'empathy "is to perceive the internal frame of reference of another person with accuracy and with emotional components and meanings that pertain thereto as if one were the person but without losing the as-if condition."

Some people do not seem to differentiate the meaning of the two words. I may have sympathy for another without truly understanding another's situation. Sympathy is triggered by the awareness of others based on my own feelings and experiences. Empathy on the other hand goes further. I take that extra step by trying to fathom the feelings and experiences of the other person.

So when I sympathise with another, it is quite likely I feel sad because of my own experience. I've been through such pain and I am displaying my own feelings.

But when I empathise, I am motivated by the desire to help the other person in the resolution in whatever situation the other person is going through. I project myself to the person's needs, I make effort to understand. Empathy then is making a deliberate attempt to understand the inner feelings of another. It takes a lot out of you.

When speaking to the nurses from overseas, now working in Peacehaven, I try to project myself, put myself in their place, leaving parents, spouses, children and aged grandparents to come to our land to care for our people in need. To some extent my experience working overseas help me to sympathise as well as empathise with these folk.

One difficulty and I need the Lord's wisdom or discernment. As humans we all tend to see other people and events through our distinct personal and cultural perspectives. We need the grace of God to enable us to cross the cultural and racial gap. Lord help me to bridge that gap.

To the lady I referred to earlier, I try to empathise, projecting myself to her inner world of struggle. Anyway I was able to spend time in prayer with her and hope and pray that encounter be a blessing to her. Now I go back to chorus I quoted recently, "Make me a blessing to someone today."

Experiencing Spiritual Revival Daily

2012-02-05T19:12:00.008+08:00

In the absence of our pastor Major Pascoe who is in Penang, Lieut. Colonel Bob Lee conducted the meeting. What a lovely and inspiration time we had. His message was on Asa the king.

In Asa's 36th year, King Baasha of Israel attacked the Kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 16:1) Baasha built the fortress of Ramah on the border, less than ten miles from Jerusalem. The result was that the capital was under pressure and the military situation was precarious. Asa took gold and silver from the Temple and sent them to Ben-Hadad I, king of Aram Damascus, in exchange for the Damascene king canceling his peace treaty with Baasha. Ben-Hadad attacked Ijon, Dan, and many important cities of the tribe of Naphtali, and Baasha was forced to withdraw from Ramah. Asa tore down the unfinished fortress and used its raw materials to fortify Geba and Mizpah, on his side of the border. (2 Chronicles 16:1-7)

Hanani the a prophet,reprimanded Asa for relying on the King of Syria as opposed to Divine help in defeating Baasha (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). Asa became very angry and threw Hanani into prison.

In the 39th year of his reign, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet, for which he sought the help of physicians, not the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:12). Asa died two years later and was buried with his ancestors in Jerusalem, in the grave that he had dug for himself (2 Chronicles 16:13-14).

Lieut. Colonel Bob Lee used this story to warn us not to be slack in seeking the Lord at all times. His subject was "Experiencing Spiritual Revival Daily." How easy it is for us in times of crisis, instead of seeking the Lord, we turn to other sources for help. It is always good to be reminded of our need to keep our relationship with the Lord right. We always need to seek the Lord and commit our lives to Him daily.Satan is alive and active and seeks to draw us away from God.

Earlier on I did my Adult Bible class - the third lesson in Judges "Living with the enemy." Our thoughts moved in similar pattern. We learned of the success and failures of the Israelite tribes in possessing what had been taken by them under the leadership of Joshua.

It is always good to spend the day with the word of God in our worship.

God's love has no limits

2012-02-05T18:26:00.004+08:00

Early this morning, I got up praising the Lord for another day that He has made. In my meditation, I turned to the "Words of Life" and the writer in today's message draws the readers' attention to the lovely song written by Annie Johnsone Flint.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

The writer has written many inspiring poems dealing with faith and triumph in times of trial and suffering. She was born in Vineland, NJ. She lost both parents before she was six years old. Adopted by a childless couple, she became afflicted with arthritis as a teen. She became weaker and weaker and eventually was unable to walk.

She aspired to be a composer and concert pianist but when illness deprived her of her ability to play the piano she resorted to writing poetry. Some of her poetry she set to music. Later in life, being unable to open her hands, she wrote many of her poems on the typewriter, using but her knuckles.

The song “He Giveth More Grace” was based on three Bible promises “He giveth more grace” (James 4:6); “He increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29); and “Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied” (Jude 2).

What an inspiration to wake up on a Sunday morning!

Cell group at Jalan Jendala

2012-02-03T19:27:00.006+08:00

Every Friday morning, a group of us meet for cell meeting at our home. Today, we had a change of venue. We met at the home of Ronnie and Li Lim at Jalan Jendela near Mandai.

I was not able to join them in the early part as I had a hospital appointment and left home before 7.00 a.m. One of our cell members very kindly came at 11.15 a.m, to fetch me from hospital and took me to Jalan Jendala. I was able to join in the discussion at the tail end of the meeting.

We adjourned for a lovely lunch - Lo Hei to celebrate Chinese New Year. Our hosts certainly went to a lot of trouble preparing the delicious meal. We had a great time of fellowship and feasting - spiritual and physical food.

We are reminded of the Early church when it has been recorded. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42; see also v. 43-47)

Global Prayer meeting

2012-02-02T19:24:00.003+08:00

We commenced our Prayer meeting with the reminder from Jeremiah 33: 2 & 3. "This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is His name: 'Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" Then we praised God by singing "Joyful, joyful we adore Thee."

A reminder from the Founder William Booth, "We are a salvation people - this is our specialty - getting people saved and keeping them saved, and then getting somebody else saved..rescue the perishing. They are all around you everywhere, crowds upon crowds, multitudes. Be skillful. Improve yourself. Study your business. Be self sacrificing. Remember the Master. What you lose for His sake, and for the sake of the poor souls for whom He died, you shall find again.Stick to it. Having put your hand to the salvation plough, don't look behind you."

For the hour we prayed. We prayed for our own territory, the the new work in Togo and Solomon islands. We cried out to God to bless our people, to secure young people to to be Salvation Army officers.

We reminded ourselves of the early church. One fantastic result seen in Acts 4: 31 "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God daily." Lord so it again.

We dismissed after singing the prayer, "Give us a day of wonders"

Sharing blessings with the housebound

2012-02-01T11:35:00.008+08:00

Last day in January, Tuesday - we visited Peacehaven Nursing Home, Hope Centre and did chapel service at Second Level. With the growing number of dementia residents, it is now necessary to have three separate services on three floors. The chaplain was on one level, Major Lim Chee Kwee on another and we were assigned to Level two.

Quite a number of off duty nurses from Changi Hospital were at the Nursing Home acting as volunteers to help the elderly and the sick as they celebrated Chinese New Year.

After lunch with the staff, we went to visit two elderly salvationists both housebound to share new year blessings. It was pouring rain, but Captain Hary came to bless us with transport. That was a tremendous help. We got home almost 6.00 p.m, tired but delighted we were able to share blessings with others.

"Thank You Lord for giving us another day of great blessing. We bless You and thank You for health and strength even though we feel old age creeping up on us. Thank you for blessing us, thank You for the privilege of sharing Your blessing with others. We've been blessed by the folk we visited."

"Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;soon they disappear, and we fly away.Teach us to realize the brevity of life,so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90: 10 & 12 Living Bible)

One month of 2010 has gone by quickly.

Extended blessing

2012-01-31T19:59:00.012+08:00

My wife and I use the The Salvation Army's daily devotional "Words of Life" for our private devotions. This morning the writer uses the text "The Lord had said to Abraham "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you..and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you."

The writer Major Beverly Ivany testifies about the blessings she has received from God, her family and friends. Then she adds, "It is amazing to know through God's Spirit we can be a blessing to others...I pray each each morning that he will 'make me a blessing to someone today.'"

Just think of this - God blesses us, He is the source; we approach Him and bless Him; we bless others, others bless us and in they in turn are blessed. So blessings come from God and when we pass on His blessings, givers and recipients are blessed. Blessings keep going round. "Blessings abound where'er He reigns" says Isaac Watts in his well known hymn, "Jesus shall reign"

Make Me a Blessing by Ira Wilson

1 Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:
Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life
May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

2 Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev'ry moment you live.

3 Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.

Let us bless God, thank and praise Him for Who He is - our Creator, our Sovereign God, our Redeemer. We thank Him for lavishing His blessings on us. Let us bless one another.

God bless you, the readers of this blog. Pass on His blessings and you will be blessed.

Prayer

2012-01-30T19:04:00.002+08:00

Teach me. O God, to use all the circumstances of my life to-day that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin.
Let me use disappointment as material for patience:
Let me use success as material for thankfulness:
Let me use suspense as material for perseverance:
Let me use danger as material for courage:
Let me use reproach as material for long-suffering:
Let me use praise as material for humility:
Let me use pleasures as material for temperance:
Let me use pains as material for endurance.
~John Baillie's A Diary of Private Prayer

With Balestier family

2012-01-29T20:42:00.008+08:00

It made my day! The best day this year spending time with Balestier folk. Such warmth of fellowship. It did us good!

Judy Chun came for us at 10.00 a.m. From there we went to Cashew Park to pick up Jennifer Loh and the four of us went to Balestier now at 126 Balestier Road. We arrived early and there were already people there, welcoming visitors. It was great to meet old friends and new friends, the elderly, the middle aged, the youth and children.

After the introduction by the pastor, Captain Hary Haran, we went straight into the meeting. The whole congregation read Psalm 90: 1-4, thus affirming our faith in the eternal sovereign God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The meeting began with Song 552 "Thank you Lord for all Your goodness" - a beautiful song written by August Ludvig Storm and translated into English by Flora Larsson. We thank God for past and present mercies, sunlit pathways also byways rough, fragrant flowers among the weeds, the peace He gives us even when the spirit bleeds, prayers answered as well as prayers denied.

Another old hymn we sang as "Unto the hills around do I lift up, my longing eyes"
written by John Campbell. It is a metrical rendering of Psalm 121, one of the "Songs of Ascent" It has sometimes been called "The Traveller's Psalm. I spoke on the three key words of this psalm - The Lord - my Helper, my Keeper, my Preserver." Sadly many of our younger people do not know these great hymns of the church.

After the message we sang another old song, "O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end."

1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

2. O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

3. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

We say Amen to that prayer. May the Lord keep us faithful.

We had lunch with Jack and his wife Catherine, Terence and Amy. What a great time of fellowship we had as we shared food and ended with prayer.

Praise and thank God for another good day.

Comforting touch

2012-01-28T20:18:00.005+08:00

We have had many visitors during the last few days of Lunar New Year. I noticed something - especially among the young people. They loved to grab the cushion on the settee and put on the lap.

I notice too of late, there are a lot of teddy bears on sale. Girls especially love to have them in their rooms, on their beds, on their tables. Hugging a teddy bear seems to be a favourite past time.

I understand teddy bears are named after one of the Presidents of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. A story is told of how one day walking in the woods he came upon a pack of yapping dogs surrounding a frightened baby bear. The President, a big man with a compassionate heart went to the rescue and helped the bear escape.

The press came to know about this and cartoonists would link the President whose nicknamed was Teddy with the bear.

At that time, toy shops all over the country were marketing a cuddly toys for children, so the teddy bear was born commemorating the loving action of President Roosevelt.

Next time you see as girl (or even a boy) cuddling a teddy bear, or someone cuddling the cushion on your settee, think of the importance of loving touch.

I think of our visits to the Peacehaven Nursing Home. These old and not-so-old dears love a touch. Perhaps shyness or culture prevents us from touching someone. Are we not in danger of losing one of the most human links God has given us?

Jesus reached out and touch the leper whom society treated as an outcast. This dreaded disease was believed to be highly contagious and yet it is recorded,"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.."Mark 1:14. Physical healing was immediate and even more valuable was the demonstration of compassion in that vital touch.

Encouragement

2012-01-27T20:06:00.005+08:00

Just received a lovely note of encouragment from someone I've never met. Ian Woodgate of Horsham discovered my blog by accident and he took the trouble to write that note of thanks and appreciation. Well, it made my day. Some days I don't feel like writing, but when such words of encouragement comes, it inspires you to keep pressing on.

Encouragement
You can't light a candle
To show others the way,
Without feeling the warmth
Of that bright little ray.
And you can't pluck a rose,
All fragrant with dew,
Without part of its fragrance
Remaining in you.

Let us encourage one another in our journey in life.

By the way, lots of times we have discovered blessings by accident. Actually, I believe they are God's designs.

The other day, after my visit to the Hospital, I took a little stroll to the Kent Ridge Train Station, just to have a look. Then at the spur of the moment decided to take a ride to the next station. I got out to the Har Par Villa station, just wandered into this tourist spot, only to meet a salvationist who had not been attending our church for some time. I was able to spend about half and hour sitting on the bench in the park and talked to her about spiritual things.We ended our session in prayer. That same night I received a phone call and she is back attending church. She even paid us a visit during Chinese New Year. Coincidence? No Divine providence.

I love the old hymn by William Cowper.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Visiting the elderly

2012-01-27T19:17:00.004+08:00

The first two days of Chinese New Year, we stayed home to receive visitors. On the third day, we visited a neighbour Mrs. Liok. She has been sick and not been able to attend our meetings for the last few weeks. Well she was delighted to receive us and spent an hour of fellowship and prayer together. We went to minister to her, but in turn we were really blessed.

Almost 60 years ago in Malacca, Malaysia, her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. C Y Chang used to invite me to their home to spent New Year Eve with them.I was single then. They treated me as a member of their family and for three years - 1954 to 1957. every New Year Eve I joined the family in reunion dinner. What a privilege.

The last time I talked to C Y Chang was in England. In his old age, he was living with his daughter at Berkhamstead, England and he chose to worship at The Salvation Army instead of going to his own Methodist church. The Corps Officer (pastor), Lieut.Stephen Poxon had invited us to conduct meetings at their church. Unfortunately, Mr. Chang was away that weekend and we were not able to see him. However we talked on the phone and he was telling me his plans to visit China to share the gospel with his relatives. He was already in his nineties then! He and his wife have gone to be with the Lord. Recently their daughter visited Singapore and we were able to renew our friendship. She was only ten years old when I was stationed in Malacca.

We make it a point to visit the elderly who are housebound especially during this festive season. Yesterday, we visited an elderly couple at Serangoon Gardens. We have no vehicle and travel everywhere by public transport. Thank God these days we are able to google for directions and means of getting from one place to another, by bus on train. Yesterday we met many kind people at bus stops and on the buses and trains. People normally give up their seats for us. We thank God for these kind people who make life meaningful.

Welcoming visitors

2012-01-26T19:04:00.008+08:00

We spent the first two days of Chinese New Year at home to receive visitors. In keeping to tradition our children and grandchildren were the first to visit us. They brought their mandarin oranges and gifts and we in turn reciprocated.

Later in the morning, other relatives - our nieces and their spouses and children paid their visits.

It was good to have our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer and her two friends from England, now on holidays here come to pay their respects.

Most of the visitors came on the second day. Our grandchildren came with their youth group from Central Corps. Good to have young people visiting us. All of them knew how to bring mandarin oranges to greet us. The Lord has blessed us with many friends. It was good we were able to share prayers with them.

On the third day, we went to visit a lady living nearby. She has been sick for several weeks and have not been able to attend our meetings. We came home for lunch and in the evening had more visitors.

Well, we had two days of quietness all around us- less traffic on the roads. Construction work stopped for two days as most of the foremen are Chinese or Korean and they want to celebrate Chinese New Year.

To day we were out visiting some more housebound elderly folk. We do this while we still have the strength and the means to do so. God has so wonderfully blessed us, and it is our duty to share His blessings with others.

New Year traditions and supersitions

2012-01-23T20:29:00.007+08:00

We woke up the usual time this morning, the first day of Chinese New Year. We did our usual exercise, went for our morning walk in our compound. It was unusually quiet, as most people were still asleep after a late night on New Year Eve.

In my younger days, we used to stay up late to welcome the New Year. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I used to attend the Chinese New Year Watchnight Service at Balestier Corps (church)

After breakfast at 7.00 a.m. we did our devotions. Then I began to sweep and mop the floor, something I was not allowed to do when we were children. After New Year Eve, the brooms would be kept away, and no one was allowed to touch till after the third day. This was to prevent us from sweeping away the blessings or luck as we used to call them. We laugh at such superstition, but it was a tradition I was brought up.

As I swept, my mind went back to my childhood days. Memories are indeed precious. Lots of traditions we still keep, some mere superstitions, we swept them away.

The word of God guides us. God's Holy Spirit enlightens us. That is the reason I make it a point to read God's word and have my daily devotions early in the morning. A good maxim to follow - Begin the day with God.

Chinese New Year greetings

2012-01-22T20:28:00.024+08:00

It is obvious the most common Chinese New Year greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai in Mandarin, Kong Hee Fatt Choy in Cantonese, Keong Hee Huat Chai in Hokkien/Teochew.

Businessmen love to hear it. It has to do with material prosperity, more business, more money. It fits well with the world's materialistic thinking.

It is good to be happy and the Lord wants us to be happy. Material prosperity is not necessarily an evidence of divine blessing, is it? Think of the many marriage, family breakups; think of the quarrels that end up in courts - all over money. Wealth can bring a lot of pain and sorrow.

I prefer these greetings - Xin nian Kuai Le in Mandarin, Sin Ni Kuai Lok in Hokkien/Teochew Sun Neen Fai Lok in Cantonese. "Wishing you Joy and Peace"

Among Christians there is another greeting Sin Ni Bong Un in Hokkien and Teochew, or Sun Neen Mong Yan in Cantonese or Xin Nian Meng En in Mandarin. It is the expression meaning "May you be highly favoured with God's blessings."

Personally I refrain from using Kong Hee Fatt Choy or Keong Hi Huat Chai or Gong Xi Fa Cai. I don't wish anyone material prosperity but I wish you God's richest blessings of Joy and Peace. If God prospers us materially, let us thank Him, pay our tithes and share our material blessings with others.

Let me share with you one of Herbert Booth's songs written in the early days of The Salvation Army. You can sing it to the tune "Old folks at home."

Joy, freedom, peace and ceaseless blessing
Yours all shall be,
If, while your weakness still confessing,
To your Redeemer you flee.

Chorus:
All the world can ne'er console you,
Cannot bring you joy.
Jesus alone can satisfy you,
He will your sorrow destroy.

Joy, greater than earth's dearest treasure,
You may receive;
Jesus will deal it without measure
If in His power you believe.

Free from your doubts and fears forever
Will you not be?
Jesus, those chains of doubt will sever
And you His freedom shall see.

Peace, flowing as river,
Now you may find;
From all your troubles He'll deliver
While to His will you're resigned.

Chinese New Year Eve reflection

2012-01-22T17:28:00.008+08:00

It is Chinese New Year's Eve and in a matter of hours we shall 'guo nien' (cross over) from the current Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon. Singapore hopes to have an increase of babies born during this special year as most Chinese like to have 'dragon' babies.

Many families meet this evening for the family reunion dinner. Religion and philosophy in China have always put family first and community second, ahead of individual happiness or freedom. On New Year's Eve, the family sits down to family reunion dinner, probably occupies the same place as the Christmas dinner at Christmastide. It is a traditional feast, dating back to time immemorial symbolising the solidarity of the Chinese patriarchal family.

In modern times, we need to be pragmatic. We went with our daughter and family to have reunion dinner at a Restaurant at Beach Road last Thursday evening. It was the only evening when we could get the whole family together. Our eldest grandson, Daryl is an auditor with Ernst and Young and it was the only night he could get away by 7.00 p.m.

Then to fit in our son's family, we had the reunion dinner in their home last evening, Saturday when the whole family was available.

The actual day itself or place is not that important. In this age and in our pressure cooker society like Singapore, we need to be flexible; it has to fit in with the schedules of family members or the availability of restaurant bookings. It is the sharing of fellowship meal and the renewal of relationship that really matters. The Chinese place great emphasis on family relationships which must be maintained and strengthened, a time honoured tradition we must not discard.

In our younger days, Balestier Corps (church) used to hold a Chinese New Year Watch Night Service. The Central Corps folk would join them in the celebration. In those days the folk worshipping at Balestier all lived in the same area around Balestier so it was quite convenient after their own family reunion dinner, folk would meet at church to 'guo nien' together as a church family. In this way we expressed out church unity or solidarity as we moved to New Year.

Friends from Australia

2012-01-20T11:06:00.008+08:00

The Aussies are always a friendly lot of people. We have many Aussie friends, those who served with us in Singapore, Malaysia and elsewhere.Many have regularly kept contact with us. Some of our closest friends are Aussies.

On Thursday it was our pleasure to welcome two Aussies, Lieut.Colonel Olive Lucas and her daughter Helen into our home. They were on their way home to Australia. Olive served in International Headquarters with us for about a year and lived in our neighbourhood in Beckenham, England.

They came by bus from the city to visit us and we had a great time together in our home and later at the eatery at Rail Mall. And I was able to have my special chapati and Indian curry like the two ladies, while my wife kept to Hainanese chicken rice. She is not keen on hot spicy Indian food. The time passed very quickly and the couple of hours spent together bought much blessing.

We thank God for friends, local and overseas who have enriched our lives. It has been said, "When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy."

The Chinese festive season

2012-01-20T10:26:00.010+08:00

Singapore being a multi racial, multi religious country is rich in cultures. Most cultures have moved from their old folk lore, thus losing their awareness of its rhythms and purposes. This is certainly true of our Chinese customs. I am a Singaporean, born and bred in this 'little red dot' called Singapore. I am also ethnic Chinese, my father came from China when he was only twelve years old as a stowaway. He was a brave and adventurous person.

On my mother's side, she was born in Singapore. Her mother was a peranakan nyonya. She was always dressed in sarong kebabaya. She got married to a China man (arranged marriage of course) and I understand he even wore a pig tail right to the end of his life. When his eldest son went to work for the British, the colonial master on the first day cruelly cut off his pig tail. It broke my grandfather's heart and I was told, he wept for days and no one could console him. He was so grief stricken, he health broke down, returned to China and died of a broken heart. I've never met my grandfather or first uncle; I only heard these stories from my mother.

So we have preserved many of the Teochew customs and when it came to celebrating Lunar New Year, in my younger days, the rules were strictly applied. Of course, we live a an age of change. I am married to a Cantonese and have absorbed some of the Cantonese customs.

For seven and a half years, we kept to the Cantonese way of doing things for Hong Kong is largely populated by the Cantonese, although there is a significant Teochew, Hakka and Hokkien population almost everyone in Hong Kong speaks Cantonese.

Then for seven years, three in Philippines and four in England, we did not celebrate Chinese New Year for we had to be in the office! However, we did invite friends to join us on New Year Eve for what is termed 'reunion dinner'. In Rome do what the Romans do. Chinese New Year is not a holiday in these countries. It is interesting to note that President Aquino has declared Chinese New Year a public holiday in the Philippines for 2012! I am sure the ethnic Chinese Filipinos are delighted.

The New Year goodies are now sitting comfortably on the table in our lounge. We have mandarin oranges all ready to be exchanged during the New Year. We are ready to welcome visitors come Monday, the first day of Chinese New Year.

The doors of all Chinese families are open to all visitors. There is a welcome in every home.

Study of the Book of Judges

2012-01-16T10:54:00.016+08:00

I feel sad that many Christians know so little about the Bible. They may be familiar with the stories of the New Testament - the parables, the miracles, events in the life of Jesus, but are quite ignorant of the rest of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament which is looked upon as too long and uninteresting.

I've been conducting Bible Studies for many years since 2002 when the William Booth Corps commenced. Previous to this we were known as the Pasir Panjang Corps and shared the premises with Haven Children's Home. It was Major Allen Satterlee who requested me to undertake this responsibility. The Major is himself a great student of the word of God and we used to enjoy his teaching and preaching from the platform. He was most encouraging and supportive. About once a month he would sit in at my Bible class. He even loaned me a lap top so that I could take it to the library or sit in the corps office to prepare my studies.

Sometimes we are invited to preach at the other Corps in Singapore. Major Satterlee arranged for Mrs. Lim Li Ching a school teacher by profession and student of the word, to fill in for me in my absence. The arrangement still works today. And today, I have also Corps Secretary Terence Tan to call on to fill when I am away. He is a keen Bible scholar and communicates well the word of God.

We have a group of people who attend the class regularly every Sunday morning 9.30- 10.30 a.m. For the last one of a half years, I did Revelation at the request of one of our members. Another member requested that I teach the Book of Judges.

We have had two lessons this year. Lesson 1 was an introduction. Yesterday Sunday, we had our second lesson on the Canaanites. It was interesting to look at the origin of the Canaanites as recorded in Genesis 9.

Christians are uneasy with the fact that God commanded the Israelites to exterminate and annihilate the Canaanites. Today we live in a different dispensation and this command does not apply directly to Christians today. We have civil government responsible for the execution of evil doers. (Rom. 13: 1-7)

However we learn a principle from this important injunction. We are to be merciless when it comes to sin in our hearts and in the church. There should not be 'co-existence' with sin. We certainly read the stories in Judges as historical, but they are also parables to teach us important lessons.

We live in dark and uncertain days in some ways similar to the days depicted in Judges. God provided the Israelites with Judges or deliverers, but they died and the Israelites went from bad to worse. What Israel needed was a king to rule over them. What we need is the Lord of lords and the King of kings - Jesus Christ to reign in our hearts.

The hour passed very quickly. We had plenty of questions and discussions and I myself have benefited from the feedback from the participants.

Colonel Mrs. Alice Lau.

2012-01-14T20:33:00.008+08:00

What great time of fellowship and feasting we had today with Colonel Mrs. Alice Lau of Hong Kong, her son Michael and our son and family. Mrs. Lau described this as a 'reunion dinner.' That's true as it is quite close to our Lunar New Year and about a week's time we shall be having reunion dinner.

I know it's not New Year Eve, but what does it matter; it is the spirit of the occasion that counts. We were sorry Gina was not able to join us as she on duty at the Hospital where she works.

We first came to know Captain and Mrs. James Lau and their two children Michael and Kenneth when we took up our appointment in Hong Kong/Taiwan in 1983.How the years have flown. We visited Taiwan Division as it was called then and were warmly welcomed by Captain and Mrs. Lau, as they were then. Michael was only about 11 and Kenneth 9 or 10 years old. After the welcome at Taipei Central Corps, they took us round the Division travelling as far south as Tainan. We had a great time.

The next year, they farewelled and came to Hong Kong as the Field Secretary and we worked together at the Command Headquarters until the General appointed them to Singapore, he, Major James Lau then as the General Secretary and Mrs. Lau responsible for women's ministries.

In 1993, they were reappointed to Hong Kong, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel.

They left their two children, Michael and Kenneth behind in Singapore. Michael has remained here since and even took up Singapore citizenship and married a Filipino Nurse Gina who worked at Peacehaven. Today she is employed by the National University Hospital of Singapore.

Kenneth completed his studies in US and to day he and his American wife lived there.
We thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.

"Win new friends but keep the old. The first are silver; the latter gold." ~ Author Unknown

"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." ~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin

Cell group

2012-01-13T17:42:00.004+08:00

We had our last Cell group before Chinese New Year. We shall not meet for the next two Fridays as folk will be extremely busy preparing and then celebrating the New Year.

We had a good time of sharing and it was good to have Brother Bill Lutz today. He had not been attending for more than a year since his wife Mary had a stroke. Bill always has much to contribute.

Later, a number stayed for fellowship lunch.Faith and food are closely linked in human experience and belief. One reason is the obvious importance of nourishment to life. Yes, first we shared spiritual food, then the physical.

Friends - old and new

2012-01-12T17:41:00.006+08:00

We have many friends in Singapore and overseas. Some have been friends for years and everyday we are adding new friends. They enrich our lives.

I was at National University Hospital this morning, so missed the weekly prayer meeting. I tried a new bus route - took Bus 75 to Holland Village, then crossed the overhead bridge (thank God I can still climb the steps) and took Bus 95 which took me to Kent Ridge and it took only one hour.

When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to see Toh Tzu at our home. She had brought my wife home after the prayer meeting. We had a great time as we shared fellowship and prayer together.

Then at noon four new friends came - Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs and Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring and we went for lunch and what great time of fellowship we had! And of course, we enjoyed the meal.

We thank God for friends God has brought into our lives. My prayer list grows longer by the day. But then we have more friends praying for us.

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendship in constant repair." Samuel Johnson.

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you." Dale Carnegie.

The best friend I have is Jesus.

A friend of Jesus! Oh, what bliss
That one so weak as I
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!

Refrain:
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.

A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!

A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!

A Friend when life’s short race is o’er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,
A Friend when home at last! (Joseph C Ludgate)

Culture and our faith

2012-01-11T19:03:00.008+08:00

The Lunar New Year will soon be here. For us Chinese or ethnic Chinese we observe our Chinese culture, rightly so. Even among the different dialectic groups there are differences in the observation.

We live in an area where there are so many cultures. Our forefathers came from different parts of the world and have passed down to us their languages, beliefs, customs, way of life and superstitions all under the umbrella called culture. We live in a multi racial, multi religious and multi cultural country and on the whole we have been able to live peaceably with each other.

However there are times when we have to face cultural conflicts within the community and family. This often happens when one member of the family decides to convert to another faith. This means not just a change of religion, but to some extent a change of culture or behavior pattern.

Christianity was brought to us by missionaries from the west and is often seen as a ‘western religion’ and that is not true. The fact is Christianity originated from the Middle East and not Europe or America.

We are indebted to the many western missionaries in the past who had left the comfort of their own homeland to come to our country at that time when we were still classified as the ‘third world.’ We are no more third world. They brought to us the gospel and at the same time they could not help influencing us with their cultures as well. Missionaries are human and although living in another culture could not help living out their culture and sometimes find it difficult to accept our culture. And worst still when the missionary is seen as threatening our culture.

Once we had an Officer Commanding who on arrival made the comment that Christians should not observe the customs of Chinese New Year. He spoke too soon and brought much unhappiness among our people. My advice to our overseas friends, "Don't be too quick to make negative comments about our way of doing things. You may live to regret it."

To me the willingness to learn is the prerequisite or condition for the right to preach and teach! That sounds hard and many of us would prefer to wince at such a demand. But is not humility a virtue that our Lord portrayed when He came to earth to be our Saviour. He emptied Himself and took upon Himself our nature which includes our culture. He became totally one of us.

Now what is culture? It has to do with beliefs and behaviour patterns passed down from generation to generation. It is our way of life and we cannot separate from religion. Conversion to Christianity does not involve stepping out of our own culture into a new culture. Culture has the habit of adapting itself to its surroundings and the wise person learns to evolve with culture.

We must recognize that we live in a fallen world, tainted with sin. So cultures can be good or bad. As Christians we measure our culture with the word of God. To quote the Lausanne Covenent, “Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture.Because man is God’s creature, some of his culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because he has fallen, culture may be tainted with sin and some of it perhaps even demoniac.”

So we need to search the Scriptures and seek God’s wisdom in knowing how to distinguish between right and wrong in our own culture. It is important for us to learn the difference, Culture which is inherently evil or against the Christian faith, must be renounced, but culture which is good, should be retained. There are some that lie in what we might termed the grey areas might even be transformed and enriched.

In our society where Christians in the minority, we have to accept the fact that non-Christians culture still dominate. These may or may not conflict with our Christian culture. Culture is ambivalent. Not one culture is superior to another culture Culture expresses itself in customs and people feel threatened when we criticize their customs.

I pray for the enlightenment by God's Holy Spirit.

Memorial Service - Andrew Ong

2012-01-08T17:39:00.015+08:00

We met at Balestier Corps for the Memorial Service for Brother Andrew Ong on Saturday 7th December. The hall was quite full with relatives and friends of Andrew. The three children - Janaine, Aaron and Amelyn paid tribute. They spoke about their father's love for the family. Janaine played the piano for the meeting and also paid her tribute in singing a solo "Amazing Grace."

Andrew's sister Janet and her two children from Canada were at the meeting. Jocelyn the daughter read tributes from Andrew's eldest sister Ruth who was not able to be present.

Because of my connection with Balestier Corps and the family, I was asked to give the devotional message and conclude the meeting with the song "When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there." I then pronounced the benediction.

The folk proceeded upstairs to the social hall for a meal provided by the family.

We were pleased to meet many old friends, some we had not seen for years. It seems to me that's the time we meet - as weddings, funerals and wakes! We hope some of these folk would return to The Salvation Army.

I knew Andrew when he was a baby and played with him when he was a toddler. I was a teen ager then after the war.

Later in 1957 as Lieutenant I returned to Balestier to be the Corps Officer (pastor), Andrew was about 11 and I used to sign his Boys' Brigade card to prove that he had attended our Sunday School.

Fast forward to 1970 when my wife and I were Corps Officers of Central Corps, Andrew used to join Central for Torchbearers. It was at Central that he met Irene and they fell in love with each other. I signed the transfer note for Irene to take to Balestier. Later they got married and had three children. Now they are grandparents!

When we were in England, Andrew came with Janaine and prior to entering University in the United Kingdom, stayed with us for a short while. Andrew one day took Janaine to the see the grave of William Booth. At the graveside, he said this to his daughter "Janaine, remember the Lord and his servant William Booth the founder of The Salvation Army. Had it not been for William Booth, I don't know where we would be today. He was a man of faith and vision. The Salvation Army spread to Singapore and your grandparents were among the first to accept Jesus as Saviour."

Andrew was a godly man. His roots sank deep in the Army. Pastors came and went, but Andrew remained faithful.

Andrew was very musical and loved his guitar and today he is enjoying heavenly music in heaven with the Lord.

It was a good to arrange the Memorial Service on the Saturday. I do not think it right that we should give up our Worship Service on a Sunday to hold a memorial service, especially when we have only one meeting on a Sunday. No family should expect the pastor to replace the Sunday service with the Memorial Service.

Our first cell group meeting for 2012

2012-01-06T17:35:00.008+08:00

Nine of us met for the first cell meeting in 2012 at our home this morning and we had a blessed time sharing fellowship, the word and lunch together.

The purpose of Cell groups is to enhance friendship, give mutual support to each other, sharing the Word of God and prayer and helping each other in discipleship. The early church did not have their own buildings, but met in the homes of the believers.

Acts 4:32-35 gives us a picture of how Christians cared for each other and the kind of community the Spirit produced in the early church.

The Holy Spirit of God took charge of the lives of the believers on the day of Pentecost. He produced a mystical unity among them. We read that the believers were of one heart and mind. They were experiencing a oneness, a unity which they could never have produced on their own. The diverse multitude that had gathered from all nations and tongues had been melted together by divine love into a union which was mystical in nature and divine in origin. The things which had divided them in the past now faded away into insignificance. They had met the Lord. They were together and they were one.

1 John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." It is only as we walk in the light of the truth of God’s Word that we can enjoy true fellowship with one another. A common faith unites us.

They were not only united by their faith, they were also united in heart. Their faith had brought them together and now their desire was to follow Jesus Christ. They desired to express His love and to share it with others. They not only believed it intellectually and accepted it by faith, but also knew it to be true experientially. Because of the love of Jesus for them, they had fallen in love with Him; and along with Him, every other believer as well.

Unity in terms of our ministry produces an even greater sense of community among us. We move from a mystical unity of spirit into a practical unity of purpose. We’re a community but we’ve also been given a responsibility to carry out. There is work to be done. We are to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.

New Year meal with family

2012-01-04T18:31:00.009+08:00

God has given us three children and six grandchildren and they are all precious to us. As mentioned earlier, we had Christmas meal with our son and family. Last night we had New Year fellowship meal with our daughter and family. However, due to work and school commitments the two boys were not able to join us for the occasion. They are a busy family most of the time they are involved in church activities. Their eldest son Daryl is an auditor with Ernst and Young and quite often has to work overtime.

This morning we went to Peacehaven by bus to see our youngest daughter Dora Poh Chin. We got into the bus at 10.00 a.m and the journey took us two hours - bus number 67 then Bus number 2 from Kemangan station. When we arrived it was about 12 noon, so we went to the garden to have our lunch of sandwiches that we packed with us. O it was so peaceful and quiet. The garden is well kept and what a lovely time we had before going upstairs to see Poh Chin.

I sat there thinking what the garden of Eden was like. It must be very beautiful before sin entered the world.

Quietly we sat and I tried to envision what it must have been like living among all that beauty of Eden. I could breathe in the scent of the flowers, feel the wind on my face, see the beauty of the trees, the sparkling waters rippling path.I could feel God's love surrounding me. Yes God's presence was there as I shut my eyes, and mentally picture this Garden of Love, and the beauty He created. I could sit there the whole day, just enjoying God's creation.

Soon we had to leave that garden. We made our way upstairs to see our dear daughter, God's special child. We had taken her with us when we were appointed to Hong Kong; had her living with us till she was 19 and in 1988 brought her back to Singapore and placed her at the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged where she received tender loving care. It was sad parting with her, but it was for her and our own good.

We know she is well looked after at Peacehaven Nursing Home. When we retired nearly 15 years ago, for the first few years we used to bring her home for Chinese New Year. This ia now not possible as age catches up with us. In any case, she is happy in her own environment, well cared for 24 hours a day. It is best for all concerned.

Soon it was time to make the journey home. We thought we should try a different route, so we took bus No, 5 to Simei Station, took the train to Clementi Station and bus 184 home. It was a longer journey, very comfortable by train, but we had to wait a long while for the bus at Clementi. In the end the journey home took just as long - two hours!

God knows best and we thank Him, we can leave everything in His hands.

All the way my Saviour leads me

2012-01-04T17:48:00.007+08:00

Besides The Salvation Army Song Book I have a number of other hymnals that I use for my devotion. A former Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army in Singapore/Malaysia Command was an American - Colonel George Engel. He and his wife were very godly and humble servants of God. Before they left Singapore, he gave me a lot of his books and among them were some hymn books that I still use today.

Nearly four days have gone in the year 2012. What the remaining months and days will bring, no one but the Lord knows. It's wonderful all we need to do to have peace of heart is just to trust Him for He leads us all the way.

1.All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

2.All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

3.All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Yesterday and today

2012-01-03T15:48:00.007+08:00

Yesterday I spent my time getting rid of things, some for RSI if I deemed them usable, others into the rubbish chute. Yesterday is gone, thrown away like an old garment I had. Yes, I recall the day it was given me, a gift from a good friend. I used it for years, till it was torn, threadbare not fit for anyone to use except as a rag. It had to be thrown away.

I cannot keep my yesterdays, I cannot live in the past; I can look back and learn lessons from my yesterdays, but like the old garment it's gone. I cannot have yesterday back.

I must live today, fresh from God, full of opportunities, duties, responsibilities, obligations, joys and sorrows and pain, all part of the blessings from God. Not all the so called nice things are blessings, not all the bad things are curses. Bane and blessing come to us to make us and prepare us for heaven.

I cannot use the old garment called yesterday, but use the new garment called today, the now, the present. I thank God for this new day, the day He has made, a gift from my heavenly Father.

By the end of this day, when my weary eye lids close for the night and sleep overtakes me, my day is gone. I wake up in the morning to a new day and I praise the Lord, "This is day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

My prayer, "Lord thank you for yesterday and the days previous to that. I've learned some valuable lessons from my yesterdays, but I know you won't give me back. They are gone, gone for ever, but today is mine and You and I will be together for this day. Give me wisdom and grace to live the day to your glory. Amen.

My dream for the New Year

2012-01-02T17:44:00.006+08:00

Today is a public holiday and all around me is peace and quiet. My wife and I spent the day at home, tidying our place, putting away gifts friends have so kindly given us.

One of rooms in our unit is used as my office cum study. At times it gets somewhat untidy.I cleaned my desk,put away or throw away some of my stuff. Now it really looks tidy. Whilst doing this, I indulged in a little day dreaming. It's multi tasking if you like. I love to iron my clothes and prepare my sermons at the same time. Never once in my life have I got one garment burnt.

I have a dream.

I dream that the people in our church will always stretch out their hand of friendship to welcome the visitors regardless of race or colour.

I dream that the foreigners who have come to live and work here will learn to integrate with local people, they will sit round the same tables with the those of a different race or colour. It is sad to see some 'ang mohs' (local name for Caucasians) only sit with their fellow 'ang mohs' We love to feel we all belong to the same Lord, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

I dream that we in The Salvation Army will truly be ONE ARMY.

They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west
And sit down in the kingdom of God.

Heaven is multiracial, so why not practise now to sit together regardless of race of colour.

First Day of 2012

2012-01-01T18:40:00.010+08:00

Last night, we joined our comrades of William Booth Corps for Watch night service. Good to be with Christian friends, brothers and sisters in Christ to end the year 2011 and begin a new year 2012.We are always blessed when we have fellowship with God and fellow believers. I feel sorry for those who choose to spend time at Marina Bay and other tourist places on the last day of the old year and miss all the blessings of attending Watch night service.

On the first day of 2012 we woke up at the usual time 5.00 a.m. and listened to BBC news. At 6.00 a.m went for our morning walk in the compound for about half an hour. I always walk and pray and intercede for our many friends overseas. Then we returned home and had our breakfast, our devotions, yes time with God in the early morning is absolutely essential if we are to survive spiritually.

At 10.15 a.m. Jack and Catherine Leong of Balestier Corps came for us. There was not much traffic, so it took us about 20 minutes. Quite a number of the folk were already at the Corps. Balestier is a welcoming church and everyone who enters the hall is greeted with a warm handshake.

What a great time we had today to spend time with the Balestier folk. To me it was home coming, for my association dates back to 1937 when I was only five years old. Memories came flooding my mind especially when I met once again folk like Jean Yeo, Beatrice Lim, James and Peggy Lim, Janet Ong who had come from Canada to attend her brother Andrew's funeral and memorial service. Janet and her sister Ruth grew up with me. She and her sister sang a duet at our wedding in 1958. There were others, too many to mention, all faithfully serving the Lord. Yes, we met old and new friends.

After a brief introduction by the Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran, we took over the leadership of the meeting.Captain Zane Haupt the Territorial Secretary an excellent pianist played for the songs. Zane an Australian officer has chosen to worship with the Balestier folk and is a good supporter for the church.

We began with the New Year Song of dedication.

Father, let me dedicate, this new year to Thee,
In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be:
Not from sorrow, pain or care,
Would I ask that Thou shouldst spare;
This alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name.

Yes we met to glorify God's name. Good to make that affirmation on this first morning of the New Year.

One of the young people nervously got to the platform and before she prayed gave her testimony of God's goodness. Sister Mew Hui Ying works at the Cancer Society and finds fulfilment ministering to the cancer patients.

A young lad, Barry Leong confessed it was his first time to take part in the meeting by reading the scriptures. Captain Hary is making use of the lay people and allow them to participate. Some of our officers sadly like to do everything themselves. Maybe they feel others are not good enough to take part, or perhaps they love the sound of their own voices.

Rachael Yeo and the worship team did very well as they continued with worship by singing the contemporary songs. We need to keep a good balance by singing the traditional and contemporary song and Balestier has maintained this well.

The congregation stood up and prayerfully sang that beautiful hymn. It was the united prayer and desire as we sang,

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in him always, and feed on his word;
Make friends of God's children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.

My message for the day was based on 2 Peter 3: 1-18 and the text chosen was "What kind of people ought we to be?" We need to be a holy, a vigilant, prayeful and growing people.

Following the message we sang Song 534 with the chorus,

"By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which thou didst shed for me,
Whilst thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with thee."

During the singing of Will Brand's prayer of dedication, folk streamed out to the altar to renew their covenant with God. It was a moving sight; some were in tears as the redicated their lives to God.

It was a blessed God glorifying moment and for me, the year began well. It was a great day for me and my wife and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Yes, it was Back to Balestier, back to renew my covenant with God.

After the benediction and doxology, we had lunch fellowship togeher in the fellowshp hall upstairs.

Judy Chun very graciously brought us home. It was a great day to start the year. We are grateful to Captain Hary and the Balestier folk for having us to lead in worship to day. Praise be unto God.

Reflections on the last day of 2011

2011-12-31T17:28:00.010+08:00

Besides my blog, I keep a diary. What have I written in my personal diary for the last twelve months? Some days there are interesting stories, other days the pages are blank -nothing worth writing, just monotonous routine. Yes, house cleaning, laundry, sweep and mop floor. How simple life would be if we just follow a regular routine with fixed hours, fixed times for meals and very little original thinking to do. Life can be dull and monotonous.

Everyday I read and study God's word, preparing Bible studies for the Adult Bible Class and cell group, plus preparing sermons when invited to preach. But invitation to preach gets less and less these days. There is a time to preach there is a time to stop and listen to others preach.

But some days are exciting. Visiting a new places, meeting interesting people, reading an interesting book. Yes, my diary and blog too contain some interesting entries. Visiting old places and missing the old landmarks and finding new ones.

Some dark days too, strong reactions to persons or circumstances, deeply hurt by remarks and actions of others. Better for me not to dwell on those days. One day I'll go through the diaries and destroy those pages. Human beings annoy each other at times deliberately or unknowingly. I must be an irritation to many people and my friends are too polite to tell me. Lord forgive me.

The year is at an end. Yes, I've been up mountain tops, sunk in valleys of depression and gone through mood swings. Yet when I am out with people, I have to put on an appearance. What hypocrisy! But culture demands it. That's how I was brought up to maintain a stiff upper lip and don't show your feelings.

Ministry brings joy to our hearts. We paid our last visit of the year to Grace and Mary, both in their seventies and handicapped. Many years ago they used to attend Salvation Army meetings, in fact Mary sang in the songsters. With change of officers (pastors) they have been forgotten. In recent years TOUCH community services belonging to FCBC (Faith Community Baptist Church) have been fetching them to church. We are glad there are those who care for the needy elderly.

Thank God whatever the day brings, I take everything to the Lord in prayer. I give thanks to my Heavenly Father who is always there to sustain me.

The old year ends, and I pray this prayer, "Help me learn from my own mistakes and the mistakes of others, and help me start the New year worthily. I need your wisdom and your grace. Amen"

Let me share a poem written by a old friend of ours - Commissioner Harry Read.

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 the wind has seemed at times to blow,
And difficult indeed the course to hold;
All needed grace has then begun to flow,
And 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 be expressed,
Encouraged, strengthened and established me.

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

Dinner with family

2011-12-30T10:04:00.013+08:00

The days fly past quickly. We had less involvement with kettling this year, so had more time to do other things. We were involved with kettling only once, that was at Harbour Front Starbucks and really enjoyed that experience. It was my first visit to Starbucks and made history by taking the first cup of coffee there!

Another day a friend took us to lunch at Pizza Hut at Thompson Plaza and again it was a the first time for us. Yes, believe it or not, first time to have pizza at Pizza Hut. We made history!

Last evening, we had dinner with our son Stephen and family at Raja Seafood Restaurant Jurong East It was great to have the whole family plus the maid, eight of us to share a meal. It was the icing on the cake this Christmas - Christmas is a family occasion.

Everyday we thank God for family and friends. God gave us our family - three children and six grandchildren. Our youngest child, Dora Poh Chin is well cared for at The Salvation Army Nursing Home. She cannot celebrate Christmas like the rest of us, but we pray daily that in her own way she will enjoy her communion with the Lord. Her story is told in this blog -4th July 2009. The Lord has always been good to us and the family. Every morning we pray for them and every evening we commit them to the Lord.

Of all our social institutions, the family is perhaps the one with which we are most familiar. Life is about relationships. Without relationships what would become of us? So maintaining good relationships with our loved ones is the key to success and happiness. A strong civilization depends upon strong families which then depend upon warm, loving relationships within the family.

We thank God not only for our own biological family, but also for our extended family which include friends of all ages.

"Among Life's precious jewels,
Genuine and rare,
The one that we call friendship
Has worth beyond compare."
~ author unknown

"A friend loves at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17

Prayer meeting

2011-12-29T11:07:00.005+08:00

We just returned from Bishan where a few of us met for our weekly Prayer meeting. We were blessed as we prayed for the church and its mission to the world. We prayed specially for the countries that are undergoing big challenges - North Korea facing a time uncertainty as leadership changes. We prayed for the Philippines affected by devastating floods and landslides. We focused our thoughts on the nation of Syria with its unrest and bloodshed. We prayed for Christchurch, New Zealand which have again been affected by earthquakes that have caused ground liquefaction and thousands of homes are full of sludge. Buildings have been damaged beyond hope of repair. Our Salvation Army Christchurch City Corps lost its building and our people meet at a school. Salvation Army Emergency services are providing emergency supplies and counselling services.

We prayed for our own territory of Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. And we prayed for each other.

"Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general till the prayer-meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians. To mix it up with the week-night lecture, and really make an end of it, is a sad sign of
declension." C H Spurgeon

"A congregation without a prayer meeting is essentially defective in its organization,and so must be limited in its efficiency." J. B. Johnston

Day at MacRitchie Reservoir

2011-12-28T12:11:00.009+08:00

A friend of ours came and took us to Thompson Plaza for lunch, then we spent the afternoon at MacRitchie Reservoir. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet walking along the Boardwalk. It's wonderful to be so close to nature, listening to the chirping of the birds and sounds of insects.

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
he shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad! - Maltbie Davenport Babcock

Real Christmas

2011-12-28T11:53:00.001+08:00

When the song of the angel is stilled
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and praises are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock
Then the real work of the Christmas begins;

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T20:28:00.004+08:00

Christmas this year fell on a Sunday, so Monday was declared at Public Holiday. Our good friend Judy Chun came for us at 11.00 a.m. and gave us a wonderful Christmas surpise gift.
After picking us, she drove to Cashew Drive to pick up another former Peacehaven staff, Jennifer Loh.

Then we went to the famous tourist area of Orchard Road to have 'tim sum' at the Imperial Treasure Restaurant! Well it was real Hong Kong cuisine! You can see some pictures posted on Facebook by Chang Siew Mei. She and her mother were the other diners. It was a wonderful and memorable Christmas present for us!

We chatted, we laughed, we recalled old times, we conversed in English and Cantonese because Siew Mei's Mum 84 years of age, speak only Cantonese. It gave me the opportunity to use the Cantonese I learnt in Hong Kong days. My wife is Cantonese.

From there we went for a walk, then got into another resturant to have our coffee/tea and desert. And now we are home, tired but happy and writing my blog.

An English poet once penned these lines: "At Christmas, play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year." This is a time of good cheer and merry making and I don't see why not, for God wants us to enjoy ourselves. A gloomy Christian is a contradiction on terms and bad advertisement for the church. Enjoy Christmas, celebrate the birth of Christ. This is the time to be happy and make others happy. Life is too short to be miserable.

Another thought to share with you. Let's not pack away the spirit of Christmas like we do with the tree and decorations - to be kept for another year. Greetings, love, kind thoughts, best wishes, assurance of prayers that wing their way across the seas from country to country ought to be practised more often than once a year. With modern technology, this is made easy.

Christmas Day at Changi Corps

2011-12-26T10:21:00.005+08:00

A joyous and blessed Christmas to our friends. We had a great time at Changi Corps (church) yesterday. We thank God for the privilege of sharing in fellowship with and ministering to our folk there and in so doing we were truly blessed. We thank Major Lim Chee Kwee for giving us the opportunity to preach the word at his church.

Madam Low Mui Lang, the CSM of the Corps came for us at 10.30 a.m. and because of the rain, the journey took longer than usual. We arrived and walked straight into the meeting.

We sang the familiar and well loved carols. Members of the The GoForth Traniing Services, more than 30 of them sang for us. They sang beautifully. These women, all from overseas, mainly from the Philippines provide excellent service at Peacehaven Nursing Home.

I gave the message on "God's unique gift." The text used was "Thanks be unto God for this indescribable gift."

After the service we had a lovely Christmas lunch.

Christmas celebration -Wiliam Booth Corps

2011-12-24T20:20:00.005+08:00

Our Church held its Christmas celebration on Friday evening. A sumptuous Christmas dinner was provided for our people and the invited guests included folk from the Bukit Panjang Family Centre.

Then at 7.00 p.m we moved from the Social Hall to the main hall where a concert was held. We had the portrayal of the Nativity scene. The participants were the children from the Centre. In the audience were the parents and grandparents. Good to see the hall packed to capacity.

To night our folk are out carolling. My wife and I have chosen to remain at home and take a little rest. It has been a hectic week and we know our limitations.

There is a time for everything, a time to start, to take part and a time to let others carry on the work.

This is Christmas Eve and we need to conserve our strength for tomorrow when we shall be leading the worship at Changi Corps. We are looking forward to this.

Funeral of Andrew Ong

2011-12-24T17:30:00.008+08:00

We attended Andrew Ong’s funeral service and the committal at the Mandai Crematorium today. As I came away the words of Job kept ringing in my mind.

Job writes, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; (Job 19: 25-26)

Like Job even in our pain there are some things that we can know and be certain about. Twice in this passage Job states there are some things that he knows (vv. 25, 26) with certainty.

It’s wonderful for a man, like Job living so many years before Christ, to affirm that he knows that there is a Redeemer. In verse 25 “I know that my Redeemer lives….” Job states that he is “my” redeemer; he had a personal relationship with the Redeemer. This is truth uttered from a heart of assurance and firm conviction.

Another thought came to my mind. Paul the Apostle many years later put it this way, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, (2 Corinthians 5:1-2). In death we move from living in a tent to life in a mansion our Lord has gone to prepare for us.

Funerals need not be morbid. When we know the Lord as our Redeemer we can rejoice.

Andrew Ong promoted to Glory

2011-12-22T11:27:00.007+08:00

Andrew Ong was promoted to Glory yesterday at the age of 65. I have known Andrew since he was a baby. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Ong Kay Sung were the first Salvationists of Balestier Corps (church) Andrew was a faithful and enthusiastic salvationist.

He leaves behind his wife Irene, three children - Janaine, Aaron and Amelyn, son-in-law Christopher Loh and two grandchildren, Hannah and Ariele.

His sisters, Ruth and Janet residing in Canada are now on their way to Singapore to attend the funeral.

My wife and I attended the wake last night. The funeral will be on Christmas Eve. He will be cremated at the Mandai Crematorium at 1.00 p.m.

Promoted to Glory is a term used by The Salvation Army to describe the death of a Salvationist.The term was actually coined by Herbert Booth, son of the Founder William Booth, following the death of Catherine Booth, the Mother of the Salvation Army

Promoted To Glory (funeral Song written by Herbert Booth)

Summoned home, the call has sounded,
Bidding a soldier his warfare cease;
And the song of angels resounded,
Welcomes a warrior to eternal peace.
Praise the Lord! from earthly struggles
A comrade has found release.
Death has lost its sting, the grave its victory;
Conflicts and dangers are over;
See him honored in the throne of glory,
Crowned by the hand of Jehovah!

Refrain

Strife and sorrow over,
The Lord’s true faithful soldier
Has been called to go from the ranks below,
To the conq’ring host above.

Once the sword, but now the scepter,
Once the fight, now the rest and fame,
Broken every earthly fetter,
Now the glory for the cross and shame;
Once the loss of all for Jesus,
But now the eternal gain.
Trials and sorrow here have found their meaning
Mysteries their explanation;
Safe, forever in the sunlight gleaming
Of His eternal salvation.

Twelve days of Christmas

2011-12-20T17:57:00.003+08:00

A friend from New Zealand shared this interesting article with me.

"What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practise their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Christmas Parties - Gracehaven and Peacehaven

2011-12-18T19:29:00.006+08:00

It rained cats and dogs when we made our way to Gracehaven Home. We went by public transport which took us slightly over an hour. This year there was no drama, but the Home Youth and children put on very good items. Anyone can tell, they have rehearsed well. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner. This was the first Christmas for Lieutenants Anthony and Wai Chan Yong who are in charge of the Home.

Then on Saturday, Majors Lim Chee Kwee and Annie came for us and took us to Peacehaven for their celebration. The nurses and staff put on a good programme. Sister Linda Lim a former resident of Children's Home many years ago and now retired had trained 'line dance group' at Peacehaven. We have known Linda for many years, perhaps half a century. Good to see these former girls returning to the Army to give of their service. Just imagine I was compelled to join them on the platform to do line dance - fortunately because of my height (I'm taller than most of the folk participating) I stood at the back, so my mistakes were not seen by the audience. This was the first time, I took part in the line dance.

Chaplain Jimi Tan, put on a special item depicting the Army's theme - One Army, One mission, One message. The play began with the Genesis story and concluded with the nativity scene. When the singing group sang, "They shall come from the East, they shall come from the west and sit down in the kingdom of God" folk dressed in different national costumes, streamed in from all over the building to pay homage to Christ the King.

Jimi Tan and and the staff certainly must have put in hours of practice. The nurses and therapists and other staff could only practise during their time off. God bless them for their commitment and sacrificial service for the sake of the kingdon.

We than adjourned to have our dinner prepared by the chef Patrick and the kitchen staff.It was a sumptous Christmas dinner.

Yes, both Homes, Gracehaven and Peacehaven put on excellent programmes.

This is my story - 66 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

2011-12-18T17:58:00.010+08:00

66 – Opening of New Command Headquarters

One big important file marked “New Command Headquarters’ Building” was handed to me when I took office in January 1983. The old Headquarters along Nathan Road was quite inadequate to cater for the needs of the growing work of The Salvation Army. Our predecessors had secured from the Hong Kong Government an arrangement to erect the present 14- storey building in exchange for the return of the Nathan Road land.

Of course, the Property Department under the leadership of Major Joseph Wilcox an Australian officer handled the details. They received very good support from the Property Committee of the Advisory Board a group of businessmen well versed in property and legal matters.

It was a busy time for those involved – the calling of tenders, the choice of contractors and the negotiations took up a lot of our time. When work was about to begin, the contractor wanted to bring in Toaist priests to conduct rituals and cast out evil spirits a custom prevalent in Hong Kong. Captain James Lau the Field Secretary strongly opposed the contractors and insisted that he would perform the ceremony. So the Captain went with a group of Salvationists and prayed loudly in Cantonese over the land! He then turned to the contactors and said, “Now the land is cleansed, no evil spirits will trouble your workers.” We took our stand as a church and Christian organisation.

On 26th November 1984 we began our move to the new building. Of course, we had to deal with many teething problems initially. However, we had a good team of officers and staff who worked extremely hard to get the place ready for the official opening.

The official opening of the new Command Headquarters building on 20th April 1985 was a thrilling and exhilarating experience for us and the members of The Salvation Army. It was one of the highlights of our time in Hong Kong. The Chicago Staff Band (Bandmaster William Himes) from America came and participated on this historic event. It added colour to the occasion.

Busy Nathan Road was closed to traffic for The Salvation Army band and representative Salvationists to march from the old to the new Headquarters. I was informed that the only other time that had happened was when Queen Elizabeth II visited the colony. The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Edward Youde was the guest of honour who officiated. The International Secretary of South Pacific and East Asia Commissioner William Cairns was there to dedicate the building and to lead the weekend’s meetings.

The new building provided facilities for the Central Corps (church); one floor was reserved for services to the elderly and two floors for a Day Care and Kindergarten. We kept two floors, the fourth and fifth for Headquarters administration. My wife and I had offices on the fourth floor. The sixth and seventh floors were reserved for the Training College. Officers’ quarters occupied the top floors.

We knew it would be costly to maintain such a big building, so we set aside the rest of the building to provide accommodation for international visitors. Profits from the centre named Booth Lodge went towards the running expenses of this building.

In faith we requested International Headquarters to send us officers for training of cadets. The last principal Captain Peter Chang of Korea left Hong Kong for USA in 1972 for further studies and the training work ceased. Three cadets were sent to the School for Officer Training in the Philippines. Now with the new facilities and the promise of overseas personnel, we were ready to open the Training College in the new building.

Commissioner Eva Burrows responded to our need for personnel by sending from the Melbourne Training College Captain and Mrs. Robert Paterson, so in the same year we were able to admit six new cadets. Among these were Cadets Simon and Belinda Tso who are currently the General Secretary and Secretary for Women’s Ministries of the Command respectively. Mrs. Captain Margaret Hay wife of the Principal of William Booth Secondary School Captain Laurence Hay was appointed as the Education Officer.

Christmas Trees

2011-12-15T11:25:00.004+08:00

We used to put up a Christmas tree in our lounge during the festive season when the children were with us. Nowadays with just the two of us, we just don't bother to put up the tree. We can enjoy the tree when we go downstairs on ground floor or at the church.

This morning we joined our friends for the Prayer meeting at Territorial Headquarters. In the introduction to her devotion, Major Pascoe mentioned about the Christmas Tree.

Christmas trees originated among early Christians as a symbol of eternal life. As evergreens, they became a witness to their faith in Jesus and His gift of eternal life. One night in the forest, Martin Luther noticed that the hundreds of millions of stars looked like they were resting on the branches of the giant fir trees. So he put tiny candles on his tree and lit them on Christmas Eve as a witness to his family and neighbours that Jesus is the Light of the world.

" A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." Isaiah 11: 1.

Christmas dinner at Tangs

2011-12-14T18:26:00.005+08:00

Last night, I joined our many friends as guests of Mrs. Janet Liok at Marriot Hotel. The William Booth Corps band was on duty playing carols. At 9.15 p.m. we all went to the Hotel to have this lovely Christmas dinner. Mrs. Liok, her son Kelvin and Katherine her sister worship at the William Booth Corps (Church)

I sat next to Janet Liok's cousin Mrs. Khai-Eng Tyler from England the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C Y Chang of Malacca. I first met this lady when I took up my appointment as the Corps Officer (pastor) of Malacca Corps (church) in 1954. The Changs owned a shop selling all kinds of knick knack, pictures, lamp shades etc. at Newcome Road. Mr. C Y Chang was a Methodist lay preacher and quite often came round to help The Salvation Army. Mrs. Chang who ran the shop was the niece of C K Tang of Singapore.

The Changs were very kind to me during my three years in Malacca. Every Chinese New Year they would invite me to share their family reunion dinner. I was at that time in my early twenties living alone. Every month they contributed their donation to The Salvation Army.

Mrs. Tyler is going to visit her brother Joseph and his family in Malacca. In the meantime she is staying with her cousin Janet Liok in Singapore.

Many friends, past and present have contributed much to my spiritual growth through the years. Christmas is the time we hear from many, either by e-mail, or snail mail. As each greeting comes in I whisper a prayer for these good people God has brought into our lives.

Jesus - the servant

2011-12-12T17:11:00.002+08:00

Jesus
He came not to a throne, but to a manger.
He lived not as a king, but as a servant.
He chose not a kingdom, but a cross.
He gave not just a little, but everything.
- Holley Gerth

Message from the angels or angles

2011-12-10T19:14:00.007+08:00

Is it a typographical error or is it spelling mistake? I don't know but the thought came to my mind that during Christmas we can listen to the message from the angels that proclaim "Unto you is born a Saviour who is Christ the Lord" and again, "glory to God in the highest, peace on earth goodwill to men."

Or do we listen to the Christmas message from different angles. Some angles have the tendency to keep us away from the nativity scene. Spend more at the department store, big bargains, sales! Nothing wrong in going shopping, but be careful we can lose our focus.

In some countries the authorities are advocating the change of name for example to "Winterval" and the Christmas tree is called the "Holiday Tree." They don't want to offend other faiths by using the name Christ, so advocate the change leaving Christ out. Christmas is about Christ coming into the world to save sinners.

Let's listen the message from God given through His angels and reject the message from other angles.

We were at Haven Children's Home this afternoon to join in the celebration of Christmas. Good to listen to the children sing the Christmas message. What a joy to listen to the angels choir! God bless the children.

Kettling at Starbucks

2011-12-09T11:42:00.013+08:00

Every year during the month of December, Starbucks in Singapore set aside one day to raise funds specifically for The Salvation Army. In Singapore the company has been doing this for at least the last ten years. On a chosen Thursday from 5.00 to 7.00 p.m all customers are given free drinks. They are requested to put their donation into what is called the 'kettle' hence the appeal is named 'kettling.'

This custom originated in America. In December 1891 San Francisco, California was paralysed with a dock workers strike. A Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a Christmas dinner for the poor but lacked the funds. He obtained permission from the authorities and placed an empty kettle on a kettle stand. He appealed to the public for funds. People dropped their donations into the kettle. This noble approach was an instant success. Soon other Salvation Army churches or centres picked up the idea and eventually spread across the United States and to other parts of the world.

The bell was added a few years later when a Salvation Army volunteer was tired of being ignored by passersby. She went inside the department store where the kettle was located and bought a small bell. The idea worked and bells became a permanent feature of the kettles. Later The Salvation Army Christmas bell was immortalised in the popular Christmas song, "Silver bells."

My wife and I were at Starbucks, Harbour Front yesterday 8th December to do kettling. We arrived about 15 minutes before time, so had a little rest and spent our time chatting with the staff. We were warmly welcomed by the branch manager a 26-year old named Jack and the representative from Starbuck Headquarters Ms. Sabaria Suri-Morrison.

At exactly 5.00 p.m. Ms. Sabaria rang the bell and she kept ringing for the full two hours walking up and down inviting people to join the queue. She was very enthusiastic and full of energy. Later one of the staff came with a bigger bell. She must have found our bell too small and not loud enough.

We stood at the entrance and as the people entered they put in their donations. The queue grew longer and longer and we had to request the people to wait as they could only cater for only a certain number of people at a time. Extra workers were recruited for the day and a number of ex-employees of Starbucks volunteered their services.

We thank God for health and strength and the privilege of serving Him by serving in the Army and people.

Salvationists feel that the Christmas kettle not only provides as means to raise funds but also as a reminder to the public that the true spirit of Christmas is found in remembering others.

I remember an old chorus we used to sing at Sunday School to the tune of Jingle Bells.

"J-O-Y, J-O-Y this must surely mean
Jesus first, yourself last, others in between."

Christmas Gift suggestions

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000+08:00

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
... To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

Visit to Choa Chu Kang Columbarium

2011-12-08T11:34:00.008+08:00

My wife and I thought it was time for us to pay a visit to our departed ancestors! So yesterday, my sister-in-law Angela came and three of us went to the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium.

We went to have a look at the niches for my father and my wife's aunt. We have lost the numbers of the niches, but thought we remembered the location. We searched the whole of second level at Block A, but could not find the niches.

Eventually we went to the office where we met a Mr. Ng, who was very kind and friendly. We gave him the names and the dates of their burial. Well, he made a search on his computer and found the numbers of the niches for us. The niches were on Level 3 and not 2. Thank God for modern technology and thank God for kind people who are always willing to be of assistance.

Well, the dead do not know whether we visit or not, but we do it for our sakes. We owe much to our ancestors, and the older we get the more we appreciate what they had gone through and the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

If there is one sin that most prevalent today, it is the sin of ingratitude. We are grateful to God and to our many loved ones and friends who have been of great support and encouragement to us.

You cannot be grateful and bitter.
You cannot be grateful and unhappy.
You cannot be grateful and without hope.
You cannot be grateful and unloving.
So just be grateful.

Author Unknown

Visit to Peacehaven Nursing Home

2011-12-06T20:28:00.010+08:00

Had an interesting day at Peacehaven. We did chapel service at the Ward called Flamingo. Present were all ladies in different stages of dementia or handicapped in other ways. As it is December we told the Christmas story. We sang as usual "Jesus loves me this I know." "Christmas is love" and that is the theme for this year's celebration at Orchard Road shopping area.

We visited the whole of Level one. The ward called Sunbird has now been renamed "Grace Corner." It has been renovated and refurbished at Government expense. It is now taking patients from Changi Hospital. The Army's Peacehaven Nursing Home is now gazetted as an integral part of the Eastern Cluster. The Ministry of Health recognises the part the Army plays in elderly nursing care and supports our programme. At the moment there is only one resident, a lady in her nineties. She had a fall and fractured her hip. She speaks only Cantonese, but none of the staff can speak in this dialect, so my wife spent about half an hour chatting with her.

There were quite a number of students from National University of Singapore who are doing their assignments at Peacehaven. These are third year students and next year will graduate and be appointed as Staff nurses in the various hospitals. We get students also from Polytechnic and ITE as well. The Salvation Army Nursing Home is accredited by the Government in the training programme.

We thank God the Army has an important part to play in caring for the elderly and the handicapped. Yes, the mission of the Army is to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.

Salvationist influence

2011-12-04T18:48:00.007+08:00

Have you read the War Cry - the official organ of The Salvation Army? It is a well produced monthly magazine for the territory of Singapore,Malaysia and Myanmar. On the front cover of the December issue is the picture of two girls - the older one, the pretty teen ager is Bernice Tong, eldest daughter of Danny and Siew Kim Tong. The whole family worships at Changi Corps (church) I've known Danny for more than 40 years. He was originally from Ipoh. It's always a joy to meet this lovely Christian family who gives good witness to the Christian faith.

What a joy to watch him grow up, married a lovely lady from Kallang Corps and now have four children - Bernice, Eunice, Glennice and Philemon. Glennice was named after Major Glennice Bonnar wife of the former General Secretary Major Ken Bonnar.

There are quite a number of Salvationist children named after reinforcement officers. Our local folk admire the dedication of our overseas friends serving in this country and want their children to grow up to be like these dedicated missionaries.

Well this year on Christmas Day my wife and I will be conducting the meeting at Changi. We are looking forward to this day to join our Changi folk in worship.

Second Sunday Advent.

2011-12-04T18:32:00.007+08:00

I preached twice today. At 9.00 a.m my wife and I went to Eratchippu (Tamil) Corps. First we had Prayer meeting where five of us took part. Then slowly others streamed in. the meeting was all done in Tamil. I only gave the message which was interpreted by Corps Sergeant Major Hemma. The meeting lasted one and half hours.

I rushed home, upstairs on the fourth floor to have a cup of coffee (in case I fall asleep during the meeting) and went to the William Booth Corps for the next meeting. My wife led the meeting and I spoke on the need for spiritual preparation - message based on the prophecy of Isaiah 40. This is the second Sunday in Advent.

We had a good congregation of about 200 people. Among them was Colonel Mrs. Alice Lau from Hong Kong. She has come to spend Christmas and Chinese New Year with her son Michael and daughter-in-law, Gina. Good to see her again. We've been good friends for many years.

After lunch, we added the prayer meeting. We give thanks to God for health and strength to continue serving Him.

Christmas activities

2011-12-03T17:46:00.006+08:00

We are now in the month of December and soon it will be Christmas. Normally my wife and I would be busy with kettling, standing outside Tangs ringing the bell and receiving donations from the public. We've been doing this every year since we returned to Singapore. We've been retired for almost fifteen years.

This year, our Corps Officer (pastor) has put a ban on us taking part in kettling. We have offered but she feels strongly that it is time we retire from kettling and let the younger ones do it. However, we shall do our share in fund raising by taking our turn at Starbucks on Thursday 8th December. This will be our first time at Starbucks and we are looking forward to it.

Anyway there are other things we can do. Major Pascoe is away at Banting, Malaysia this weekend, so my wife and I will be conducting the meetings at Eratchhippu and William Booth Corps (church) at 9.00 a.m. and 11 a.m respectively. Well, we are happy to do this as it is part of our calling. As for me, the word of God is burning like fire in the bones! We thank God for health and strength and the privilege to share the word with our people.

It will be the second Sunday in Advent and my message will be "Preparation for Christ's coming" based on Isaiah 40: 3-5.

"A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Let's make spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The importance of Integrity

2011-12-01T11:08:00.009+08:00

The Chinese built the Great Wall of China to prevent their enemies from the north entering their land. It is remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It was so high no one could climb over it. It was so thick that made it impossible in those days for anyone to break it. The Chinese were happy and they felt secure.

However, during the first one hundred years of the wall's existence, the enemies invaded China three times despite the strong high wall. No, the enemies did not climb in nor break it. They just could not. Each time the enemies marched right in through the gates. According to the historians, the Chinese spent so much time and effort to build the great wall, they neglected to teach their children the importance of integrity.

What is integrity?
1.The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
2.The state of being whole and undivided: "territorial integrity".
Synonyms: honesty - probity - entirety - rectitude - wholeness.

Integrity is a value that an individual may choose whether or not to use or demonstrate.
God wants us to be people of integrity and honour, people who are truly trustworthy. A person who has integrity does not have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. He is true to his word and keep commitments.

We live in a time where integrity means very little or nothing to people. Today it is difficult to tell good people from the bad ones.

Integrity does not mean that a person is perfect, but it does imply the type of character that would admit wrongdoing and repent of it.

Joseph was the first son of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel and because of this he favoured Joseph. Because of jealousy, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers to the Midianites, who then sold him to Potiphar. But in the house of Potiphar Joseph’s unique talent for administration and honesty were clearly seen.

In Genesis 39, we see that Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household. Because of his godly character and integrity, he found favour with Potiphar. Look at it in verses 4-6.

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. – Genesis 39:4-6

Joseph’s character was such that Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but the food he ate. True character and integrity puts a person in the position to be trusted to the point that they do not need constant supervision. While there are those that say that it is difficult to maintain personal integrity in a different culture with a different value system, the clearest example of Joseph’s Integrity was when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. A man of lesser character would have given in. But Joseph would rather go to prison than to betray his master and his integrity.

Note his response to Potiphar’s wife in verse 9. "There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back any thing from me but you, because you are his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" – Genesis 39:9

Think about this for a moment. He knew that if he gave in to the temptation, he would betray not only his master but more importantly his God. God held such a high position in the heart of Joseph, and because Joseph honoured God, he would honour Potiphar. Even with this temptation, he would not give in; even when the situation was such that no one else would know.

All of us have at some time or other call upon to make a decision concerning our personal integrity. Joseph teaches us that integrity means not compromising God’s standards.

"A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come." Denis Waitley

"Don't worry so much about your self-esteem. Worry more about your character. Integrity is its own reward." Laura Schlessinger

Our greatest need

2011-11-28T09:52:00.001+08:00

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.

-Roy Lessin

The kingdom of God

2011-11-27T17:07:00.006+08:00

Today I did the last Bible lesson for this year. We shall continue with a new series in January 2012.

The last two Sundays our theme was on the Kingdom of God. Centuries prior to the coming of Jesus to earth to live as a man, the Jews were thinking of a Messiah who would one day come and overthrow their enemies and set up His kingdom on earth.

Sadly after being with Jesus for three years, his disciples were still vague about the Kingdom. The disciples asked Jesus a question in Acts 1:6 regarding the restoration of the kingdom of Israel.

It is the kingdom of God when members live out the teachings of Christ in their lives. The kingdom of God is peace, justice and love. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10: 27

We quite often pray using the prayer Jesus taught us and we say, "Your Kingdom some." We are asking for His help to live out the values of His Kingdom. In His sermon on the Mount the Lord gives us wise counsel to engage in Kingdom living.

Wedding - Kenrick and Hui Hui

2011-11-27T16:48:00.005+08:00

We were invited to attend the wedding of Kenrick Hor and Lim Hui Hui at the William Booth Corps (church)on Saturday 26th November. The hall was packed with their relatives and friends. It was a beautiful wedding conducted by Major Ruth Pascoe and Major Lim Chee Kwee was there to officially register the marriage.

The Hor family have been attending our church for some time now. Their first contact was through the cell group held in the home of Henry and Janet Wan. Both Kenrick and Hui Hui play in our band.

Our prayer for the two of them is that they will continue to grow in love - love for one another, love for God, and love for others. It is our desire that they have a blessed marriage and life together bringing glory to God whom they love and serve.

Officers' Retreat

2011-11-26T17:47:00.007+08:00

Once again we were invited to participate in the Officers' Retreat, a privilege that is given in our Territory. In many territories, retirees are excluded. In many places that I know of the retirees have their own retreats. We have very few retired officers - in Singapore there are only three of us, Major Wasagan and ourselves and in Malaysia four officers, Majors Teck Fung and Grace Lim and Majors Stephen and Esther Rengasamy)

In 2001 we were invited to Christchurch, New Zealand to conduct series of Bible studies for the Retired Officers' Convention held in Christchurch from 18- 21 October. It was called SPROC (South Pacific Retired Officers Convention) for the retired officers of the two Australian territories and New Zealand. I gave a series of studies on Psalm 139.

Anyway, Major Pascoe, Aux. Captains Raymond and Cathy Aloba plus both of us left at 2.00 p.m. from Praisehaven. It rained cats and dogs on the way. We got to the Singapore check point, when lo and behold, the immigration officer would not permit the Raymond and Cathy to leave as their exit visas have expired. So we had to return home.

While Raymond and Cathy had to go to the Immigration Department to sort out their visas, Major Pascoe and both of us left again for Johor. We checked in and had our dinner and welcome meeting.

In the meantime, Raymond and Cathy got their papers cleared and Major returned to Singapore to fetch them to the Retreat.

The theme was "Come unto me." The papers presented were good and relevant to our needs. In the evenings we had more relaxing time when children were also involved. We ended with a time of commitment to the Lord.

We left at 3.00 p.m. and arrived home about 4.00 p.m. We thank God for the fellowship we had with our officers of both Singapore and Malaysia.

Comparisons

2011-11-21T11:00:00.006+08:00

Some people I know seem to enjoy comparing themselves with others. Comparisons are odious, quite often motivated by pride or low self image. They compare their children to others. "Where was your son's wedding dinner held? Ours was at Fullerton." Showing off!

"My daughter is a graduate and now working as.... Did yours go through University" Comparison - disgusting and detestable! Let me assure you friends, it is the easiest way to lose friends. Pride stinks and drives your friends away.

"Where did you buy your dress etc. I bought mine at Robinson." What does it matter where one gets things from.

Listen to what Paul has to say, "We do not desire to classify or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. When they measure themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." 2 Cor. 10: 12 NIV

Then he goes on to tell us, "Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us." (TLB)

Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and accept and appreciate one another. Each one of us is wonderfully, fearfully and uniquely made by God.

Years ago I read a book by Dale Carnegie called "How to win friends and influence people." Perhaps someone might write one on "How to lose friends and antagonise people."

This is my story - 65 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

2011-11-20T19:14:00.003+08:00

65 – Weddings of our children in Singapore

In Singapore our two older children, Gladys and Stephen were very much involved in Salvation Army activities particularly in the musical sections. Stephen had transferred to the Pasir Panjang Corps (church) as it was nearer home and his camp where he was posted. He was doing his national service. He fulfilled the role of Corps pianist at this new Corps and played in the newly formed band.

Gladys continued worshipping in Central Corps. She was the Corps pianist and Songster organist and also took part in other sections as well. She had also joined the Continental Singers, a non-profit interdenominational ministry seeking to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of young Christians and develop the missionary spirit. They train the youth in music, in Christian witnessing and sharing the gospel through musical programmes. Gladys had gone for audition and was selected as the pianist.

It was here that she met Aw Kum Pui a young man from the Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church. They decided to get married and the date was fixed to coincide with our return trip from Europe after the International Leaders’ Conference.

We arrived in Singapore a couple of days before the wedding on 19th May 1984. The marriage ceremony was held at the Presbyterian Church and the ceremony was conducted by Captain Roy Bungay, the Corps Officer (pastor) of Central Corps. Captain Bungay a Canadian was at one time the Youth Secretary and had great influence on the youth of the Command. He was one of the most enthusiastic and hard working Youth Secretaries I’ve ever met. The Central Corps Songsters, Presbyterian Choir and Continental Singers provided items for the wedding. It was the first time we had witnessed a wedding where the bridal couple sang a duet!

We stayed for the Sunday to conduct the meeting at Central Corps and left early Monday morning for Hong Kong. The next day, Gladys and Kum Pui came to Hong Kong to spend their honeymoon.

Soon they moved into their own Housing Board flat at Jurong East where they still are today.

This meant Stephen was left alone in our Clementi Housing Board flat with three bedrooms. He was already dating Dolly Quah who was renting a unit elsewhere. So they made the decision to get married on 25th May 1985. In this way Stephen could then take over from Gladys the servicing of the loan till its completion. So financially everything worked out well for the family. When we do God’s will, we need not worry about our own needs. He arranges everything for us and His timing is always perfect. This we have found to be true in every stage of our journey of life.

It so happened we received word from International Headquarters that a new ruling had just been implemented. Officers working overseas were allowed to take a mid-term furlough in the four year term. The rule was changed again later to a term of three years. So the timing was just right for us to take our mid-term furlough to attend our son’s wedding! Captain Ruth Pascoe conducted the ceremony at the Pasir Panjang Corps.

Stephen was working with Singapore Computer Systems. The company could not release him for vacation, so he and Dolly had to postpone their honeymoon till 1986. They arrived on 1st February and spent their honeymoon as well as Chinese New Year with us. Great to have them for the New Eve reunion dinner with us and Major Moira Wright the General Secretary who had been a tremendous support to us.

The time they spent in Hong Kong suited us better as in 1985, SPEACO (South Pacific and East Asia College for Officers) was held in Hong Kong and I was appointed Principal. This involved a lot of preparation and work. Good thing, I was involved in the first SPEACO held in Singapore in 1980 so had some experience working with Major Peter Chang of IHQ and Captain Lance Rive of New Zealand.

As we were working outside Singapore, both our children had to organise and planned their own weddings. They matured fast and rose to the occasion. I must add they had very good support from the officers, particularly Captains Roy and Joy Bungay, Captain Ruth Pascoe and comrades of the corps they were attending. God plans for every detail of our lives for which we thank and praise Him everyday. To God be the glory.

Birthday Celebration

2011-11-18T18:41:00.007+08:00

Yesterday was an important day for my wife. She celebrated her 75th birthday. She makes no attempt to keep her age a secret.

We had a stream of visitors who called us on. First to arrive were Sister Joy Goh and her nephew god son, Raymond. Joy first came to The Salvation Army in Malacca when Cadet Teoh Poh Leng and I went there to conduct cadets' campaign in 1954. She was still in school then.

Later when I was appointed to Malacca Corps as the Corps Officer (pastor) in October 1954, her cousin Edward started coming to the Sunday school and Youth Group. Later another young girl called Pauline Ho came to the youth group. Edward and Pauline later got married and had two children. Raymond is the younger of the two boys. Raymond came to Singapore for his education, later when to Australia for his university education and now works for Bank Negara, Kuala Lumpr. What a joy to see our friends again.

We have a wonderful cell group which meets at our home every Friday morning. Brothers Bill Lutz and Ronnie Lim hosted a lunch at North Border, Rochester Park for the eleven of us. It was a lovely lunch plus great fellowship.

We met again this morning for our cell. We did not want to cancel the meeting as it is our last for the year 2011. We shall have recess as all of us will be busy with Christmas activities, like kettling etc. We thank God for friends who care. This mutual caring support for each other build each other up.

Official Opening of Balestier Corps

2011-11-15T17:56:00.014+08:00

What a delight it was to be in The Salvation Army's new building - 126 Balestier Road, next door to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It was formerly an Eye Hospital. The dedication of the new Balestier Corps and Community Centre coincided with the
75th anniversary of the Corps.

The officers and comrades of Balestier Corps gathered outside the building and we marched in to the music from the William Booth Corps Band (a few of Central Corps bandsmen augmented the players)

The meeting began with the singing of the song, "Stand up and bless the Lord" led by the Chief Secretary Lieut. Colonel Bob Lee. He had entered training college from Balestier Corps! It was a lovely spirit of rejoicing especially for the Balestier comrades after being 'homeless' since 2007. In the interim they worshipped in the THQ chapel.

The Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer cut the ribbon and officially opened the new building with James Lim one of the older members of the Corps, Rachael a youth and a child. James was one of my Sunday School pupils and now he is numbered among the seniors! How the years have flown past. James' father Norman Lim was my Sunday School teacher in those early days.

There was the showing of the video of the history of the Corps. Terence Nah and Anne Kwong prepared this video. Terence, Anne and myself had gone to the spot where the Army first began, the Boys' Home. We had visited the area where the Army used to hold open air meetings. They wanted me to be the narrator because of my involvement in the Corps from the early days in 1937. I was only five years old when my older siblings and I made our way to Balestier Road Corps after witnessing the open air meeting in Lorong Limau where we lived.

In 1957 I was appointed as the Corps Officer (pastor) for the Corps. I got married and my wife who was from Central Corps joined me in ministering to the folk till November 1959 when we farewelled and appointed to Penang.

The following officers brought greetings from the various Corps and Centres - Captain Lim Chee Kwee representing the east, Major Ruth Pascoe the west, Lieut. Colonel Tan Thean Seng for Chinese Corps and Lieut. Colonel Wendy Lee for Central Corps. It was significant that we sang "They shall come from the East, they shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God."

Balestier Corps ladies provided a timbrel item. They marched into the hall to the music from the bagpipe played by Sister Olivia Low. All the ladies were smartly dressed in Army uniform. Then the William Booth youth provided a dance.

The Territorial Commander gave the message urging the people who are now back in Balestier to heed the General's call to One Army, One Mission and One Message.

As I look back my heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. No one would have dreamed on that day the five year old lad would be standing on the platform in the new Balestier Corps Hall to pronounce the benediction, Marvellous is the grace of God. To God be the glory.

Yes the Army is back at Balestier. The neighbourhood with many Housing Board flats provides a great opportunity for the Army to serve the people.

Funeral of Lim Tee Houw

2011-11-14T09:28:00.014+08:00

Our good friend Lim Tee Houw went to be with the Lord on Tuesday 8th November. We felt a terrible sense of loss when we received an sms from his wife Soo Noi. We have known them before they were married. Mrs. Lim was my wife's Sunday School teacher. We were at their wedding and they attended ours in 1958.

Lim Tee Houw, Chia Cheong Fook, Mary Yeo, Tan Khia Fatt and Mak Su Lan were delegates to the International Youth Congress held in London in 1950. Tee Houw was the Corps Secretary for the Singapore Central Corps for many years. His wife was the Corps pianist. In later years they joined the Methodist Church, but occasionally would attend the Army's special meetings. We remained very good friends.

The last time they attended Salvation Army meeting was at the official opening and dedication of the Army's Headquarters at Bishan in 1995. We were stationed in London then and came as the International Seceretary for South Pacific and East Asia to perform the ceremony.

When we saw him in Changi Hospital he was very sick. That was the last time we saw him alive. We were able to share a prayer with him.

My wife and I were away from Singapore for many years - twenty eight years in total. We spent 14 years in Malaysia, both East and West, and the last 15 years we were in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Phlippines and England. We quite often invited to their home to share meals with them on our visits to Singapore and enjoyed many hours of fellowship together. They came to visit us when were were stationed in Hong Kong.

We attended the Wake at Mount Vernon Sanctuary, Tranquility Hall at Upper Aljunied Road on Thursday and met their lovely family whom we had not seen for many years.

The funeral was on 11 November and we joined their many relatives and friends to say our last farewell.

The mourning of the followers of Christ is sorrow for one who has left temporarily. The word of God assures us that our trust in Jesus, we shall meet again in Heaven where the Lord has gone to prepare a place for us. Those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus will be together with Him.

Saying goodbye is always a sad thing. Good bye means 'God be with you.' The literal translation of the term 'good bye' in Chinese is 'meet again.'

God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
’Neath His wings securely hide you,
Daily manna still provide you,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put His arms unfailing round you,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you,
God be with you till we meet again.

Visit to Changi Corps

2011-11-08T16:46:00.009+08:00

There has been no Internet connectivity since last Friday. Anyway, Jason Loh from the IT department came and within minutes fixed the problem for us. We thank God for our friends at the IT Department who are always ready to help us when we need them.

We were at Changi Corps last Sunday to conduct the meeting and Self Denial Altar Service. Our day began early. Charles and Helen Lim and their son Ian were here at Praisehaven to fetch us to Changi. We had a great time of fellowship. Good to meet up with our Changi comrades again and to hear their testimonies of the Lord's leadings in their lives.

After the meeting, Charles and Helen took us out for lunch at the SIA Club House. Both Charles and Helen work for SIA. I have known Charlie for many years. We were all part of Balestier Corps (church). I recall I was at the Corps many years ago when announcement was made that a new baby boy was born to the Lim family and they have named him Charles! I was a teen ager then.

We thank God for friends. They are God's gifts to us.

A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

Visit of International Secretary & Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries

2011-11-03T16:17:00.005+08:00

We were privileged to join our fellow officers for a meeting at Territorial Headquarters. This was held to welcome Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring the new Zonal Leaders. They are on their official visit to our territory and at the time of writing are visiting the Myanmar Region accompanied by the Territorial Commander, Colonel Gillian Downer.

The world wide Salvation Army is divided into five zones - Africa, Americas and Caribbean, Europe, South Asia and South Pacific and East Asia. The Singapore/Malaysia/Myanmar Territory come under the SPEA Zone. Each zone is headed by a Commissioner with the designation of International Secretary.

We first came to know the Commissioners some 25 years ago when the were captains. They were among the delegates to the New Zealand Brengle Institute where my wife and I were invited to be the speakers. Brengle Institute is actually a Holiness retreat for officers.

During the officers' meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Astrid Herring gave a brief summary of the happenings in the zone using power point. It was most interesting to see what is happening around our zone.

Commissioner Alistair Herring gave the message emphasising on the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We were truly blessed as we met in fellowship on Wednesday.

After the meeting we share lunch together.

Writing the blog

2011-10-31T11:34:00.011+08:00

In May 2009, one of our grandchildren, David and his girl friend Yurong visited us. In our conversation, the subject of blogging came up. I must have mentioned that I read and enjoyed their blogs. Doing so keeps me in touch with the young people and be up to date with events and modern thinking. Elderly folk must learn to interact with the younger generation to be relevant. Interaction with the elderly may be comforting as we recall with nostalgia the good old days. But we have to live in the present and prepare for the future.

The question was posed to me, "Why don't you blog?"
"This thought never entered my mind, besides I am busy enough already" was my response.

To cut the long story short, I was persuaded to blog. She went to the computer and within a couple of minutes, had everything set up for me. She asked me to give a name for the blog. Immediately I thought of Jeremiah who said,".. his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones." Jer. 20:9 Hence the name of this blog.

So I've been writing, not just my thoughts but my autobiography as well. "This is my story" was originally written for our family. I want our grandchildren and subsequent generations to catch something of the past. Later friends came to know about this and requested to be included in the mailing list. So the best way is to put it on the blog and those who want to read can do so from the blog. A copy is sent to Jessie Kwong The Salvation Army's archivist. She files them, and adds pictures to them as well.

Amos 7:14 we read these words
Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.
New Living Translation (©2007)
But Amos replied, "I'm not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees.

Let me plagiarise and change the words a little to apply to myself, "I was neither a writer nor a writer's son, but I was a pastor, and I took care of the sheep under my care"
"I am not a professional writer, and was never trained to be one.I am just a pastor and I take care of the people the Lord gives me."

Lieut. Colonel Catherine Baird, Salvation Army poet wrote this beautiful poem entitled "Lines to a Writer".

When strong men lie divested of their power,
When youth is robbed of beauty's early flower,
When silver tones like echoes slowly die,
And useless riches all corroded lie -
Thy work shall teach the beauty of his will,
When thy own heart is cold and thy lips lie still;
For unto thee, most honoured among men,
As to another one, he gave - a pen;
His hidden secrets haloed in new Light,
To thee he whispers, then he bids thee: "Write."

So I continue to write, my thoughts, my vision, my life's story. All is done to the glory of the God I love and serve.

The Last things

2011-10-30T16:52:00.007+08:00

Having completed the series of studies on the Book of Revelation, I am now spending time during the month of November to dwell on the subject of Last Things. The Adult Bible class goes into recess in December as we are involved in Christmas kettling and other festive season activities.

We had very good discussion this morning. There are many things that are mysterious to us and we just have to wait till we see the Lord in heaven face to face.

No one knows when the Lord will come again. No study of signs will remove the sense of surprise even among the faithful (Matt. 24: 44) Only God the Father knows the time, so let us not speculate on dates.

Over the years many Christians have believed the signs were just right, the end was imminent. There are dangers with preoccupation on this subject. The 'last days' commence when Jesus came to earth in human form, the First Advent and will complete when the Second Advent arrives.

Let us just get on with our work, continue to do God's will and live in the spirit of watchfulness and preparedness. The conflict between good and evil continues in intensity. The precise time of His coming lies with Almighty God who holds eternity in His hands.

"He's coming soon, He's coming soon,
With joy we welcome His returning.
It may be morn, it may be night or noon.
I know the Lord is coming soon.

Call to Prayer

2011-10-27T17:43:00.009+08:00

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin a afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3: 22-24

We began our Prayer meeting with the whole congregation reading these lovely words of assurance from God's word. Yes, it was not a large group, but the Lord was there with us as He is with me at this very moment.

One Army. We see a God-raised and Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century - convinced of our calling, moving forward together. For the first part of our prayer meeting, we prayed for the deepening of our spiritual life. It is our prayer and desire that the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible reading, meditation, solitude and silence will become daily habits of Salvationists world wide. Holy living must take priority in ourselves and in the Army.

As it is Self Denial month, we focused our prayers on our partner - the India Western Territory.

We concluded the session with the prayer, "Revive Thy work O Lord."

Revive Thy work O Lord
While here to Thee we bow
Descend O gracious Lord Descend
O Come and bless us now

Revive Thy work O Lord
Thy mighty arm make bare
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead
And make Thy people hear

Revive Thy work O Lord
Create soul thirst for Thee
And hungering for the bread of life
Oh, may our spirits be

Revive Thy work O Lord
Exalt Thy precious Name
And by the Holy Ghost, Our Love
For Thee and thine inflame.

We say Amen to that beautiful prayer.

This is my story - 64 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

2011-10-27T17:35:00.004+08:00

64 – International Leaders’ Conference, Berlin – 1984

On 28th April 1984, my wife and I left Hong Kong to attend the International Leaders’ Conference in Berlin, West Germany. When we arrived at Kai Tak Airport, much to our surprise, we were upgraded to Business class courtesy of KLM Airlines! Life is full of bonuses or unexpected blessings!

On the way to Berlin, the plane stopped at Bangkok, Dubai and Amsterdam. Here were we met by our old friend Brigadier B Tjeertes who took us to her home at Harlem and Keukenhof Flower Gardens near Amsterdam. O the beauty of the flowers – daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and the tulips, the splendour I cannot find words to describe.

The next day we left for Berlin for the Conference which lasted ten days. What an experience to be among The Salvation Army’s World leaders. Sitting on the platform were General and Mrs. Jarl Walstrom and The Chief of Staff Commissioner Caughey Gauntlett and Mrs. Gauntlett. On the front rows were the International Secretaries and other Commissioners, followed by Lieutenant Commissioners and Colonels and finally right at the back were the two most junior couples - Lieut. Colonel and Mrs.William Bramwell Booth, Officer Commanding of Italy and ourselves from Hong Kong Taiwan.

These were the six primary topics tabled for discussion. Certain delegates were nominated to present papers on the various topics to be followed by open discussion.

1. The Army – identity, spiritual life, internationalism, ecumenical relationships, soldiers, youth.
2. Officers – recruitment and training, women officers, retirement
3. Administration, appointment and rank system, leadership.
4. Evangelism – message, objectives, methods, outreach.
5. Current concerns- Articles of War, world unemployment, moral issues, human rights, world service, genetic engineering
6. Independent subjects – divorce and remarriage, the Lima text.

Other items were added. Throughout the ten-day conference we could sense the unity and international spirit of the Army. And we met in a divided Berlin and Germany – east and west!

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth. (John Oxenham)

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform! Permission was granted for the Army delegates to visit Communist East Berlin! Through the auspices of Bishop of the Evangelical Church of East Berlin, General and Mrs. Jarl Walstrom with 116 conferees in full Salvation Army uniform of the different countries (navy blue, white, grey, Indian ladies in saris) were permitted to cross the border into East Germany! However, before we left the conference hall, we were told to keep strictly to the allocated seats in the coach – no changing of seats allowed! The security check was very strict.

What an international group of officers from 84 different countries; different races, cultures, languages and political systems, yet one Salvation Army under one banner! East Berliners gazed in wonder at the uniformed Salvationists. The older ones showed instant signs of recognition. Someone shouted, “Die Heilsarmee!” (German for Salvation Army). She said to one of our officers, “O I remember you well, how we loved you.”

General Jarl Walstrom said, “Berlin has a special place in the hearts of Salvationists. We cannot forget that we are in Martin Luther country, a fact of immense significance to all evangelicals. We cannot forget that the Army once operated in East Berlin. For such reasons Salvationists love all Germany and we will not forget to pray for it. The Salvation Army is committed to build bridges and not walls.”

How could we ever forget “Checkpoint Charlie” the spot we crossed into East Berlin. The Berlin Wall built in 1961 to stop East Germans fleeing to the West, was torn down in 1989. It symbolised division and separation. Here we were standing in the East Berlin Cathedral, we all prayed The Lord’s Prayer in different languages. Suddenly and spontaneously the whole group burst forth into singing the Founder’s Song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.” Many of us were choked with emotion. To me that scene remains vividly in my memory. Finally before we left, the Bishop prayed for the Army and pronounced the benediction. The last verse of that song says,

And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation, of boundless salvation,
Of boundless salvation for you and for me. (William Booth)

So The Salvation Army keeps marching on to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.

Down memory lane

2011-10-21T17:31:00.006+08:00

The new Balestier Corps will be officially opened and dedicated on 11th November 2011
The Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran wants a video made depicting the history of the Corps.

Yesterday, after the Prayer meeting, Terence Nah came to THQ and fetched me to Anne Kwong's place. The three of us went first to Kim Keat Road and Lorong Limau. There I pointed to them the spot where The Salvation Army had the first Home for boys under the care of Adjutant and Mrs. Harold Matthews. These officers not only cared for the boys they also went out into the neighbourhood to preach the gospel. The Matthews were later sent to Malacca to pioneer Army work there.

I lived nearby at Lorong Limau and as a child of five I used to watch the open air meeting conducted by the Army near my home. I can still remember the spot and pointed it out to Terence and Anne who took pictures and videod the scene. Of course the area has changed. Those small units built by the Government were demolished long ago and now there are tall buildings. The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) became the HDB (Housing and Development Board) I remember the tiny unit we lived in used to cost us $7.00 per month! The rent collector would call each month to collect rent! The Army outpost was held in one of these units belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Syd Henson who later moved to Siglap and started the Siglap Corps.

Terence, Anne and I went from there to Balestier Road and I pointed out to them the shop house where the Army held meetings. It was called Balestier Road Corps. My older siblings and I attended Sunday School there. My mother attended the Home League and was also employed at the hall keeper. That shop now sells lamps.

I showed them the spot at the corner of Martaban/Balestier road where the Army used to hold open air meetings. Then we went to the spot where on the land provided by Mrs. Palmer the Army built an atap house to hold meetings. Later the Army bought over the land for a token sum of $3000.00 and put up the first purpose built building in 1961. When the land was sold the Corps moved to Bishan as its temporary home and in November will move to our own building.

We filmed the new building a former Eye Hospital, next door to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. I recalled many years ago, when the Community Church closed down they offered to sell the building to the Army. But the Army had no money to buy it so the Seventh Day Adventist Church bought it. By strange providence of God, or Divine arrangement we are now side by side sharing the same fence with the Seventh Day Adventists.

The final part of the video had me standing outside our new building saying, "We are now back to Balestier, not to bask in our own glory, but to do battle for the Lord."

One Army, One Mission, One Message

2011-10-20T16:54:00.008+08:00

To day at the Prayer meeting held at Territorial Headquarters, we watched the video - The Launch of of the International Vision by General Linda Bond - One Army, One Message, One Mission

One Army
The General spoke to Salvationists around the world when, referring to the biblical promise that God would care for his people, she said: 'I truly believe Salvationists need to know we have a hope and a future.'

The General told the congregation that in order to be 'One Army', The Salvation Army 'needs to be marked by holiness and prayer'. She took this point further: 'People should look at us and say: "Here is a holy people of God – a people with a passion for the gospel."'

She called on Salvationists to see self-denial – sacrificial giving to the Army's world mission – as a vital part of their service. She spoke of the willingness she sees by people from poorer countries to help even those who have greater resources, saying: 'We need each other – we need each other's money!'

One Mission
Moving on to the next aspect of the vision, the General reaffirmed the importance of The Salvation Army's integrated mission, saying that it 'has to be emphasised again and again and again'.

The vision statement speaks about going 'into the world of the broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means'. The General sought to ensure that this was understood fully, explaining that the broken and lost could refer to people in physical and financial need but that it could just as easily describe 'the unsaved and people who are outside the fellowship'.

She explained further that the Army must not hand over its 'service to suffering humanity' to its social services; nor could it leave it to the officer training colleges to do all the work to grow saints within the Army.

She had a clear message for corps, social service centres and headquarters everywhere: 'If there is a Salvation Army shield on your building, you do all the mission!'

The General was equally clear about the Mission Priority to reach and involve youth and children. 'The future of The Salvation Army,' she said, 'may hang on the priority to which we give our approach to children and youth.' She said that work with young people should not be ignored because of a perceived lack of time or resources, and she committed IHQ to involve young people in its public meetings.

Speaking about the Mission Priority to 'stand for and serve the marginalised', she challenged her listeners by saying that The Salvation Army needs to 'find its voice and stand for people who are marginalised in society,' explaining that the Army is 'married' to such people.

Innovation in mission, said the General, is to be encouraged. 'Just go for it and give us good ideas,' was her call to the Army. She backed this up – despite admitting to being naturally conservative – with a call for Salvation Army boards to have a 'can-do' attitude such that their natural response to ideas should be 'yes' (unless there was good reason to say 'no'!) rather than being over-careful and instinctively negative.

One Message
The General admitted that in parts of the world where The Salvation Army is adored by the public there is a danger that 'we wouldn't want to jeopardise it by being politically incorrect'. She said that the Army should always make clear that it does its work because 'the love of Christ compels us', adding that she would love to see that phrase on the wall of every Salvation Army social centre. Taking a strong stand on its motivation may mean that the Army sometimes loses money, admitted the General, before adding: 'But I would rather have the blessing of the Lord.'

Picking up on another of the Mission Priorities, the General called for a reaffirmation of the belief in transformation, explaining that – through the power of the Holy Spirit – a person can change his or her life not by making resolutions but by undergoing a revolution!

Communication was highlighted as a priority. The General said that she loved Salvation Army open-air meetings but warned against holding them 'next to a brick wall' where no one was listening. She called on Salvationists to grab the opportunities presented by modern technology. 'We need to use the World Wide Web,' she said. 'We could have a million people at our open-air meetings!'

Drawing her thoughts to a close, the General admitted that there was nothing inherently new in the International Vision. However, holding up her Bible, she told the congregation and those watching online that from Genesis to Revelation there was a common thread – 'God's relentless pursuit of relationship with humanity.'

The General wondered what Salvation Army Founder William Booth would think of the International Vision, concluding that he would probably say: 'Go and do something about it!'

'I want you to be encouraged,' said the General to Salvationists at IHQ and around the world. 'I believe God raised up The Salvation Army.' And while the International Vision contains 'nothing new', she hopes that it creates opportunity for Salvationists everywhere to look at what they say and do so they will 'use new language and find new ways of doing it'.

A place of quiet rest

2011-10-19T11:35:00.003+08:00

There is so much noise around us - the roar of the traffic, the noise from the construction site, the hustle and the bustle of life, I need to quieten myself.

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.(Isaiah 30: 15 NLT)

God tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10 NIV)

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God. Cleland McAfee

Completed the series on Revelation

2011-10-16T19:17:00.004+08:00

On 16th May 2010, I commenced a series of studies on the Book of Revelation. It has been a challenging, profitable and interesting exercise for me. It has taken me more than a year to complete the series.

This morning I did the last chapter. John's vision comes to an end and he closes the book with some reflections on what he has written, makes a appeal, pronounces the benediction and ends with Amen.

Amen! Nothing can thwart God's will and purpose. Satan thinks he can, some people in their pride think they can, but God is sovereign.

Amen refers to the title of Christ as 'the God of Truth'. When we say Amen, we mean "So be it" and "most assuredly." We proclaim the affirmation of His Truth and ways.

For the next few weeks, I shall be looking at the subject of "Last things." Salvation Army Doctrine No. 11 states, "We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked."

Opening of Balestier Corps Hall

2011-10-14T17:55:00.008+08:00

We all look forward to the official opening of the Balestier Corps building at Balestier Road. It will be Back to Balestier on 11th November 2011.

On Thursday morning we attended the Global Prayer meeting. In the afternoon, two comrades from Balestier Corps came to consult me reading the video the Corps is making for the opening. Balestier has an interesting history. I began my spiritual journey at the age of five when together with my two older siblings, we attended our first meeting in 1937

We looked through the old photographs and it brought a sense of nostalgia. What memories. We are planning for next week when we shall be visiting the area where the Corps began -

Kim Keat Road where the Army started a Home for Delinquent Boys,
Lorong Limau where they had the first Outpost Sunday school in the home of Mr. and Mrs Syd Henson and also open air meetings.
Balestier Road where the Army rented a shophouse for the Corps.
Martaban Road where we first put up an atap hut, them bought over the land and put up a building in 1961.
Towner Road where we had a kindergarten to raise funds for the building.

This is my story - 63 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

2011-10-12T17:29:00.001+08:00

63 – God’s Provision of Day Care for Poh Chin.

When we sincerely do God’s will we can always be assured of His resources available to us at all times. The Lord always provides for the needs of His servants, not necessarily in the way we anticipated but in His best interests and for our good. All through the years we have experienced His involvement in every aspect of our lives.

I mentioned in earlier chapters our concern for Dora Poh Chin our special handicapped fourteen year old daughter needing full time care and attention. We employed a lady to look after her during the day when my wife had to be in office, thanks to the generosity the Advisory Board members. But we could not expect this arrangement to continue indefinitely.

One day we got word that there was a vacancy in a certain Day Care Centre for the mentally handicapped. We made our way there with Poh Chin and much to our delight she was accepted. The centre opened at 8.00 a.m and closed at 4.00 p.m. Every morning on our way to office we dropped her at the Centre and at 4.00 p.m. the Rehab Bus picked her up and took her to our Salvation Army Home at Lai King. The staff looked after her till we collected her on our way home.

Captain Keith Cheng our Social Services Secretary who was also the superintendent of Lai King Home made arrangements to care for Poh Chin on Sundays when we had to conduct meetings at the various centres. When we visited Taiwan Division, Poh Chin stayed at the Home and the Rehab Bus transported her to and from the Centre. Captain and Mrs. Keith Cheng were very caring officers.

One day when we got to Lai King Home to fetch Poh Chin, I discovered the car had a flat tyre. Well, I tried to change the tyre, but could not unscrew the bolts. They were very tight. I tried and tried and was quite exhausted when a passer-by, the exposed part of his body covered in tattoos walked towards me. He was a burly fellow and appeared quite aggressive. I became quite apprehensive and defensive, wondering what he would do next. He grabbed the tool from me and I was trembling all over, thinking he was going to rob me.

Instead, he changed the tyre for me! I believe the Lord sent him there at the right moment for me. When I thanked him and wanted to pay him, he brushed me aside, waved and walked away. I felt rather ashamed of myself for misjudging him. God’s angels come in different shapes and forms, not necessarily with wings and wearing halos.

We have been blessed by the deeds of kind and caring people. To God be the glory.

Someone cares

2011-10-11T16:23:00.008+08:00

After conducting chapel service at SPARROW on Level 2 and visiting the residents on the same floor, we went over to HOPE Centre. What a pleasant surprise to meet so many ladies from the Bedok Methodist Church chatting with our residents. I was told these ladies attend their Tuesday Bible class and today, in instead of meeting at their church, they all came to visit Peacehaven.

Thank God for people who care enough to share their time with others. Time is a precious commodity God gives to us. Let's use it for God's glory.

The Nursing Home has more than 400 residents and not all have families come to visit them. They always appreciate visitors who are willing to sit and chat with them.
It's always good to know - Someone cares.

Children - God's gifts to us

2011-10-10T11:27:00.003+08:00

This article is in this month's Singapore/Malaysia/Myanmar War Cry. I want to share this with overseas friends who do not get our War Cry, but read my blog.

Children – God’s gifts to us.

At every election, politicians on campaign are seen going around meeting the people, fussing the children, picking up and kissing babies. Of course the elderly, these "aunties and uncles" as there are affectionately addressed are not forgotten! Politicians take special interest in children; certainly a good strategy to win the hearts of parents! And hopefully votes too! I am not questioning their sincerity, but merely making a personal observation.

In Mark’s gospel we read of that beautiful incident when Jesus took a child, set him in the midst of the people listening to His teaching and said, “Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me, but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9: 37) What an interesting comment and object lesson! Children are important.

The Bible portrays children as a blessing. “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift, the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blest are you parents with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you, you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.” (Psalm 127: 3-5 The Message)

Children are seen as wealth and heritage. They are God’s gift to us and we are to treasure them. Just as it is natural for us to protect our wealth and use it wisely, so it is the way we are expected to treat our children. They are our special investments to be guarded.

Jesus had a busy programme. Crowds were following Him to listen to His teaching. At one point in His ministry, He and His disciples were so besieged by people with all sorts of needs, that they hardly had time even to have a meal.

It was the custom in those days for parents to bring children to the rabbis to be blessed. Hence it was quite natural for the mothers to bring their children to Jesus the distinguished Teacher but the disciples stopped them. Perhaps they wanted to prevent the imposition on His time and strength. They might have felt there were more important things to do than to be bothered with the kids! Jesus was not too busy for children and to the disciples He said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belong to such as these.” (Matthew 19: 13-14) What a rebuke!

Let us heed the words of Scripture and the example of Jesus. Value the children whether they are our own or those placed under our care.

In the Old Testament, God’s Word tells us to love Him and then continues with the command concerning our responsibility to children “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.” (Deut. 6: 4-7 The Message) Here is clear instruction concerning the teaching of God’s Word to children.

In a relay race the lead sprinter of each team runs the first leg of the race, and then passes the baton to the next. This is repeated throughout the race till the last athlete runs with the baton to the finishing line. The race does not just depend on speed, but also on the skilful transfer of the baton from one runner to the next. A miscalculation or slight hesitation would mean the loss of the race.

As Christian parents, leaders and teachers we are under obligation to pass the baton of godly values, clean morals and faith to the next generation. We all need to do this by word and by example. So it is important that more mature Christians live out the faith.

Children who come under our influence are gifts from God. Let us treasure them.

Fill my cup Lord

2011-10-10T09:37:00.004+08:00

This morning I found myself singing that beautiful song, "Fill my cup Lord." It is not one that we sing in our church, but the words are lovely and tune singable. A beautiful prayer.

Fill my cup Lord
Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from my well that never shall run dry".

Chorus
Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more--
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

There are millions in this world who are craving
The pleasures earthly things afford;
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

So, my brother, if the things this world gave you
Leave hungers that won't pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you,
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray:
Wanda Jackson

The New Jerusalem - A Garden City

2011-10-09T17:43:00.008+08:00

We have come to the penultimate lesson in the series on Revelation. It has been a challenging and interesting exercise for me and I’ve been blessed researching, studying, pondering over the many symbolisms in the book and sharing them with the folk on Sunday mornings. Through the sharing, I have learned much from the participants, a mature group of Christians who truly love the Lord and the Word.

The New Jerusalem is a City when viewed from the outside (Rev. 21: 1-27) but a Garden when viewed from inside (22: 1-5). This Garden City is Paradise Restored through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

The symbolism of a river of life is seen in several parts of the Bible.

“river whose streams make glad the city of God” Psalm 46:4

Ezekiel living in exile saw the vision of the New Jerusalem – a river of water flowing from under the Temple which brought healing and life to the waters including the Dead Sea. Ezekiel 47: 1-12

Zechariah had a vision of the kingdom of God in which rivers of water from Jerusalem flowed both eastward and westward. Zechariah 14: 8

To the Samaritan woman Jesus spoke of the ‘living water” John 4: 10 & 14

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7: 37-39

The fact that the river flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb speaks of the source of all life is God Almighty.

Visited a friend in Changi Hospital

2011-10-06T10:14:00.013+08:00

We have known Mr. and Mrs. T H Lim a long time, more than 60 years. They've been good friends of ours and we have always enjoyed their company.

Mr. Lim was one of the five delegates to the International Youth Congress in 1950. I remember attending a concert at the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church where the Torchbearers put on a drama called "The Road" to raise funds for delegates. Captain W Stan Cottrill was the Corps Officer of Central Corps at that time. I was a teen ager in Balestier then.

Mr.Lim was the Corps Secretary of Singapore Central Corps for many years and his wife was the Corps pianist. In later years, they moved to the Wesley Methodist Church, and have remained Methodists to this day. But they remained good friends of the Army. The last meeting they attended was at the opening of the Army Headquarters at Bishan. I came as the International Secretary from International Headquarters to open the building officially in 1994.

Even when were were overseas, every time we came back to Singapore they would invite us for a meal at their home.

Yesterday, we visited him at the Changi Hospital and prayed with him. He responded by making some sounds. It was sad to see him in his condition, unable to eat and had to be fed by tubes. When we bade good bye to him, he opened his eyes to acknowledge.

The Prayer of Faith
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16

We live in a sin sick world. Michael Green wrote "Disease and death are all part and parcel of the spurious deal the devil gave in return for primal man's 'yes' to temptation. In some mysterious way, sin, disease and death are all part of the heritage of disobedience." Till Jesus comes again and Satan bound, we still have to encounter the effects of the fall and so the ministry of healing goes on.

We pray for healing. William Booth speaking on faith healing made this remark. "There is perfect harmony from the beginning. Nothing to the contrary has ever been taught by our authority and many instances of faith healing have occurred in the Army throughout history." However, let us not expect God to do our bidding, for there are times when healing is denied however earnestly we pray. That does not altar the fact of Divine healing. God's power is as near to us in sickness and in death as it is in healing. When we pray and immediate healing does not come it is not for us to question its reality. The servant of God needs to trust and persist in believing God for physical, mental and spiritual healing, and at the same time being aware of the effect of the fallen world on us.

A Noble Ambition

2011-10-03T09:47:00.003+08:00

The child by John Newton

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart,
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weaned child:
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases Thee.

What Thou shalt today provide,
Let me as a child receive;
What tomorrow may betide,
Calmly to Thy wisdom leave:
’Tis enough that Thou wilt care,
Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own;
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone:
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan’s wiles,
Safe from dangers, free from fears;
May I live upon Thy smiles,
Till the promised hour appears;
When the sons of God shall prove
All their Father’s boundless love.

The Time between the Teataments

2011-10-02T17:13:00.009+08:00

I took a rest today from conducting the Adult Bible Class. Mrs. Lim Li Ching did an interesting Bible study on "The Time Between The Testaments." She is a school teacher by profession and also a keen Bible student.

Following the conquest and subjection to different world powers, the nation of Israel underwent great changes. Many of these changes took place during approximately four hundred years that separate Nehemiah from the birth of Christ, a time commonly known as the intertestamental period (c. 432 to 5 B.C.). In this Bible study session she briefly took us through the history, literature and social development during this period. We had a good time of discussion; the time went too quickly and we wish we could have more time to discuss more in detail.

It was an interesting background study and certainly helped us to gain an insight into the changes that influenced the lives and way of worship of the Jewish people.

About once a month, either Mrs. Lim Li Ching or Corps Secretary Terence Tan does a lesson or two for me. It gives me a rest, besides the folk can enjoy listening to someone else with a different way of presentation. When we were Corps Officers (pastors) we made it a point to invite someone to preach once in four or five weeks. The congregation deserves to hear a different voice every now and again. It gives others the opportunity to share the word. Good for us too, to take in instead of giving out all the time. People get tired of hearing the same voice week after week. A change of voice from the pulpit every now and again is appreciated by the congregation.

After Bible study we joined the congregation in the main worship hall and after lunch attended the prayer meeting which is the least attended.

We thank God for another day He has given us - Sunday the day of rest also also celebration as it is the Lord's day.

Cell group - time of fellowship and sharing

2011-09-30T18:57:00.006+08:00

We host a cell group every Friday morning. As usual we had a great time,and today, it lasted from 10.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m! What a time of fellowship we enjoyed.

Many times in the New Testament, we are exhorted to relate to one another. If all members of our church are obedient to these instructions, then truly there is real unity of love in the church.

Let me share with you some of the verses that tell us of our duties towards our fellow members of the church.

We must bear one another’s burdens whether spiritual or material. ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’(Gal. 6: 2) We are to be a sharing community. Sometimes a brother or sister may be compelled to bear burdens due to the chances and changes of life. It comes from outside – some crisis, some emergency, some sorrow may suddenly descend upon a person. We are told to give support and in doing so, fulfil the law of Christ.

We are always to speak the truth to one another in love, even when the truth hurts. ‘..speaking the truth in love..’ (Ephesians 4: 15) Sometimes we a reluctant to speak out for fear of causing offence, but if we are genuinely concerned about the welfare of our friends, it is our duty speak the truth, but it must be in love. This ‘speaking the truth’ need not always be negative, it can be a positive word of encouragement.

We are to consider how we may ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ (Hebrews 10: 24) We live in a world where bad people incite others to do wrong. We Christians need to encourage each other to noble living. We can best do this by setting the fine example. We can do it by reminding others of our tradition of doing good deeds without thinking of reward.

Let us edify or build each other up by our speech and actions. ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up....’ (1 Thes.5: 11) We do this by our speech and actions. Honour and esteem other members of the church as better than ourselves. ‘Be devoted to one another by brotherly or sisterly love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ (Rom. 12: 10)

This list is not exhaustive, so add to it your own verses. One thing I want to emphasise – unity is a very important aspect of the well being of our church. It is a very powerful testimony to the world that we are Christ’s followers.

‘Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

We share our mutual woes;
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathising tear. John Fawcett (SASB 660 verses 1 & 3)

Global Prayer meeting

2011-09-29T15:45:00.010+08:00

Today is Thursday. Early morning five of us - Major Pascoe, Aux. Captains Raymond and Cathy and Yen Fong (staff at THQ Editorial Department) my wife and I left for THQ to attend the Combined Prayer meeting. This is in response to The General's call to prayer every Thursday.

Major gave a short meditation on 1 Chronicles 16. Acting in obedience, King David brought the Ark of the Covenant, symbol of God's presence back to its rightful place in the worship and life of God's people. Although David's original intention was good the first time around, he failed to ask God for direction. So when we used the new cart, he was copying the ungodly Philistines instead of following God's word.
The result was disaster! The second time he sought God every step of the way. The result - great joy and blessing for everyone. God's presence and guidance are essential.

We note - God's work must be done God's way if we are to receive God's blessing. Beware of copying the ungodly methods that are in fashion - don't hitch your hopes on 'new carts' but seek God's directions and solutions.

Praise played as prominent role in all of David's ministry. The tremendous power of praise. Don't allow the devil defeat us with negative thoughts, judgments and criticisms.

Holiness is another important requirement. God cannot stand the sight of sin. We must stand holy before Him through the blood of Jesus. Keep your temple clean and fit for our Holy God's presence.

Sacrifice, the way God lays down, is also featured in this process of bringing God back to His rightful place in worship and life. Micah 6: 8 reminds us of the sacrifice God expects from us.."to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

We first prayed using the subjects given by the General.

1. The need to deepen our spiritual life personally as a people of God. (1 Pet. 2: 9-10)

2 In this economic climate, financial resources for our worldwide mission. (2 Cor. 9: 10)

3. Renewed passion to bring people to Jesus and lead them to maturity in Him. (John 14: 6, John 3: 16

4 The courage and compassion to stand for and serve the marginalized. (Col. 3: 12)

We prayed for our territory and the international Army and ended the hour long session with the prayer of dedication.

"I would be Thy holy temple sacred and indwelt by Thee."

A great day with friends

2011-09-28T11:16:00.007+08:00

After lunch, two good caring friends of ours very kindly drove us to see Mrs. Chee, a Salvationist of Central Corps. My wife and I have known Mrs. Chee for more than half a century. She speaks little English, but is a devout Christian.

She is now bed-ridden, unable to care for herself or even talk. She is very well taken care of by her unmarried daughter, a lawyer by profession. She employs two Filipino maids to care for her mother.

There has been a culture shift these days and unfortunately some erosion of our Asian values of caring for family. Judaism and Christianity are clear about the moral importance of filial duty.The Bible speaks of "Honouring parents" and family responsibilities, so does Confucius and other great teachers. In fact virtually all religions include some form of filial obligation.

But what we saw yesterday really touched out hearts. The daughter a lovely Christian is absolutely filial and the way she cares and provides for her Mum, is something all of us could imitate. She deliberately came home early to show hospitality to us.

It was a full day for us and we were tired, but truly blessed. We came home thanking and praising God for what we had seen and experienced. Everyday is a bonus to us and everyday we say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad it it."

We thank God we are still able to move around. It is a privilege to serve God. We have been so blessed for in ministering to others, we in turn are being ministered to and blessed. To God be the glory.

Fellowship at HOPE Centre.

2011-09-28T10:44:00.005+08:00

After chapel service at HOPE Centre, Peacehaven we spent some time chatting with the residents. Of course, we listened to the same stories every time we visit them. The residents are in different stages of dementia.

Sitting right at the front row was a Noreen Chan Chin Chai who 53 years ago was the bridesmaid at our wedding! She was also one of the four cadets of our Session called the "Shepherds" in 1954. After serving for a few years, she resigned and wandered away from the Lord. Since we came home for retirement, we met her a couple a couple of times.

God has a wonderful way of bringing His lost sheep home. Recently she was brought to Peacehaven by TOUCH Community Services, non profit charitable organisation founded by Pastor Lawrence Khong of Faith Community Baptist Church.

She does not recognise us these days, hardly speaks, but when we sing the old hymns like "Jesus loves me, this I know" she joins in the singing. Yesterday, I was standing right in front of her leading the singing. She kept staring at my concertina. I am sure in her mind she was going back to the old days. The nurse brings her to chapel service every week. We can never fully understand God's ways, but we know they are for our good.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.

Back at Balestier

2011-09-26T15:47:00.008+08:00

It was the William Booth Corps 9th anniversary, but we were not able to join them on Sunday except to attend the prayer meeting in the morning. We had already scheduled to conduct meeting at Balestier in the absence of the Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran.

We had a great time with the folk at Balestier. We really enjoyed the fellowship with the comrades, a number of them we've known for many years. The hall was quite full. As mentioned earlier, it was the second corps to be opened by the then Brigadier Herbert Lord pioneer of our work in Singapore in 1936. So the Corps in 1937was only a year old when I at the age of five with my two older siblings walked into the Balestier Corps hall - a shophouse at Balestier Road itself. My first contact with The Salvation Army - 75 years ago at Balestier! What memories!

The Corps closed down during the Japanese occupation (1942-1945). The work was re-established after the war and The Army built an attap house on the land owned by Mrs. Palmer, a Home Leaguer. There was no electricity or water connected to the building! So no toilets. taps or wash basins and we had to go to Mrs. Palmer's house across the road to make use of the facilities! Or to the Ong family on Balestier Road. Kerosene lamps were used for lighting. Paper fans were provided for the congregation.

One day the Lord spoke to Mrs. Palmer and she sold the land to the Army for only $3,000.00, a token sum! Although it was at Martaban Road, the name Balestier Road Corps was retained. Later the word "Road" was dropped and it became just Balestier Corps.

When the Army sold the land (which upset many local Salvationists) the Corps moved to the Command Headquarters and has been using the chapel on the ground floor. A number of folk left the Army, others moved to other corps, but a few faithful remained. Meetings can only be held in the afternoon as Central Corps and Chinese Corps have theirs in the morning.

The Corps has been through tough times. We believe Captain Hary is there for such a time as this to lead the troops to a new location. The Corps will move into their new premises soon. It was formerly an Eye Hospital. The official opening and dedication will be on 11th November - an easy date to remember 11-11-11. I wish the Army could do the dedication at 11.11 a.m. on that day!

It will be Back to Balestier! We shall retrace our steps to move forward!!

"If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control." Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
Soren Kierkegaard

Forward! be our watchword, steps and voices joined;
seek the things before us, not a look behind;
burns the fiery pillar at our army's head;
who shall dream of shrinking, by our Captain led?
Forward through the desert, through the toil and fight;
Jordan flows before us; Zion beams with light.

Forward! flock of Jesus, salt of all the earth,
till each yearning purpose spring to glorious birth:
sick, they ask for healing; blind, they grope for day;
pour upon the nations wisdom's loving ray.
Forward, out of error, leave behind the night;
forward through the darkness, forward into light!

Glories upon glories hath our God prepared,
by the souls that love him one day to be shared;
eye hath not beheld them, ear hath never heard;
nor of these hath uttered thought or speech a word;
forward, marching eastward, where the heaven is bright,
till the veil be lifted, till our faith be sight.

To the Father's glory loudest anthems raise;
to the Son and Spirit echo songs of praise;
to the Lord Jehovah, blessed Three in One,
be by men and angels endless honor done.
Weak are earthly praises, dull the songs of night:
forward into triumph, forward into light!

William Booth Corps 9th Anniversary

2011-09-24T15:33:00.011+08:00

On 23rd May 1981 The Haven was officially opened by the then Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Ahmad Mattar. Long before this auspicious day,Salvation Army leaders had the vision of a Corps to be established on the western side of the island.

We commenced Sunday worship services in August 1981. We had no one to appoint to take charge, so my wife and I took on the additional responsibility of running this new Corps plant. I was then the General Secretary.

On 30th January 1982 the Corps was officially opened! The first congregation comprised mainly of residents of the Haven - women from the Elderly section, youth and children from the Haven plus a few visitors. The Corps grew, new activities were added. Then on 7th July 2002, the Pasir Panjang Corps closed its doors for the last time. It was a sad moment for us. My wife and I were invited by Major Satterlee to conduct the last meeting. Twenty years earlier, I preached the first sermon at the same Corps when it was born, and now at its funeral!

The meeting ended with a time of Commitment when the whole congregation sang

All that I am, all I can be,
All that I have, all that is in me,
Accept and use Lord,
As You would choose, Lord,
Right now today!
Take every passion, every skill,
Take all my dreams and bend to Your will.
My all I give Lord,
For You I’ll live Lord,
Come what may.

This was followed by the last Chorus
All my days and all my hours.

Majors Satterlee conducted the ceremony of closure. It was a solemn occasion and seemed like a funeral service. But the mood and atmosphere changed when the whole congregation rose and sang Song 769, “Greater things, Give us faith O Lord, faith for greater things.” We closed the corps and moved on to Greater things at Upper Bukit Timah, the Corps to be renamed – William Booth Corps.

Change always brings challenge, but the officers and comrades all stood united determined to make a good start. We had to face a lot of teething problems. We sought the wisdom and grace of God. We held our regular meetings. Young people went round the Hillview and Bukit Panjang areas to give our leaflets advertising our meetings. There was a very good team spirit.

Fast forward nine years, and today Saturday 24th September 2011, we began our weekend's celebration with a picnic at Haven. It was fun time for the young and old - folk from Bukit Panjang Centre and Eratchippu joined us in fellowship and of course makan, plenty of it!

To-morrow will be a special day, but unfortunately my wife and I will not be joining the folk in the celebration as we will be conducting meeting at another Corps. We wish them God's richest blessing.

Prayer for victims of sex trafficking

2011-09-22T10:17:00.013+08:00

We just came home after attending the Global Prayer meeting. This was in response to the General's call to prayer every Thursday. Despite the rain quite a number turned up.

Twenty-seven million people are enslaved globally in various forms of sexual and labour exploitation. The General is calling Salvattionists worldwide this week to pray this prayer of Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

Today we were able to form three groups to pray specifically for the topics given.

We prayed this combined prayer:

"O God, You created both men and women and declared them good. Every single human being is precious and valuable to You. We know that Your heart is broken over the millions of people, young children included, who are living in slavery today. You understand each one. You are not indifferent to their cries for love, mercy, justice and deliverance. You sent Your Son Jesus to forgive sin and teach us how to live in victory over the evil one.

You ask us, Your church, the Body of Christ, to reach out to the vulnerable, the lost; those trapped without hope, and introduced them to Your love. You call us to stand in the gap to intercede for those who have been robbed of their dignity and human rights. Show us Father, what we can do to become peacemakers, to make a difference by understanding how we can reach out in love to the victims of violence and sex trafficking. Our heart breaks what breaks Your heart. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen."

We prayed for Salvationists worldwide to receive the courage and compassion to stand up and serve the marginalized.

We prayed for the children in our homes, corps and community ministries in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Many are extremely vulnerable and have great burdens from past experiences.

We prayed for our Nursing Home and Homes for the Aged, plus our community programmes for the elderly.

We thank God for the privilege of prayer. Thank God we have comrades who are willing to give of their time to participate in this Global prayer meeting every Thursday.

“God shapes the world by prayer. The more prayer there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces of against evil …” E.M. Bounds

“Prayer is where the action is." John Wesley

Proverbs - a book worth reading.

2011-09-21T16:55:00.010+08:00

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament covers a wide range of topics, including such subjects as youth, discipline, family life, self control, resisting temptation, marriage, wealth, poverty, wisdom etc. I find it very interesting and am considering doing a series for our Bible class.

I understand the French banned the teaching of Proverbs in schools in 1969. Teachers were told to remove lessons on Proverbs from the curriculum but now primary schools are being told to bring them back as part of the drive to teach moral values to a generation often depicted as lost.

"I'm bringing morals back to school," said Luc Chatel the Education Minister. He has instructed all primary school principals to organise lessons on 'the precepts of the honest man' as often as possible, preferably every morning. I want children to learn about good and evil, truth and falsehood, dignity, courage and honesty." he said. Wisdom indeed.

Abraham Lincoln said, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of those about me seemed insufficient for the day."

"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them." Proverbs.4:5

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." Proverbs 23:23

Sunday - Day of Rest and Restoration

2011-09-19T16:54:00.006+08:00

God has devised a plan to suit our physical, mental, spiritual make-up. Six days of labour and one day of rest. We can choose to obey it and be blessed or we can ignore it at our own detriment.

To day we live under tremendous pressure; much is demanded of our time and we need more than ever a day of rest and restoration. We are glad many of our folk take time to come to the house of God to worship and have fellowship with God and with fellow believers.

We began the day with our usual Bible Study and this Sunday, I did Revelation 21. We've almost come to the end of this last Book of the Bible. The promises made to the overcomers in the Seven Churches find their fulfilment at last. Life in the New Jerusalem is portrayed in earthly terms. What heaven is like, no one knows, but one thing we are assured - we will be with God for ever.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold. (Eliza E Hewitt)

Peacehaven featured in Straits Times

2011-09-17T15:03:00.003+08:00

Today, Straits Times gives excellent coverage of The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. The article took up three full pages! We are proud of what The Salvation Army is doing to help the needy.

We thank the Director Low Mui Lang and her team of very dedicated workers for the wonderful ministry at this Nursing Home.

My wife and I count it a privilege to be able to do our small part in ministry every Tuesday at this Home.

Jesus said, "‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25: 35-40