The mystery of pain and suffering has baffled peoples’ minds all through the ages. Many books have been written, many sermons preached on this subject. The question is often asked, “If there is a God and He is our loving heavenly Father, as you claim Him to be, then how do you explain pain and suffering. If He does exist then He is either cold and indifferent, or powerless to act.” Really, pain, suffering and death seem inconsistent with a loving God.
I do not pretend to know all the answers, but some things relating to this subject can be explained. First, let us admit that pain does exist. It is not an illusion, as some people believe. Pain is real; we feel and suffer from pain. Some feel it more than others.
Pain and suffering may be the result of our own or someone else’s sin. It is a law of nature that we reap what we sow. The Bible furnishes us with many examples to prove this point.
Let us look at our own situation today. If a person smokes, his lungs are likely to be affected. If he commits adultery he is likely to face psychological problems and his marriage might break up. If a man squanders his money on drinks or gambling and does not support his family, the family suffers. Pain and suffering are the consequence of man’s sin. We bring pain and suffering upon ourselves and those we love because we ignore the law of God. God’s law cannot be violated without serious consequences.
In John 9 verses 1-7 we read the incident of a man born blind. The disciples asked Jesus a question, “Who did sin, this man or his parents that this man was born blind.” It has always been man’s reaction to pain and suffering. Who and what is the cause? When something happens to cause us pain and suffering our immediate reaction is to ask the question Why? It is instinctive to think of punishment as the fruit of wrongdoing. Often we blame ourselves “What have I done to deserve this?”
It is not an adequate explanation to conclude that we suffer because we have sinned. When the tower of Siloam fell and killed sixteen people, Jesus quietly explained, “those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no!…” Luke13: 5
Volcano eruptions, floods, earthquakes, typhoons, fires, plane crashes kill sinners and saints alike. Yes, we just read about the tsunami and volcano eruption in Indonesia.
Then why does God permit pain and suffering? A boy was born lacking the capacity to feel pain. Well, you say, that’s great! No pain! There was something wrong with his nervous system. The brain did not get the message from the part of his body that was hurt.
One day, his mother smelt the odour of burning flesh. She rushed into the kitchen only to find the fingers of her son badly burnt. He felt no pain, hence did not scream for help. He lacked the reflexes and sensitivity that are present in the normal person. One day he cut his foot resulting in much loss of blood but felt no pain and died a premature death.
The psalmist sang his song of praise, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14. We stand in awe and wonder as we ponder over creation and how God created this complex human being with the capacity to feel pain.
We need to think not just of physical pain, but emotional as well. Our capacity to feel pain enables us to relate to others in pain. The world has seen some notorious people who somehow could not relate to the suffering and pain of people. Think of Hitler, Mussolini, Pol Pot, Eichmann and others. Did they have that emotional pain for others? I often wonder how could they send so many to their deaths. Were they so hardened that they felt no pain?
Can you watch a film depicting some tragedy and suffering and not feel pain and sometimes even weep although it is mere acting? Watch out for the young man who boasts of his masculinity and remain unmoved and untouched by a tragic episode. Would he be able to relate to the needs of others in pain? We need not be ashamed of our God given emotions. The physical and emotional pain we feel enables us sympathise others.
There are lessons we can learn through pain and suffering. In this fallen world, God has allowed pain to exist for our own good. C.S Lewis refers to pain as “God’s megaphone.” To some of us we only turn to God because we suffer pain. It makes us more sensitive in this hurting world.
God in His own wisdom has allowed pain to exist, but He knows the limit we can take. He also has the resources to enable us to live through this world of pain and suffering. We can never fully fathom God’s way with us, especially when we are suffering pain, but we can trust his grace which is sufficient for every time of need.
The Apostle Paul had to accept the “thorn” in his body, which caused him pain. He prayed for this thorn to be removed, but God in his wisdom denied that request. Instead he was given the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for you.” God wanted Paul to remain sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
He gives us the same promise today. We may not fully understand our present situation, which brings us pain, but we can trust our Heavenly Father and His eternal purpose.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
God cares for each one of us.
Yesterday we were at Peacehaven and what a joy to watch our daughter Poh Chin in the pool with Anthony Yeo the hydro therapist. He's quite a big man, but what gentleness as he held Poh Chin's hands moving her around the swimming pool; sometimes letting her go to float in the waters, then catching her again. He never took his eyes off her. It was a moving sight and we just lifted out hearts to God for such caring people. Our daughter cannot look after herself, but receives tender loving care from the staff of Peacehaven.
The words of the chorus came to my mind. God sends His servants to care for others.
"I know He cares for me,
I'll trust my Father in Heaven,
For I know He cares for me"
"His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me." I love to sing this song. It brings joy and comfort to my own heart.
I think of God my Heavenly Father who never takes His eyes off me.
The words of the chorus came to my mind. God sends His servants to care for others.
"I know He cares for me,
I'll trust my Father in Heaven,
For I know He cares for me"
"His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me." I love to sing this song. It brings joy and comfort to my own heart.
I think of God my Heavenly Father who never takes His eyes off me.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Bliss of Heaven
This morning we focussed our thoughts on Revelation 7. The hour passed very quickly as we shared our thoughts on the subject.
John sees a crowd of people so vast that it cannot be numbered, standing before the throne of the Lamb of God. The multitude comes from all walks of life - people of every tribe and nation, no division in cast or pedigree, no separation of colour or wealth or language, all in Christ, all glorifying Christ.
This beautiful scene ends with that verse that has brought comfort to millions of people in our sorrowful world "And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."
Well there are different attitudes shown by people when we talk about the 'blessed hope.' Some are apathetic, some hostile, some fearful, but to those who are right with God live with joyful expectancy for this wonderful day when Jesus comes again.
John sees a crowd of people so vast that it cannot be numbered, standing before the throne of the Lamb of God. The multitude comes from all walks of life - people of every tribe and nation, no division in cast or pedigree, no separation of colour or wealth or language, all in Christ, all glorifying Christ.
This beautiful scene ends with that verse that has brought comfort to millions of people in our sorrowful world "And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."
Well there are different attitudes shown by people when we talk about the 'blessed hope.' Some are apathetic, some hostile, some fearful, but to those who are right with God live with joyful expectancy for this wonderful day when Jesus comes again.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Choice - to Serve or to be a Servant
Richard Foster in his book CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE said this. I've been reflecting on this the whole week.
"We must see the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to serve we are still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve... But when we choose to be a servant we give up the right to be in charge."
"We must see the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to serve we are still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve... But when we choose to be a servant we give up the right to be in charge."
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
This is my story - 45
45– Appointed the General Secretary
I was only about a month as the Training Principal, when much to our surprise we received a telegram from International Headquarters. It read “Lim, Salvation, Singapore – appointed General Secretary Singapore/Malaysia Command –signed General.” In those days urgent messages came by telegram and our telegraphic address was “salvation Singapore” To save costs ranks were omitted and only the surname was used! This was then followed by a letter sent by air mail. My appointment was to take effect 8th November 1973.
We followed a Dutch couple, Major and Mrs. Will Krommenhoek. They had served part of their five year term in Hong Kong as the General Secretary and Command Home League Secretary respectively before coming to Singapore to complete the rest of the time, each in the same capacity. Hence they were not long in their appointment here. They were quite talented and contributed much to the Command, but were rather forceful in their way of doing things. I always think of him as the Flying Dutchman! They were impatient to get things done so in their course of duty ruffled feathers! However they were good to us; soldiered at our Corps and helped out whenever requested to do so. He loved to play the piano, most of the time at double forte! He loved to lead the combined band. In later years we met them a couple of times during our visit to the Netherlands on holiday or official business. Their last appointment before retirement was the Zeist Corps, Netherlands where we had the privilege of conducting a weekend’s meetings.
When the announcement of our appointments was first made to the officers, reinforcement and national, most of them were delighted. At last the Army had appointed a national officer to serve as second in command. Our people were proud to have their own home grown folk as leaders. About the same time, two other neighbouring commands, Philippines and Hong Kong also had nationals appointed as General Secretaries. I received many congratulatory messages from all over the world. However, one lady reinforcement officer here, when she heard about my appointment cried, “Oh no!” Maybe she thought her husband should have got that appointment! No bad feelings, I respect her honesty and frankness in expressing her feelings.
Lieut. Colonel James Sloan suggested that we should make a quick tour of Malaysia. We drove straight to Penang. In those days there were no expressways, so we had to take the long slow route which took the whole day. From there we went to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur before returning to Singapore for the public welcome conducted by the Officer Commanding on 16th December in the Thursday night United Holiness meeting held at Central Corps. There was no such thing as installation in those days. We used to have a weekly combined Holiness meeting on Thursday evening.
Running three appointments simultaneously – Central Corps, Training College and General Secretaryship was very demanding. However at the age of forty one and my wife thirty seven, we were in the prime of life and had plenty of energy! We had excellent co-operation from the officers. We had good officer neighbours living in the same compound and we knew they would keep an eye on our two older children – Gladys and Stephen when we went on tour. In the earlier part of our appointment we used to send Poh Chin to my mother at Toa Payoh for her to look after during the times when we were out of Singapore.
Major Frederika de Fretes offered to help us out with the Corps visitation every Wednesday evening. She travelled everywhere in Singapore by bus and the Corps refunded her bus fares. Other officers from the Homes were ever so willing to conduct meetings for us when requested.
My mornings were usually spent in the office at Headquarters, afternoons at the Training College and evenings at the Corps. There were Spiritual days and In Sundays when time was spent with the cadets.
Lieut. Colonel Sloan assured me he would press IHQ to send someone to take over the Central Corps. It took several months before Lieutenant and Mrs. Alan Hickman were appointed to succeed us as Corps officers of Central Corps. It must be quite a culture shock for these young Lieutenants who had been stationed in a tiny Corps in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland to be appointed to Singapore Central Corps. They had much to learn about our Singapore way of doing things.
Their appointment freed us to give all our time to the Training College and Headquarters. We were able to visit more frequently other Corps and Homes in Singapore and Malaysia.
Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. James Sloan, Canadian officers were the Command Leaders. The Colonel was a real Christian gentleman. He and his wife always wanted to know about our Asian culture, customs and traditions. They were always very sensitive to local sentiments. We count it a privilege to work under these godly officers who taught us many things about Christian living and leadership.
My wife spent much of her time assisting Mrs. Lieut. Colonel Grace Sloan with the Women’s Ministries. She really worked hard to promote and improve the Home League programme. Mrs. Sloan was a very gentle gracious lady who did a lot for the Command.
I was only about a month as the Training Principal, when much to our surprise we received a telegram from International Headquarters. It read “Lim, Salvation, Singapore – appointed General Secretary Singapore/Malaysia Command –signed General.” In those days urgent messages came by telegram and our telegraphic address was “salvation Singapore” To save costs ranks were omitted and only the surname was used! This was then followed by a letter sent by air mail. My appointment was to take effect 8th November 1973.
We followed a Dutch couple, Major and Mrs. Will Krommenhoek. They had served part of their five year term in Hong Kong as the General Secretary and Command Home League Secretary respectively before coming to Singapore to complete the rest of the time, each in the same capacity. Hence they were not long in their appointment here. They were quite talented and contributed much to the Command, but were rather forceful in their way of doing things. I always think of him as the Flying Dutchman! They were impatient to get things done so in their course of duty ruffled feathers! However they were good to us; soldiered at our Corps and helped out whenever requested to do so. He loved to play the piano, most of the time at double forte! He loved to lead the combined band. In later years we met them a couple of times during our visit to the Netherlands on holiday or official business. Their last appointment before retirement was the Zeist Corps, Netherlands where we had the privilege of conducting a weekend’s meetings.
When the announcement of our appointments was first made to the officers, reinforcement and national, most of them were delighted. At last the Army had appointed a national officer to serve as second in command. Our people were proud to have their own home grown folk as leaders. About the same time, two other neighbouring commands, Philippines and Hong Kong also had nationals appointed as General Secretaries. I received many congratulatory messages from all over the world. However, one lady reinforcement officer here, when she heard about my appointment cried, “Oh no!” Maybe she thought her husband should have got that appointment! No bad feelings, I respect her honesty and frankness in expressing her feelings.
Lieut. Colonel James Sloan suggested that we should make a quick tour of Malaysia. We drove straight to Penang. In those days there were no expressways, so we had to take the long slow route which took the whole day. From there we went to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur before returning to Singapore for the public welcome conducted by the Officer Commanding on 16th December in the Thursday night United Holiness meeting held at Central Corps. There was no such thing as installation in those days. We used to have a weekly combined Holiness meeting on Thursday evening.
Running three appointments simultaneously – Central Corps, Training College and General Secretaryship was very demanding. However at the age of forty one and my wife thirty seven, we were in the prime of life and had plenty of energy! We had excellent co-operation from the officers. We had good officer neighbours living in the same compound and we knew they would keep an eye on our two older children – Gladys and Stephen when we went on tour. In the earlier part of our appointment we used to send Poh Chin to my mother at Toa Payoh for her to look after during the times when we were out of Singapore.
Major Frederika de Fretes offered to help us out with the Corps visitation every Wednesday evening. She travelled everywhere in Singapore by bus and the Corps refunded her bus fares. Other officers from the Homes were ever so willing to conduct meetings for us when requested.
My mornings were usually spent in the office at Headquarters, afternoons at the Training College and evenings at the Corps. There were Spiritual days and In Sundays when time was spent with the cadets.
Lieut. Colonel Sloan assured me he would press IHQ to send someone to take over the Central Corps. It took several months before Lieutenant and Mrs. Alan Hickman were appointed to succeed us as Corps officers of Central Corps. It must be quite a culture shock for these young Lieutenants who had been stationed in a tiny Corps in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland to be appointed to Singapore Central Corps. They had much to learn about our Singapore way of doing things.
Their appointment freed us to give all our time to the Training College and Headquarters. We were able to visit more frequently other Corps and Homes in Singapore and Malaysia.
Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. James Sloan, Canadian officers were the Command Leaders. The Colonel was a real Christian gentleman. He and his wife always wanted to know about our Asian culture, customs and traditions. They were always very sensitive to local sentiments. We count it a privilege to work under these godly officers who taught us many things about Christian living and leadership.
My wife spent much of her time assisting Mrs. Lieut. Colonel Grace Sloan with the Women’s Ministries. She really worked hard to promote and improve the Home League programme. Mrs. Sloan was a very gentle gracious lady who did a lot for the Command.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sing unto the Lord.
Today we were at Peacehaven to do chapel services on Level 3. At Skylark, one of the ladies in her late eighties requested me to play her two hymns on the concertina. She is a Methodist so I played and sang, "Praise my soul the King of Heaven" "Blessed assurance" and "What a friend we have in Jesus." She joined in the singing and tears rolled down cheeks. She was so touched and made a request before we left her, "Please sing me two hymns every time you come. When will you come again?" I wish I could be there to sing to her everyday!
What a privilege to sing, pray and tell the people the wonderful news of the gospel.
After lunch we went by bus to Jalan Lengkok Mariam to see Mrs. Foo Kia Pang. She will be 92 tomorrow. We wanted to visit her to wish her Happy Birthday. Usually she is on her own, but today, the house was full. Joseph, his wife and three children from Australia, Marjory her daughter also from Australia and John from England were all there. So we gathered round Mrs. Foo and had a good sing of the old hymns. Mrs. Foo sang us a solo in Hokkien. My word, she sang well. I wish I had a tape recorder to record her singing. Her singing blessed us all. What a joy to have the family there to share devotions.
Thank God He has given us the privilege to minister to these people. Every time we minister to others, we feel we are being ministered to and blessed.
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19-20
What a privilege to sing, pray and tell the people the wonderful news of the gospel.
After lunch we went by bus to Jalan Lengkok Mariam to see Mrs. Foo Kia Pang. She will be 92 tomorrow. We wanted to visit her to wish her Happy Birthday. Usually she is on her own, but today, the house was full. Joseph, his wife and three children from Australia, Marjory her daughter also from Australia and John from England were all there. So we gathered round Mrs. Foo and had a good sing of the old hymns. Mrs. Foo sang us a solo in Hokkien. My word, she sang well. I wish I had a tape recorder to record her singing. Her singing blessed us all. What a joy to have the family there to share devotions.
Thank God He has given us the privilege to minister to these people. Every time we minister to others, we feel we are being ministered to and blessed.
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19-20
Monday, October 18, 2010
Typhoon Megi hit Philippines
Singaporeans don't quite experience the terror of the wind. Having lived in Hong Kong and the Philippines we know how strong winds can wreak havoc. We experienced typhoons many times. The first time was in Hong Kong in 1983 when Typhoon Ellen caused much destruction in Hong Kong. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the trees in the compound break like matchsticks. We were marooned in our house; When the winds subsided, I went to clear the rubble and fell, broke my arm and landed in Hospital for the first time in my life. The hospital so full, I had to sleep on a camp bed.
This morning as I write, the typhoon Megi has hit Philippines.I pray for my many friends in that archipelago. Many still keep contact with us. They are dear to our hearts.
I am sure Salvation Army relief teams are out to help people affected by the disaster.
This morning as I write, the typhoon Megi has hit Philippines.I pray for my many friends in that archipelago. Many still keep contact with us. They are dear to our hearts.
I am sure Salvation Army relief teams are out to help people affected by the disaster.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Trapped miners freed!
Wonderful news hit the whole world when it was reported that the 33 miners trapped underground in Chile for 69 days were rescued. What a delight it was to watch the scene - the tears of joy and warm embrace of loved ones. One man testified " I have been with God and with the devil. I seized the hand of God, it was the best hand. I always knew God would get us out of there." What a testimony. It cheered my own heart. We still live in the age of miracles.
I think of many people trapped by drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, pornography, shopping addictions, gambling addictions and other habits. You name it, the devil sets traps. Yes, all of us are vulnerable. We can in that unguarded moment fall into a trap. O to be vigilant! Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.
Psalm 40 comes to my mind. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40: 1-2
Think of it, Jesus mounted the rescue mission to save us from traps of sin. The only way of true escape is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
I think of many people trapped by drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, pornography, shopping addictions, gambling addictions and other habits. You name it, the devil sets traps. Yes, all of us are vulnerable. We can in that unguarded moment fall into a trap. O to be vigilant! Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.
Psalm 40 comes to my mind. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40: 1-2
Think of it, Jesus mounted the rescue mission to save us from traps of sin. The only way of true escape is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Lieut. Colonel Moira Wright
Yesterday we had a lovely reunion of old friends at the Peach Garden Restaurant at Thompson Plaza. Lieut. Colonel Wright is on her way to Hong Kong for the 80th Command anniversary.
This morning on our way to Peacehaven, we picked her up at Bishan. She wanted to visit a few of her old friends as well as see our daughter Dora Poh Chin at the Nursing Home. It was in 1988 that Poh Chin was admitted, at her suggestion, to the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged at Upper Bukit Timah. Lieut. Colonel Wright was then the Officer Commanding.
We had already been in Hong Kong for five years, and Moira had a feeling that International Headquarters might transfer us to another territory. So she suggested to us that we should bring Poh Chin to Singapore and put her at the Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged. Her needs after all were no different from many of the ladies of the Home. We agreed and on my way to Indonesia to conduct SPEACO we brought her to Singapore, put her in the Home.
Two and half years later in July 1990 we were transferred to Philippines. It would have been difficult to have Poh Chin with us in the Philippines. As the Territorial Leaders we had to do a lot of travelling all over the Archipelego. We are always grateful to Moira for that suggestion. I believe the Lord prompted her to make that suggestion. We are always grateful to friends like Moira who care for each other. There is a wonderful bond of fellowship within The Salvation Army.
Moira Wright is a New Zealander who came to Malaya in 1958 where she was appointed to the Ipoh Children's Home. She served in Malacca, Batang Melaka and Kuching. There she was awarded the Order of the Star of Sarawak in 1972.
She spent nine years in Singapore as the Social Secretary and we worked closely together. I was the General Secretary. Early 1980, she was appointed to Hong Kong/Taiwan Command as the General Secretary (second in Command) and there she prepared the way for us to serve in Hong Kong! In January 1983, my wife and I were appointed to take charge of the Hong Kong Taiwan Command. She was a tremendous support to both of us. She was very loyal and worked extremely hard for the Lord.
She was appointed to Singapore again in 1987, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. It was during her time, that the old Command Headquarters was sold to the Cockpit Hotel. This sale was instrumental in providing funds for the building of the present Headquarters at Bishan. It was also during her time that the Army opened Gracehaven.
Memories! how precious they are. We thank God our paths crossed. We thank God for this wonderful woman of God who gave of herself for the sake of others. It is unlikely we will meet again here on earth. Age is catching up on us and we rest in the assurance we shall meet in our Home in Heaven. O what a time of rejoicing that will be.
This morning on our way to Peacehaven, we picked her up at Bishan. She wanted to visit a few of her old friends as well as see our daughter Dora Poh Chin at the Nursing Home. It was in 1988 that Poh Chin was admitted, at her suggestion, to the then Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged at Upper Bukit Timah. Lieut. Colonel Wright was then the Officer Commanding.
We had already been in Hong Kong for five years, and Moira had a feeling that International Headquarters might transfer us to another territory. So she suggested to us that we should bring Poh Chin to Singapore and put her at the Lee Kuo Chuan Home for the Aged. Her needs after all were no different from many of the ladies of the Home. We agreed and on my way to Indonesia to conduct SPEACO we brought her to Singapore, put her in the Home.
Two and half years later in July 1990 we were transferred to Philippines. It would have been difficult to have Poh Chin with us in the Philippines. As the Territorial Leaders we had to do a lot of travelling all over the Archipelego. We are always grateful to Moira for that suggestion. I believe the Lord prompted her to make that suggestion. We are always grateful to friends like Moira who care for each other. There is a wonderful bond of fellowship within The Salvation Army.
Moira Wright is a New Zealander who came to Malaya in 1958 where she was appointed to the Ipoh Children's Home. She served in Malacca, Batang Melaka and Kuching. There she was awarded the Order of the Star of Sarawak in 1972.
She spent nine years in Singapore as the Social Secretary and we worked closely together. I was the General Secretary. Early 1980, she was appointed to Hong Kong/Taiwan Command as the General Secretary (second in Command) and there she prepared the way for us to serve in Hong Kong! In January 1983, my wife and I were appointed to take charge of the Hong Kong Taiwan Command. She was a tremendous support to both of us. She was very loyal and worked extremely hard for the Lord.
She was appointed to Singapore again in 1987, this time as the Officer Commanding with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. It was during her time, that the old Command Headquarters was sold to the Cockpit Hotel. This sale was instrumental in providing funds for the building of the present Headquarters at Bishan. It was also during her time that the Army opened Gracehaven.
Memories! how precious they are. We thank God our paths crossed. We thank God for this wonderful woman of God who gave of herself for the sake of others. It is unlikely we will meet again here on earth. Age is catching up on us and we rest in the assurance we shall meet in our Home in Heaven. O what a time of rejoicing that will be.
Monday, October 11, 2010
This is my story - 44
44 – Officer Resignations
My last chapter was written with much heaviness of heart. The Salvation Army has ordained and commissioned many national officers before and after the war. Sadly the majority have resigned for different reasons.
All of us grow weary from time to time in our day to day living as parents, grand parents, husbands, wives, employees and employers. The world today calls this ‘burnout.’ It happens to even dedicated, committed people who feel tired and emotionally drained - tired of giving, tired of doing, tired of serving. He finds that the joy of service is gone. We all know that from time to time, faithful workers of the Lord get weary in well doing. And Satan works very hard to make us give up the good work we are doing.
One day I heard a newly commissioned officer complain that she was ‘burnt out.’ It was on the tip of my tongue to respond to this young lady, that she had not even been lighted! What she wanted was a rest or an easier time. Somehow she had cotton on to this expression ‘burnt out’ and thought it fitted beautifully into her situation. She was longing for a nice holiday. However, there are genuine cases of ‘burnt out.’
People withdraw from officership for a variety of reasons. Some are ‘burnt out’ through over commitment or through unreasonable expectations of others. Some lack discipline, become disorganized and fritter away their time without accomplishing much. In many cases prayerlessness is one of the causes. They fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep fit physically, mentally and spiritually. All of us need to exercise discipline.
I am always saddened to hear of those who entered officership with no clear sense of calling. To them, officership is but another job or profession. When pressure comes they find they are unable to cope with the demands made upon them as officers. In recent years we have had cadets who could not even complete their two year residential training. Was it made clear to them the meaning of officership? Officership or entering the ministry is a calling not just employment or profession.
Sometimes our leaders are at fault. In their zeal to get nationals, they compromise on standards and spiritual maturity for the sake of numbers. Some have been accepted only after a brief period of soldiership in the Army. They are not spiritually mature. Prospective candidates need to go through a period of training and testing, perhaps as Corps Helpers or assistants in our Social Homes; in other words to get a foretaste of what officership entails. A novice or new convert should not be accepted into the Training College.
There are officers who after some time, struggle with our structure. The Salvation Army is a church and an organization. As such we have our own structure, rules and regulations which some officers find it difficult to comply with. They want to be like our friends in the autonomous churches. Some see themselves as senior pastors of independent churches. One Corps Officer used the designation to describe himself – Senior Pastor and he was the only Corps Officer with his wife as the associate. Some see themselves as miniature Billy Grahams or world evangelists. Running a small Corps is too restrictive for them. They have visions of preaching to packed stadiums of people. They’ve grown too big for The Salvation Army. Egotism grows out of human pride.
I’ve heard of those who claim that they must follow their own heart. Is it safe to follow the maxim “I follow my own heart.”? It sounds religious, but be wary for it might be following one’s selfish ambitions. The heart is not always a perfect guide to follow. Listen to Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” Jeremiah 17: 9. You may be following your own heart, but is your heart following Jesus? We all need regular soul searching.
One of the saddest things I do see in officers is the loss of vision. He may have started with zeal and enthusiasm, but the years have taken their toll on him. Now work has become mechanical, he goes through the motions, carries out his routine responsibilities. There is no more joy in service. The fire has gone out of his life and ministry. He is now weary in well doing.
There is the feeling of hopelessness that things are not going to get better. The officer becomes mediocre. When that happens, the temptation is to give up. Often it takes the form of what Thoreau called, ‘quiet desperation.’ There are people going through the motions maintaining the pretence of a relationship but in reality have become detached emotionally and stopped working; stopped fighting; stopped caring.
Shakespeare uttered a profound truth when he made Wolsey say.
“Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambitions,
By that sin fell the angels, how can men then,
The image of his Maker, hope to profit by?”
The word ‘ambition’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘canvassing for promotion.’ People are ambitious for different reasons. Pride is one of them. They want to have authority or power above others. Jesus told His disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10: 43-44.
One of the preventatives for burnt out is found in the developing of support systems. We are all social creatures who need the support of each other. We need the support of those who will listen and counsel us. Those of us who have been in the ministry longer in years have the responsibility to mentor the younger and less mature officers. Perhaps some of us have failed because we have been too busy. Or have we gone weary in well doing ourselves thus lessening our spiritual influence.
Mentoring works both ways. Younger officers who need support must be humble enough to seek it. Some are simply too proud or too busy to contact a more senior officer for guidance. Effective mentoring can create a positive attachment relationship between two people. To avoid an unhealthy dependence of one on the other space is needed of course. It also allows the mentored to discover himself and develop his own potential, thus leading to spiritual maturity.
Let us continue to pray for the Lord to touch the hearts and lives of our youth that they will offer themselves for officership. Let us pray for our officers too that they will be kept faithful to the vows they have made to the Lord. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 37-38
My last chapter was written with much heaviness of heart. The Salvation Army has ordained and commissioned many national officers before and after the war. Sadly the majority have resigned for different reasons.
All of us grow weary from time to time in our day to day living as parents, grand parents, husbands, wives, employees and employers. The world today calls this ‘burnout.’ It happens to even dedicated, committed people who feel tired and emotionally drained - tired of giving, tired of doing, tired of serving. He finds that the joy of service is gone. We all know that from time to time, faithful workers of the Lord get weary in well doing. And Satan works very hard to make us give up the good work we are doing.
One day I heard a newly commissioned officer complain that she was ‘burnt out.’ It was on the tip of my tongue to respond to this young lady, that she had not even been lighted! What she wanted was a rest or an easier time. Somehow she had cotton on to this expression ‘burnt out’ and thought it fitted beautifully into her situation. She was longing for a nice holiday. However, there are genuine cases of ‘burnt out.’
People withdraw from officership for a variety of reasons. Some are ‘burnt out’ through over commitment or through unreasonable expectations of others. Some lack discipline, become disorganized and fritter away their time without accomplishing much. In many cases prayerlessness is one of the causes. They fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep fit physically, mentally and spiritually. All of us need to exercise discipline.
I am always saddened to hear of those who entered officership with no clear sense of calling. To them, officership is but another job or profession. When pressure comes they find they are unable to cope with the demands made upon them as officers. In recent years we have had cadets who could not even complete their two year residential training. Was it made clear to them the meaning of officership? Officership or entering the ministry is a calling not just employment or profession.
Sometimes our leaders are at fault. In their zeal to get nationals, they compromise on standards and spiritual maturity for the sake of numbers. Some have been accepted only after a brief period of soldiership in the Army. They are not spiritually mature. Prospective candidates need to go through a period of training and testing, perhaps as Corps Helpers or assistants in our Social Homes; in other words to get a foretaste of what officership entails. A novice or new convert should not be accepted into the Training College.
There are officers who after some time, struggle with our structure. The Salvation Army is a church and an organization. As such we have our own structure, rules and regulations which some officers find it difficult to comply with. They want to be like our friends in the autonomous churches. Some see themselves as senior pastors of independent churches. One Corps Officer used the designation to describe himself – Senior Pastor and he was the only Corps Officer with his wife as the associate. Some see themselves as miniature Billy Grahams or world evangelists. Running a small Corps is too restrictive for them. They have visions of preaching to packed stadiums of people. They’ve grown too big for The Salvation Army. Egotism grows out of human pride.
I’ve heard of those who claim that they must follow their own heart. Is it safe to follow the maxim “I follow my own heart.”? It sounds religious, but be wary for it might be following one’s selfish ambitions. The heart is not always a perfect guide to follow. Listen to Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” Jeremiah 17: 9. You may be following your own heart, but is your heart following Jesus? We all need regular soul searching.
One of the saddest things I do see in officers is the loss of vision. He may have started with zeal and enthusiasm, but the years have taken their toll on him. Now work has become mechanical, he goes through the motions, carries out his routine responsibilities. There is no more joy in service. The fire has gone out of his life and ministry. He is now weary in well doing.
There is the feeling of hopelessness that things are not going to get better. The officer becomes mediocre. When that happens, the temptation is to give up. Often it takes the form of what Thoreau called, ‘quiet desperation.’ There are people going through the motions maintaining the pretence of a relationship but in reality have become detached emotionally and stopped working; stopped fighting; stopped caring.
Shakespeare uttered a profound truth when he made Wolsey say.
“Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambitions,
By that sin fell the angels, how can men then,
The image of his Maker, hope to profit by?”
The word ‘ambition’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘canvassing for promotion.’ People are ambitious for different reasons. Pride is one of them. They want to have authority or power above others. Jesus told His disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10: 43-44.
One of the preventatives for burnt out is found in the developing of support systems. We are all social creatures who need the support of each other. We need the support of those who will listen and counsel us. Those of us who have been in the ministry longer in years have the responsibility to mentor the younger and less mature officers. Perhaps some of us have failed because we have been too busy. Or have we gone weary in well doing ourselves thus lessening our spiritual influence.
Mentoring works both ways. Younger officers who need support must be humble enough to seek it. Some are simply too proud or too busy to contact a more senior officer for guidance. Effective mentoring can create a positive attachment relationship between two people. To avoid an unhealthy dependence of one on the other space is needed of course. It also allows the mentored to discover himself and develop his own potential, thus leading to spiritual maturity.
Let us continue to pray for the Lord to touch the hearts and lives of our youth that they will offer themselves for officership. Let us pray for our officers too that they will be kept faithful to the vows they have made to the Lord. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 37-38
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Visit to Central Corps on 10.10.10
Our Bible study this morning was on Revelation 6: 9-17 - The Promise of Vindication. The Lamb breaks the next two seals - fifth and sixth as God's judgement is being poured out into the world. Witnesses now include the martyrs. Loyalty to Christ is always costly and some have to pay with their lives. It happens today. They cry out to God and ask, "How long?" God is patient. His timing is perfect. God again shows His faithfulness to those who have been faithful to Him, as He finally avenges those who are just, who have suffered for God. God wants us to be patient, to wait and trust Him for His timing.
We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, love and serve Him have this hope in us. He is our hope even when the foundations of the universe are collapsing around us. Our hope is in Christ. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness"
After the usual Bible class from 9.30 - 10.30 a.m. we left for Central Corps. Today, being 10th October 2010 or 10-10-10, the meeting started at 10.00 a.m. We arrived just after 11.15 a.m.in the middle of a film show. This was followed by a talk on the Alpha Course.
It was a good meeting. Captain Lim Chee Kwee spoke on "God's Gift of Time" based on Psalm 90. It was a timely reminder to the congregation of the importance of making used of the precious gift of time that God has given to us.
We went to the meeting at the invitation of Brothers Vincent Wong and Patrick Foo. The members of Men's and Women's ministry, plus the youth worked hard together to raise funds for their Youth Camp at the end of the year. We have a stake in this in that we have three grandchildren among the youth of the Corps. Central is my wife's home Corps.
We had a lovely lunch. The fellowship was great and we enjoyed every moment of it. We were glad we went. We have many good friends at Central Corps and it was such a joy to see them again. We look forward to our next visit to conduct their Altar Service on 7th November.
God bless Central Corps.
We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, love and serve Him have this hope in us. He is our hope even when the foundations of the universe are collapsing around us. Our hope is in Christ. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness"
After the usual Bible class from 9.30 - 10.30 a.m. we left for Central Corps. Today, being 10th October 2010 or 10-10-10, the meeting started at 10.00 a.m. We arrived just after 11.15 a.m.in the middle of a film show. This was followed by a talk on the Alpha Course.
It was a good meeting. Captain Lim Chee Kwee spoke on "God's Gift of Time" based on Psalm 90. It was a timely reminder to the congregation of the importance of making used of the precious gift of time that God has given to us.
We went to the meeting at the invitation of Brothers Vincent Wong and Patrick Foo. The members of Men's and Women's ministry, plus the youth worked hard together to raise funds for their Youth Camp at the end of the year. We have a stake in this in that we have three grandchildren among the youth of the Corps. Central is my wife's home Corps.
We had a lovely lunch. The fellowship was great and we enjoyed every moment of it. We were glad we went. We have many good friends at Central Corps and it was such a joy to see them again. We look forward to our next visit to conduct their Altar Service on 7th November.
God bless Central Corps.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Morning Dawn
The camel at the close of day
Kneels down upon the sandy plain
To have his burden lifted off
and rest again.
Then, too, O Traveler, to thy knees
When daylight draweth to a close
And let the Master lift thy load
And grant repose.
Else how wouldst thou tomorrow meet,
With all tomorrow's work to do
If thou the burden all the night'
Dost carry through?
The camel kneels at break of day
To have his guide replace the load:
Then rises up anew, to take.
The desert road
So, pilgrim, kneel at morning dawn,
That God may give thee daily care;
Assured that He no load too great,'
Will make thee bear.
Author unknown
Kneels down upon the sandy plain
To have his burden lifted off
and rest again.
Then, too, O Traveler, to thy knees
When daylight draweth to a close
And let the Master lift thy load
And grant repose.
Else how wouldst thou tomorrow meet,
With all tomorrow's work to do
If thou the burden all the night'
Dost carry through?
The camel kneels at break of day
To have his guide replace the load:
Then rises up anew, to take.
The desert road
So, pilgrim, kneel at morning dawn,
That God may give thee daily care;
Assured that He no load too great,'
Will make thee bear.
Author unknown
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Jesus - my Guide and Stay
The funeral of Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew caused me to reflect a great deal on the subject of death, hence the blog under the caption “Abide with me” was written. I meditated a great deal on the lovely hymn, “Abide with me.” It’s a pity we don’t seem to use this hymn except during funerals and sad to say that many of our young people don’t seem to know it at all.
Hymns quite often use maritime imagery to speak about God’s guidance. Let me highlight one word in the third verse which is quite often misunderstood.
“I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘stay’ as “A large rope used to support a mast, and leading from its head down to some other mast or spar, or to some part of the ship. Something that supports or steadies something else; especially an appliance for holding up or securing in position some part of a structure.”
That word ‘stay’ is not a verb, but a noun. The masts of a ship have to be sturdily supported to prevent them from falling. A demasting would be terrible disaster to the whole ship. A ‘stay’ is the answer to the problem. It is a stout rope stretching from the bowsprit (the pole extending out over the front of the ship) up over the top of each mast and down to the stern. The thick rope keeps the masts from falling forward or backward. Thus it is the ‘mainstay’ of the ship. Everything depends on the mainstay.
Thank God Jesus is my guide and stay in life. The storms may come, but I have Jesus my guide and stay. I pray that the Lord will make my life a ‘stay’ for someone in need.
Prayer: Lord, be my stay and grant me the grace of a stout heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all my burdens upon You, my Help, my Guide and my Stay. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Hymns quite often use maritime imagery to speak about God’s guidance. Let me highlight one word in the third verse which is quite often misunderstood.
“I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘stay’ as “A large rope used to support a mast, and leading from its head down to some other mast or spar, or to some part of the ship. Something that supports or steadies something else; especially an appliance for holding up or securing in position some part of a structure.”
That word ‘stay’ is not a verb, but a noun. The masts of a ship have to be sturdily supported to prevent them from falling. A demasting would be terrible disaster to the whole ship. A ‘stay’ is the answer to the problem. It is a stout rope stretching from the bowsprit (the pole extending out over the front of the ship) up over the top of each mast and down to the stern. The thick rope keeps the masts from falling forward or backward. Thus it is the ‘mainstay’ of the ship. Everything depends on the mainstay.
Thank God Jesus is my guide and stay in life. The storms may come, but I have Jesus my guide and stay. I pray that the Lord will make my life a ‘stay’ for someone in need.
Prayer: Lord, be my stay and grant me the grace of a stout heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all my burdens upon You, my Help, my Guide and my Stay. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Abide with me
On the weekend of 3rd & 4th May 1997, shortly before our return to Singapore to retire, my wife and I visited Brixham to conduct meetings at a very small Corps.
It was in this little town that Henry Francis Lyte wrote his swan song in the valley of the shadow of death. He was stricken with tuberculosis and had been ordered to go to the south of France to rest. Mr Lyte preached his farewell sermon at Brixham. After the service, he went for a stroll along the shore he loved so well. It had been a beautiful day and the sun was setting over the distant Dartmoor in a blaze of glory. Most probably he likened the scene to his own life. Later that evening he handed to a member of his family the words of "Abide with me" together with the tune of his own composing. He left for France, never to return to his beloved Brixham.
It was lovely to hear the church bells chime the lovely tune, "Abide with me" It was a most refreshing weekend we had in England and I often reflect on the time spent at Brixham.
With us that weekend was a Singaporean lady, Susan Lio who worked at the Property Department at UK Territory Headquarters. She was strong and healthy, full of life and energy. Never did we dream that she would be promoted to Glory soon after our return to Singapore the same year. We don't know when the Lord is going to call us home. Let us be ready when the summons comes.
"Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me"
"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. yet their pride is but labour and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away." Psalm 90: 10
From the Book of Common Prayer.
"O Lord, support us all day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in Thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last."
It was in this little town that Henry Francis Lyte wrote his swan song in the valley of the shadow of death. He was stricken with tuberculosis and had been ordered to go to the south of France to rest. Mr Lyte preached his farewell sermon at Brixham. After the service, he went for a stroll along the shore he loved so well. It had been a beautiful day and the sun was setting over the distant Dartmoor in a blaze of glory. Most probably he likened the scene to his own life. Later that evening he handed to a member of his family the words of "Abide with me" together with the tune of his own composing. He left for France, never to return to his beloved Brixham.
It was lovely to hear the church bells chime the lovely tune, "Abide with me" It was a most refreshing weekend we had in England and I often reflect on the time spent at Brixham.
With us that weekend was a Singaporean lady, Susan Lio who worked at the Property Department at UK Territory Headquarters. She was strong and healthy, full of life and energy. Never did we dream that she would be promoted to Glory soon after our return to Singapore the same year. We don't know when the Lord is going to call us home. Let us be ready when the summons comes.
"Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me"
"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. yet their pride is but labour and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away." Psalm 90: 10
From the Book of Common Prayer.
"O Lord, support us all day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in Thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew
Singapore owes a great debt to MM Lee Kuan Yew. Behind this great man stood a wonderful woman, his dear wife. Thousands have paid tribute to this great lady. Tributes are still pouring in from all over the world. Many have never met her in person, but they admired her - a wonderful wife and mother.Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew have set the model for a happy marriage.
We just came back from visiting Peacehaven for chapel service. Just as we were about to have lunch, Madam Low Mui Lan and a group were making their way to the Istana to attend the wake.
We just came back from visiting Peacehaven for chapel service. Just as we were about to have lunch, Madam Low Mui Lan and a group were making their way to the Istana to attend the wake.
Monday, October 4, 2010
This is my story - 43
43 – Additional appointment – training of cadets
The Singapore and Malaysia Command heavily depended on missionary (or reinforcement officers as they are called now) to run Headquarters and the various centres. It has always been the policy of The Salvation Army to train local people to take over from the overseas personnel.
Before the war The Salvation Army had two sessions of cadets (students of our Training College) The Training Principal was Adjutant Etta Bird a Canadian officer. On 13th February 1942, two days before the fall of Singapore, she with Mrs. Major Wilkinson left the island on the SS Gian Bee. It was bombed by the Japanese and the two officers were among the victims who perished.
Lieut. Colonel Herbert and the officers worked hard to get nationals to serve full time. He started the first session of Cadets called the “Enthusiasts Session” in 1938 which comprised seven cadets. This was followed in 1939 by the “Hold Fast Session” with five cadets. The Army was about to begin the third session in 1940 when war broke out, so he commissioned the two candidates without training as Lieutenants. So before the war the Army had a total of fourteen national officers.
After the war, Colonel and Mrs, Herbert Lord were transferred to Korea as the Territorial Leaders. The General Secretary Major Charles Davidson was appointed to Japan as the Chief Secretary. (Mrs. Davidson was promoted to Glory in Scotland during the war.) International Headquarters appointed Lieut. Colonel John Wainwright as the new Officer Commanding. He and his wife had never seen overseas service or serve outside their own culture. On hindsight, perhaps had the General kept Colonel Lord a little longer in the Command as the leader or had they appointed Major Davidson to take charge, the national officers might not have left the Army. Our people had been through the war and three and a half years of Japanese occupation. The atmosphere was still tense, and our people needed emotional support.
Conditions were very difficult and money was scarce. Besides, the Government was in need of social workers and many of our officers (both national and missionary) found it difficult to resist the temptation to join the Social Welfare which offered material security.
By the time, when my wife and I were candidates for officership in the early 50’s there was only one national couple who remained, namely Captain and Mrs. Tan Eng Soon. She (Mrs. Tan nee Doris Ee) was never trained as an officer. He met and married her in Penang during the war. So in actual fact Captain Tan Eng Soon was the only officer out of the total number of fourteen. It was tragic.
The first post-war session, 1954 was the “Shepherds Session” comprising four cadets. My wife and I formed half the session! We were both single then and not even dating! (See Chapter 17 – “Concertina and Courtship”)
This was followed by the “Faithful Session” in 1956 with seven cadets. Six resigned for different reasons. Major Janos Wasagam is the only one who remained faithful and is now enjoying her retirement.
There was a long wait of ten years before the Training College reopened with three cadets – Tan Thean Seng, Loo Lay Saik and Florence Ee who formed the “Messengers of Faith” session in 1966. After that another cadet, Esther Rengasamy, was sent to New Zealand for training.
Before the war (1935-1942) there were fourteen national officers. After the war from 1954 to 1969 the Army commissioned twenty five officers making a total of thirty nine national officers altogether. It is sad that so many resigned from officership for different reasons.
Captain and Mrs. Peter Chang came from Korea to train two sessions of cadets - in 1968 the “Undaunted Session” and 1969 the “Victorious Session.” Up till then the residential period for each session of training was nine months.
One day the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel James Sloan called me into his office and expressed his desire to reopen the doors of the Training College. The Candidates’ Board had accepted four cadets. Then he continued to say that he wanted me to add to my responsibility at Central Corps the role of the Training Principal, as he did not have anyone to appoint full time to training work. He and the Headquarters’ staff would give their full support in the training programme. I was tasked to draw up a programme and curriculum for the next session.
So on 18th September 1973, five cadets entered the Training College to form the “Soldiers of the Cross Session.” The cadets were Andrew Periasamy, Richard Gunasekeran, Ann Ho Sau Choo, John Umasanthiram and Tong Yat Lan.
The Financial Secretary Major Frederika de Fretes took over the additional responsibility of Home Officer. My wife and I took over the bulk of the teaching. Mrs. Lieut. Grace Sloan taught Salvation Army Doctrine. The Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Sloan and the General Secretary Major Will Krommenhoek did most of the lectures and of course conducted Spiritual Days and In-Sunday meetings. Mrs. Major Krommenhoek conducted many lessons on Women’s ministries.
I had planned the curriculum to cover one year, but during the session, International Headquarters announced the introduction of the two year residential session. This was good in that I could spread the lessons out somewhat, but it was quite a challenge to rearrange the curriculum to extend the session by another year. Thus we began our two-year residential training from that time onwards. I received excellent co-operation from the officers. Everyone was ready to chip in to help.
Reinforcement officers were given an allowance for domestic help. An exception was made for us because of the dual responsibility we were holding. Besides we had a handicapped child, Poh Chin with us who needed full time care and attention. So we had the privilege of employing a Malay lady to work part time. This enabled my wife to spend time at the Corps and also help in the college. Our two older children were very co-operative and did much to share the load of household duties.
We were kept extremely busy, but enjoyed our work at the Central Corps and Training College. Our local officers were extremely helpful. The youth were at the Corps almost everyday and ever willing to help out with the chores. The Home League ladies were most helpful in cooking and preparing meals for special events like Home League Helping Hand Project, Annual Soldiers’ Rally and quarterly Family Fellowship.
The Singapore and Malaysia Command heavily depended on missionary (or reinforcement officers as they are called now) to run Headquarters and the various centres. It has always been the policy of The Salvation Army to train local people to take over from the overseas personnel.
Before the war The Salvation Army had two sessions of cadets (students of our Training College) The Training Principal was Adjutant Etta Bird a Canadian officer. On 13th February 1942, two days before the fall of Singapore, she with Mrs. Major Wilkinson left the island on the SS Gian Bee. It was bombed by the Japanese and the two officers were among the victims who perished.
Lieut. Colonel Herbert and the officers worked hard to get nationals to serve full time. He started the first session of Cadets called the “Enthusiasts Session” in 1938 which comprised seven cadets. This was followed in 1939 by the “Hold Fast Session” with five cadets. The Army was about to begin the third session in 1940 when war broke out, so he commissioned the two candidates without training as Lieutenants. So before the war the Army had a total of fourteen national officers.
After the war, Colonel and Mrs, Herbert Lord were transferred to Korea as the Territorial Leaders. The General Secretary Major Charles Davidson was appointed to Japan as the Chief Secretary. (Mrs. Davidson was promoted to Glory in Scotland during the war.) International Headquarters appointed Lieut. Colonel John Wainwright as the new Officer Commanding. He and his wife had never seen overseas service or serve outside their own culture. On hindsight, perhaps had the General kept Colonel Lord a little longer in the Command as the leader or had they appointed Major Davidson to take charge, the national officers might not have left the Army. Our people had been through the war and three and a half years of Japanese occupation. The atmosphere was still tense, and our people needed emotional support.
Conditions were very difficult and money was scarce. Besides, the Government was in need of social workers and many of our officers (both national and missionary) found it difficult to resist the temptation to join the Social Welfare which offered material security.
By the time, when my wife and I were candidates for officership in the early 50’s there was only one national couple who remained, namely Captain and Mrs. Tan Eng Soon. She (Mrs. Tan nee Doris Ee) was never trained as an officer. He met and married her in Penang during the war. So in actual fact Captain Tan Eng Soon was the only officer out of the total number of fourteen. It was tragic.
The first post-war session, 1954 was the “Shepherds Session” comprising four cadets. My wife and I formed half the session! We were both single then and not even dating! (See Chapter 17 – “Concertina and Courtship”)
This was followed by the “Faithful Session” in 1956 with seven cadets. Six resigned for different reasons. Major Janos Wasagam is the only one who remained faithful and is now enjoying her retirement.
There was a long wait of ten years before the Training College reopened with three cadets – Tan Thean Seng, Loo Lay Saik and Florence Ee who formed the “Messengers of Faith” session in 1966. After that another cadet, Esther Rengasamy, was sent to New Zealand for training.
Before the war (1935-1942) there were fourteen national officers. After the war from 1954 to 1969 the Army commissioned twenty five officers making a total of thirty nine national officers altogether. It is sad that so many resigned from officership for different reasons.
Captain and Mrs. Peter Chang came from Korea to train two sessions of cadets - in 1968 the “Undaunted Session” and 1969 the “Victorious Session.” Up till then the residential period for each session of training was nine months.
One day the Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel James Sloan called me into his office and expressed his desire to reopen the doors of the Training College. The Candidates’ Board had accepted four cadets. Then he continued to say that he wanted me to add to my responsibility at Central Corps the role of the Training Principal, as he did not have anyone to appoint full time to training work. He and the Headquarters’ staff would give their full support in the training programme. I was tasked to draw up a programme and curriculum for the next session.
So on 18th September 1973, five cadets entered the Training College to form the “Soldiers of the Cross Session.” The cadets were Andrew Periasamy, Richard Gunasekeran, Ann Ho Sau Choo, John Umasanthiram and Tong Yat Lan.
The Financial Secretary Major Frederika de Fretes took over the additional responsibility of Home Officer. My wife and I took over the bulk of the teaching. Mrs. Lieut. Grace Sloan taught Salvation Army Doctrine. The Officer Commanding Lieut. Colonel Sloan and the General Secretary Major Will Krommenhoek did most of the lectures and of course conducted Spiritual Days and In-Sunday meetings. Mrs. Major Krommenhoek conducted many lessons on Women’s ministries.
I had planned the curriculum to cover one year, but during the session, International Headquarters announced the introduction of the two year residential session. This was good in that I could spread the lessons out somewhat, but it was quite a challenge to rearrange the curriculum to extend the session by another year. Thus we began our two-year residential training from that time onwards. I received excellent co-operation from the officers. Everyone was ready to chip in to help.
Reinforcement officers were given an allowance for domestic help. An exception was made for us because of the dual responsibility we were holding. Besides we had a handicapped child, Poh Chin with us who needed full time care and attention. So we had the privilege of employing a Malay lady to work part time. This enabled my wife to spend time at the Corps and also help in the college. Our two older children were very co-operative and did much to share the load of household duties.
We were kept extremely busy, but enjoyed our work at the Central Corps and Training College. Our local officers were extremely helpful. The youth were at the Corps almost everyday and ever willing to help out with the chores. The Home League ladies were most helpful in cooking and preparing meals for special events like Home League Helping Hand Project, Annual Soldiers’ Rally and quarterly Family Fellowship.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Day with the Word
At our Adult Bible class this morning we reflected on Revelation 6: 1-8 - "Four horsemen of the Apocalypse." As Christ successively breaks the four seals each of the living creatures, highly intelligent beings appointed by the Almighty God for the special tasks cries out "Come." In response the four horsemen appear in succession - white, red, black and pale come into the scene - the white horse and rider symbol of conquest, the red horse and rider symbol of war, the black horse and rider symbol of famine and the pale horse and rider symbol of death.
When we think of the catastrophes happening in the world today as the different colour horses signify we need to heed the warning given in God's word. Today instead of war horses, a prophet will have visions of tanks, nuclear submarines, supersonic planes, nuclear bombs. Yes, we face economic chaos, earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis.
Yes, we all need to be ready for His second coming. Let us heed the counsel of our Lord, "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." Matthew 24: 44
It is interesting when we compare the different translations of the Bible. Dr. Bruce Gale our Corps Bandmaster and regular attender at Bible class always checks out with the Indonesian translation that throws new light on the passage. Mrs. Lim Li Ching always has her Chinese translation and we have been greatly helped as these folk put in the contributions.
As we delve deeper into the word, the studies have become more interesting. I always give the people two pages of notes prior to our class. I am wondering whether I should change the method by writing the notes after class as the folk have some very interesting comments to share with others. Although I lead the class, I have learned much from the people.
Well Sunday is not just a day of worship, but of fellowship and sharing of the word of God. Our Corps Officer preaches from the Bible and we can always look forward to real meat from the Word. People are hungry for the word.
Today we set aside time to pray of the victims of human trafficking, a gross offence against God our Creator and towards His children the victims. Jesus sets us the example of caring for these unfortunate people.
This morning the sermon was "God's compassionate heart." One of the songs used during our meeting was General Albert Orsborn's beautiful song,
The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which He loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread.
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep
And still straying sheep to be led.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwellest Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.
General Orsborn's songs never fail touch my heart every time I sing them. Truly he was an inspired writer.
When we think of the catastrophes happening in the world today as the different colour horses signify we need to heed the warning given in God's word. Today instead of war horses, a prophet will have visions of tanks, nuclear submarines, supersonic planes, nuclear bombs. Yes, we face economic chaos, earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis.
Yes, we all need to be ready for His second coming. Let us heed the counsel of our Lord, "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." Matthew 24: 44
It is interesting when we compare the different translations of the Bible. Dr. Bruce Gale our Corps Bandmaster and regular attender at Bible class always checks out with the Indonesian translation that throws new light on the passage. Mrs. Lim Li Ching always has her Chinese translation and we have been greatly helped as these folk put in the contributions.
As we delve deeper into the word, the studies have become more interesting. I always give the people two pages of notes prior to our class. I am wondering whether I should change the method by writing the notes after class as the folk have some very interesting comments to share with others. Although I lead the class, I have learned much from the people.
Well Sunday is not just a day of worship, but of fellowship and sharing of the word of God. Our Corps Officer preaches from the Bible and we can always look forward to real meat from the Word. People are hungry for the word.
Today we set aside time to pray of the victims of human trafficking, a gross offence against God our Creator and towards His children the victims. Jesus sets us the example of caring for these unfortunate people.
This morning the sermon was "God's compassionate heart." One of the songs used during our meeting was General Albert Orsborn's beautiful song,
The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which He loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread.
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep
And still straying sheep to be led.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwellest Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.
General Orsborn's songs never fail touch my heart every time I sing them. Truly he was an inspired writer.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Hurts
We all get hurt sometimes. Someone hurt you, maybe yesterday, or a week ago, maybe long time ago and you cannot forget it. You did not deserve that hurt. It has deeply lodged in your memory where it keeps hurting.
Really you are not alone. Lots of people, including yours truly have this experience. A friend betrays us, a relative makes a caustic remark, someone you love shouts at you for no reason. The only way to stop this stream of painful memories is to forgive. It is not always easy is it? Our sense of fairness tells us that these people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving can result in miraculous healing and even reconciliation.
Here is a prayer written by retired General John Gowans. I want to make this my prayer.
Hurts
"I'm glad I can forget
All kinds of things,
Life's hurts and harms,
Its unexpected things.
I contemplate
My bruises for a while
And then I let them go again.
But when I nurse
Some special wound or woe,
And stubbornly
Refuse to let it go,
Prise from my fingers
What might fester there,
And cleanse my mem'ry
Of encrusting care.
It may prove rather painful
But I'll be
A cleaner, saner,
Nobler me!"
Really you are not alone. Lots of people, including yours truly have this experience. A friend betrays us, a relative makes a caustic remark, someone you love shouts at you for no reason. The only way to stop this stream of painful memories is to forgive. It is not always easy is it? Our sense of fairness tells us that these people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving can result in miraculous healing and even reconciliation.
Here is a prayer written by retired General John Gowans. I want to make this my prayer.
Hurts
"I'm glad I can forget
All kinds of things,
Life's hurts and harms,
Its unexpected things.
I contemplate
My bruises for a while
And then I let them go again.
But when I nurse
Some special wound or woe,
And stubbornly
Refuse to let it go,
Prise from my fingers
What might fester there,
And cleanse my mem'ry
Of encrusting care.
It may prove rather painful
But I'll be
A cleaner, saner,
Nobler me!"
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