Reflections on the last day of 2012

I am getting rid of things - some books go to the library downstairs on level 2 of our building. I won't say good bye to those books, for I can visit the library from time to time to visit my old friends who have served me well and now will just sit there and wait for someone to pull them out and open its pages.

Some things go to the Thrift Store - these may end up in someone's home, or sit in the store for someone to buy them. Some may end up in the incinerator to be turned into ashes to feed and nourish our plants and trees and bless the environment.

End of the year - time to throw away.

Yes, old grudges, old sorrows, old tears, old quarrels of yesteryears, old fears, old regrets! New Year affords a new beginning. Come to think of it - everyday gives us the opportunity for a new beginning.

New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove;
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.

New mercies, each returning day,
Hover around us while we pray;
New perils past, new sins forgiven,
New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.

If, on our daily course, our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still, of countless price,
God will provide for sacrifice.

Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be,
As more of heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer
Shall dawn on every cross and care.

We need not bid, for cloistered cell,
Our neighbor and our words farewell,
Nor strive to find ourselves too high
For sinful man beneath the sky.

The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.

Seek we no more; content with these,
Let present rapture, comfort, ease—
As heaven shall bid them, come and go:
The secret this of rest below.

Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love,
Fit us for perfect rest above,
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.  (John Keble)

Friends from Hong Kong visited us.

What a joy to welcome into our home two lovely friends Envoy and Mrs, Daniel Hui from Hong Kong this morning! They are such warm, positive Christians who truly love the Lord. They are salvationists of Kowloon East Corps, (it was called the Yau Tong Corps when were were there) I recall visiting the Corps many times during our time in Hong Kong. Every visit brought us blessing.

Although they are here for only three days, they are spending one whole day today just to visit old friends like Mrs. Colonel Alice Lau and Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Tan Thean Seng and us.

I've been pondering over the matter of relationships. Healthy relationships need to be formed and cultivated through mutual respect, unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness. Relationships grow in depth, meaning and stability over time. This is true in all our relationships in all areas of our lives - our friendships, our family relationships, marriage relationship, relationship and fellow church members.

Take a look at nature. Plants for example grow in relationship to their environment. They are rooted in the soil, they reach out to the sunlight, they depend on insects for their pollination, they depend on the wind to spread their seeds. Pull them out of the soil, they wither and die. Block them from the sunlight, they cannot grow. To survive they need to be connected with the environment. They cannot survive in isolation. So do we humans we need to stay connected to the Lord and to our friends who support each other.

I've been thinking, the bells have stopped ringing, but the real work of Christmas goes on. We go on to make, repair and build relationships. There are many lonely people who need that visit, that telephone call, that kind note to make them feel, there are people who care.

So I thank God for my friends, genuine friends whom the Lord sends into our lives.

I end with the singing of an old song:

Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine, O what blessed sweet communion
Jesus is a Friend of mine.

Prayer meeting

The alarm rang this morning at 4.30 a.m. the usual time for getting up on a Thursday morning. This gives us time to go for our morning walk, have our breakfast, private prayers, change and be ready to leave by 7.00 a.m. That's a normal Thursday.

There were not many of us, but we had a good time nevertheless. The Bible tells us that Jesus Himself got up when it was still dark to spend time in prayer.

Christmas all the year round

It’s Christmas time. Lucy comes in where Charlie Brown is standing and says, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. `Tis the season of peace on earth and good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all our differences and love one another."

Charlie Brown, whose face lights up at this, says, "That’s wonderful, Lucy. I’m so glad you said that. But tell me, do we have to love each other only at this season of the year? Why can’t we love each other all year long?" Lucy retorts, "What are you, a fanatic or something?"

Not fanatical but truly Christian is to love one another in our homes, in our community, in our church, wherever we may be. Practise the blessing of “peace and earth and good will toward men” not just at Christmas time, but throughout the whole year round.

Christmas Day with the family

Tuesday late afternoon, our son Stephen and family came to visit us with Christmas presents. That was great for Christmas is a family festival. We visit each other during Chinese New Year, and there is no reason why we should not make it for Christmas too.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was with the family, his parents in the stable or cave on that first Christmas Day. The shepherds came in haste to pay their visit to the Christ Child. The wise men from the east travelled all the way to Bethlehem guided by that special star to give gifts and spend time with the Holy family.

Earlier in the day after service, we joined in fellowship and Christmas lunch with the church family.

That same evening, our daughter Gladys and family took us to West Mall where we celebrated our grandson Emmanuel's birthday. He had just completed I.B course at ACS (Independent) and now doing his internship at the Ministry of Law. In February he will begin his national service. We had pasta at the restaurant, then moved to Swenson's restaurant to have our ice cream. O it was a real treat and we enjoyed every moment of it.

So it was a wonderful Christmas - to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world.  He is the reason for the season. What a great time we had with family, friends, enjoying food and fellowship.

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good!

Christmas Day - 2012

This was the first Christmas in many years that we were not preaching elsewhere, so we spent the morning in the church where we normally worship which is only downstairs. The service began at 10.00 a.m. and ended at 11.30 a.m. The whole church including the gallery was full. There were a number who came for the first time.

Good to sing the familiar carols, like "Joy to the world," O come all ye faithful" Hark, the herald angels sing" "Angels from the realms of Glory" and "Silent night" These carols have stood the test of time - they have a message.

I personally love to begin Christmas Day service with "Christians awake, salute the happy morn" I don't think many of our people today know this song. I've not heard this carol sung in recent years.

Major Pascoe our pastor spoke on "Don't miss the Christ our of Christmas" She pointed out the way people today write Christmas as X-mas. She gave three reasons -

Maybe they have no time. No time to write Christ, so substitute with X.
Maybe they have no knowledge of Christ. Christ is unknown, so they use X. Unknown Mass
Maybe they have no space. In Singapore space is now at a premium. The city is building "shoebox" units - room enough for a shoe is it? People have room for everything else but Christ.

While she was still speaking I thought of the song, "Have you any room for Jesus" and the prayer
"Room and time now give to Jesus."

The songsters sang a song written by Major Joy Webb.

The children start to carol in the night,
The candles glow, and everything is bright,
The time we love so well is casting it’s old spell
If only it was always Christmas night.

For Christmas can be everyday for you,
and this year’ll be the best you ever knew.
If the love this child and part can be held within your heart
then Christmas can be everyday for you.

O everywhere the people stop to pray
To celebrate this very special day.
And friend is meeting friend, some happy hour to spend
If only it was always Christmas Day.

Tomorrow may hold everything you fear,
So take this day and hold it’s memory dear,
And you will find it’s true, whatever you may do,
That Christmas can be everyday for you.

After the service we adjourned to the Social Hall to have our Christmas lunch. There was plenty of food - western and eastern. It was a great time of fellowship.

Thoughts on Christmas Eve

A quiet Christmas Eve for me and my wife. Our church folk are now out singing carols, but we have decided not to join them.

There is a time for everything, a time to be actively involved, a time to take a back seat. At our age, we need to let go of some things and do the things we can. Ministry takes different forms and the Lord does not expect us to perform beyond our ability.

We cherish happy memories of past Christmases and thank God for the privilege.

We wish all those who read this blog - Happy Christmas and Blessed New Year.

May God richly bless you.

The Prophecy

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "
Micah 5: 2

Here, truth and beauty. time with eternity meeting,
(Town magnified beyond words could state!)
Heaven kisses earth, and God designs the greeting,
And with mankind a relationship will create.

How can it be - a virgin have a baby;
A branch grow on a seeming long-dead tree?
Is it a parable of truth? Well maybe
This is the way that God would speak to me.

But things occur which logic can't declare;
The world is full of wonders yet unknown.
Imagination's loftiest heights are prone
To midgetry when on them brought to bear.

I'll speak the words of faith while here on earth.
In Heaven perceive the mystery of his birth.  _Peter M Cooke

Christmas concert and dinner at Peacehaven

Another busy and interesting day for both of us. We began the day early and instead of seeing to house cleaning and laundry, as we normally do, we left home at 8.00 a.m. with Major Pascoe and a few others for Peacehaven Nursing Home to join them in their celebrations. We arrived nice and early and at 9.00 a,m. were assigned to carol at two Resident Living Areas - Grace Corner and Robin.

Each visiting group took on two areas. Some churches of other denominations sent their carol singers to participate in the exercise. This meant each group was able to give more quality time to the residents.

AT 10.00 a.m, a Christmas concert was held at the Changi Corps auditorium. Central Corps Band was the first group to perform and they played a number pieces of Christmas music much to the delight of the congregation. They did well and we feel proud of them. Two of our grandchildren played in the Central Corps band.

Balestier Corps which sent quite a large delegation participated in singing Hokkien gospel songs.
Groups from other denominations also gave items.

The special guest was Mr.Raymond Lim, Member of Parliament and representative of East Coast GRC of which Peacehaven and Bedok form part his constituency.

After the concert we adjourned to the Nursing Home dining areas for the Christmas dinner.

Peacehaven Nursing Home has a special place in our hearts as our youngest daughter, God's special child is a resident in this Home. We visit Peacehaven every Tuesday to minister to the residents, staff and nurses.

Christmas Celebration at William Booth Corps

What a great time we had on Friday at the William Booth Corps (church). First we met at the Social Hall for our Christmas Dinner and folk from Eratchippu, Gracehaven, Haven, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Batok in fact all the centres from the Western side of Singapore gathered for the combined celebration. Food, both western and eastern were available - roast lamb, roast turkey, curry chicken, fried chicken, spicy and non-spicy food all available. Desserts were plentiful.

After dinner, we assembled at the Worship centre for our programme. We sang carols accompanied by the band. Then the various centres presented items and final the drama "The Christmas Star' written by Zahrah Aloba, music by Joshua Wan. The participants comprised children and youth from the various centres. They did well.

I was asked to give a short message following the drama. I spoke in English and my wife interpreted into Chinese for the benefit of the parents of children from our various centres who do not understand English. It was a brief message on Christmas.

Christmas gives us Songs to Sing, A Star to follow, and a Saviour to save us from our sins.

He came into our world.

He didn't come to Jupiter,
He didn't come to Mars,
He didn't come to sun or moon
Or any of the stars,
Of all the vast created host
From his own hand unfurled
By Jesus Christ, His only Son,
He came into our world.

He came because He wanted most
To take away sin's blight:
To frustrate every devilish scheme
And put our wrong world right.
His own volition brought Him from
His throne with splendour pearled.
But only if invited will
He come into my world.   - Albert Hamilton.

Prayer: O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

Celebrating Christmas at Peacehaven

Yesterday we joined the staff of Peacehaven for Christmas lunch. What a delightful time we had and we enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch too! I was asked to use my piano accordion to accompany the singing of carols. We thank God for allowing us to pay a small part in this Nursing Home. It's a real privilege.

We visited our daughter Poh Chin who is well cared for by the nurses and staff of the Home. She is happy in her own way even if she cannot express herself.

Among the residents we visited was a Salvationist from Central Corps - Brother Tan Thuan Miang. He was in a good mood and despite his condition was cheerful. As usual I prayed with him and when I said Amen, he asked to pray with me. It was a beautiful prayer from his heart for me and for his many friends. I was truly blessed by being with him for that brief period of time.

We visit Peacehaven to bless the people, but in turn we have been blessed. It happens every week.

We are now looking forward to Saturday when carollers from the various Corps and centres will minister to the folk at Peacehaven.  It will be a great time of celebration.

Bethlehem

General John Gowans, retired General and good friend of ours was promoted to Glory on 8th December 2012. I thought of one of his poems in a book called "O Lord"

Bethlehem
I saw three wise guys
Yesterday
In Bethlehem!
I couldn't reach
Your 'birthplace'
For their postcards
And their junk
And camels to be photographed.
Lord, how the tourists
Groaned and laughed,
And how the gutters stunk!

A hundred wooden babies
In a hundred wooden mangers
Were going cheap
At half the price
To half a hundred strangers,

I couldn't but be cynical
However much I tried,
Till faint among the souvenirs
I thought a Baby cried?

Jesus gave everything

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

Christ loved us and give Himself for us. Ephesians 5: 2

Thanks be unto God!

"Silent night" - but not too loud please

One of the most popular carols internationally is "Silent night, holy night."  Musicians please take note - not too loud or too fast please! The music must suit the words.

Once I was in Chinatown about Christmas time and heard the blaring of the carol "Silent night."  Josef Mohr and Franz Gruber must have turned over in their graves! Some of our young people and the not so young have the habit of strumming the guitar and banging their drums so loudly and at great speed that it makes you cringe,

Please be sensitive to the words, "Silent night, holy night, all is calm all is bright" Sing and play it gently please!

Silent night, holy night

The year was 1818. The night was cold in the old church.  The poor church mouse was hungry and he wanted something to eat and the bellows of the old organ gave him a delicious meal.

He had always lived in the old church. When his town friends came to visit him, he shared with them his meagre larder, the organ bellows.

Then suddenly the church door opened and he and his friends scampered into his hole and watched. He relaxed. He knew this good man Josef Mohr who preached to the people. With him was the school master. The two men were talking, and then one sat down at the old organ.

“Oh dear” lamented the mouse as he remembered the organ bellow meals he had been sharing with his friends. Sure enough the old organ was silent, no sound at all.

“Let’s take a look” said the pastor creeping around the organ. “Oh dear, the bellows have been eaten right through.”

“Yes” said the school master, “even the mice are hungry and now there will be no music for Christmas Eve Service.” The mice watched the two sad faced men with their faces buried in their hands.

Music? He remembered the queer instrument that stood behind the door. Once he had run by it had fallen with the 'plink' sound. He moved quickly and with a push it dropped to the ground with as sound that attracted the two gentlemen.

“What’s that?

“A guitar”

“A guitar here?

“Yes, it’s a musical instrument.”

“If we can write a simple hymn tune that could be accompanied by a guitar, it would be the answer.”

The two men stayed up late writing a hymn for Christmas. They even had some bread late at night and the mice enjoyed the crumbs that dropped on the floor. Delicious! The church mice huddled in the hole and smelled the fragrance of the pine boughs and burning candles.

Soon people arrived - the people of Oberndorf, Austria. Men, women, children sat in the old church waiting for the service to begin.

The resident poor church mouse felt his whiskers twitch and a little tear splashed down his long nose. He had no intention to cause these humans grief. He pricked his ears and heard the preacher’s voice.

“Our organ will not play. But we have written a new Christmas hymn. I will teach you the words. Now listen carefully.” There was a hush and a clear voice sang accompanied by a guitar.

“Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright….” When he had finished the congregation all joined in. It was the most beautiful song and music the poor church mouse had ever heard.

Franz Gruber the organist from the neighbouring village of Arnsdorf composed the lovely tune with the aid of his guitar. The tune is wedded to Josef Mohr’s lyrics. Because the church organ was out of order at the time, this beautiful carol was used for the first time.

Christmas celebration at Kallang

Had a great and blessed time at Kallang Centre last evening, sharing fellowship, Christmas dinner, singing of carols and the word with the folk. The young, the middle age and the elderly were present to celebrate Christmas.

They sang most of the time in Hokkien for the sake of the elderly all from the Kallang area. Brother Tommy and Sister Jessica led the singing with guitar accompaniment.

Our own church folk were there to serve. The youth contributed items and sang in English.

Wonderful outreach by the Balestier folk under the direction of Captain Hary the pastor.

We were truly blessed!

A Christmas prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
Child of Bethlehem and Son of God;
Help us this night to join our songs of glory
to those of the heavenly host,
that the joy of the church on earth
may be heard in the praise of heaven. Amen
C N R Wallwork.

God rest you merry gentlemen

This is an ancient carol familiar to the older generation. I don't think it is used much these days. I have deliberately left the punctuation out and leave you to place the coma.

God rest you, merry gentlemen.  OR
God rest you merry, gentlemen.

The first with the coma after you, indicates 'merry gentlemen.' It might give the picture of a group of gentlemen having a merry, hilarious, wild celebration perhaps after a drinking session! No the adjective 'merry' does not qualify 'gentlemen."

The second is correct. "God rest you merry, gentlemen." "Rest" is old English for "Keep"
"Merry has the connotation of "mighty or strong under difficult circumstances"

So the meaning of the carol is clear. In this world of trials and temptations, ups and downs, may the Lord keep you gentlemen from fear. Let nothing disturb your  equanimity. May you    still have that joy in your hearts.  "Let nothing you dismay" It reflects the message of the angels to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Notice the ending of each verse, or chorus if you like with the words "Comfort and joy"  "Comfort" comes from the Latin words "With strength" So gentlemen, may the Lord keep you joyful and strong in this trouble world. A lovely Christmas wish or greeting.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

General John Gowans - promotion to Glory.

General John Gowans (R) was promoted to Glory on 8th December after a long period of declining health. The funeral will be on Friday 14th December conducted by General John Larsson (R) at 12.30 p.m. The Committal Service will be held at Hither Green Crematorium at 2.30 p.m.

Folk in Singapore will remember  his visit to our territory with Commissioner Gisele Gowans for our Congress. I recall meeting them at the air port. When he saw me, he rushed to me, gave me a big hug and said, "You old beggar, what are you doing here?"  That's the first and only time, I've been called a 'beggar' Only good friends who know each other well can talk like that.

Commissioner Gisele Gowns now lives in the flat exactly opposite to the one we used to live at Highcliffe, Albermarle Road, Beckenham. We keep in touch with her by e-mail.

Of course we will always remember his writings. Singapore comrades performed a number of the musicals, the lyrics written by him. General John Larsson wrote the music. Bandmaster Jim Webb was the director of the musicals we performed in Singapore Central Corps. I recall taking part in the following musicals in the 70's. Our daughter Gladys played the piano.

Glory, Jesus Folk, Spirit and  Hosea

Not so long ago the William Booth Corps did "Jesus Folk" directed by Songster Leader Ann Devadas.

Christmas carolling at Peacehaven

There are about 400 residents, not counting staff at The Salvation Army Nursing Home. Last Tuesday we began our carolling on Levels 1 and 3. Today we sang carols to our residents on Level 2 and Hope Centre.

My concertina is getting on in years, somewhat out of tune and leaking in the bellows and it will retire when I am gone from this earth. Anyway there is no one who knows how to play this ancient instrument. So I've been using my piano accordion which I bought at our Salvation Army Thrift Store some ten years ago. I quite enjoy playing it and it's good for physical exercise as well.

I had my first piano accordion given me when we were stationed in Penang. I bought a tutorial book from a music shop and learned from it. Since then I've worn out a few piano accordions. It's a lovely instrument.

We thank God for health and strength. Despite our age, we can still sing and proclaim the message of the gospel. We will continue doing so as long as the Lord and Peacehaven needs us.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

At this time of the year shopping centres or plazas are crowded with people - shoppers and window shoppers.

Turn the clock back to 2,000 years ago. Crowds were streaming into Bethlehem a town some seven miles south of Jerusalem. Amongst the crowd were a simple humble couple - Mary and Joseph. They were responding to the decree sent out by Caesar Augustus, the ruler in Rome to return to their ancestral homes to register.

Rome was unpopluar with the Jewish people, but they had no choice but to comply to this decree, enacted for the purpose of taxation. What could a subject people do, but to obey the law.

Mary the expectant mother and Joseph her husband looked everywhere for shelter to no avail. Everywhere the rooms were full. "Sorry no room" was the message they recieved. We feel sorry for the innkeeper who has become the target of criticisms of preachers through the years. Really the place was full, he could not turn the other guests out. No heavenly messenger had come to reveal to him who these two strangers were.

In the end the only place available for him to allocate was the stable where the animals were kept. To us living today accustomed to modern amenities of life, this offer of accomodation seemed so cruel and degrading. But to the couple this offer may have been a blessing in disguise. The shelter, probably a cave would have been warmed by the body heat of the animals. It gave central heating on that cold night! They would be away from the crowds and be assurred of privacy. There the humble Jesus was born.

We may not have the means or the ability to get to Bethlehem to worship Christ, but we can where we are right now kneel before Him in humble adoration. Make room for Jesus Chrst right now.

O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

Christmas activities in two Homes

Last Saturday 1st December, we were at the Gracehaven Christmas Carnival. The residents contributed items to entertain us. We were able to spend a few dollars to buy some food for lunch and rushed home as it was raining.

This afternoon we were at another Home - the Haven at Pasir Panjang. They put on a concert followed by refreshments.

To night the band and carollers are at Tangs Plaza, but we have decided to stay home. This year we have cut down on some Christmas activities. For the first time since we returned home to retire, we are not involved in kettling.

There is a time for everything and as age creeps up on us we need to be wise and work within our limitations.

Emmanuel - God with us.

What does Christmas mean to you? To some, it means getting gifts, to others it means hard work, or stressful shopping. To some it is a sad memory of the loss of a love one. To others it is party time and plenty of fun. To many people Christmas means nothing. It is just another day in their life.

But to the person who truly knows Christ and has received Him as Saviour and Lord, Christmas means everything. It means God loves us with all His heart and He has given the best gift He could give, His Son, Jesus Christ. What a beautiful assurance as I go through life knowing His eternal presence helping me, guiding me, sustaining me whether I am awake or asleep. He is our Immanuel. This recorded in Isaiah 7: 14 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Immanuel in Hebrew or Emmanuel in Greek means “God with us.”

We have a grandson born on Christmas Day and the parents named him Emmanuel. As his birthday falls on 25^th December friends and relatives tend to forget his birthday because everyone is busy celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Strictly speaking Jesus Christ was not born on Christmas Day for He is the Eternal God, no beginning or end. He existed before the world was created. December 25^th was chosen by the Christian church to celebrate the Incarnation when God took on human flesh and was born as a Baby in Bethlehem.

We may forget someone’s birthday, but let us not forget the reason for our celebration – Christ’s coming into the world to be our Saviour. He is our Emmanuel – GOD WITH US!

This is my story - Hong Kong/Taiwan - 74

74 – Visiting the old Salvation Army Headquarters and former officers

Salvationists visiting China gravitate towards 26 Wang Fu Jian Street like Muslims toward Mecca. The old Territorial Headquarters stood (and still stands) despite its age and somewhat forlorn appearance. It had seen better days, but without Salvation Army activity, maintenance and upkeep it was deteriorating. Beneath the peeling red paint one could still see and decipher the words “The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters” (Chiu Shih Chun) Time seemed unable to obliterate its name.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the old faithful Salvationists – Lieutenants, Captains, Majors in their seventies, eighties and nineties! Some were still strong and fit, others frail in body, but still indomitable in spirit.

Of course, the leaders from International Headquarters representing the General deserved a welcoming party to escort him and his entourage into the building sacred to Chinese Salvationists. It was their Jerusalem Temple! We moved slowly up the dark staircase to the third floor and entered a spacious room, beautifully kept and maintained by Major Ying Hun-shun who had been paying the rent to the authorities from his own pocket although he no longer lived there. It served as his “board room” or hotel room for Salvationists from other towns coming to visit Beijing.

Refreshments were on the big rectangular table at the centre of the room. The Commissioner was escorted to take his seat at the head of the table and the rest of us filled up the other places. Again he and the team were warmly welcomed and after giving a brief message did the roll call according to the list kept at International Headquarters. Those present responded with “Hallelujah.”  Then there were those who had gone to be with the Lord, some had died of old age, others for their faith. Some lived too far to join us on that day. The cloud of witnesses looking down from heaven rejoiced to see the Army spirit was very much alive. Names were taken off the roll and marked ‘Promoted to Glory’ a term widely used in The Salvation Army for those who have gone to meet the Lord in Heaven.

Major Ying, our senior man and obvious acknowledged leader among the Chinese Salvationists read from John 14: 1-6. We were once again reminded of the mansions of Glory the Lord has gone to prepare for His people. After I had prayed the of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for His mercies, the congregation rose as one body to sing the well beloved hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” In China no meeting or fellowship was complete without the singing of the Founder’s song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.”

We had brought with us from Hong Kong Salvation Army miniature flags and each person was given one. All stood up waved their flags and then spontaneously burst forth in singing “Lift up the Army banner blood and fire. Lift it higher.” Even the physically frail old saints seemed suddenly renewed in strength into fighting soldiers as they sang and waved the flags! The Salvation Army spirit was alive and well. After the benediction I noticed many of them were in tears. They wanted to know when we would visit them again. We assured them Salvation Army comrades would visit them again.

That afternoon we took a short break to visit some ancient historical places like the Great Wall of China. China is a land with rich history. The Chinese people have gone through trials and tribulations and today as I write China is fast overtaking many other countries in wealth and material prosperity. It has been reported that today there are more Christians in China than when the communists first took over the country. The verse of Scripture comes to my mind as I write, “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1: 5 The Salvation Army owns no hall or church for worship, but our folk worship in spirit and in truth and are rich in spiritual fellowship.

A Prayer during Christmas

"Lord Jesus Christ, come and dwell in our hearts this Christmastide, so that our home may have you in it and be full of joy and peace. May no ill temper, impatience, envy or jealousy spoil the gladness of your birthday, but my love shine in our midst, bringing light to all our hearts and minds."
J McDouogall Ferguson

"O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee."

Carolling at Peacehaven - just the two of us.

Instead of the usual chapel service in one area, my wife and I decided to sing carols to the first and third level residents. I've not used my piano accordion for a long time, but today I took it to Peacehaven and what a great time we had.

As we approached each Residents' Living Area, I played quietly "Silent Night" the best known carol. Then the music crescendoed and once the residents and staff saw us, those who were familiar with the carols joined in the singing. I then played and my wife and I sang other well known carols like "O come all ye faithful." She would give a brief Christmas message in Chinese and I translated into English. Finally we ended with "We wish you a merry Christmas" and prayed for the residents. This is repeated nine times this morning. We began at 9.15 a.m and ended by 12 noon! We then joined the staff for lunch.

We went round and shook hands with every resident, nurse, care giver wishing them a Happy and Blessed Christmas. Tired yes, but well worth the effort when we saw the beaming faces of the people.

The verse we used for our message was "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

We will continue in ministry as long as God wants us and grant us the health and strength we need.

Funeral of Allan Ng

We were at Mandai Crematorium for the funeral of Allan Ng this afternoon. Good thing we were early as the service scheduled for 5.00 p.m  began at 4.45 p.m. It was conducted by a Peter Goh a close friend of Allan.

Quite a number of Salvation Army folk were there to join the family to bid farewell to Allan who has gone to be the Lord in Heaven. Our prayers are with the bereaved family. 

“Optimism hopes for the best without any guarantee of its arriving and is often no more than whistling in the dark. Christian hope, by contrast, is faith looking ahead to the fulfillment of the promises of God.... Optimism is a wish without warrant; Christian hope is a certainty, guaranteed by God himself. Optimism reflects ignorance as to whether good things will ever actually come. Christian hope expresses knowledge that every day of his life, and every moment beyond it, the believer can say with truth, on the basis of God's own commitment, that the best is yet to come.” 
J I Packer

Allan Ng - Promotion to Glory

Brother Allan Ng of Central Corps was promoted to Glory on Friday 30th November 2012. We have known Allan for many years - truly a man of God who lived his life for God and for others.

We all have to face the reality of death. Death has been called "The Grim Reaper" - He is shown as a skeletal figure carrying  a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with the hood.   He relentlessly shows no respect for age, race, position or wealth.

Death can come any time to anyone. Death robs parents of the precious child, leaving them to mourn the loss. Death snatches the breadwinner from a family and deprives the spouse and children leaving then vulnerable in this hostile world.. Death grabs the aging spouse leaving the white haired  elderly partner without a life long companion and closest friend. Yes, death is cruel.

But in Christ we know death is not the end. There is life after death. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Death has no sting, grave has no victory for Jesus is alive and when we are in Him, at death we go to meet Him.

Last night I was invited to conduct the Wake at the void deck at Yishun. In my message I reminded the friends and relatives at the wake of the resurrection.

Allan Ng is not dead but alive forevermore and we shall meet him in Heaven. Let us continue in our walk of faith and one day it will be our turn to leave this world and meet our loved ones there.

God's choice - A Way in a Manger

It's a mystery that God should choose of all places for His Son Jesus to be born. Yes, God found
A way in a manger.

This time of the year it is customary for people to set up the nativityy scene in church or outside in church compound. It is a reminder that Jesus left the realms of Glory and descended to earth to take on our humanity not in a palace, or even in the middle class home, but in the stable with animals. He truly humbled Himself.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. " Philippians 2: 5-11 (New International Version)