Mr. Goh Seow Kiang

We have a number of close friends among the elderly; sadly the number is diminishing. Age catches up with all of us – there is a time to be born and time to leave this earth.

While we still have the strength and the means to get around, we do try to keep contact with friends. There is nothing like a personal visit for these elderly folk.

Another of our good friends, Mr. Goh Seow Kiang age 94 is now warded in hospital. He came from China to Penang, Malaya where he first met The Salvation Army. He became a Salvationist in those early pioneering days.

During the Japanese occupation he moved to Singapore. When The Salvation Army recommenced operations in 1945, he joined Singapore Central Corps at 30 Oxley Road.
He has been faithfully worshipping at the Central Corps all these years.

We recall making monthly pastoral visits to his home at Tanglin Halt when were pastors of the church from 1970-1974 and spent many hours of fellowship with him and his family. His four children attended Sunday School for years, but later left the Army. Today only the eldest unmarried daughter Christina is with the Army.

In retirement we visit the family from time to time and when Mrs. Goh was very ill in hospital she accepted Christ.That was in the late 1990's. She had a Salvation Army funeral.

Mr. Goh spends most of his time with his youngest daughter Karen and family. They belong to Fairfield Methodist. They live just across the road from where we are, so I am able to visit him from time to time.

Yesterday I was able to spend some time with him at the National University Hospital. We thank God for the opportunity to minister to folk like Mr. Goh and others who are sick.

I’ve been reflecting on the words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew when He said, “I was sick and you visited me.” When we do it to someone, we are doing it unto the Lord.