OUT IN THE HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS OF LIFE made a deep impression

Another song is “JESUS – ROSE OF SHARON” which Ms Koay shared more than 40 years ago. And for last 40 years we have not heard it sung till now

And we will share it here to-night

When we arrived in Penang (Circa 1979 to 1981) a place where darkness is rife (or widespread)

One day we read in Isaiah 19:2

The People that walketh in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined”

The prophet Isaiah in Chapter 19 verse two said

The people that walks in darkness about 700 BC

After 700 hundred years later in the Gospel

Matthew 4:16 (KJV)

It read “The people which sat in darkness Saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death Light is sprung up

In Isaiah the people “WALKED” in darkness

After long weary years wandering in darkness they were totally worn out

and then they “SAT” in darkness

Read again

The People that walketh in darkness have seen a great light

“The people which sat in darkness

See how the Holy Spirit describes the progression

At first they walk in darkness and having find no light they then dwell in darkness

After long time being wearied and tired they have exhausted their strength and the sunk down and sat in darkness

the word “sat” in darkness was repeated twice for emphasis

See

The people which SAT in darkness saw great light; and to them which SAT in the region and shadow of death Light is sprung up

Praise to our Good LORD Jesus whose LIGHT FINALLY SHONE!

The People that walketh in darkness have seen a great light

“The people which sat in darkness Saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death Light is sprung up

YES, WHEREVER JESUS IS BROUGHT TO MEN “THEY SEE GREAT LIGHT”

And when men * women see JESUS and accept Him they are saved

And He then “APPEARS TO THEM AS “THE SWEET ROSE OF SHARON”

And Missioner Koay sung this song in Chinese back in those early days of old

Let us see the lyrics

  JESUS – ROSE OF SHARON

1. Jesus, Rose of Sharon, bloom within my heart;
   Beauties of Thy truth and holiness impart,
   That where’er I go my life may shed abroad
   Fragrance of the knowledge of the love of God.
   • Refrain:
     Jesus, Rose of Sharon,
     Bloom in radiance and in love within my heart.
2. Jesus, Rose of Sharon, sweeter far to see
   Than the fairest flow’rs of earth could ever be,
   Fill my life completely, adding more each day
   Of Thy grace divine and purity, I pray.
3. Jesus, Rose of Sharon, balm for every ill,
   May Thy tender mercy’s healing pow’r distil
   For afflicted souls of weary burdened men,
   Giving needy mortals health and hope again.
4. Jesus, Rose of Sharon, bloom forevermore;
   Be Thy glory seen on earth from shore to shore,
   Till the nations own Thy sov’reignty complete,
   Lay their honors down and worship at Thy feet.

All Glory & Honor Be to Jesus Christ

This post is IN TRIBUTE TO MISSIONER KOAY GAIK KEE of Penang JSM Circa 1960s to 1980s

And Specially Dedicated to PENANG “TIMELESS FRIENDSHIP” group of brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ

2 Poems engraved in our hearts and memory all these 40 long years attributed to her

One of them we will share first this LORD’s DAY

Out in the highways and byways of life

Missioner Koay graduated from Singapore Bible College and joined JSM Penang. On 2 March 1968 1st JSM was started in Boat Quay Slum, Penang. JSM Rifle Range, Penang, Malaysia, was founded on 19 July 1969

Finally,  Yet another JSM station started in Tanjung Bungah in Penang on 25 July 1970. Here in Penang JSM we already posted about Missioner Koay’s battle against evil sprits in a rented haunted house which became the most blessed holy place on Penang Island during our short 2 years 3 months there. Read again

  AGAINST

POWER

  OF  DARKNESS

Now Penang is totally given to idolatry and a strong hold of Satan

This is the Testimoney of Missioner Koay Gaik Kee

Ms Koay said Penang Island  has the shape of a tortoise.

See Tanjong Bungah JSM Circa 1970 to 1980s

Sitting 4th from front right is Missioner Koay Gaik Kee

And this is her Story

When JSM started its Work in Tanjung Bungah there was an abandoned 3 room Bungalow Villa going for rent at the sum of Rm55 (yes only fifty five ringgit) as no body want to rent it. No body even dare to stay in it even if it’s free as it was a haunted place

Ms Koay said the 1st Night she stayed in that Haunted House She had to fight of the unclean evil spirits valiantly as a good soldier of Jesus Christ

Finally the evil spirits all left when Jesus Christ enters. Amen!

In Rifle Range where i stayed for two full years was a different story then

Every night was a battle just to get some good sleep

Because many a night evil spirits will disturb.

One night the piano downstairs (I slept upstair) would play on its own in the wee hours

One night a cat entered my room & with blood shot eyes looked at me.

“I bind you evil spirits in the name of Jesus!” and that black cat fled

I thought it very strange so I asked a convert called brother Bee Chong

He said evil spirits would turn his body upside down when he slept at night

Appalled I went to talk to people outside the Mission Church

At Gurney Drive I met a Malay man. Asked him if he slept well?

He said no in Malay “Banyak kacau” translated “very disturbing”.

Even in Noordin Street JSM there were disturbances

But not in Tanjung Bungah JSM

In this Villa there are 3 rooms

One on each side left & right. In the center a little woonden stair leads to the Sole Upstair Room where Rev Stephen Koe was the resident Pastor

So i used to visit him from time to time and slept very peacefully in that “Cleansed” Villa

Many years later after we resigned from JSM we visited Penang as Tourists: Stayed in YMCA, Several Hotels in George Town also the Penang Hill Hotel

Slept very peacefully

I think then I was in Full Time Service (Military) and a threat to the devil. Now I am a civilian (no threat to him maybe)

See full article (Click & View)

1979 to 1981 March Penang Rifle Range JSM : Missioner Koay’s Testimony of her fierce battle against the Powers of Darkness

I remember during our prayer time Ms Koay would sing

OUT IN THE HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS OF LIFE

It made a very deep impression in me to this day

Read again

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

Our leaving Singapore for Penang was akin to leaving the Highways (popular) of life for Penang the Byways (rural and seemingly deserted then) the Byways of Life

Song Taken from Book of Judges

Amplified Bible
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Weymouth New Testament
For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world–the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.

SO THERE ARE RANKS IN THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS

The demon that possessed the Kavadi Carrier has rank. When he passes a Temple with demon of higher rank he must give respect and when he passes by the Temple with the demon of lower ranking than him he just ignore and pass on.

But in Penang DARKNESS IS RIFE OR DARKNESS IS WIDESPREAD

After Bro Bee Chong got saved and start attending Rifle Range JSM Satan stirred up his second brother Yee Keat Kong

He came one Sunday morning after Church to disturb. When we tried to explain and calm him down it was to no avail.

Then he wanted to fight. And as Christians we are peace loving and do not fight. After going out of the Mission for lunch and on returning Yee Keat Kong blocked my going in. So I stood there with him for a very long time. After long waiting he relented and went home. But he came again another day. This time charging into the Mission without reason and started to punch. Wow! His punches were very hard as if with all his might. Still we did not resist although we felt pain. And then at that time Brother John Khng and Sis Betty were visiting us. Yee Keat Kong started to go after them. At this a spirit of righteous indignation seized me and I fought against Yee Keat Kong.

A plain cloth policeman happened to be near by and entered the Mission, Keat Kong got detained with evidence of breaking the law. And he could be charged guilty for breaking the law and be detained.  So we were brought to a police station nearby. I told the police inspector, “If Keat Kong will admit his wrong we will not file charges.” At that things were settled

On returning I saw on my body the marks of blue, purple & black – the deep injury of the hard punches. But counted it all joy that my body bears the the fellowship  of His suffering.

In BHS Spore we faced opposition but we got this Bible Promise

Now in all the decades of serving Jesus we have not suffered like this one in Penang. Penang is Satan’s strong hold just like the Church in Pergamon

Revelation 2:13

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

In the midst of such darkness Ms Koay did her lifework first in year 1968 Noordin Street

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live.

And among Ms Koay’s first convert over 50 years ago is Bro Jacob Hooi

Jacob testified that since a child he got saved when Ms Koay witnessed to him. And though he no longer attend JSM he is still very much a JSMer at heart – living a holy, separated life, devoting his time To help the poor and needy, visiting the sick and invalid. And he lived by his words. Since Ms Koay entered Old Folks Home Jacob has faithfully & regularly visited Ms Koay until her going home to glory

See

A happy Bro Jacob beside Ms Koay

For contentment or in want; in sickness or in health even during Covid 19 time Brother Jacob remembers the 50 years of good upbringing by Ms Koay

Well done Brother! Go on and Thy LORD be with Thee! Amen

And others like Ms And Seok Kim, Sister Bernice, Phebe Tan And many others also pay visit to Ms Koay

Please send Calvin photos, ok?

Above photo: Church members from Gethesamane Bp Church from Singapore visiting Missioner Koay.

Standing 2nd from right  in black blouse is Sister Eunice

Left most with Thumps Up is Sister Bernice Lim (resident of Penang)

Right beside Ms Koay to the left is Sister Jeannie Magdalene (Admin of “Timeless Friendship“ group, Penang

Photo below

Home going of Missioner Koay. Valiant fighter against “The Powers of Darkness”

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death (home going) of His saints(Psalm 116:15)

We will meet again at His Glorious coming again.

May we give our best as He first gave HIS VERY BEST & love as HE HAS LOVED

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

Please listen with closed eyes below

And Sing in Prayer

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

YES DO PRAY THAT WE CAN BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE TODAY

AND ALL THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES ON EARTH

Amen & Amen All For Jesus!

Our hearts are full and tender as we make this latest post. At long last after more than 35 years long we reconnected with Brother Yee Bee Chong through Sister Sarah Ang of “TIMELESS FRIENDSHIP” Group, Penang.

Penang?

Yes, in year 1979 the Good LORD called us to serve in Penang Rifle Range JSM

And it was just after the Great Soul Winning time of Year End 1978 in BHS JSM, Singapore. During the final night of Sept 9 1978 see

From 1978 BHS EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN OF 2nd to 9th Sept, 1978

SEPTEMBER 9th 1978 (Final Day of Campaign; Saturday)

Awakened this morning in the Mission. Was alone by myself because the students went for outing. To-night the whole Mission was packed with saints and sinners. The stairs were filled.  Many others stayed outside the Mission to hear the Messages. On the last minute chaired the Meeting in the place of James Foo. Felt a little liberty as we sang, “IN TIMES LIKE THESE”. Sister Lai Siong gaves her testimony. The Choir sang “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER “. Brother Bee Hin spoke on “IS THIS THE LAST GENERATION?” Felt the chill of deep conviction in the message. Many souls were saved to-night.

The eight nights of Evangelistic Campaign closed with a glorious power of God’s Presence in the midst of His Children. Amen & Amen.

Note again: The stairs were filled.  Many others stayed outside the Mission to hear the Messages

As a result of extra 68 people made decisions for Christ the Mission Church was packed every Sunday & the wooden partition wall of the Mission had to be removed to contain a bigger congregation

We would have loved to stay on. But GOD has His Will

Note: 4 months later God called us to serve in Penang. To serve in Rifle Range JSM where we met Brother Yee Bee Chong

Now this is Rifle Range

Rifle Range Flats (GPS: 5.41114, 100.28939) are one of the Penang state government’s earliest low-cost housing projects. It is located at the junction of Jalan Padang Tembak with Boundary Road (some times translated as Jalan Sempadan). It is known as Phak1 Cheng1 Por1  in Hokkien, a direct translation of “rifle range”. The name hails back to the 1950’s, when the place was used for target practices. At that time, it was at the edge of town, next to the Batu Gantong Cemetery, which was also regarded as “rural countryside”.

The transformation of the area from a rifle range to a low-cost residential neighbourhood began in 1968. When Rifle Range Flats – comprising nine blocks with heights of 17 and 18 storeys – were completed in the early 1970’s, they were the tallest buildings in Penang. None of the units were big – they were almost like pigeon holes. Nonetheless they provided housing for many hardcore poor. Over the years, however, the general condition of Rifle Range Flats deteriorated rapidly. Eventually they were in Penang synonymous with squalor.

Perhaps the advantage of living in Rifle Range is that it is relatively close to town – just a little over 5 km from Komtar, the property is cheap, and if you are a single person living alone, the space is sufficient. However, for most people who live here, it is a mere temporary abode until they can afford to live elsewhere.

From a very hot revival to a place regarded as “rural countryside”

Yes! But perfectly all right “IF THE DEAR PRESENCE OF GOD IS WITH US”

And with us He was and is today.

One morning we went for visitation at the Rifle Range Flat to meet Yee Fook Keong. We spoke to Yee Fook Keong and exhorted him to come back to Church but he was non committal. After doing our best we left him.

Next Sunday Yee Fook Keong did not turn up. But to our surprise we saw a young man we have never seen before in Church

So after the Service we spoke to him. And this was what brother Bee Chong testified with words to this effect,

“That morning when we preached to Yee Fook Keong he was actually hiding behind the door and hearing every word (unknown to us)

The Gospel message was empowered by the Holy Spirit and created faith in him. He felt an unseen power. And the words were alive”

How strange and mysterious are the ways of God the Holy Spirit

So Brother Bee Chong became a very faithful convert.

Words cannot describe how deeply we were moved when Sis Sarah gave us Bro Bee Chong’s phone contact and our keeping in touch with him after these many decades

Below is the photo

On the right is Brother Elisha Yee Bee Chong (Faith comes by hearing the Word of God even behind hidden doors)

On the left is Sister Suzanne who is now a Full Time Church Counselor

Amazing is the grace of God

Standing last row Centre 4th  from either left or right is Bro Elisha Yee Bee Chong

Below is the latest current photo of our Beloved Brother Yee Bee Chong

He now lives in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia

The Church and her members are the dearest people on earth and also in heaven for all eternity to eternity

Amen & Amen!

I LOVE THY KINGDOM LORD

By Timothy Dwight

1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
   The place of Thine abode,
   The church our blest Redeemer saved
   With His own precious blood.
2. I love Thy church, O God;
   Her walls before Thee stand,
   Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
   And graven on Thy hand.
3. For her my tears shall fall;
   For her my prayers ascend;
   To her my cares and toils be giv’n,
   Till toils and cares shall end.
4. Beyond my highest joy
   I prize her heav’nly ways,
   Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
   Her hymns of love and praise.
5. Sure as Thy truth shall last,
   To Zion shall be giv’n
   The brightest glories earth can yield,
   And brighter bliss of Heav’n.

Note: The Word comes like seed sown but our tears of prayer water it

One event or contact leads to another. From SOM Club 60 we came into contact with Rev. Peter Tan (Puritan Always!). And from Rev. Peter Tan we reconnected with Rev. (Dr) James Tan his brother in law.

AND REV JAMES SAID, “ONCE A PURITAN, ALWAYS A PURITAN!”

Indeed, it brought our memory back to those early years of the 1970s.

But first, let us look at some photos

Above is 1st Ordination of 5 JSM Pastors (circa 1980) & One Graduate

Standing 3rd from left is Rev (Dr) James tan. And 2nd from right is Bro Daniel Tan Jee Huay (who started SOM Club 60)

Fast forward today

Pastors and Elders

Pastor Tan Boon Jam James

Pastor Tan Boon Jam James worked in a Real Estate, Auctioneers, and Appraisers Company in 1973. He resigned from the company to start a real estate company in 1974.

In mid 1976, a friend ( then, now his wife, Amy Tan) gave him a Bible. He read Books of the Bible – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, James, John and Matthew which transformed his life in December 1976 – discovering his life was made new by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

He was then called to the full time Ministry of the Gospel to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He resigned and transferred his shares of the Company to his partner for the consideration of $1/- . Instead of serving in the full time ministry, He applied to AIA as the PA Dept Manager but after a year, He resigned to serve the Lord in the Ministry of the Gospel until this day. By then he had collected hundreds of Puritan Christian books.

He was ordained by Dr. Bob Jones III, Rev. Dr. Peter Ng Eng Hoe and Dr. Lewis Chappell, and then subsequently was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity by the International School of Mission. The Conferring Officers were Rev. Dr. Peter Ng Eng Hoe, Dr. Fong Kok Yong and Miss Gloria Ng. Christ Grace Church was founded through the Lord’s calling, and prayers; primarily to reach out to the elderly, homes and the under-privileged. Pray for us.

Pastor James, like Rev Peter Tan are avid readers of Puritan Books.

Rev. Peter Tan (Puritan Always!)

Rev (Dr) James Tan (Once A Puritan. Always A Puritan!)

More about that later when we started BEREAN BOOK CENTRE when tens of thousands of Puritan Books were sold to many Pastors & Churches in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei (circa 1982 – 1987)

Precious were those times of Puritanical zeal & prayer when life was lived in simplicity and Gospel is preached with the attendant power manifest power of God

Let us go back to the year of 1978 Evangelistic Campaign of BHS JSM

As promised we would like to relate the Powerful Soul Winning Campaign after the Blessed Revival Year of 1977.

In 1978 September 2nd  – 9th we held a wonderful Evangelistic Campaign in Bukit Ho Swee “JESUS SAVES MISSION” in Singapore.  After the great visitation from God in December 1977 in the Penang Camp the Revival Spirit of Prayer continued with us. For many months we planned and prayed – many a time praying with a day or 2 of fasting. After the very successful Evangelistic Campaign I told sis. Betty that I lost 5 pounds due to the 8 days of prayer and also fasting. She replied, “I lost 10 pounds.”  Such was the total serious consecration to God’s work that we were willing to pay any price for souls to be saved.  Let me relate verbatim from my diary of 1978:-

September 2nd  1978

” Spent the morning and afternoon at Mt. Faber in prayer and fasting. About a dozen brothers and sisters were present. It was a blessed time of prayer. The Presence of God was felt gloriously  amid the refreshing weather. After the initial prayer  we went through an article on Prayer from the “Herald of His Coming” paper. Sister Betty & Sister Seow Fong read them distinctly. Brother Matthew Khoo came later. Then it rained. It was a shower of blessing. We continued in prayer at the pavilion. About  3p.m. we broke fast.

“Tonight the Evangelistic Meeting Commenced. Brother James came over early and prayed. The LORD granted us liberty in prayer. Brother James preached on “One Most Needful Thing.”  Felt the power of God. 5 people were saved. It was a blessed time.

Note: Fast forward  today 27th January 2013:-

Sister Betty is my sister in law. Her sister Christiana(Dolly Soh) is my wife. Sister Betty (now called Bethany) is the wife of Rev. John Khng (Founding Pastor of 2 Churches : Faith Independent Baptist Church & the current “Mt. Calvary Baptist Church” of Singapore.

Sister Seow Fong is the wife of Rev. Matthew Yong. Assistant Pastor of Singapore “Jesus Saves Mission.”

Matthew Khoo was ordained in 1980 and is now the Chinese Pastor of Singapore Jesus Saves Mission. Now Rev.(Dr.) Matthew Khoo.

Brother James Tan. Ordained in 1980. Pastor of “CHRIST GRACE CHURCH” Now Rev (Dr) James Tan.

September 3rd 1978 (SUNDAY)

My greatest fear is sin – especially at this time.

A wakened this LORD’s Day.  During the Adult Bible Class we went through an article on faith – “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, OBTAINED

PROMISES.. (Heb 11: 33)  We claimed Psalm2:8 “Ask of Me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance…”& Acts 18:9&10 : Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city.” During Worship Rev {Dr) Peter Ng (Founder of Jesus Saves Mission)  spoke a clear, challenging message on the colt(Luke 19:30)

The Meeting Commenced tonight with more Christians. The place was filled. We felt liberty again in prayer. We bound Satan and prayed for the scales to fall from the eyes of the sinners. More souls were saves tonight. The PK Choir sang tonight.

Note:-  Throughout the entire message there is a group of brothers and sisters praying separately upstairs for power on the preacher and for souls to be saved. So great faith  were given that we boldly claimed the promises of God, “ASK OF ME..I WILL GIVE THEE THE HEATHEN FOR THINE INHERITANCE Psalm  2:8) I was praying for 10 souls to be saved but only 5 souls got saved. As I moved downstair to see the converts Brother Cheng Hong who was sitting on the stairs exclaimed, “Thank God for answering my prayer – 5 people accepted Christ as Saviour tonight.”  I gently chided him. “Don’t ask for 5, ask for 10 souls to be saved.” No wonder my prayer for 10 was blocked by your asking for only 5. And so we started to see 10 or more souls saved as the Campaign progressed.

Additional comment on August 30th 2023: The Preacher for this second night of the Gospel Campaign was also by Brother James Tan 

PK Choir :  PK stands for Persiaran Keliling ( Choir from Curcuit Road Jesus Saves Mission) Macpherson, S’pore

Mr. Lim Cheng Hong is the deacon of Faith Independent Baptist Church.

September 4th 1978 (Monday)

Again felt liberty in prayer tonight during the Evangelist Meeting. Rev. Ng preached on “THE UPLIFTED CHRIST” More souls were moved and saved tonight. The BHS Student Choir sang during the Meeting with Scripture Verses read in between by brother Liang Teck:  “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7)” The effect was piercing.

Tonight brothers Matthew & James,  Sis. Rhoda  & I discussed about the Campaign. We were reminded of James Alexander Stewart’s book- EVANGELISM WITHOUT APOLOGY”. We ought to have more prayer.

Note: Brother Liang Teck now called Mark – a deacon of Mt Calvary Baptist Church.

Sister Rhoda Chang – wife of Rev. Matthew Khoo.  She was the Missioner for BHS.

September 5th 1978 (Tuesday)

It was my turn to preach tonight.

Fasted this day. In the afternoon prepared the message on “THE PERFECT GOVERNMENT” with many thoughts and Scripture verses written down, but could not construct it into a sermon.

Listened to the testimonies of brothers Weng Kee & James Tan tonight. The  testimonies were very convicting. The Choir sang “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood.” When I stood up to preach I literally looked to the LORD. Felt the resistance of the evil spirits. But preached the truth by faith. Felt a little assisted after one quarter of the message. A number of souls were saved. (I think about 12).

Tonight the LORD showed me the two agents of conversion: THE WORD OF GOD & THE HOLY SPIRIT SO CLEAR AS NEVER BEFORE. *Born of the Spirit and of the Word of God.”

Note again:

Listened to the testimonies of brothers Weng Kee & James Tan tonight. The  testimonies were very convicting.

Testimonies are powerful and effective way to reach the heart of hearers. Robert Murray McCheyne said, “A word spoken when your CONSCIENCE  is CLEAR, and YOUR HEART FULL OF  GOD’S  SPIRIT is WORTH TEN THOUSAND  words spoken in unbelief and sin.”

And note these words

Tonight the LORD showed me the two agents of conversion: THE WORD OF GOD & THE HOLY SPIRIT SO CLEAR AS NEVER BEFORE. *Born of the Spirit and of the Word of God.”

On Sept 5 1978 Brother James (none were ordained as yet except Dr Peter Ng) was one of the Counselor when more than 10 people responded to the Gospel Invitation & Invitation Gospel Song: “JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA”

And the convert he counselled was Brother William Cheok

I asked Brother James, “How was the convert you counselled”

Brother James said to this effect, “He does not need counselling at all. He came through with all clarity under the power of God’s Holy Spirit Himself”

WITH THESE TESTIMONIES WE WROTE

Tonight the LORD showed me the two agents of conversion: THE WORD OF GOD & THE HOLY SPIRIT SO CLEAR AS NEVER BEFORE. *Born of the Spirit and of the Word of God.”

AMEN & ALL GLORY TO GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON & GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

Standing last row. 2nd from left is Brother William Cheok (BHS JSM). Brother William was a colleague of Brother Thian Cheong ( Rev. John Khng of Mt Calvary Baptist Church today)

JUST AS I AM

Our hearts are filled with overflowing Joy and thanks to Almighty God for All His Goodness and Manifold Grace!

After we reconnected with SOM Club 60s Rev Peter Tan brought us refreshing days of God’s glorious Visitations

Sacred sweet scenes floated back to that JSM Year End Workers’ Conference held at Phoenix Height Estate On December 1975 (Near Chua Chu Kang) Off Bukit Timah Road, Singapore

And here are our conversations with Rev. Peter

From Calvin: “Good morning Rev. Peter Tan,

are you with the Bp Churches still?”

hahaha I remember you said, “Always a Puritan!”

Rev. Peter Tan replied: “Yes, I’m Peter Tan your disciple. You shared the message on Born Again with me after Rev. Cliff Hunnicut preached on December 1975!

Praise the Lord, I was gloriously saved.”

2 years ago I stepped down from Calvary Bp Church (Jurong) after 40 years of ministry. Thank God, I am still preaching to various congregations now as an itinery preacher, Amen!”

Calvin replied: “Wow!

This is indeed a most glorious news after 40 years, bro Peter.

Rev. Cliff Hunnicut was a great blessing and inspiration.

That December Camp somewhere off Chua Chu Kang was memorable.

We cried at his compassionate preaching.”

Note: Rev. Cliff Hunnicut of Harvester Baptist Church preached a series of messages from Ephesians

He spoke from his heart and with much tears.

All were deeply moved. As he preached tears flowed from his heart and eyes copiously

There was hardly a dry eye among the Campers. One of the most memorable visitation of God’s Divine Presence & His Fullness of Power.)

Calvin comments:

All glory goes to Jesus Christ our Good Lord and Saviour  as He is the One worthy to convert Peter Tan and kept him faithful all these years. In fact if not for bro Peter  bring back those glorious times our memory has dimmed over the decades. God, our Our Help in Ages Past is our Strong and Only Hope in this life for years to come

See more testimonies from Rev. Peter Tan

“Just yesterday out of the blue Rev Tang called me to preach in their coming Bible Conference from 9-11 June 2022. Appreciate your prayers.

We replied: “Yes, will pray for you

May God fill you to the fullest with His might and power

Amen “

Below are photos of Rev Peter Tan preaching on the streets in Cebu City, Phillipines

See SOM ALUMNI below

Siting 1st from front right  2nd row is Bro Peter Tan

5. Peter Tan (25.3.1978) Seated 2nd row. 1st from right.

1. Left BHS for ChinaTown E/M. Met a blind man named Abraham as he was returning. Helped him across the road and asked him questions concerning what he wanted to buy. Peter got impatient. Felt like going back but the Holy Spirit stopped him.

After purchasing what he wants he accepted Christ later when Peter preached to him the second time. (Luke 8:15) Result of patience  – brings forth fruit.

2. Earnest SOMer

Spoke to a negro in his cabin and he gave Peter all his filthy pictures.

3. On another occasion  preach to a cigarette smoking R.C. 8/10/79

4. Met a patient in the hospital to whom many SOMers have preached to before. At first Peter reasoned with him with his intellect was confounded and waked by the Lord.

Confessed and then preached Christ to him. God brought conviction to his heart. He prayed the sinner’s prayer and gave Peter all his cigarettes from his cupboard.

So brethren, done away with your intellect and preach Christ and Him crucified

3 things:

1. Sin
2. Righteousness
3. Judgment

Amen and Amen.

Calvin comments: Rev Peter Tan is ordained and now ministering to the Bible Presbyterian Churches of Singapore today.

Above recent photo standing back row 4th from left in green shirt is Rev. Peter Tan

GO ON BROTHER!

PURITAN ALWAYS!

GOD’S FAITHFUL PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!

May all glory be unto God the Most Gracious & Most Merciful

Amen & Amen!

Please note:

More good news of Glad Tidings

Seated front 2nd from left is Ms Liew Kwai Fong our SOM Greek Language & History Teacher

From her came good news of Joanna now in Hong Kong

Brethren, please pray for God’s Annointing & Omniscience to be upon all and over all who visit here & read.

Thank you in Jesus’ fellowship of prayer.

The year was 1979. And the Place Rifle Range JSM, Penang. And it was Easter Sunday. The Day of Jesus’ Resurrection. We were in good spiritual frame & mood on this occasion

Just after finished Church Service I met a man called Alex C.K. P.

He came at a time when we were in happy euphoria & totally off guard.

Alex said, “I just came out of prison. And have not eaten for 3 days”. Then he showed us his arm. On it was tattooed with the word, “ADULTERY”

He said remorsefully, “I want to chop off my arm”

At that I was covered in deep sympathy. Straightaway, we gave him food.

But after food not enough. Alex needed money for transport back to his hometown. So he asked for money. And I gave him what I could spare. Not much at that time as my monthly allowance was just barely sufficient.

So he left.

Not long Alex appeared again. And asked for more money as he still jobless. And we gave him a little more.

And he appeared again. This time saying he found a job in Pulau Jerajak. And must have money to travel there for his “new job”. And before month end’s pay out he needed help again

So we gave him more of our meagre salary. He left and hopefully all is well with him

Pulau Jerajak?

It was at the God forsaken Island off Penang Island. And no way to check if he works there

Then Alex arrived again.

This time with a “very serious urgent call for help”

He said his sister had met with a very horrible serious accident!! And needed more money very urgently

At this time in all my earthly possession on Penang Island I had less than Rm30 cash.

Rm30? Should I give all to help Alex?

Oh! I had no peace at all in my heart.

So I told Alex C.H.P. to wait a while. Then I went on my knees to pray and ask God for immediate help & answer.

Did God answer vocally? No. Did God sent his angel to give an answer.  Of course not!

Then how?

At my wit’s end & no one to turn to. Is what Alex said true or not? I had no way of knowing

And then I did what I did at that moment in time

I took out my Bible

And prayed and asking God

“As i closed my eyes i will open the Bible at random 3 times. If it is God’s will for me to give my last ringgit to Alex then let me see “all 3 verses  of Scripture to be positive and if not then let them be all in “negatives”

It all turned out negatives one by one

Not satisfied, “God may i now ask You again. This time if you want me to give my final remaining cash  to Alex let the scriptures be “Negatives” and if not then let them be Positives” with all urgency.

And answers came clear & loud, “All with Positive Versus”

That’s it

So I told Alex, “No”. I am not a richly paid person.  And  Please go find your help elsewhere.

Then this Bible verse came to mind

“The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.(Proverbs 29:13)”

And i wondered why the Holy Spirit flashed this very verse before my eyes then

And one day I knew

After 2 years and 3 months in Penang Rifle Range JSM the call  to serve came from KL Jsm (1981 March to 1988 May 1st)

One Christmas Evening in early 1980s Kl Jsm  while we were in jubilant mood

See cake cutting in KL Jsm on that Christmas Night

Sister Selina Chow said,

“There is a man looking for Church’s Leader” on this Christmas Night

So we went to see who that person was,

HA! ALEX C.K.P!!

No mistake now! HE APPEARED ON EASTER DAY FOR HELP (APPEARED ON A SUNDAY MORNING)

HE AGAIN APPEARED ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT (APPEARED ON A CHRISTMAS NIGHT)

SO VERY WELL PLANNED TO DECEIVE

BUT ALL VERY VERY WRONG AS CHURCH PEOPLE’S GENEROUSITY COMES FROM GENUINE HARD HONEST LABOUR FROM SWEAT AND BLOOD

SO ALEX WAS FOUND OUT!

AND HE WRYLY SAID THIS, “I  HAVE COME TO RETURN BACK YOUR MONEY”

NO NEED. JUST DON’T DO THAT ANYMORE. IN FACT WE HEARD AFTER HE LEFT PENANG JSM HE USED THE SAME MODUS OPERANDI OF CHEATING OTHER CHURCHES

ALEX WAS A SAD AND BAD MEMORY FOR US

BUT THANK ALMIGHTY GOD

IN KL WE WERE ORDAINED AND SAW BOTH HAPPY WEDDING SERVICES AND BAPTISM

THAT LEAVES US WITH HAPPY MEMORIES

IN FACT HAPPY MEMORIES HAVE NEGATED ALL BAD MEMORIES

THE POSITIVE BLESSINGS FROM GOD WILL NEUTRALIZE ALL THE NEGATIVE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY

‘ONE OPEN DOOR FROM GOD WILL MAKE UP FOR ALL THE CLOSED DOORS OF THE ENEMY’

.James Alexander Stewart

BELOW IS THE WEDDING OF SISTER SELINA CHOW IN KL {CIRCA 1980s}

AND BAPTISM OF SISTER MARY IN TEMPLER’S PARK

NOTE: SISTER SELINA CHOW IS FROM GENESIS GROUP OF KL

TWO MORE GROUPS WE RECONNECTED WITH

TIMELESS FRIENDSHIP (PENANG)

SOM CLUB 60S (SINGAPORE)

VERY PRECIOUS MEMORIES

AND PLEASE REMEMBER ONE ANOTHER IN YOUR PRAYERS

OR THIS OUR FAVOURITE TUNE BELOW

1. My early memories of Daniel

In the early 1990s my family left KL for Singapore. But I was still doing work in KL. So I had to commute between KL & Singapore
And these are some “Heart breaking” times I recalled

One night on returning to Singapore I met my youngest son Daniel just still in infancy. As I was back only during the Weekends he could not recognize his father

As my 3 boys, Enoch, David & Daniel gathered round me on the bed Daniel was very apprehensive and unsure of this “stranger”?

He wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Laugh because his two brothers are with me and happy. But cry because he wasn’t sure who is this stranger.

I felt a pain. I should have spent more time with him. As he watched the fearlessness of his two elder brothers left and right (totally at home with his father) and rejoicing in happiness he gradually turned cheerful.

So on a weekend I brought him out to the MRT. MRT in early 1990s in Singapore was new. And Daniel said, “RT There!”

Still in infancy he could only pronounce “RT” not “MRT” And of course I knew what he meant. So off we go into the MRT for a short ride.

After a while he said, “I want “Ter”! Ah! that was the short form for “Water”

These were happy memorable times indeed!

2. David

I used to leave Singapore on Sunday evening for KL and sometime by early Monday morning.

One particular Sunday evening when I was about to leave the 1st Floor HDB Flat for KL. I turned and took a peep.

There from the Kitchen window stood David on a chair looking forlornly out the window for his dad.

So I returned home to hug him one more time

He said, “Daddy, don’t go Malaysia”

I said, “David. Daddy has to go and earn some money.”

He said, “I don’t want money. I only want daddy”

His words stabbed me sharply. Sadly, reluctantly I had to bid him bye bye till I could be back again

I will never be able to forget this night for the rest of my life.

3. Enoch

One day my wife decided to bring David & Daniel to KL and live closer with their father. Leaving Enoch behind in Singapore for his education as by now he is 7 years old.

But during School holiday he missed us. So he took a solo flight from Singapore to Subang at the tender age of 7 years. Only help rendered was from the flight stewardess who helped to checked him out

It was a very touching time to see such a young boy traveling alone to see his family

All these three incidents are chiseled into my heart as a father. I often think back with tenderness And Thanks to Almighty God

He like a Heavenly Father took good care of Us all our lives

As Psalm 103:13 says

King James Bible
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Bless the LORD, O My Soul
…12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.…
Berean Standard Bible ·

Amplified Bible
Just as a father loves his children, So the LORD loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].

It was a very blessed and memorable Camp up the Mountain

And this song came to me in great blessing

Is Not This the Land of Beulah?

1. I am dwelling on the mountain,
Where the golden sunlight gleams
O’er a land whose wondrous beauty
Far exceeds my fondest dreams
Where the air is pure, ethereal,
Laden with the breath of flow’rs,
They are blooming by the fountain,
‘Neath the amaranthine bow’rs.

Sitting on the Hill Top of Penang in the morning we sang

I am dwelling on the mountain.

Mountain speaks of nearness to heaven with its sun shine & pure air.

When angels told Lot to leave Sodom “he was to escape to the mountain” (Gen. 19:17)

The Christian Life should progress towards the mountain of fellowship with Christ on high.

Jesus often go up to the mountain to pray. The Sermon on the Mount was given on the mountain

And the Transfiguration happened on a very high mountain

Ruth Paxson mentioned “LIFE ON THE HIGHEST PLANE” in her book which depicts Christian living in Victory

And this is the state of living in Beulah land

As the Author exclaimed

“IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEULAH?

OR IS NOT THIS THE BLESSED STATE OF BLISS IN VICTORIOUS FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Is not this the land of Beulah?
Blessed, blessed land of light,
Where the flowers bloom forever,
And the sun is always bright!

In this state there is mountain top fellowship with Christ. Where there are singing of birds and sunshine and flowers

Stanza Two

A depiction of those weary years of wandering far down the mountain away in the world beset by the ghosts of doubts, fears, broken vows & disappointments.

These are sprinkled thickly all along the way and often hindered us in our pilgrim journey.

We would have been turned away out of the Christian Faith if not for the unerring leading of the Holy Spirit who made all the difference

Notice the word “BUT”

“But” the Spirit led unerring!

Yes! BUT GOD in Eph. 2

See again

Eph. 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

STANZA THREE

3. I am drinking at the Fountain of Life. Where there is true and complete satisfaction.

As Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee”

Having found Christ we are fully satisfied as we abide in pure fellowship with Him

And no more thirsting for other earthly pleasure which is fleeting. When the inward soul is satiated with the Fullness of God the outward desire of adornment now has lost its hold on the Christian now and for ever.

Stanza 4

Neither tell me of heavy crosses nor of burdens hard to bear.

Why?

Answer: “FOR I’VE FOUND THIS GREAT SALVATION!

Every burden is too light in the light of HIS GREAT SALVATION!

Make each burden light appear.

Because “WE LOVE TO FOLLOW JESUS”

Gladly counting all as dross.

Every worldly honor forsaking  for a higher honor and glory of the cross!

Stanza 5

O THE CROSS!

THE CROSS HAS WONDROUS GLORY!

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, land take up his cross daily, and follow me”

To every one who wants to follow Jesus let him DENY HIMSELF, TAKE UP HIS CROSS

AND TAKE IT UP DAILY (DAY BY DAY), AND FOLLOW JESUS

Though the path may be narrow. God will make a pathway through

Because Jesus HAS TAKEN UP HIS CROSS and bade us sweetly to follow IN HIS STEPS.

AND THE CROSS LEADS TO GLORY! WONDROUS, GLORIOUS FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEULAH?

BLESSED! BLESSED FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES

Below are two memorable photos Circa 1970s & 1980s

Above: JSM WORKERS’ CONFERENCE CAMP UP PENANG HILL (PIN KWANG BUNGALOW)

Below:

AFTER A MOST BLESSED TIME OF PRAYER ON THE PENANG HILL

Standing from right most

Sister Susan (Phebe) Tan

Sister Eunice Khoo

Brother Yee Bee Chong

According to Dr Peter Ng (this was one of the MOST BLESSED TIME OF PRAYER INDEED!

Amen! and Amen! And Glory be unto GOD.

One of the most blessed hymn loved by many is “HE HIDETH MY SOUL” By Fanny Crosby

And today we will take a look

Fanny Crosby (extracted from Wikipedia)

Frances Jane van Alstyne (née Crosby; March 24, 1820 – February 12, 1915), more commonly known as Fanny J. Crosby, was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. She was a prolific hymnist, writing more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs,^[a] with more than 100 million copies printed.^[1] She is also known for her teaching and her rescue mission work. By the end of the 19th century, she was a household name.^[2]

Crosby was known as the “Queen of Gospel Song Writers”^[3] and as the “Mother of modern congregational singing in America”,^[4] with most American hymnals containing her work.^[5] Her gospel songs were “paradigmatic of all revival music”,^[6] and Ira Sankey attributed the success of the Moody and Sankey evangelical campaigns largely to Crosby’s hymns.^[7] Some of Crosby’s best-known songs include “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour“, “Blessed Assurance“, “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home”, “Praise Him, Praise Him”, “Rescue the Perishing”, and “To God Be the Glory“. Some publishers were hesitant to have so many hymns by one person in their hymnals, so Crosby used nearly 200 different pseudonyms during her career.^[8][b]

At six weeks old, Crosby caught a cold and developed inflammation of the eyes. Mustard poultices were applied to treat the discharges.^[23] According to Crosby, this procedure damaged her optic nerves and blinded her, but modern physicians think that her blindness was more likely congenital and, given her age, may simply not have been noticed by her parents.^[24][25]

At age eight, Crosby wrote her first poem which described her condition.^[29] She later stated: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”^[30] She also once said, “when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior”.

Read again her words,

“when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior”.

What a blessed Woman of God! (Calvin)

Crosby set a goal of winning a million people to Christ through her hymns, and whenever she wrote a hymn she prayed it would bring women and men to Christ, and kept careful records of those reported to have been saved through her hymns.^[200]

What a prayer! Asking God for one million souls saved through her hymns

It was John Sung who asked God for 100,000 souls during his evangelistic campaign. But this godly woman of God has a larger faith

Now let us go into her Hymn

HE HIDETH MY SOUL

1 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
a wonderful Savior to me.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
where rivers of pleasure I see.

Refrain:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land.
He hideth my life in the depths of his love,
and covers me there with his hand,
and covers me there with his hand.

2 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord;
he taketh my burden away.
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;
he giveth me strength as my day. [Refrain]

3 With numberless blessings each moment he crowns,
and filled with his fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture,“Oh, glory to God
for such a Redeemer as mine!” [Refrain]

4 When clothed in his brightness, transported I rise
to meet him in clouds of the sky,
his perfect salvation, his wonderful love,
I’ll shout with the millions on high. [Refrain]

Stanza One is A Statement

1 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
a wonderful Savior to me.

A testimony that Jesus is a Wonderful Saviour

And this was what Jesus did

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
where rivers of pleasure I see.

Text taken from Exodus 33:22

The Chorus or refrain

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land.
He hideth my life in the depths of his love,
and covers me there with his hand,
and covers me there with his hand.

The land where Moses traveled through was a very hot and dry land. And word pictured like “cleft of the Rock with its protective shadows that shade Moses from the hot blazing sun is a refuge indeed.

This world that we now live in is full of distress: drought, inflation, bank failures, rumours of wars and full of dangers from earthquakes, tsunami & tornadoes

Thank God! He is the same refuge where we can hide

God promised to cover and protect us with his hand.

Stanza Two

What Wonderful things Jesus has done and is still doing

a) he taketh my burden away.

Jesus takes away our burden of life. Let us cast all our cares & burdens on Jesus by prayer

b) He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;

He sustains us. By Jesus’ intercession we stand

c) he giveth me strength as my day. [Refrain]

He gives us strength day by day all through our lives

In fact he is with us everyday & every moment of our life

Stanza Three

3 With numberless blessings each moment he crowns,
and filled with his fullness divine,

Each and every moment He crowns us with numberless blessings!

So much overflowing blessings that move us to sing!

I sing in my rapture,“Oh, glory to God
for such a Redeemer as mine!” [Refrain]

Not only sing (present tense)

In coming glorious future (future tense)

We will shout!

4 When clothed in his brightness, transported I rise
to meet him in clouds of the sky,
his perfect salvation, his wonderful love,
I’ll shout with the millions on high. [Refrain]

I  “Sing” is the present tense

I WILL SHOUT” Is the Future Tense

YES WE SING NOW

BUT ON THE DAY OF RAPTURE

WE WILL SHOUT WITH THE MILLIONS ON HIGH