I have not blogged much about my dad before, so what better day to write a tribute to him than today -- which is his 73rd birthday.
My dad was born into a relatively humble home, and is the first of 5 children. I have blogged before that those who are called to be doctors know of their destiny from a very tender and young age, and my dad and youngest sis are no exceptions. They wanted to be doctors even while in Primary school.
His rags to riches story is truly a testimony to the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. He is also a very filial son, a loving husband, a caring father and a doting grandfather.
He is a very good employer. He treats his employees extremely well, so much so that the majority of the nurses in his clinic have worked there for more than 20 years! At a recent Family Day that my company held at Sentosa, I invited my parents and my parents-in-law. My colleague who heads the Human Resource Department recognised my dad because he is her family doctor. In a recent conversation I had with her, we spoke about my dad and I told her that the way he ran his clinic is an inspiration to me in the way I currently run my department. Hopefully, those in my department will also remain in the company for many years to come :-)
My dad is also a very well-respected elder of the church. He was the LCEC Chairman for many many years, as well as the Chairman of 2 its two recent building projects. When I was asked to serve as cell leader and Treasurer of this same church back in 2006, I am sure this must have brought him much joy, seeing his only son following in his footsteps. He may even have hoped that I would serve in an even greater capacity one day. Alas, because of differences in doctrine, I was asked to step down from both official positions. My name was even given to the police in a recent vandalism case. All these must have caused him much pain and anguish, and had I known then what I know now, I would not have accepted those leadership positions to begin with. The Lord must have prompted the Finance Chairman and my then-cluster leader to approach me to take on those positions, so it is really strange for God to change His mind and then inspire the one who asked me to step down to ask me to step down...
Nonetheless, I strongly hold on to Rom 8:28 where Paul tells us that "in all things, God works for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose". Meanwhile, being an ordinary member of my church on sabbatical is actually extremely liberating. I have no obligations in terms of attendance, service and giving, and so I am free to attend New Creation Church anytime as the Lord prompts me, which I am really looking forward to doing so tomorrow.
My dad was the one who told me not to give up my membership in PLMC, because of the itinerant nature of Methodist pastoral appointments. Even though the current one in charge is against the grace gospel, I am praying (and have rallied many others to join me in agreement prayer) that the next one will not be. I really look forward to the day when the church of my forefathers is being liberated from religiosity and legalism. There are already pockets of grace-embracing believers amongst her membership. For example, there are several church staff, LCEC members and cell leaders who subscribe to ROOTSS. There are another couple of guys from my previous cell who have asked me for a copy of D2R and D2RD.
Of course, there are other fellow church members who avoid me as though I am a leper. One such member whom I grew up with and sang in the choir has removed me as his Facebook friend. Another one, who borrowed my LCD projector for his cell member's wedding, pretends not to see me when he comes across me in church. But I take comfort that Jesus and Paul also had people who disliked them.
In fact, it is times like this that God reveals to you who your true friends are -- those who stick with you through thick and thin, and those who run away at the first sign of trouble. And my dad is one of those who has stuck with me through thick and thin.
Oops, sorry for digressing. Back to my dad...
Dad, thank you for being a wonderful father to me. Even though what is currently happening in church is something that you and I did not hope for and expect, God will vincidate and restore, the same way He did Joseph.
I truly believe that God has no favourites, and what He is doing in New Creation Church, he can do likewise Paya Lebar Methodist Church. What we need are pastors who will preach the pure unadulterated grace gospel that focuses on Jesus and His finished work on the cross, and God will cause our congregation to multiply as well.
HAPPY 73RD BIRTHDAY, DAD! I love you.
Here is a photo taken of us celebrating his birthday at IndoChine Waterfront.
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