"FOOTPRINTS ON THE SANDS OF TIME"

My dear readers,

3. A Brain-child waiting to be born

Four years’ gestation is a long time for any brain-child to develop and take shape: I speak of my memoirs, “Footprints in the sands of time.” Due to exigencies of ministry, plans for six months’ sabbatical leave did not materialize, but could produce only six weeks’ vacation. It was a matter of priorities. My hope and prayer is that pressing church matters will have been cleared by year-end to allow an uninterrupted resumption of my sabbatical for ten weeks.

Producing a serious literary work is like giving birth to a child: I write as an obstetrician. It is a long-drawn and sometimes painful process. There were times when I felt like giving up, but God’s Word said, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart ...” (Psalm 27:14). Thus encouraged, “Footprints” went forward. Thank God for that.

Conceived in 2005, the gestation period dragged through almost four long years, marred by inclement weather, but that is part of a pastor’s life experience. It is more than just preaching a couple of sermons a week, leading the docile flock amidst “green pastures and still waters.” Amazingly, some sheep became wolf-like and unruly, which brings to mind the words of Moses when leading Israel through forbidding terrain and “waste howling wilderness.” Our Lord has warned us: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer ...” (John 16:33).

Except the Lord had been my help I would have despaired long ago. But thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. At long last “Footprints,” like a marathon runner, has entered the stadium, into the last lap amidst the cheers of faithful parishioners. And above the thousand jubilant voices comes the Captain’s encouragement, “Run on! My grace is sufficent for you. Look to me, I am your unfailing help ... I am with you alway, even unto the end.”

“Footprints” has been enlivened with the works of a master artist of the old school. From the day I met Goh Seng Lim in 1975, his art has adorned my literary works. With uncanny skill he has resurrected scenes of eighty years ago, giving “Footprints” life, and the stamp of authenticity. What would I do without Mr Goh? As the book takes shape, I realize how indispensable he is. Truly, “No Goh, no go!”

Parts of “Footprints” inevitably crossed into Chinese Teochew territory, and who but Dr Cheng Wei Nien, our Elder from Calvary Jurong, and a fellow Teochew, could have accurately translated the Chinese names and my Father’s proverbs, resurrected from my dormant “Teochew archives”? Thank God for Dr Cheng, ever patient, ever happy to decipher my rusty Teochew.

Finally, “Footprints” would not have emerged from its four-year gestation but for Jean Lee, our Church secretary. From Day One, she has been as keen as me to see this work through to completion. Never tiring and never complaining, Jean’s “organization and method” with speed and order added, amazes me.

Thanks be unto God who has supplied just the right help for the right job at the right time.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor