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Some fifty years ago, in Life Church Youth Fellowship, Prinsep Street, we used to sing:
“If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy,
Let Jesus come into your heart;
Your sins He’ll take away,
Your night He’ll turn to day,
Your life He’ll make it over anew;
If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy,
Let Jesus come into your heart. ”
When the Lord Jesus comes in and takes control, life is never the same again. Those of us who have put our faith in Him daily thank Him for He “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col 1:13 ) which Kingdom is the Kingdom of light.
Memories of our two months’ fellowship sweetly linger though Stephen has moved on. Each afternoon we would explore Deerfield’s Raven Woods, “walking and talking” and recalling old times — some glad, some sad.
One day Stephen confided, “You know, Pa, when I was little and you had just returned from England, I was so scared of you. I used to go into hiding whenever I heard your voice. ” Sad, but true.
Stephen was born while I was studying in Ireland. I was away thirty-three months. In the last nine months Mother also left him in the care of a doting Aunt, to join me in London. That was the first major trauma. When we returned he was two years and three months, a fragile soul whom we took from the shelter of his adoptive mother into the discipline of a stranger called “Papa. ”
Then came the second big blow. The Auntie of his love died from cancer. Stephen’s world crumbled.
For months he would suck his thumb and dream of Auntie. “Mummy, where is Auntie? ”
“Auntie has gone to Heaven to be with Jesus. ”
“Will she come back? I want my Auntie. ”
The void left in Stephen’s heart and the mental trauma caused by Auntie’s untimely departing left a deep scar in his memory. Years later in moments of depression he would visit her grave and console his aching heart with silent tears.
Stephen never came close to me. But thank God for our two months of “make-up time. ” During our daily walks in Raven Woods we talked of old times, days of long ago when I was Head of the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Kandang Kerbau Hospital (the world’s busiest, in the Guinness Book of Records called the “Birthquake Hospital. ”) That left me little time with the family — and to get to know my son.
“Stephen, those were the mad KK days when I used to go on day-and-night duty a week at a time, and I had little time for the family. ” Stephen felt better with my explanation.
That was forty years ago, and regretfully we cannot turn the clock back.
A recurring theme in Stephen’s sharing was his changed life. Time and again he would thank God for His great saving work. “You know, Pa, the change in my life is like from night into day. Some people don’t believe, but they underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t they know that the Lord is able? ”
“Can you tell me what the Lord has done in your life, Stephen? ”
“Yes, when I think of those sinful things, or when I pass by one of those evil places, I am filled with abhorrence. Even the mere thought brings a deep sense of revulsion. No more, Pa, old things are passed away. ”
“But how did this complete turnabout come about? ”
“It was in March. Two events shook me and brought me to my senses: Uncle Mark’s death and Mrs Ivy Job’s illness. The reality of life and death weighed heavily. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, bearing my burden of sin. Enough is enough. I made full confession to the Lord, and re-committed my life to Him. ”
For two months (May 18 to July 17) we had warm and blessed fellowship everyday. Unless he was taken up with giving piano tuition to the Liu and Chow children, or with his computer studies, without fail, Stephen made the daily trip from Coquitlam to Deerfield in North Vancouver, a drive of thirty-five to forty minutes.
Truly, “old things are passed away... all things are become new. ” There was a new openness, a newfound filial affection, and a family togetherness never experienced before. The intensity of our fellowship was making up for lost time — all the time lost during those “prodigal years. ”
Our walk in the forest usually took forty or fifty minutes. Most days the sun shone brightly for us, somewhat unusual for “Raincouver” well known for its wet rainy days. But God gave us many fine sunny days. Praise the Lord.
“Pa, I wish we had done this in the old days in Andrew Road. ”
“Yes, Stephen, but better late than never. It’s like a dream come true. The Lord is good. ”
Whenever we quickened the pace, Stephen would say, “Pa, how are you feeling? Any pain in the chest? Mum says you must not jog. ”
“No, I’m quite all right. ” We found a rare new loving relationship and a new closeness in the Lord for which I thank my Lord Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of a verse we used to recite during Family Worship in Andrew Road. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” ( 1 Jn 1:7 ).
Our fellowship gave us many happy hours in the kitchen. Together we cooked the evening meal — defrosting, cutting, chopping, marinating, frying —sometimes messing up the place. But it was great fun, again making up for lost time, doing things which we should have done thirty, forty years ago. And again, better late than never.
Then together we laid the table and with Mum, we had great fellowship, with Christ our Lord, the unseen Guest at every meal. Together we offered up our thanks to our Heavenly Father for all good gifts come from Him. We thanked Him each time for the precious hour around the table, to enjoy our simple fare and each others’ company. Today we look back, Mum and I, and thank the Lord for those happy times, now carefully stowed away in our memory store, until we meet again at Jesus’ feet on yonder shore.
No visit concluded without Family Worship, just like Andrew Road days. If we seemed to have forgotten, Stephen would always remind us: “Are we not going to pray? ” We read from Daily Light, and we prayed around, very blessed.
Almost without fail Stephen would pray for the salvation of Baby Lynn, Seng Chuan (niece and Brother-in-law) and Mr Habicht, and healing for Sister Olive (Mrs Habicht).
Every parting was reluctant, warm, and affectionate. “Safe home, drive carefully, and call when you arrive. God bless you. Good night, good night. ”
As Stephen drove into the night, I thanked God for giving him a new day.
In Christ our Lord, his night had turned to day.
Vancouver International Airport. Monday 17 July. This was our final farewell in the flesh. Stephen drove and saw us to the SIA check-in Counter. Formalities completed, we found a place for the parting prayer, seeking God’s care and keeping. It was a warm “Goodbye, see you in December. We’ll call when we get home. Go safe, God bless! ”
We arrived home just before midnight Tuesday 18 July. I called Stephen. It was 9 am of the same day in Vancouver.
“Pa, p’ing an! So quick you’re home. How’s mum? Did you have a good flight? ”
Thus began a daily “Prayer Fellowship” for the next thirty-two days, over one hundred meetings on the telephone, an average of 3. 5 calls per day. I have often marvelled at our modern instant tele-communications technology which has done away with the time lag, so that the voice from ten thousand miles away sounds like coming from the next room. Someone explained that it was due to “fibre optics. ”
Our Prayer Fellowship assumed a certain format. We first prayed for Holy Spirit illumination, followed by reading “Through the Bible” of the New Testament according to our Last Days Year Planner Schedule. Reading a verse each, we covered the last eight chapters of Acts, and the book of Romans. Then we prayed.
At times Stephen would request to sing a hymn, but every time he would end with a piano recital of two or three hymns, and one or more classical compositions from Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Brahmns, Schubert, Schumna, Mendelssohn, etc. After each performance, “How was that, Pa? ” The best part of Stephen’s recital was his hymn arrangements. Into every hymn he would weave the styles of the great masters to enhance and adorn the hymn writer’s composition.
“That was heavenly music, Stephen. Excellent. More next time. ”
We never ended without asking for each other the blessing of God Almighty, and no call was without a recital. It was as a refreshing drink, spiritual tonic to the weary soul. I only wish they had been taped.
“Stephen, what is your favourite Scripture? ”
Quick as a shot came his reply. “Psalm 103. I read it often, at times daily. I find it ever so comforting. ”
It is one of David’s most delightful songs of assurance for returning prodigals. Depressing thoughts and doubts from the tempter may unsettle and shake one’s faith in the Lord: “Your sins are too foul, too long standing, and too deep seated. God will never forgive a sinner like you! ”
Satan is wily and deceptive. But he is powerless against the mighty Word of God. Besides Satan is a defeated foe. He may hurl his fiery darts of doubt, but our Lord arms us with the shield of faith (Eph 6:16 ). By faith the repentant prodigal is safe in Jesus, safe from Satan’s attacks.
Stephen loved to read those words of heavenly comfort, giving thanks to the Lord, “who redeemeth my life from destruction, who crowneth me with lovingkindness and tender mercies... The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy... He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with me after my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities... As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed my transgressions from me. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he remembereth my frame; he remembereth that I am dust... Bless the Lord, O my soul. ” Amen. Thus he would pray.
The week before the last, I had an idea. “Stephen, would you like to come home for a holiday and give a recital of sacred music in December, and return to Vancouver with Mum and me? ”
“Sounds good. What does Mum say? ”
I discussed with Mum. She liked the idea.
Next call I said, “Stephen, I thought of a theme: “The Way Back. ”
“Ah, that’s right, that’s me. The Lord opened the way back for me. Let me give my testimony before the recital. ”
Next day I called Stephen, updating him of developments. He was delighted. “Stephen, write a variation of the Hymn Coming Home.
This was our last Prayer Fellowship. For Stephen it was 5 pm of Friday 18 August. I told him of arrangements for the December recital. Programme details will be worked out later.
We prayed, read our day’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1 , and prayed again. “Yesterday I played two hymns over the telephone for Auntie Ivy Job to comfort her in her sickness. She was delighted. ”
Then Stephen played two hymns:
1. When This Passing World Is Done
(Robert M McCheyne)
“When I stand before the throne.
Dressed in beauty not my own;
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart;
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then how much I owe. ”
2. The Great Physician (William Hunter)
“Your many sins are all forgiv’n,
Oh hear the voice of Jesus!
Go on your way in peace to heav’n,
And wear a crown with Jesus.
Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue,
Sweetest carol every sung:
Jesus! blessed Jesus! ”
His last piece was “Longing for Home. ” It is an old song which I have loved for sixty years.
“How’s that, Pa? ”
“That was wonderful! Longing for Home is an old favourite of mine. I love the part where the melody is played on the left hand — it’s so beautiful. Thanks, boy. Must play it again. The hymns were also excellent. Remember the verse of the first hymn by McCheyne? The second hymn is one we first sang at Life Church, Prinsep Street. But Longing for Home brings back fond memories of Tiong Bahru days when our neighbour often played it. ”
“Excuse me, Pa, I have to go to Elder & Mrs Khoo’s for dinner, and after that to Prayer Meeting. The Khoos are so good. Please invite them back again. ”
“I will Stephen. I fully agree. ”
“I must go, take a shower before dinner. Good-bye and God bless you, Pa! ”
“Good-bye, Stephen. I’ll call you tomorrow before I go to Maranatha. Pastor Jack Sin asked me to preach there. God bless, God bless! ”
Lord’s Day 20 August 5. 45 am. I was preparing my sermon. The phone rang. Who could that be at this hour? It was Robert Liu. ‘Dr Tow, I have bad news for you. Stephen may not be with us. He’s not breathing, pulseless and cold, sitting at his sofa with glasses on. He looks very peaceful, with a happy, almost smiling face. ” It was 2. 45 pm Saturday 19 August, Vancouver.
Then Elder Khoo came on the phone. “Stephen is gone to be with the Lord. Very peaceful. He was with us for dinner, cheerful as usual. He attended Prayer Meeting. We are greatly shocked. ”
By then it was past six o’clock. I cried to the Lord. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. ” Should I break the news to Stephen’s Mum?
We visited Maranatha. I preached, the Lord enabling me. Then we kept a lunch appointment. Christine, our eldest, followed us home. The three of us got together and I broke the news. “Stephen has gone to be with the Lord. ”
Our family conference was simple: Mum, Christine, and Sharon would leave for Vancouver. I would keep my long planned appointments in four Australian capital cities. The Lord had a role for each of us. His plan is best.
We were naturally concerned over Stephen’s sudden demise. He had been on anti-depressants for many years. Was it an overdose? On that Saturday, 19 August, he failed to turn up for a meeting scheduled for 2 pm with Professor Teh Hoon Heng and his Internet Committee. When phone contact failed, Robert Liu and Elder Khoo entered Stephen’s apartment (with a duplicate key held by Robert), and made the discovery.
The Coroner’s Report: Death due to heart failure.
The Last Lap for Stephen has been run. “He had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. ”