8. “YOU WILL SUCCEED PROFESSOR SHEARES”

“... God is the judge” (Psalm 75:7 )

My life course was set in 1935. Two glorious weeks under the sound of the gospel from the Spirit-powered preaching of God’s servant John Sung had sealed my resolve to yield my life to serve God, and to follow in the steps of the good doctor. This, I am happy to say, was the most blessed event in my life, an event which leads day by day toward our eternal home. Since then that resolve has been reinforced, impressed in my heart, again and again, by the blessed Spirit. By God’s wonderful grace He speaks to me, directing my footsteps day by day: “This is the way, walk you in it. ”

In 1951 my medical studies took me to the Kandang Kerbau Hospital for Women, to come under the tutelage of Dr Benjamin Sheares. That same year he had been appointed the first local professor, succeeding Professor English, the last appointee of the fast-fading colonial power.

For the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with the political history of Singapore, this island state had been a colony of Great Britain since 1819. Under colonial rule, all top positions in Government and the Civil Service were the exclusive preserve of the British. Local citizens — native Malays, migrant Chinese and Indians and others, were eligible only for lesser positions to serve under British superiors.

Those days of colonial rule, however, were numbered. The forces of history were on the move. The spirit of nationalism was irresistible. Against history, colonialism was powerless. God’s time had come for Singapore and Malaya to assume independence and nationhood.

In the process of nationalisation Professor Sheares was a pioneer. His appointment was a landmark event. At last a local non-British had gained the top post, the prestigious chair of the University of Malaya.

Eldest Sister Siew Ai, a graduate of the King Edward Seventh College of Medicine, and my mentor, said to me, “Siang Hwa, take up Obstetrics and Gynaecology. One day you will succeed Professor Sheares. ”

Her words, though sweet sounding, were like a wishful dream. My chief concern was to pass and graduate. By God’s grace and much burning of the midnight oil, the Final Professional Examination in 1953 gained for me a distinction in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the coveted “Hoops Medal” (for Obstetrics and Gynaecology), with the Queen’s Scholarship an added bonus.

A significant development was the founding of the Bible-Presbyterian Movement in 1950. A fruit of the John Sung revival of 1935, it marked the beginning of a Bible-based Gospel-centred church movement (which today 55 years later, has grown to Gospel ministry of a hundred churches and related bodies in a dozen and more countries).

With great joy and enthusiasm, I threw myself whole-heartedly into this B-P Church Movement under the leadership of Eldest Brother Timothy and Rev Quek Kiok Chiang. Fifteen years after the historic “Asian Awakening” the flame of the Gospel was rekindled as the Life Church English Service in Prinsep Street. The seed sown by God’s servant John Sung was bearing fruit.

Three years later, in 1953, I completed my medical studies, and assumed a more responsible role in the church. In 1954, I was called to be Superintendent of the Sunday School, an appointment which I accepted with supreme delight and another step forward in the fulfilment of my consecration vow.

How good is the God I adore! How great is His mercy to me. With David the Psalmist I say, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him" (Ps 34:8 ). Ably supported by my wife, we worked together with a team of teachers to build up the Sunday School. We had the joy each week of seeing children coming under the sound of the Gospel, under conviction of sin, and coming to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We began to appreciate the unspeakable satisfaction of the soul saving work. Just as the joy of harvest is known only to the one who has toiled hard and long in the field, we rejoiced each week as the Sunday School grew by leaps and bounds because we also had toiled hard and long. Using Scripture Union (England) materials, we encouraged and promoted Bible reading among the students. We compiled a Bible memorisation course of 100 verses to be completed in one year. The Holy Spirit energising and moving the hearts of the students, we experienced a “mini revival” as the numbers grew from eighty to two hundred in two years. But it was by “prayer and hard work. ” Did not the Word of God say, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy"? (Ps 126:5 ).

In 1955 I entered the portals of the Kandang Kerbau Hospital as a junior staff member of the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology under the headship of Professor Benjamin Sheares. He was the only person with the coveted Membership of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) of London. Over me were six other staff members holding the posts of Medical Officers, some of whom were earmarked for specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

In terms of seniority, I was number eight, being the most recent addition to the staff roll. This was of no great concern to me as my chief preoccupation and joy was the Church and Sunday School ministry which I regarded as a first fulfilment of my life commitment to serve the Lord.

The satisfaction of leading boys and girls to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and nurturing them in the most holy faith was, to me, far exceeding any other achievement. Pondering Sister’s words, I surveyed the situation in the Department, and made two observations. Firstly, there were six colleagues, senior in service, whose claim to specialisation (and promotion) would have natural precedence. My hopes of specialisation were not very bright. Secondly, the existing set-up at the Kandang Kerbau Hospital was not accredited with the Royal College in London. This meant that an aspiring trainee who had undergone training at the KK Hospital was not eligible to sit for the specialist examination in London.

Weighing these two factors, it seemed that venturing into private practice as a General Practitioner would allow more time and mobility to serve the Lord, and the higher monetary returns would help speed the Gospel ministry more rapidly. The idea of succeeding the Professor was furthest from one’s thinking.

I must mention that in 1954 by God’s leading I married my wife who laboured with me most faithfully, sacrificially and unreservedly in the spiritual ministry. Together we prayed over our future, committing the matter unto the Lord, fully assured that He knows what things we have need of before we ask Him (Matt 6:8 ). The same year, my wife and I organised the first ever BP Bible Camp for forty-four young people of the Sunday School. At this camp three young people dedicated themselves for full time service.

Meanwhile, in my youthful impatience, I felt a growing urge to step out into the freedom of Private Practice with its attraction of greater mobility and independence, higher financial rewards, more time and resources for God’s work.

The chief concern was, “How can God’s kingdom be built up more vigorously? ”

In our enthusiasm, my wife and I studied newspaper advertisements, looked at prospective sites for practice, interviewed General Practitioners about to retire, and explored prospects and possibilities.

While we looked at options, we ceased not to pray for guidance from the heavenly Father. Surely our concerns were known to Him, and was He not even more concerned for our future than we? Our Lord, in the Sermon on the Mount, spoke words of eternal worth. To him we turned in the midst of our anxious searching for answers. Our Lord’s words: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:25-33 ).

Without a doubt, our prior interest was — and is — the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness — how we could better serve the Lord, how we must repay the Gospel debt. As for me, I asked for wisdom to fulfil my consecration vow while pursuing a medical career. God’s Word gave assurance. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13 ).

Pondering over my life, I thought of how God called men with different gifts to perform different tasks. Some disciples and apostles were simple fisher-folk: God had a use for them. Paul was an accomplished scholar and well versed in the law. God called him to be “... a chosen vessel to bear (his) name before the Gentiles, and kings... ” (Acts 9:15 ). Paul only was called to write the New Testament Epistles, more than any other apostle. God knows who can do what, and He makes no mistake.

God called John Sung to be a mighty preacher of the word to blaze a Gospel trail throughout China and Nanyang. It was a John Sung who had attained to highest academic achievements that God saved from the lure of the world’s glamour and attractions. It was a John Sung forgiven and redeemed from intellectual pride and self importance, to become a lowly servant of the Gospel. John Sung had to go through years of training and testing to become a useful vessel for God.

God did not call John Sung in 1920 before his arrival in the New World, but God had His perfect plan and will for him. God called him out of the dazzle of world fame, to forsake every honour and award, and to become a lowly servant of the cross. God’s ways are not our ways. Ours is to yield and submit: He only must lead and point the way.

John Sung’s six years in America were part of his higher training for the greater ministry of the gospel. His greater sacrifice and self denial made him a better servant for God. God’s plan was perfect.

What was God’s plan for me? My one and only desire was to be in the centre of His will, always at His disposal. Like Isaiah, I wanted to be cleansed, and be able to say, “Here am I; send me. ”

One day, my wife and I interviewed an old GP to talk of buying over his practice and house. Everything seemed rosy and attractive. Then out of the blue, my wife said to me, “Why not let’s pay to visit to our old friend and teacher Dr Seah Cheng Siang, to seek his advice in the matter. ”

This idea, we feel sure, came from the Lord in answer to prayer. Dr Seah’s advice was so precise and sure.

“Siang Hwa, don’t be impatient. If I were you, I would ask the Government to send you for higher studies on your Queen’s Scholarship. ”

So confident was his advice that all thoughts of General Practice flew out of the window.

Our focus then shifted from Singapore to the United Kingdom, to identify an accredited hospital for training for the MRCOG. We sought the Lord’s help. Our prayer was patterned after Gideon’s sign of the fleece (Judges 6:36-40 ): “Lord, you know my need for an accredited appointment to train for the MRCOG examination. Lead me to such an opening within six months, if it is indeed your will for me to pursue the MRCOG. ”

Shortly after this, it happened one day as I passed by the doctors’ tea room, I heard the Senior Lecturer Dr Wilson Roddie saying to a colleague, “Dr Chan, are you interested in an accredited appointment in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen’s University, Belfast? ” That snatch of the conversation caught my attention as I walked past. What I was very interested to know was Dr Chan’s reply. That same day I sought out Dr Roddie to know the outcome of his offer to Dr Chan.

Dr Roddie said, “Dr Chan is not interested. He said he wanted to be a surgeon. ”

“If so, will you let me take up the job? ”

“Of course. If you are interested I’ll write to Belfast for you. ”

In two weeks Dr Roddie called me. “The reply from Queen’s University has come. The job is yours! ”

Praise the Lord for this modern day sign of Gideon’s fleece. Long before my six-month deadline, the Lord had given a positive reply! This proved to be the key which opened the door to the fulfilment of Sister’s prediction.

“With men impossible but not with God. ”

As the chronology unfolds, it will become evident how God’s unseen hand had ordered events step by step, leading to the chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and for me to succeed Professor Benjamin Sheares!.

"How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"  (Rom 11:33 ).

a) August 1955

Accredited trainee appointment secured.

b) June 1956

Training at Queen’s University, Belfast commenced.

c) December 1956

Application for the accreditation of KK Hospital was rejected by the Royal College, London.

d) 1957 and after

Aspiring MRCOG trainees leave KK Hospital for Great Britain to take up training posts.

e) March 1959

I return with the MRCOG to the Department and find myself First Assistant to Professor Sheares. Six senior colleagues had left the Department. Three were in Great Britain undergoing training; three had left for private practice.

f) June 1960

Professor Sheares resigned. I was left to occupy the vacant chair in the Department.

Observation

From 1956 to 1960, I was moved from eighth to first position in the Department’s hierarchy by events and circumstances totally beyond my influence or control. Fact is stranger than fiction. Our God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph 3:20 ). "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Ps 75:6,7 ).

God does nothing without purpose or plan. The Lord had directed my footsteps away from General Practice to the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He must have had a purpose for it.

Esther, an exile and captive Jewish maiden, was raised of God to be queen of the greatest empire on earth, through events strange and imponderable, but under the direction of God’s unseen hand. In her exalted position she was used of God to deliver her people, from destruction. God had raised her “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14 ).

The task in hand

The Professor had gone, all so suddenly and without a word. I was left with a hundred medical students, sheep without a shepherd, half the patient load of the KK Hospital (annual deliveries 40, 000 babies), and a dozen House Officers and Medical Officers, and a Department in a hospital set-up which had been rejected by the Royal College for accreditation.

And I was the only one with the Royal College qualification in the entire Department. By comparison, today’s University Department at the KK Hospital has 15 Members / Fellows of the Royal College handling 2, 000 per annum.

What must one do in such a situation? If God had put me there will He not also enable me?

I recall the case of Joshua. Moses, his leader, was gone. But God was with him, and He assured Joshua,"... I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee... Only be thou strong and very courageous... "(Josh 1:5 , 7 ).

As the Lord had assured, “I will be with thee, ” I was much comforted. Daily at Family Worship, my wife and I sought the Lord’s help to meet the challenges ahead. We realised the task was immense, but our God was able to deliver. In the days ahead, we were to find Him faithful and exceedingly gracious — enabling, saving, delivering, and guiding from day to day.

My daily prayer was: “Give me this day my needed help, and lead me not into complications; but deliver me from obstetrical pitfalls and a thousand surgical difficulties. ”

Prayer was the key, and we prayed through many a crisis situation to final victory.

Let me briefly review, in summary, the tasks before me as I assumed the chairmanship of the Department.

1. To reorganise the system of teaching of both undergraduates and postgraduates.

2. To reorganise the complete set of Hospital Records to conform with acceptable standards.

3. To reorganise the entire training programme in order to meet Royal College requirements for accreditation.

In the course of time, the University received help from the China Medical Board of the Rockefeller Foundation of New York. Professor John Mckelvey, former Professor at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA, spent a year (1962-63) as visiting Departmental Head to “steer the ship” through the rough seas of reorganisation.

With his experience and international stature, Dr McKelvey’s one year was a timely and crucial boost to the recovery and reorganisation which I had initiated in 1960.

Together we rebuilt the Department and Hospital, setting up new and acceptable standards for teaching and specialist training.

In 1963, the KK Hospital received Royal College accreditation. This was a landmark event, the reward for three years’ hard work. Dr McKelvey returned to America, mission accomplished. KK Hospital had become an internationally known centre for postgraduate studies. Foreign researchers, postgraduate students and visiting Professors from America, the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere were being attracted to Singapore for the first time.

Earlier, in 1962, Dr McKelvey had sent me to the USA on a study-lecture tour of 12 weeks, to observe the methods and organisation of some of the leading Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Cornell, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, New York Universities.

In 1965 the Royal College in London awarded me the Blair Bell Lectureship. That same year the University of Singapore appointed me Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

But my life calling was not in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, or I would have held on to the prize. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Phil 3:7 ).

By 1969 I reckoned that my assignment had been accomplished. In 1960 I was the only specialist when I took on the job. Now there were seven others, all — trained in the Department, to whom I could safely pass on the baton.

Mission accomplished, I said goodbye, with a feeling of satisfaction that the Department rebuilt and reborn was now an institution of world-renown.

A new chapter had dawned. My resolve to serve the Lord in the footsteps of John Sung had entered a new phase. As it were, I could hear the Master calling “Follow me, and I will make you to catch men as fish. ”