The Righteous will Flourish
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit,
Still bear fruit in old age;
They will stay fresh and green,
Stay fresh and green,
Proclaiming, proclaiming:
“The Lord is upright;
He is my Rock,
He is my Rock,
And there is no wickedness in Him.”
The Righteous will flourish like a palm tree
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
(A song of God’s promise. Source: Psalm 92;12-15)
---------------- * ----------------
Psalm 92:12-15.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
They will stay fresh and green,
Proclaiming,
“The Lord is upright;
He is my Rock,
And there is no wickedness in Him.”
This is the promise God has given to me one morning when I was in Tasmania. I was at Arthur Circle, Hobart, Tasmania on 15-Dec-2005.
God spoke to me on that day- just 4 days before my breast cancer surgery in KL, Malaysia.
God assured me that Pa and I will flourish like a palm tree. He assured me that we will still bear fruit in old age, we will stay fresh and green. I know this will be true as we continue to abide in Jesus, walk obediently with Him, and then our lives will be fruitful for Him, for His glory alone.
The Bible says that God’s people are counted as righteous simply because we believe in God by faith.
Palm trees are trees we are both familiar, the Oil Palm trees are a source of healthy edible oil, a source of life. They are common in Malaysia, especially where we stay and work.
That morning on 15 Dec 2005, you had already gone back to Canberra after we attended Zi Lu’s graduation. I told myself that I must go and see Arthur Cirlce one more time before I leave for Malaysia the next day. I went alone with my Bible to enjoy a time of quietness in this park. I read Psalm 92:12-15. God’s word was so alive! God delighted me with His word and His promise on that quiet morning at Arthur Circle. Later I called Pa and Zi Lu to come and join me. I read to them Psalm 92:12-15 and shared with them what God has promised me in His word. Together we prayed sitting on the green grass at the quiet park of Arthur Circle, Tasmania. I will never forget that day, I will never forget God’s promise.
About one and a half months after my Breast cancer surgery and 10 days after my first Chemotherapy, Pa took me for a ride to KL one evening. KL with its evening lights, was surprisingly peaceful and quiet, like a deserted city, because most people had left the city for the Chinese New Year holidays elsewhere. On the way home, a thought came to me: I must compose the music for the promise in Psalm 92 so that it will be a song I will always sing for my family and friends to tell them the goodness of God. By the time, we reached PJ, I had managed to sing Psalm 92:12-15 in a song to praise God, to remember the promise that we will stay fresh and green, proclaiming His goodness.
So it all started in Arthur Circle, this beautiful little park in Tasmania that never fails to delight me. It was like a fairy tale land to me when I first discovered it in 2003 or 2004 when I visited Zi Lu. I remember one evening, I walked home all the way from Hobart city to where Zi Lu was staying in Sandy Bay. I did not know how, but I stood still suddenly, for before me was this fairly-tale looking park. It is a park in a circle like a round about and quite small. What amazed me was that the circle was surrounded by 10 or so little beautiful cottages, each was different in character, each was a lived-in home of some residents there. The park was lined with beautiful blue lavenders and some other flowers, there were some trees whose light green leaves reminded one of life. Nearby at one corner in the park was a playground with a swing for children to play. Between the cottages and the park was a round about road leading to some other roads of Sandy Bay or Hobart. The round about was quite small so that drivers who drive their cars around it to go to other roads nearby do it slowly. I found out that the name of this place was Arthur Circle, the name was inscribed on a wooden notice board at one corner. That evening being summer, the sky was still bright, I sat at the park, alone, soaked in its charming beauty, forgotten that I was still holding in my hand a bag of potato chips which I bought from Hobart harbor water front. Time just stood still. I was like a little girl lost with joy in a fairy-tale land, or “am I in the story land of Charles Dickens?” I mused. Later I lavished the chips on the little birds around. They were happy to share with me and must be thankful that God in His faithfulness had not forgotten their evening meal.
Each time I visit Tasmania, I must go and sit at the park in Arthur Circle, to enjoy a time of quietness. To see that life goes on, but one will capture that special moment when time seems to stand still.
Arthur Circle reminds me of God’s beautiful creation-little flowers, little cottages where his people live, the peace and quietness of a green park, little birds flying in and out to take a rest on the tress, the children who will come now and then to play at the playground. God in His goodness, brought me to this place one evening to enjoy nature and to be close to Him alone, to take a rest in Him. He showed me that he made the little lavenders, he shaped the lives of people, he placed them to live in little cottages built a long time ago, each now carries a unique character shaped by the history of men whom he always delight and longs to have fellowship with, whom he loves with an eternal love and purpose.
In His goodness, he brought me back again and then he showed me a beautiful promise that December day.
I dedicate this song “The Righteous will Flourish” to God, my Creator, to my family and friends.
Today I dedicate this song especially to you Zi On, my dear son, now enjoying the presence of Jesus. I can’t remember if I had ever sung this song to you, I hope I had. But if not, each time I sing, I sing for you too. You will hear it, you will praise God together with us. You will thank God for the His promise that we will flourish like a palm tree, we will stay fresh and green, we will still bear fruit in old age, we will proclaim the goodness of God-our Rock.
To Zi On
With love forever,
Ma
28-05-2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Hidden Purpose & Resurrection Hope
Dear Zi On, my dear son!
This is the second time I wish you Blessed Easter in this special way-I let God carry my message to you.
Today 11 April 2009, I realized that I have reached the last day of Meditation for Lent this year. Today’s meditation is titled A Hidden Purpose, based on Mark 15:40-47. The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is taken from the Cross. After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, openly and courageously requested Pilate for the body of Jesus. He gave Jesus a proper burial. God had chosen a man who was living a concealed life of discipleship to play a sacred role. Today I am encouraged to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to teach me to remain faithful in seasons of hiddenness. After you have gone, son, I realized even more than before that in life, in some parts of our journey, there is a hidden purpose. God may choose to reveal it to us one day!
Son, this afternoon I had the joy of singing with 3 girls at the Sunday School: I am so glad for Easter, Jesus is alive today, Jesus is my special friend, He still lives today.
Later I told them the story of crucifixion. Although they are small, age 5 to 7, I could sense that they were very touched to hear that Jesus suffered so much for the wrongs of men, they were very attentive, trying to understand the crown of thorns, and seemed to feel the pain of what it must have been like-being nailed, how Jesus felt as they nailed him on the cross.
We continued the story- Jesus said forgive them.., the sign on top of the cross reads-Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews,... the 2 robbers beside Him...what Jesus said to his mother and John who were there...later, the sky turned dark,...the curtain in the temple was torn into two... Jesus said: Father, unto your hands I commit my spirit, and he died,...the burial ...and finally the empty tomb-the victorious climax of the Easter story-Jesus said: I have risen!
I do not know if they understand every part of the story, but one thing I want them to know:
Jesus died for the wrongs of men, he was buried, the third day He rose again.
Jesus lives!
Son, Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him will live even though he dies; and whoever believes in Him will never die. This evening I knelt before the cross and prayed. I remembered you before the Lord, and he reminded me of the Resurrection Hope!
Tomorrow we will celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at church.
Blessed Easter!
Forever loving you, missing you, my dear son!
Your Mama
11 April 2009
This is the second time I wish you Blessed Easter in this special way-I let God carry my message to you.
Today 11 April 2009, I realized that I have reached the last day of Meditation for Lent this year. Today’s meditation is titled A Hidden Purpose, based on Mark 15:40-47. The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is taken from the Cross. After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, openly and courageously requested Pilate for the body of Jesus. He gave Jesus a proper burial. God had chosen a man who was living a concealed life of discipleship to play a sacred role. Today I am encouraged to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to teach me to remain faithful in seasons of hiddenness. After you have gone, son, I realized even more than before that in life, in some parts of our journey, there is a hidden purpose. God may choose to reveal it to us one day!
Son, this afternoon I had the joy of singing with 3 girls at the Sunday School: I am so glad for Easter, Jesus is alive today, Jesus is my special friend, He still lives today.
Later I told them the story of crucifixion. Although they are small, age 5 to 7, I could sense that they were very touched to hear that Jesus suffered so much for the wrongs of men, they were very attentive, trying to understand the crown of thorns, and seemed to feel the pain of what it must have been like-being nailed, how Jesus felt as they nailed him on the cross.
We continued the story- Jesus said forgive them.., the sign on top of the cross reads-Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews,... the 2 robbers beside Him...what Jesus said to his mother and John who were there...later, the sky turned dark,...the curtain in the temple was torn into two... Jesus said: Father, unto your hands I commit my spirit, and he died,...the burial ...and finally the empty tomb-the victorious climax of the Easter story-Jesus said: I have risen!
I do not know if they understand every part of the story, but one thing I want them to know:
Jesus died for the wrongs of men, he was buried, the third day He rose again.
Jesus lives!
Son, Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him will live even though he dies; and whoever believes in Him will never die. This evening I knelt before the cross and prayed. I remembered you before the Lord, and he reminded me of the Resurrection Hope!
Tomorrow we will celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at church.
Blessed Easter!
Forever loving you, missing you, my dear son!
Your Mama
11 April 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Happy Birthday Dearest Zi On - 14 January 2009
Our dearest Zi On, our loving son, and Ker Ker,
Today is your birthday, you are 27 today!
Ma will never forget your birthday. If you are here with us, you know we will always have a simple celebration. I recall in the past few years, whenever you came back at the end of the year, you would normally stay till end of January or February and we would celebrate your birthday together. Usually we would have a birthday cake.
The last birthday we celebrated as a family was on 14-Jan-2007. I will never forget that day. We were all together in Teluk Intan. It was a Sunday. After church, I cooked a simple birthday lunch of ‘curry mee’. There was a cake, of course. Zi Lu gave you a CD of music which you liked; I only managed to give you an ‘AngPau’- traditional and boring. We took many family photos, photo of yourself, and photo of you with Zi Lu. Never knew then that that would be the last photo of you two brothers together. Never knew then that that would be the last birthday we could celebrate with you.
By the following year, sadness filled our hearts. We lost you at Moreton Island-before we could celebrate another birthday with you, before we could celebrate Christmas… before we could have a chance to kiss you good-bye!
O how Pa and Ma miss you, O how your dear brother misses his big KO, his special and only Ker Ker. O Zi On! Our dear dear On !
Today is your birthday, I just long to celebrate with you. I have been thinking how I can celebrate it. Son, you are so far away... Can you hear if we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY?
This morning, Pa and Ma prayed together after breakfast. We praised God for giving us such a lovely son 27 years ago. We gave thanks to Him for such a special gift from Him. We gave thanks to Him for your life. A beautiful life! A great life! You followed the footsteps of Jesus – you sacrificed and surrendered your life to Him in order to save the life of another. What can we say? How can we stop you? You had to fulfill your life’s mission!
We praise God for your example of love.
You taught us
what is humility,
what is true friendship,
what is empathy,
what is meekness
what is gentleness.
Above all, you taught us
What is love.
Yes, son, you are a man whom God is well pleased, we are sure.
He is pleased with you, with your obedience.
He is pleased with you, that you followed Him till the end.
He is pleased with you, you are a beautiful angel!
Son, we praise God that the promise of Psalm 50v2 from which your name is given has been fulfilled. “Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Truly, out of your life, the beautiful attributes of godliness shine forth.
For your birthday celebration today, ma again cooked ‘curry mee’. We invited Aunty Siew Tin over for lunch (Sheela sent her apology). A simple meal, but we remembered you in our hearts; we celebrated your birthday and your life, in our hearts. .
Your birthday presents -
Ma has a Teddy Bear for you, a CD by David Meece “There I go again”, and Cliff Richard’s “yesterday today forever”. Ma will play these songs and together we will listen, together, son, we will celebrate the love of God, together we will celebrate your birthday, your life!
Ma also ordered a beautiful bouquet of flowers for you – it has 18 yellow roses, bright and sunny, symbols of life, of hope, of joy and of victory. They are for you Zi On, from all of us who love you, who miss you a great deal. And I specially got a red rose too, one single red rose amidst the yellow ones, this is from mama with a big hug for my dear boy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, son and Ker Ker!
Today on your birthday, we want to tell you, “Son, you are our good boy! “
We want to tell you, “ Zi On, we love you!”, “Ko, we will forever miss you!”
With endless love and longings,
Ma, Pa and Zi Lu
14 January 2009
Today is your birthday, you are 27 today!
Ma will never forget your birthday. If you are here with us, you know we will always have a simple celebration. I recall in the past few years, whenever you came back at the end of the year, you would normally stay till end of January or February and we would celebrate your birthday together. Usually we would have a birthday cake.
The last birthday we celebrated as a family was on 14-Jan-2007. I will never forget that day. We were all together in Teluk Intan. It was a Sunday. After church, I cooked a simple birthday lunch of ‘curry mee’. There was a cake, of course. Zi Lu gave you a CD of music which you liked; I only managed to give you an ‘AngPau’- traditional and boring. We took many family photos, photo of yourself, and photo of you with Zi Lu. Never knew then that that would be the last photo of you two brothers together. Never knew then that that would be the last birthday we could celebrate with you.
By the following year, sadness filled our hearts. We lost you at Moreton Island-before we could celebrate another birthday with you, before we could celebrate Christmas… before we could have a chance to kiss you good-bye!
O how Pa and Ma miss you, O how your dear brother misses his big KO, his special and only Ker Ker. O Zi On! Our dear dear On !
Today is your birthday, I just long to celebrate with you. I have been thinking how I can celebrate it. Son, you are so far away... Can you hear if we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY?
This morning, Pa and Ma prayed together after breakfast. We praised God for giving us such a lovely son 27 years ago. We gave thanks to Him for such a special gift from Him. We gave thanks to Him for your life. A beautiful life! A great life! You followed the footsteps of Jesus – you sacrificed and surrendered your life to Him in order to save the life of another. What can we say? How can we stop you? You had to fulfill your life’s mission!
We praise God for your example of love.
You taught us
what is humility,
what is true friendship,
what is empathy,
what is meekness
what is gentleness.
Above all, you taught us
What is love.
Yes, son, you are a man whom God is well pleased, we are sure.
He is pleased with you, with your obedience.
He is pleased with you, that you followed Him till the end.
He is pleased with you, you are a beautiful angel!
Son, we praise God that the promise of Psalm 50v2 from which your name is given has been fulfilled. “Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Truly, out of your life, the beautiful attributes of godliness shine forth.
For your birthday celebration today, ma again cooked ‘curry mee’. We invited Aunty Siew Tin over for lunch (Sheela sent her apology). A simple meal, but we remembered you in our hearts; we celebrated your birthday and your life, in our hearts. .
Your birthday presents -
Ma has a Teddy Bear for you, a CD by David Meece “There I go again”, and Cliff Richard’s “yesterday today forever”. Ma will play these songs and together we will listen, together, son, we will celebrate the love of God, together we will celebrate your birthday, your life!
Ma also ordered a beautiful bouquet of flowers for you – it has 18 yellow roses, bright and sunny, symbols of life, of hope, of joy and of victory. They are for you Zi On, from all of us who love you, who miss you a great deal. And I specially got a red rose too, one single red rose amidst the yellow ones, this is from mama with a big hug for my dear boy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, son and Ker Ker!
Today on your birthday, we want to tell you, “Son, you are our good boy! “
We want to tell you, “ Zi On, we love you!”, “Ko, we will forever miss you!”
With endless love and longings,
Ma, Pa and Zi Lu
14 January 2009
5 Star Champ
My Brother Zi On’s Anniversary - 5th Dec 2008
5 Star Champ
Another year has passed,
But the memories remain,
Just as it was yesterday.
You are dearly loved and deeply missed….
Despite the distance, I know you are and will be always be there…
You will always be you…
The Loving, Caring Brother.
Always smiling,
Always Supportive,
Always Listening,
Always My Brother.
In Loving memory
By Zi Lu
on Zi On’s Anniversary 5-Dec 2008
In Memory Of You
In Memory Of You
We want to always remember
The beautiful life you lived
Treasured memories of times spent
And how much to us you meant
And how much to us you meant
We want to always remember
Your love, laughter and warm smile
Your gentle spirit and heart of gold
These are memories we dearly hold
Your gentle spirit and heart of gold
These are memories we dearly hold
We want to always remember
Your faith and love for God
To Jesus your Saviour and Friend
You were steadfast to the very end
Although we miss you so very much
We know we’ll see you once more
For this is the hope we have in God
That we will be re-united in the Lord
On this day and the days ahead
We want to always remember
And most of all we thank God for you
As we honour the memory of you
≈ John 11:25-26 ≈
In loving memory of my dear & beloved nephew, Kerk Zi On
With much love,
Aunty Cho Bee
December 5, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Today I stand still a minute in memory of Zi On
He is surrounded by all the angels in heaven
Dear Kerks,
Today I stand still a minute in memory of Zi On. Though he is no longer with us, rest assured he is with his Creator, who loved him most all. He is surrounded by all the angels in heaven, and singing "Alleluia" Praise be the name of Jesus, "Alleluia".
Love,
Tah Chieh/Tua Ee
5-12-2008
Dear Kerks,
Today I stand still a minute in memory of Zi On. Though he is no longer with us, rest assured he is with his Creator, who loved him most all. He is surrounded by all the angels in heaven, and singing "Alleluia" Praise be the name of Jesus, "Alleluia".
Love,
Tah Chieh/Tua Ee
5-12-2008
Zi On, Precious child of God
No tears are shed in heaven
and I know the reason why
Hi Cho and Kerk,
Just penned these words that came to mind and reflect and pray with you in your journey with Zi On...steve
It is a year since you went away
Without a word or smile
a hug or cuddle to lighten my day
Sorrow knows no end
without your presence near
And if only you weren't so far away
I'd hold you close like that first day!
You came into our lives when you were born
and now Zi On you've suddenly gone.
A year has passed and we are a year closer
to seeing each other in our eternal final home.
Knowing you are with God makes it much easier
Oh what comfort to know you're safe and sound.
Rejoicing with the children of heaven in song
with the righteous of Christ where you belong.
I think of you and it still makes me cry
I still long for you and God knows why
It's been a slow year coming this anniversary.
No tears are shed in heaven
and I know the reason why
All the tears are shed down here
and they're rather slow to dry
My arms are empty, my heart -
like a jigsaw has a piece missing
Only you Zi On can
prevent it from breaking.
The thought of you will live on with us
until that day we see you again
and rise into the presence of God
and there you will be patiently waiting
and gently wipe the tears from our eyes.
Then we will rejoice and say together
Hallelujah a million times that
death couldn't keep us asunder
And now we'll always be together -
in the everlasting presence of God
who all his children will soon gather
in Heaven to rejoice
though now I long to hear your voice
and touch you once more
though now I am content with the memory
of your love and the life we had together.
Zi On, Precious child of God -
whom we raised for God
to whom we willingly, humbly surrender.
Steve Oh
on the Anniversary of Zi On
5-12-2008
and I know the reason why
Hi Cho and Kerk,
Just penned these words that came to mind and reflect and pray with you in your journey with Zi On...steve
It is a year since you went away
Without a word or smile
a hug or cuddle to lighten my day
Sorrow knows no end
without your presence near
And if only you weren't so far away
I'd hold you close like that first day!
You came into our lives when you were born
and now Zi On you've suddenly gone.
A year has passed and we are a year closer
to seeing each other in our eternal final home.
Knowing you are with God makes it much easier
Oh what comfort to know you're safe and sound.
Rejoicing with the children of heaven in song
with the righteous of Christ where you belong.
I think of you and it still makes me cry
I still long for you and God knows why
It's been a slow year coming this anniversary.
No tears are shed in heaven
and I know the reason why
All the tears are shed down here
and they're rather slow to dry
My arms are empty, my heart -
like a jigsaw has a piece missing
Only you Zi On can
prevent it from breaking.
The thought of you will live on with us
until that day we see you again
and rise into the presence of God
and there you will be patiently waiting
and gently wipe the tears from our eyes.
Then we will rejoice and say together
Hallelujah a million times that
death couldn't keep us asunder
And now we'll always be together -
in the everlasting presence of God
who all his children will soon gather
in Heaven to rejoice
though now I long to hear your voice
and touch you once more
though now I am content with the memory
of your love and the life we had together.
Zi On, Precious child of God -
whom we raised for God
to whom we willingly, humbly surrender.
Steve Oh
on the Anniversary of Zi On
5-12-2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Kerk Zi On - 1st Anniversary - 5 December 2008
In loving memory of my great son, Kerk Zi On -
On the 1st anniversary of your glorious departure on 5 Dec 2007
My dearest Zi On,
A year has passed since you left us without a good-bye to your dear papa, mama and brother Zi Lu, without a call, and not a word. But you left us with an forgettable smiling face - that last picture you took with your friends at the beach by the rock, you looked happy and full of life, life of youth at its peak, with a smile that radiates from a heart that is ever full of gentleness and love. You left us without a trace of where you have gone to, without a hint where you could have finally ended. Where are you, son? Silence…more silence. Only God knows.
You ended your earthly journey from that beautiful island Moreton where you bravely rode upon the mighty waves, and eventually and blissfully rested in the deep blue ocean or by the rocky shore, never to look back at what you left behind. But you did leave behind a life – that of another person, which you bravely saved and in the process sacrificially lost your own.
Sudden shock pounded on us. More shock, hard and merciless, swept over us like the mighty waves, followed by utter disbelief. You had gone? Just like that? Our hearts sank into a deep and dark hollow. Then came bewilderment and anguish. “He saved a life. O God, were Your hands too short to save his? Where were You in that hour when we needed You most for our dear son and brother?” We helplessly asked. News broke out – they called you a hero of the Bay! For us it was just the beginning of endless tears, unceasing pain, and deep sorrow and grief inconsolable.
Not a day has since passed without Ma missing you, Zi On. Losing you is a loss that cannot be measured, and nothing can compensate, for nothing is good enough. How could you just go like that, son, my dear son? Ma just could not let you go. I often look into the sky, when I see some beautiful array of clouds in the wee morning, or a bright afternoon or when the sun is going down. I hope to get a glimpse of you in the clouds, imagining heaven is there, where you dwell safely in the arms of Jesus.
Our life over this year is like the live painting of the garden scene outside our house - Dark clouds approaching, hovering above, we hear the winds coming from far, coming near, sending frightened little birds hurriedly seeking shelter, then reaching a crescendo, they powerfully sweep the palms, causing them to sway and bend helplessly in the direction of the force of nature. Then the chief arrived - thundering storms accompanied by flickering lightning, turning into fearless flashes across the dark sky. And the rain continues, like millions of tear drops crying over the land without you, whispering a song of silent grief which grips and penetrates the heart. Ever since you left, the scene of the tropical thundering storm in the late afternoon plays too frequently in front of our house. Yes, the house you left, never to return, leaving your mom often motionless, watching the rain outside the window, and my heart weeps once again. Son, are you Ok in the far away sea? You must be cold?! Yet your loving mom could do nothing.
Rain and sorrow are synonymous to me since you left.
Amidst the pain and endless longing, I searched for the meaning of your sudden departure.
You are the son we prayed for, and God gave by grace, not just a son but an angel of a son. When your name was chosen, we asked that this son would develop godly attributes in his character, and that God would shine through his life:
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth”. Psalm 50:2
Looking back, I thank God that He molded and shaped you into a person whom He fulfilled that promise given 25 years ago. You have the most gentleness of spirit and a heart full of love. Your humility and meekness made me wonder with what strength you endured the arrogance and selfishness often seen in the world around you. Your ready smile characterized by a gentle spirit of kindness is what you gave to the world and to us. Son, my heart is full of your smiling face with the sweetest remembrance of you.
Son, Ma is now here in Brisbane, the last stop of your earthy journey where your heart was still searching for a brighter future in the horizon, where there were still many dreams you had desired to pursue and aspirations you had longed to fulfill.
Yet you had long decided that your aspiration was to be a man of substance, of courage, of true friendship. God granted your wish. That day, in the far away land, the beautiful Moreton Island, by the Bay surrounded by surging sea, you actually completed your mission on earth. Bravely taking your cross, you followed your Saviour’s footsteps. You gave your life for another person, thus fulfilling the word of the Lord,
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
And the Lord called you His friend.
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14.
And I know there awaited for you in heaven, a crown of glory, which the Lord has bestowed on you as He said “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy your Lord.."
I am proud to be your mom, my great son! My dear Zi On, rest peacefully in the bosom of Jesus. And I look forward to the glorious hope that we will meet you again.
On, I love you!
Your loving mom,
5-Dec 2008
On the 1st anniversary of your glorious departure on 5 Dec 2007
My dearest Zi On,
A year has passed since you left us without a good-bye to your dear papa, mama and brother Zi Lu, without a call, and not a word. But you left us with an forgettable smiling face - that last picture you took with your friends at the beach by the rock, you looked happy and full of life, life of youth at its peak, with a smile that radiates from a heart that is ever full of gentleness and love. You left us without a trace of where you have gone to, without a hint where you could have finally ended. Where are you, son? Silence…more silence. Only God knows.
You ended your earthly journey from that beautiful island Moreton where you bravely rode upon the mighty waves, and eventually and blissfully rested in the deep blue ocean or by the rocky shore, never to look back at what you left behind. But you did leave behind a life – that of another person, which you bravely saved and in the process sacrificially lost your own.
Sudden shock pounded on us. More shock, hard and merciless, swept over us like the mighty waves, followed by utter disbelief. You had gone? Just like that? Our hearts sank into a deep and dark hollow. Then came bewilderment and anguish. “He saved a life. O God, were Your hands too short to save his? Where were You in that hour when we needed You most for our dear son and brother?” We helplessly asked. News broke out – they called you a hero of the Bay! For us it was just the beginning of endless tears, unceasing pain, and deep sorrow and grief inconsolable.
Not a day has since passed without Ma missing you, Zi On. Losing you is a loss that cannot be measured, and nothing can compensate, for nothing is good enough. How could you just go like that, son, my dear son? Ma just could not let you go. I often look into the sky, when I see some beautiful array of clouds in the wee morning, or a bright afternoon or when the sun is going down. I hope to get a glimpse of you in the clouds, imagining heaven is there, where you dwell safely in the arms of Jesus.
Our life over this year is like the live painting of the garden scene outside our house - Dark clouds approaching, hovering above, we hear the winds coming from far, coming near, sending frightened little birds hurriedly seeking shelter, then reaching a crescendo, they powerfully sweep the palms, causing them to sway and bend helplessly in the direction of the force of nature. Then the chief arrived - thundering storms accompanied by flickering lightning, turning into fearless flashes across the dark sky. And the rain continues, like millions of tear drops crying over the land without you, whispering a song of silent grief which grips and penetrates the heart. Ever since you left, the scene of the tropical thundering storm in the late afternoon plays too frequently in front of our house. Yes, the house you left, never to return, leaving your mom often motionless, watching the rain outside the window, and my heart weeps once again. Son, are you Ok in the far away sea? You must be cold?! Yet your loving mom could do nothing.
Rain and sorrow are synonymous to me since you left.
Amidst the pain and endless longing, I searched for the meaning of your sudden departure.
You are the son we prayed for, and God gave by grace, not just a son but an angel of a son. When your name was chosen, we asked that this son would develop godly attributes in his character, and that God would shine through his life:
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth”. Psalm 50:2
Looking back, I thank God that He molded and shaped you into a person whom He fulfilled that promise given 25 years ago. You have the most gentleness of spirit and a heart full of love. Your humility and meekness made me wonder with what strength you endured the arrogance and selfishness often seen in the world around you. Your ready smile characterized by a gentle spirit of kindness is what you gave to the world and to us. Son, my heart is full of your smiling face with the sweetest remembrance of you.
Son, Ma is now here in Brisbane, the last stop of your earthy journey where your heart was still searching for a brighter future in the horizon, where there were still many dreams you had desired to pursue and aspirations you had longed to fulfill.
Yet you had long decided that your aspiration was to be a man of substance, of courage, of true friendship. God granted your wish. That day, in the far away land, the beautiful Moreton Island, by the Bay surrounded by surging sea, you actually completed your mission on earth. Bravely taking your cross, you followed your Saviour’s footsteps. You gave your life for another person, thus fulfilling the word of the Lord,
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
And the Lord called you His friend.
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14.
And I know there awaited for you in heaven, a crown of glory, which the Lord has bestowed on you as He said “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy your Lord.."
I am proud to be your mom, my great son! My dear Zi On, rest peacefully in the bosom of Jesus. And I look forward to the glorious hope that we will meet you again.
On, I love you!
Your loving mom,
5-Dec 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
You took it a step further and made a true calling to be a saint indeed!
Dear Zi On,
A friend in need is a friend indeed... You took it a step further and made a true calling to be a saint indeed!
Your courage will echo forever in the hearts of your friends, who all know that you are truly a hero, and that your selflessness is indeed a blessing for all of us, your friends. I am fortunate to be touched by your benevolence...
It is indeed a sad passing but certainly one which has impacted the true value of life. Your have given me a new meaning of life and simultaneously, the true meaning of selflessness. I am humbled by your action and I am certain that you will be in heaven, reading these, knowing that your action has rippled through the hearts of many... I believe many will not be able to contain their sorrows for this very unfortunate passing; but you have just ended one journey, and to begin a new one in the Arms of God.
As for Zi On’s close ones, your grief should be enveloped with pride. Zi On has shown true courage and spirit to do what many will never ever do.
Zi On, you will be missed...!
With heartfelt condolences for the real hero,
Kenny Tan...
April 2008
(for Zi On from a mate in ANU)
Dear Zi On,
A friend in need is a friend indeed... You took it a step further and made a true calling to be a saint indeed!
Your courage will echo forever in the hearts of your friends, who all know that you are truly a hero, and that your selflessness is indeed a blessing for all of us, your friends. I am fortunate to be touched by your benevolence...
It is indeed a sad passing but certainly one which has impacted the true value of life. Your have given me a new meaning of life and simultaneously, the true meaning of selflessness. I am humbled by your action and I am certain that you will be in heaven, reading these, knowing that your action has rippled through the hearts of many... I believe many will not be able to contain their sorrows for this very unfortunate passing; but you have just ended one journey, and to begin a new one in the Arms of God.
As for Zi On’s close ones, your grief should be enveloped with pride. Zi On has shown true courage and spirit to do what many will never ever do.
Zi On, you will be missed...!
With heartfelt condolences for the real hero,
Kenny Tan...
April 2008
(for Zi On from a mate in ANU)
It takes an extraordinary person to do what you did
I wonder how many people one would expect to meet in a lifetime
Even in a single day we encounter hundreds, possibly thousands, of individuals
They pass by us on the streets, they serve us at the checkout
They make our morning coffee, they work with us
They are friends of friends, they join our clubs
And every single person we meet and know will have some impact on our world
Some merely accompany us on this journey called life
They walk with us but do not change our paths
Others accentuate brief moments in time
They make these moments either brighter or darker
Others still spend entire chapters of life being a part of our lives
They influence our choices and see us through dark passages in time
And then there are those whose lives will intertwine with ours intimately
They can change the direction of our journeys entirely
They instill themselves in our hearts, and shape the musing of our minds
I never knew you well Zi On; that is my loss and regret
I read your testimonials and I realise what a fine man God was shaping you to be
You were, my parents' friends' son and our paths crossed only briefly during childhood
Yet, your passing and heroism has left a mark in my life
It has caused me to realise, once again, how fragile life is
How time is a gift from God that we can't claim for ourselves or take for granted
That the time to live life and show love is now, because tomorrow may never come
It has caused me to question how any one of us would have reacted in your shoes
Needless to say, it takes an extraordinary person to do what you did
And for that, I take my hat off to you and thank you
At first I could not understand, why God would allow this to happen
Why someone like you, the kind of man the world needs more of, had to leave
Why someone like you, who had so much to look forward to, had to go so early
But I have realised that God is God, and man is only man
Someone like you, has commanded a tremendous legacy through action and deed
Someone like you, is a testament to the greatest kind of love we could ever know
God's ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts
You were, and still are, so many things to so many people Zi On
To some, you were a companion on this sometime rocky earthly journey we walk
To others, you brought an extra smile or sparkle into short snippets in their lives
To others still, you were a confidant and friend, the one who made difficult days bearable
And then to some, you were the guy who coloured their world with rainbows
The one who left an empty hole where your presence, laugh, smile, love, used to be
But Jesus left an empty grave
Some grieved, but others who had revelation knew it meant something better
Not the end, but the beginning of something more incredible
In memory of you, Kerk Zi On.
Love in Christ
Ling Earn Teh, Melbourne Australia.
Even in a single day we encounter hundreds, possibly thousands, of individuals
They pass by us on the streets, they serve us at the checkout
They make our morning coffee, they work with us
They are friends of friends, they join our clubs
And every single person we meet and know will have some impact on our world
Some merely accompany us on this journey called life
They walk with us but do not change our paths
Others accentuate brief moments in time
They make these moments either brighter or darker
Others still spend entire chapters of life being a part of our lives
They influence our choices and see us through dark passages in time
And then there are those whose lives will intertwine with ours intimately
They can change the direction of our journeys entirely
They instill themselves in our hearts, and shape the musing of our minds
I never knew you well Zi On; that is my loss and regret
I read your testimonials and I realise what a fine man God was shaping you to be
You were, my parents' friends' son and our paths crossed only briefly during childhood
Yet, your passing and heroism has left a mark in my life
It has caused me to realise, once again, how fragile life is
How time is a gift from God that we can't claim for ourselves or take for granted
That the time to live life and show love is now, because tomorrow may never come
It has caused me to question how any one of us would have reacted in your shoes
Needless to say, it takes an extraordinary person to do what you did
And for that, I take my hat off to you and thank you
At first I could not understand, why God would allow this to happen
Why someone like you, the kind of man the world needs more of, had to leave
Why someone like you, who had so much to look forward to, had to go so early
But I have realised that God is God, and man is only man
Someone like you, has commanded a tremendous legacy through action and deed
Someone like you, is a testament to the greatest kind of love we could ever know
God's ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts
You were, and still are, so many things to so many people Zi On
To some, you were a companion on this sometime rocky earthly journey we walk
To others, you brought an extra smile or sparkle into short snippets in their lives
To others still, you were a confidant and friend, the one who made difficult days bearable
And then to some, you were the guy who coloured their world with rainbows
The one who left an empty hole where your presence, laugh, smile, love, used to be
But Jesus left an empty grave
Some grieved, but others who had revelation knew it meant something better
Not the end, but the beginning of something more incredible
In memory of you, Kerk Zi On.
Love in Christ
Ling Earn Teh, Melbourne Australia.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Almost anything reminds me of you!
My Dearest Zi On
It is 5 August today, my son, you have left us for 8 months. Still trying to settle down in your new home? How are you my son?
I miss you and I am still missing you. Tears fill my eyes easily as I look around the empty living room, and remember the time you sat at the sofa reading about speed-reading. I remember the time you were here teaching me some physical exercise which you believed was good for our health. I remember you took a picture of the main entrance door, hoping to record the familiar sound when the door is being opened or shut, you said you wanted to capture that sound, that part of your childhood or teenage years. Everything is still the same here in this quiet afternoon. But everything is not same anymore without you!
I just made two cups of coffee-one for me and one for you. A while ago, I was chatting with Hui, your NZ friend and who has become my NZ friend and daughter too. I told her that as I looked out from the big window, outside is a beautiful display of colours with blooming bougainvillea and many shades of green coming from various plants in our not- too-well maintained garden. Then I suggested as we chatted over the Internet, “Why don’t we have coffee, it is very warm here but cold in NZ.” So we did. As I sipped the coffee, I felt your presence in my heart, and Hui and I celebrated your life, the life of a Hero following the footsteps of Jesus, the life of an Angel who lives forever in our hearts.
Son, in 3 more days the world will be watching the Olympic Games. The Beijing Olympics is eagerly expected by everyone. I am sure you were looking forward to watch this world event, where the best of the world are competing with true spirit of sportsmanship and for the glory of Sports. I told Ying over the phone this morning that you don’t even have a chance to watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She said, “No he will watch the Games from where he is.” And your Aunt Cho Bee said, “Zi On is getting front row VIP seats watching the Olympics from above!!” I believe so, you will watch it with great enthusiasm. In my mind I can see you smiling away and then eagerly cheering your favourite sportsman or country.
Oh yes, today I read about Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Germany’s Borussia Dortmund in Rotterdam on Sunday to help the Londoners bag the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament. Zi On, so once again, your favourite team has made you proud. Cheers!
Almost anything reminds me of you!
Son, my On, how am I going to continue my life without you? Recently at a church service in Kulim, I heard a very touching testimony from Pastor Albert Simon. His life was almost like Job, filled with real trials whether hardship, poverty, near-death sickness and ill-treatment due to his work for Jesus. Yet God sent “angels” to lift him up at each trial and then at each turn of event, God used him to minister to many people. I was very encouraged by his story. That evening, in Kulim, I was reminded to trust God by learning to be still before Him.
Zi On, Psalm 46:10 says: “Be Still and know that I am God”. When the going is tough, remember to cling to Jesus and be still before Him. I know I need to quiet my spirit and still my soul before our loving Shepherd and know that He is God. Son, that is what I will do, and that is what we will do.
Is everything not the same anymore without you? I ask myself. Our loving God remains the same, He changes not!
Love you forever, miss you every day, our dear Zi On.
Mama with Pa and Zi Lu
05-08-2008
My Dearest Zi On
It is 5 August today, my son, you have left us for 8 months. Still trying to settle down in your new home? How are you my son?
I miss you and I am still missing you. Tears fill my eyes easily as I look around the empty living room, and remember the time you sat at the sofa reading about speed-reading. I remember the time you were here teaching me some physical exercise which you believed was good for our health. I remember you took a picture of the main entrance door, hoping to record the familiar sound when the door is being opened or shut, you said you wanted to capture that sound, that part of your childhood or teenage years. Everything is still the same here in this quiet afternoon. But everything is not same anymore without you!
I just made two cups of coffee-one for me and one for you. A while ago, I was chatting with Hui, your NZ friend and who has become my NZ friend and daughter too. I told her that as I looked out from the big window, outside is a beautiful display of colours with blooming bougainvillea and many shades of green coming from various plants in our not- too-well maintained garden. Then I suggested as we chatted over the Internet, “Why don’t we have coffee, it is very warm here but cold in NZ.” So we did. As I sipped the coffee, I felt your presence in my heart, and Hui and I celebrated your life, the life of a Hero following the footsteps of Jesus, the life of an Angel who lives forever in our hearts.
Son, in 3 more days the world will be watching the Olympic Games. The Beijing Olympics is eagerly expected by everyone. I am sure you were looking forward to watch this world event, where the best of the world are competing with true spirit of sportsmanship and for the glory of Sports. I told Ying over the phone this morning that you don’t even have a chance to watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She said, “No he will watch the Games from where he is.” And your Aunt Cho Bee said, “Zi On is getting front row VIP seats watching the Olympics from above!!” I believe so, you will watch it with great enthusiasm. In my mind I can see you smiling away and then eagerly cheering your favourite sportsman or country.
Oh yes, today I read about Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Germany’s Borussia Dortmund in Rotterdam on Sunday to help the Londoners bag the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament. Zi On, so once again, your favourite team has made you proud. Cheers!
Almost anything reminds me of you!
Son, my On, how am I going to continue my life without you? Recently at a church service in Kulim, I heard a very touching testimony from Pastor Albert Simon. His life was almost like Job, filled with real trials whether hardship, poverty, near-death sickness and ill-treatment due to his work for Jesus. Yet God sent “angels” to lift him up at each trial and then at each turn of event, God used him to minister to many people. I was very encouraged by his story. That evening, in Kulim, I was reminded to trust God by learning to be still before Him.
Zi On, Psalm 46:10 says: “Be Still and know that I am God”. When the going is tough, remember to cling to Jesus and be still before Him. I know I need to quiet my spirit and still my soul before our loving Shepherd and know that He is God. Son, that is what I will do, and that is what we will do.
Is everything not the same anymore without you? I ask myself. Our loving God remains the same, He changes not!
Love you forever, miss you every day, our dear Zi On.
Mama with Pa and Zi Lu
05-08-2008
If there is a way to measure a mother's love
Dear Zi On
Can' t let you go from my thoughts. I owe you billions. If there is a way to measure a mother's love, I owe you billions and billions.
I see a lot of birds around our house, I think of you, you said you wanted to see the birds around Unitata the last time you were back. I look out from the window, I hope you would walk past. I read casually sport news, I think of how much you loved football and had always dreamed of seeing a live UK or world match. I remember you copied many recipes from my cooking recipe books, you had wanted to cook yourself nicer meals when you returned to Australia and had to be on your own. I remember you read seriously "How to improve your reading speed” and eagerly shared the first chapter with me and taught me how to apply it. You always wanted to improve yourself. That afternoon we sat on the two sofas next to each other in our living room, reading about speed-reading. Now I look across and see only the empty sofas, still with the same cushions. I want to write emails to you, if only you can receive and read the tears now in the lines of my words. I call you, “On… On” and I "hear" your usual response, “Ma, Ma, how are you?" That unique voice that belongs to you alone and I privileged alone to hear the gentle calling. I often look at the sky, the morning scene-the promise of a new day, or the evening clouds wrapped in golden rays, I look and look, the sky is never the same, but my wish doesn't change, can I get a glimpse of my dear son up there?...Many ways, I can think of you, many moments, countless, I just long for you.
I know God knows, and I wish you know, your mother just can't stop missing you!
With love
Mama
21 July 2008
Dear Zi On
Can' t let you go from my thoughts. I owe you billions. If there is a way to measure a mother's love, I owe you billions and billions.
I see a lot of birds around our house, I think of you, you said you wanted to see the birds around Unitata the last time you were back. I look out from the window, I hope you would walk past. I read casually sport news, I think of how much you loved football and had always dreamed of seeing a live UK or world match. I remember you copied many recipes from my cooking recipe books, you had wanted to cook yourself nicer meals when you returned to Australia and had to be on your own. I remember you read seriously "How to improve your reading speed” and eagerly shared the first chapter with me and taught me how to apply it. You always wanted to improve yourself. That afternoon we sat on the two sofas next to each other in our living room, reading about speed-reading. Now I look across and see only the empty sofas, still with the same cushions. I want to write emails to you, if only you can receive and read the tears now in the lines of my words. I call you, “On… On” and I "hear" your usual response, “Ma, Ma, how are you?" That unique voice that belongs to you alone and I privileged alone to hear the gentle calling. I often look at the sky, the morning scene-the promise of a new day, or the evening clouds wrapped in golden rays, I look and look, the sky is never the same, but my wish doesn't change, can I get a glimpse of my dear son up there?...Many ways, I can think of you, many moments, countless, I just long for you.
I know God knows, and I wish you know, your mother just can't stop missing you!
With love
Mama
21 July 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Zi On's Story
Reflection
2008-07-14
Zi On’s Story
by Steve Oh
I was in Teluk Intan recently. While navigating my car through the labyrinth
of jay-walkers I spied a curious-looking structure. Then I remembered about the Malaysian answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I was told it used to be a water tank built by a rich Chinese businessman. It reminded me of the slanted morals of some politicians and how their crooked leanings will eventually make them topple over.
Believe it or not, when I was lost and asked for help, the strangers I had approached stopped someone who turned out to be a teacher at the place where I was supposed to go. Over the years I have grown to know what providence means. My God, Jehovah Jireh, is precisely that: he provides, even in the small things.
“When God is in control, nothing is out of control” is a lesson I learned some time ago. “Fret not at evildoers,” the Psalmist advises. The one who trusts in God will not be in a hurry, will not be flustered, will not be anxious. “Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” makes sense when we experience it through habit.
My purpose in visiting Teluk Intan was to be at a memorial service. Zi On had apparently drowned after saving a Korean woman off a beach in Queensland. He was the son of Kerk Choon Keng ( a senior executive of Unitata) and Cho Tan, and the brother of Zi Lu. I learned he was a bright, talented, handsome and godly young man, who was pursuing a Masters Degree and had everything to look forward to, from an exchange of emails with his parents, Navigators alumni whom I’d met in New Zealand as students.
I had felt burdened to write a couple of songs for Zi On whom I had never met. But in the spirit I felt a strong sense of closeness to him because of his commitment to God and struggle to grow in his relationship with his Heavenly Father. Like many young people in their twenties Zi On searched for his purpose in life. Yet he longed not for the success many young and even older people seek but something more substantial. Later, a prayer from his diary which his mother, Cho Tan, sent me enabled me to peer inside Zi On’ s deepest thoughts.
This was Zi On’s Prayer:
Make me a man of substance
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship.
As I pondered the words I caught a glimpse of the soul of the man who could on reflex sacrifice himself so that another could live. Who among us would not be thinking of our own safety when facing such danger? Yet Zi On did something that was second nature to him, assuredly the fruit of his walk with God. His life has always been one of caring concern for others. A Boys Brigade leader, he proved that character was everything as his prayer reveals.
In the noble sacrifice Zi On paid the ultimate price to save another. While Zi On saved one life in a physical way, Jesus saves the world in a spiritual sense. God answered and Zi On personified his own prayer. The world is such a richer place because there are people who think of others before self. Many people die for vain and futile causes but to die to save a life is the supreme act of love.
In Sylvester Stallone’s latest Rambo movie, he made a poignant statement, “It is better to die for something than to live for nothing.” As Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” and to die for a stranger is even more amazing.
While many pursue their careers, Zi On reflected on what really matters in life. He was not satisfied with the superficial, he wanted something of substance. “So young and so spiritually mature,” said a friend after Zi On’s memorial service. His maturity must humble us and challenge us not to live by the standards of the world but the holiness of Christ, who taught us not to love the world but to love God and our fellow men.
He came to serve, not to be served, and we lead by serving.
Zi On’s story is a challenge to me. Today he is still listed as a missing person. But I know that he is no longer missing because God has planned something better. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Jesus once asked those looking for his missing body they had buried in a tomb. Zi On like Enoch walked with God and has simply walked into his mansion in Heaven. “Though he dies, he will live,” Jesus promised.
At Zi On’s memorial service on Sunday 22 June, almost six hundred thronged the Methodist Centre Church in Teluk Intan to celebrate his life. A musician friend I had brought along to accompany me read the letters and testimonies that his parents had painstakingly pasted on the walls in one of the rooms in the church. He was touched and insisted in paying for some orchids I had bought for Zi On.
As the country is bewildered by the political twists and the political arena becomes bloodied and truth is churned in the cauldron of conspiracy and lies, how then shall we respond? How should Christians in politics behave? No different I guess from one in any other profession.
The truth is those who want to live for righteousness will face persecution whatever they do wherever they are. The honest judge who has to make a just decision against political pressure, the accountant who refuses to sign a cheque to pay off a corrupt supplier, the salesman who refuses to tell lies and so on. Everyone who wants to live an upright life in a crooked society will face perils of one sort or another.
“In this world you will have tribulation, “Jesus said, and he comforts, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We can overcome evil with good because love never fails. In the face of the prevalent evil around us, we are not to repay wrong with wrong but do all in our power to do what is just and good.
It does not make us bimbos, or turn us into passive mats to be trampled on but it makes us act consistently as children of light - truthful, firm and forthright. We should be grateful we do not live in a country where the power of the gun rules. There is hope for reason to prevail. And those who see only the giants in the land of Canaan will never enter the Promise Land and watch God perform exploits.
The challenge is for the younger generation not to be inordinately concerned with careers to the detriment of their spiritual and social responsibilities. But it is also a responsibility for all including older men and women. A few weeks ago a sixty-year old friend divulged he had joined a political party. He related that when he told his wife, she retorted, “What took you so long?” Sitting on the fence is for crows. God’s people are always on the righteous side of the fence. They are not beholden to any who commit and promote wrongdoing but those who do right because righteousness exalts a nation.
Zi On’s story is a challenge to us all especially the young to look for something of substance to build into their lives and to do for others. I hope God’s people will not dress up for battle and then go to bed. This is the problem of heart-warming sermons that send the soldiers home Sunday after Sunday without a plan of action. Sermons are only as good as the practical applications that result. Vain is the preacher who sees the sermon as the end not the means. Changed lives and transformed societies is what church is about.
Help those in need, act and avoid excuses. We are to be those who put our hands to the plough, who are not afraid of anyone or anything because “if God is for us who can be against us?” Many want God on their side but are they on his side? God sides with the humble and just and supports those who help the needy but will punish those who do evil.
2008-07-14
Zi On’s Story
by Steve Oh
I was in Teluk Intan recently. While navigating my car through the labyrinth
of jay-walkers I spied a curious-looking structure. Then I remembered about the Malaysian answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I was told it used to be a water tank built by a rich Chinese businessman. It reminded me of the slanted morals of some politicians and how their crooked leanings will eventually make them topple over.
Believe it or not, when I was lost and asked for help, the strangers I had approached stopped someone who turned out to be a teacher at the place where I was supposed to go. Over the years I have grown to know what providence means. My God, Jehovah Jireh, is precisely that: he provides, even in the small things.
“When God is in control, nothing is out of control” is a lesson I learned some time ago. “Fret not at evildoers,” the Psalmist advises. The one who trusts in God will not be in a hurry, will not be flustered, will not be anxious. “Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” makes sense when we experience it through habit.
My purpose in visiting Teluk Intan was to be at a memorial service. Zi On had apparently drowned after saving a Korean woman off a beach in Queensland. He was the son of Kerk Choon Keng ( a senior executive of Unitata) and Cho Tan, and the brother of Zi Lu. I learned he was a bright, talented, handsome and godly young man, who was pursuing a Masters Degree and had everything to look forward to, from an exchange of emails with his parents, Navigators alumni whom I’d met in New Zealand as students.
I had felt burdened to write a couple of songs for Zi On whom I had never met. But in the spirit I felt a strong sense of closeness to him because of his commitment to God and struggle to grow in his relationship with his Heavenly Father. Like many young people in their twenties Zi On searched for his purpose in life. Yet he longed not for the success many young and even older people seek but something more substantial. Later, a prayer from his diary which his mother, Cho Tan, sent me enabled me to peer inside Zi On’ s deepest thoughts.
This was Zi On’s Prayer:
Make me a man of substance
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship.
As I pondered the words I caught a glimpse of the soul of the man who could on reflex sacrifice himself so that another could live. Who among us would not be thinking of our own safety when facing such danger? Yet Zi On did something that was second nature to him, assuredly the fruit of his walk with God. His life has always been one of caring concern for others. A Boys Brigade leader, he proved that character was everything as his prayer reveals.
In the noble sacrifice Zi On paid the ultimate price to save another. While Zi On saved one life in a physical way, Jesus saves the world in a spiritual sense. God answered and Zi On personified his own prayer. The world is such a richer place because there are people who think of others before self. Many people die for vain and futile causes but to die to save a life is the supreme act of love.
In Sylvester Stallone’s latest Rambo movie, he made a poignant statement, “It is better to die for something than to live for nothing.” As Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” and to die for a stranger is even more amazing.
While many pursue their careers, Zi On reflected on what really matters in life. He was not satisfied with the superficial, he wanted something of substance. “So young and so spiritually mature,” said a friend after Zi On’s memorial service. His maturity must humble us and challenge us not to live by the standards of the world but the holiness of Christ, who taught us not to love the world but to love God and our fellow men.
He came to serve, not to be served, and we lead by serving.
Zi On’s story is a challenge to me. Today he is still listed as a missing person. But I know that he is no longer missing because God has planned something better. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Jesus once asked those looking for his missing body they had buried in a tomb. Zi On like Enoch walked with God and has simply walked into his mansion in Heaven. “Though he dies, he will live,” Jesus promised.
At Zi On’s memorial service on Sunday 22 June, almost six hundred thronged the Methodist Centre Church in Teluk Intan to celebrate his life. A musician friend I had brought along to accompany me read the letters and testimonies that his parents had painstakingly pasted on the walls in one of the rooms in the church. He was touched and insisted in paying for some orchids I had bought for Zi On.
As the country is bewildered by the political twists and the political arena becomes bloodied and truth is churned in the cauldron of conspiracy and lies, how then shall we respond? How should Christians in politics behave? No different I guess from one in any other profession.
The truth is those who want to live for righteousness will face persecution whatever they do wherever they are. The honest judge who has to make a just decision against political pressure, the accountant who refuses to sign a cheque to pay off a corrupt supplier, the salesman who refuses to tell lies and so on. Everyone who wants to live an upright life in a crooked society will face perils of one sort or another.
“In this world you will have tribulation, “Jesus said, and he comforts, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We can overcome evil with good because love never fails. In the face of the prevalent evil around us, we are not to repay wrong with wrong but do all in our power to do what is just and good.
It does not make us bimbos, or turn us into passive mats to be trampled on but it makes us act consistently as children of light - truthful, firm and forthright. We should be grateful we do not live in a country where the power of the gun rules. There is hope for reason to prevail. And those who see only the giants in the land of Canaan will never enter the Promise Land and watch God perform exploits.
The challenge is for the younger generation not to be inordinately concerned with careers to the detriment of their spiritual and social responsibilities. But it is also a responsibility for all including older men and women. A few weeks ago a sixty-year old friend divulged he had joined a political party. He related that when he told his wife, she retorted, “What took you so long?” Sitting on the fence is for crows. God’s people are always on the righteous side of the fence. They are not beholden to any who commit and promote wrongdoing but those who do right because righteousness exalts a nation.
Zi On’s story is a challenge to us all especially the young to look for something of substance to build into their lives and to do for others. I hope God’s people will not dress up for battle and then go to bed. This is the problem of heart-warming sermons that send the soldiers home Sunday after Sunday without a plan of action. Sermons are only as good as the practical applications that result. Vain is the preacher who sees the sermon as the end not the means. Changed lives and transformed societies is what church is about.
Help those in need, act and avoid excuses. We are to be those who put our hands to the plough, who are not afraid of anyone or anything because “if God is for us who can be against us?” Many want God on their side but are they on his side? God sides with the humble and just and supports those who help the needy but will punish those who do evil.
From the heart of a father
Celebration of Life – Kerk Zi On
Tribute Service held on 22 June 2008, at Teluk Intan Wesley Methodist Church, Malaysia
From the heart of a father –
Sharing by Kerk Choon Keng, Zi On’s dad, at the Service
1. Welcome and thank you.
President of Trac Rev. Ong Hwai Teik, all our dear friends and relatives,
Cho Tan, Zi Lu and I are deeply touched by all of you leaving everything just to be with us today. Many of you have to travel long distances from North, South and East of the Malay Peninsula and from Singapore. Some of you have to take special leave and cancel other appointments to travel from Australia, Canada and Mongolia in order to be with us today.
One author beautifully describes what friendship is. He said, “friends are just like stars. You will not see them during your bright day light. However, they will appear when your day turns into dark night.” My dear friends thank you for being the Stars of my life and my family’s lives. Your presence brighten our darken soul.
2. Our feelings
It was a traumatic time for me and my family when the Brisbane Marine Police broke the news about our son Zi On on 5-12- 2007. It was just like the blood stained robe of Joseph brought home to his father Jacob. Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for me the father to go ahead to “sheol” instead of my son.
All of you are saddened and in grief with us over what had happened to our son Zi On. The following words forwarded to us by two of our dear friends would precisely describe the inner feeling for most of us here.
Koay Chee Hoe from Bangladesh wrote:
“I’m sorry it has taken me this long to write to you… not that I have forgotten you… the simple reason is, I didn’t know what to write, where to begin, how to make sense of all this……
“I wept the first time I read your letter, and I still weep every time I read it or the blogs dedicated to Zi On. If for me the tears cannot stop flowing, I can’t imagine how much you’ve already shed.”
Adrian Ding wrote:
“ I sat in silence and share your deep sorrow and pray the Father will cover you with His grace for a time such as this.”
3. Our comfort
In our grief, we found comfort when we discovered Zi On’s devotional diary-through which we are assured of his faith and devotion to God. This also helps us to have a deeper understanding of his inner man.
This Tribute Service is carried out with three purposes:
a. To bring to all our dear friends and relatives first hand information about Zi On’s life, his beliefs and his journey to glory.
b. We have received more than 150 tributes written on Zi On’s life from our friends and Zi On’s friends and relatives. These words of encouragement we want to share with you and hopefully they will bring you comfort as they have brought to us. We know it is difficult for you to go through all of them today; we have recorded the two power-point presentations and most of the tributes into a CD for you to take home. Pastors and various Ministry leaders, if the content of the CD can be an encouragement to the people you are ministering to, you are welcome to use them.
c. That the name of God be glorified through the act of His servant Zi On.
We are just like Mary and Joseph, after Jesus was crucified, nothing else could be done except to return to Galilee. The rest, we leave it to the hand of the almighty God. Only He alone can glorify His holy name.
Lastly, I want to share with you fifty four sentences I have written for Zi On. It took me a long time to complete them as each thought brought grief and pain and I had to stop until I could pick up again. (See below)
Tribute Service held on 22 June 2008, at Teluk Intan Wesley Methodist Church, Malaysia
From the heart of a father –
Sharing by Kerk Choon Keng, Zi On’s dad, at the Service
1. Welcome and thank you.
President of Trac Rev. Ong Hwai Teik, all our dear friends and relatives,
Cho Tan, Zi Lu and I are deeply touched by all of you leaving everything just to be with us today. Many of you have to travel long distances from North, South and East of the Malay Peninsula and from Singapore. Some of you have to take special leave and cancel other appointments to travel from Australia, Canada and Mongolia in order to be with us today.
One author beautifully describes what friendship is. He said, “friends are just like stars. You will not see them during your bright day light. However, they will appear when your day turns into dark night.” My dear friends thank you for being the Stars of my life and my family’s lives. Your presence brighten our darken soul.
2. Our feelings
It was a traumatic time for me and my family when the Brisbane Marine Police broke the news about our son Zi On on 5-12- 2007. It was just like the blood stained robe of Joseph brought home to his father Jacob. Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for me the father to go ahead to “sheol” instead of my son.
All of you are saddened and in grief with us over what had happened to our son Zi On. The following words forwarded to us by two of our dear friends would precisely describe the inner feeling for most of us here.
Koay Chee Hoe from Bangladesh wrote:
“I’m sorry it has taken me this long to write to you… not that I have forgotten you… the simple reason is, I didn’t know what to write, where to begin, how to make sense of all this……
“I wept the first time I read your letter, and I still weep every time I read it or the blogs dedicated to Zi On. If for me the tears cannot stop flowing, I can’t imagine how much you’ve already shed.”
Adrian Ding wrote:
“ I sat in silence and share your deep sorrow and pray the Father will cover you with His grace for a time such as this.”
3. Our comfort
In our grief, we found comfort when we discovered Zi On’s devotional diary-through which we are assured of his faith and devotion to God. This also helps us to have a deeper understanding of his inner man.
This Tribute Service is carried out with three purposes:
a. To bring to all our dear friends and relatives first hand information about Zi On’s life, his beliefs and his journey to glory.
b. We have received more than 150 tributes written on Zi On’s life from our friends and Zi On’s friends and relatives. These words of encouragement we want to share with you and hopefully they will bring you comfort as they have brought to us. We know it is difficult for you to go through all of them today; we have recorded the two power-point presentations and most of the tributes into a CD for you to take home. Pastors and various Ministry leaders, if the content of the CD can be an encouragement to the people you are ministering to, you are welcome to use them.
c. That the name of God be glorified through the act of His servant Zi On.
We are just like Mary and Joseph, after Jesus was crucified, nothing else could be done except to return to Galilee. The rest, we leave it to the hand of the almighty God. Only He alone can glorify His holy name.
Lastly, I want to share with you fifty four sentences I have written for Zi On. It took me a long time to complete them as each thought brought grief and pain and I had to stop until I could pick up again. (See below)
Today Is Your Birthday Mama Will Not Cry
My dear Son, Zi On,
Mama says today is your birthday, she will not cry,
I am not sure I can even if I try.
I keep myself busy whole morning with earthly chore,
living as if everything is normal as before.
Numbing the senses just to ease the wound deep in the core,
Fond memory of you takes no second for the pain to soar.
Mama says today I have to write something for you.
Twenty six years ago our baby Zi On arrived with the midnight dew,
Simmering joyful excitement and knitting hope in our soul.
What name shall we give our son?
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Psalms 50:2 is our dream your life will one day surge for.
Oh, Moreton, Moreton, a perfect spot wrinkles into soul chilling grill,
Sweet surfing sea suddenly ruptures into life searching field.
“Joseph’s blood-stained robe brought home to Jacob” * 1
Was the Brisbane Police’s breaking news for the soul to choke.
Fanning worldwide prayer support to seek God’s alternate plan,
Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for dad to Sheol if it can.
No one can serve two Masters, you have chosen the best,
Seeking the Lord’s molding hands shaping your life to fit His chest.
“Make me a man of courage and substance,
Make me a man of drive and persistence,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship and dependability. a*
“Greater love has no one than this that a man lay down his life for his friends”,
“You are my friends if you do what I command”, for the heart of God is love and not frail.
The surging sea and crushing waves witness two strangers in distress,
I will do what I can to relieve the pain of the mothers of the drowning guests.
“Why am I fearful, O me of little faith? Jesus as I’m with You, be with me now.”a*
“For unto Thee I surrender my life”, show me the beauty of your wonderful how!
The bravery in the blood swells,
When the drowning girls yell.
Sure and Steadfast the motto built to last,
The courage of Brigade Sergeant did not lose its cast.
Dashing forward against the mounting waves,
Pushing the distressed to safety before succumbing to the potent sway.
Were You there, when the sea turned ugly?
Were You there, when our son in dire need?
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ? *2
Ah, wantonly we had deserted you when you cried for aids!
Pain and grief overwhelmed our sky dark,
Valley of sorrow our heavenly Father trailing with us.
O my God, why is Psalm 22:1-6 instead of Psalm 23:1-6 my soul dwell,
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood that swell, *3
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways
As heavens are higher, so are my ways and thoughts higher.*4
How preciously guarded is the name of the Lord’s Holy hill,
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” shall remain still.
O dear Zi On, proud you hang on to faith in God,
Absolutely make us feel little when you walk our talk.
Beauty of your spirit shall continue to radiate the eternal light,
Brighten up the path for all who tread on the dark side.
Assured you will sit with the martyrs when we see you on The Day,
Today is your birthday, she will not cry, Mama says.
With love and endless memories
Papa
14-Jan-2008
Note:
*1 - Genesis 37: 5-35
*2 - Isaiah 49:15
*3 - Psalm 29:10
*4 - Isaiah 55:8-9
a* - Extracts from Zi On’s diary
Mama says today is your birthday, she will not cry,
I am not sure I can even if I try.
I keep myself busy whole morning with earthly chore,
living as if everything is normal as before.
Numbing the senses just to ease the wound deep in the core,
Fond memory of you takes no second for the pain to soar.
Mama says today I have to write something for you.
Twenty six years ago our baby Zi On arrived with the midnight dew,
Simmering joyful excitement and knitting hope in our soul.
What name shall we give our son?
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Psalms 50:2 is our dream your life will one day surge for.
Oh, Moreton, Moreton, a perfect spot wrinkles into soul chilling grill,
Sweet surfing sea suddenly ruptures into life searching field.
“Joseph’s blood-stained robe brought home to Jacob” * 1
Was the Brisbane Police’s breaking news for the soul to choke.
Fanning worldwide prayer support to seek God’s alternate plan,
Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for dad to Sheol if it can.
No one can serve two Masters, you have chosen the best,
Seeking the Lord’s molding hands shaping your life to fit His chest.
“Make me a man of courage and substance,
Make me a man of drive and persistence,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship and dependability. a*
“Greater love has no one than this that a man lay down his life for his friends”,
“You are my friends if you do what I command”, for the heart of God is love and not frail.
The surging sea and crushing waves witness two strangers in distress,
I will do what I can to relieve the pain of the mothers of the drowning guests.
“Why am I fearful, O me of little faith? Jesus as I’m with You, be with me now.”a*
“For unto Thee I surrender my life”, show me the beauty of your wonderful how!
The bravery in the blood swells,
When the drowning girls yell.
Sure and Steadfast the motto built to last,
The courage of Brigade Sergeant did not lose its cast.
Dashing forward against the mounting waves,
Pushing the distressed to safety before succumbing to the potent sway.
Were You there, when the sea turned ugly?
Were You there, when our son in dire need?
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ? *2
Ah, wantonly we had deserted you when you cried for aids!
Pain and grief overwhelmed our sky dark,
Valley of sorrow our heavenly Father trailing with us.
O my God, why is Psalm 22:1-6 instead of Psalm 23:1-6 my soul dwell,
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood that swell, *3
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways
As heavens are higher, so are my ways and thoughts higher.*4
How preciously guarded is the name of the Lord’s Holy hill,
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” shall remain still.
O dear Zi On, proud you hang on to faith in God,
Absolutely make us feel little when you walk our talk.
Beauty of your spirit shall continue to radiate the eternal light,
Brighten up the path for all who tread on the dark side.
Assured you will sit with the martyrs when we see you on The Day,
Today is your birthday, she will not cry, Mama says.
With love and endless memories
Papa
14-Jan-2008
Note:
*1 - Genesis 37: 5-35
*2 - Isaiah 49:15
*3 - Psalm 29:10
*4 - Isaiah 55:8-9
a* - Extracts from Zi On’s diary
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Celebration of Life - Kerk Zi On
Our Dearest Zi On
Today, 22nd June 2008, Papa, Mama and Zi Lu together with nearly 600 friends and relatives gathered at T.I. Wesley Methodist Church to celebrate your life - a great life, full of meaning and purpose! Our dear son and brother, we honour you today in the presence of God, and together with our friends and your friends, and relatives, we give God the glory for your life.
We love you, son!
I love you, Kor!
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu.
Today, 22nd June 2008, Papa, Mama and Zi Lu together with nearly 600 friends and relatives gathered at T.I. Wesley Methodist Church to celebrate your life - a great life, full of meaning and purpose! Our dear son and brother, we honour you today in the presence of God, and together with our friends and your friends, and relatives, we give God the glory for your life.
We love you, son!
I love you, Kor!
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu.
“From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth” Psalm50:2
Celebration of Life
Kerk Zi On
Promoted to Glory in the Presence of the Lord
on 5.12.2007.
Because Jesus lives, Zi On lives also!
Tribute Service
22nd June 2008
Wesley Methodist Church, Teluk Intan
TO GOD BE THE GLORY !
Friday, May 9, 2008
They called him a hero, I called him My friend
On that day,
when he entered the sea to save the girl in peril,
He entered with a sense of true friendship.
Seeing only someone in need, even a stranger in danger,
His heart was stirred with compassion and empathy.
Against the roaring seas and the tumultuous waves,
he dashed in with a spirit of drive and courage,
Thinking only of the safety of others and not his own.
With persistence and determination he set out to do his task.
Ensured that the person in danger was brought safely to the rocks,
he finished what he set out to do, completely dependable !
From where did he marshal the strength,
for he himself was only of thin frame ?
Who would believe it? Who would expect it?
He saved someone’s life but in the process, lost his own.
And they called him a hero.
That courage, that bravery and that love
can only come from You, our Creator in heaven-
Your endowments that made him truly a man of substance.
And in that moment of gallantry that none could ever imagine;
and by that noble act of love that few would dare to attempt,
He glorified Your Name!
Truly, on that day, God fulfilled his aspiration :
“I believe that I was born for something big in this world.”
For he obeyed the call of Jesus :
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
And he became a friend of Jesus, as the Lord said:
“You are my friend if you do what I command.”
Cho Tan
5-5-2008
(Remembering you today, remembering you every day.
We truly miss you, our dearest son, Zi On.
With much love from Ma together with Pa and Zi Lu)
when he entered the sea to save the girl in peril,
He entered with a sense of true friendship.
Seeing only someone in need, even a stranger in danger,
His heart was stirred with compassion and empathy.
Against the roaring seas and the tumultuous waves,
he dashed in with a spirit of drive and courage,
Thinking only of the safety of others and not his own.
With persistence and determination he set out to do his task.
Ensured that the person in danger was brought safely to the rocks,
he finished what he set out to do, completely dependable !
From where did he marshal the strength,
for he himself was only of thin frame ?
Who would believe it? Who would expect it?
He saved someone’s life but in the process, lost his own.
And they called him a hero.
That courage, that bravery and that love
can only come from You, our Creator in heaven-
Your endowments that made him truly a man of substance.
And in that moment of gallantry that none could ever imagine;
and by that noble act of love that few would dare to attempt,
He glorified Your Name!
Truly, on that day, God fulfilled his aspiration :
“I believe that I was born for something big in this world.”
For he obeyed the call of Jesus :
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
And he became a friend of Jesus, as the Lord said:
“You are my friend if you do what I command.”
Cho Tan
5-5-2008
(Remembering you today, remembering you every day.
We truly miss you, our dearest son, Zi On.
With much love from Ma together with Pa and Zi Lu)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Your smiling face
Our dearest Zi On,
Another month has just gone by. During these 30 days or so, my mind was filled with your memories -
Your smiling face, so full of life, your gentle demeanor, your hearty laugh, your readiness to help - be it a simple household chore or driving me home after my hospital visit, that courteous greeting to each person you meet, be it your friends or ours, your unassuming attitude, as how Aunt Jen described, “he never exerts any self-importance”, your willingness to listen to someone’s boring complaints about life or old stories from a lonely heart, and many more endearing memories.
That is you, son, how can I ever forget that beautiful person who enriched the lives of so many of us!
We viewed again the CD Han gave us. It is a precious glimpse of your short and happy time with the Judah8 life group of Hope Church, UQ. We are so grateful that they kept records of the activities of the group. We read again the testimonies your friends wrote about you; what kind of person you are to them and how in that short time, you had left a lasting impact in their lives.
But as Chris Yong wrote:
“Zi breezed into our lives, and just as quickly, as is likely the case, left in a jiffy.”
Son, though you are gone, you will never be forgotten; you will always live in our hearts!
Papa has just completed a PowerPoint presentation about you - story of the 1st Teluk Intan BB Company Sergeant, for the Malaysian BB National Conference to be held in Kuching next week.
He worked tirelessly for a few nights. As we reviewed it together, we said to ourselves, if only you were here with us to see this yourself. You would be so encouraged to hear the many affirmative words your friends said about you; words that touched our hearts, but this is because you had first touched their lives! As we continued the viewing, I suddenly realized that Papa’s eyes were filled with tears, he was silently sobbing. Son, I know Pa loves you! Zi On, you left us so suddenly and mysteriously, leaving us with anguish questions that only God has the answers!
For us, our life has reached a stage where the only choice we have is to continue to trust God and believe in His sovereignty. This needs courage, plenty of it; this needs faith, unwavering faith; this needs God, we are thankful that He exists!
Love you always,
Mom together with dad and Zi Lu
6-April-2008
Another month has just gone by. During these 30 days or so, my mind was filled with your memories -
Your smiling face, so full of life, your gentle demeanor, your hearty laugh, your readiness to help - be it a simple household chore or driving me home after my hospital visit, that courteous greeting to each person you meet, be it your friends or ours, your unassuming attitude, as how Aunt Jen described, “he never exerts any self-importance”, your willingness to listen to someone’s boring complaints about life or old stories from a lonely heart, and many more endearing memories.
That is you, son, how can I ever forget that beautiful person who enriched the lives of so many of us!
We viewed again the CD Han gave us. It is a precious glimpse of your short and happy time with the Judah8 life group of Hope Church, UQ. We are so grateful that they kept records of the activities of the group. We read again the testimonies your friends wrote about you; what kind of person you are to them and how in that short time, you had left a lasting impact in their lives.
But as Chris Yong wrote:
“Zi breezed into our lives, and just as quickly, as is likely the case, left in a jiffy.”
Son, though you are gone, you will never be forgotten; you will always live in our hearts!
Papa has just completed a PowerPoint presentation about you - story of the 1st Teluk Intan BB Company Sergeant, for the Malaysian BB National Conference to be held in Kuching next week.
He worked tirelessly for a few nights. As we reviewed it together, we said to ourselves, if only you were here with us to see this yourself. You would be so encouraged to hear the many affirmative words your friends said about you; words that touched our hearts, but this is because you had first touched their lives! As we continued the viewing, I suddenly realized that Papa’s eyes were filled with tears, he was silently sobbing. Son, I know Pa loves you! Zi On, you left us so suddenly and mysteriously, leaving us with anguish questions that only God has the answers!
For us, our life has reached a stage where the only choice we have is to continue to trust God and believe in His sovereignty. This needs courage, plenty of it; this needs faith, unwavering faith; this needs God, we are thankful that He exists!
Love you always,
Mom together with dad and Zi Lu
6-April-2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
HAPPY EASTER !
The dawn has come.
The Lord has risen! Christ the Lord is risen today!
We remember our Lord Jesus Christ as the risen Saviour today.
By His resurrection, He has conquered death.
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26
He lives forever for you and us and all mankind.
He lives that we may live with Him forever!
HAPPY EASTER! dear Zi On.
Love you always,
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu
23 March 2008
The Lord has risen! Christ the Lord is risen today!
We remember our Lord Jesus Christ as the risen Saviour today.
By His resurrection, He has conquered death.
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26
He lives forever for you and us and all mankind.
He lives that we may live with Him forever!
HAPPY EASTER! dear Zi On.
Love you always,
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu
23 March 2008
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