Church Weekly for 11 May 2008
My dear readers,
Senai our Sinai - II
Fishing with Father. The story is not so much about fishing as about following. Father loved to fish at night, and I followed him for good company and as his errand boy. He was naturally proud of his three-year-old son who could accompany him to his favourite perch on the far bank of Peach River, across a wooden bridge spanning the stream.
Those fishing trips took place after dinner. At Father’s word, I carried his can of worms, packet of tobacco, box of matches, and mosquito repellant coil. With rod in hand, he would lead on with me by his side. Across the bridge we took a right turn making for our chosen spot. There Father baited the hook, rolled his cigarette and lit up, and cast the line into the water - a set routine.
In these fishing trips I learned patience and courage, which meant, “concealing my fear.” More often than not, Father would send me home on some errand e.g., to fetch his stomach mixture or his water bottle. I had a suspicion he was testing my daring to walk alone in the dark. But Mother had prepared me for it with prayer and a hymn. “God is always near me.” “Siang Hwa, there’s no need to be afraid because the Lord walks with you.” I grew to love that “Children’s Hymn” by Philip Bliss.
What fish did Father catch? I cannot recall Father catching any fish but telling of his son’s “bravery,” there was no end!
An Exciting Event. One day Father announced: “Rev Quek Keng Hoon of the Presbyterian Church from Singapore is coming with his members for a day retreat. They have never been to a rubber estate, and we have not had such a large group of visitors, some twenty persons, including children.”
Then Father turned to me and said, “Siang Hwa, you will learn the Lord’s Prayer and recite it during the retreat. It is in three weeks’ time and you can easily learn it in one week.”
From then Mother took me under her wing and I recited the Lord’s Prayer after her, several times a day. Sure enough before the week was up, I had mastered the Prayer word perfect.
Father made a little mound of earth, for me to stand on.
As scheduled, on the appointed day the group arrived. Excitement filled the air as our home had not had such an event before. The group went through the programme prepared for them which had little interest for me. My sole concern was the Lord’s Prayer.
When the time came, I mounted the earthen podium. All eyes were on the little boy. When eyes were shut, I recited the Lord’s Prayer, in flawless Teochew.
Mother was the life of the home: every important event revolved around Mother. In those days there was no pipe-water, no electricity or gas, no modern sanitation, no telephone, and none of today’s household appliances. Mother made up for every deficiency. She coped with every situation, she had an answer to every need. She managed the household without any home help. And Mother was always healthy and well, cheerful and happy. Truly, “the joy of the Lord” was her strength.
Many an afternoon, at sundown, she would gather us children for an hour’s sweet fellowship, telling us stories of Jesus. Such memories remain, timeless and priceless.
Eighty years have flown by. The other day I tried reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Teochew. To my pleasant surprise, I managed without a hitch. What one learned well as a child remains.
With Mother at Eventide
At close of day with God we talk
‘Neath twilight’s deep’ning shade;
His Word our light, it shines the way -
He’s near! be not afraid.
Our Shepherd leads us everyday,
Through pathways rough and steep;
For us He died and rose again -
He bought us - we’re His sheep.
Keep us in peace, Thou Saviour dear -
Abide with us this night;
Beneath Thy wing we rest secure,
Until the morning light.