My dear readers,
1. The "Co-Prosperity Sphere" - II
Life under Japanese rule
Churches functioned as before, with some restriction on preaching. The use of Bible was not restricted. All news was strictly censored. Only one English newspaper was published, the "Syonan Shimbun" (Syonan News). Radios were strictly prohibited. Secret radio operators risked arrest by the Kempeitai. This did not deter the more daring ones from listening to "Voice of America" broadcasts. The news told of American forces advancing across the Pacific and making their way relentlessly northward toward Japan in their "island hopping" strategy.
Did the Japanese entertain hopes that their "Co-Prosperity Sphere" would succeed in the long term? Those who saw the "big picture" of America's unstoppable advance in the Pacific, and Japan's setback, especially in their campaign in Burma and India, would have serious doubts about Japan's future. But for the Japanese bureaucrats and administrators, it was "business as usual."
They pressed on with their normal day-to-day routines, recruiting and training Legal Officers and others for the Civil Service. Promising young people were sent to Japan for higher education. The Medical College was revived and re-located in Malacca. These were serious projects, reflecting the Japanese confidence of a long-term stay.
The Japanese were ambitious in the pursuit of their objective. But they made the fatal mistake of taking on the rising World Power. By the summer of 1945, America's atom bomb was ready. President Truman gave the order and the first atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. In an instant, nearly 100,000 Japanese were reduced to ashes.
Three days later, on 9 August 1945, a second bomb hit Nagasaki with similar destructive force. The Nuclear Era had begun. The Japanese people were the first victims of this awesome new weapon. The instantaneous destruction of two major cities shook the entire nation. The Emperor, putting aside his heaven-born status, announced a surrender. Thus ended the Pacific War which had been ignited by Japan on 7 December 1941.
In Singapore, Japan's formal surrender took place on 12 September 1945, bringing to a close a dark chapter in Singapore's history. Japan's dream of a"Co-Prosperity Sphere" fizzled into the mist of history.
To the Asian people, particularly to us in Singapore, the events of the Japanese Occupation had kindled a new sense of nationalism and self determination. If the "Great Powers" of Great Britain,Holland and France had been unable to protect millions of their subjects in the colonies from the lone aggressor, should they continue to rule over them? The years of Japanese "Co-Prosperity" had generated a new spirit of nationalism.
In September 1945, the British returned to Singapore, but things were never the same again. A spirit of independence and a new relationship had imperceptably entered into our thinking. The days of colonialism were numbered. The sun was setting over the British Empire.
The irresistible course of history saw the transfer of power from ruler to ruled, in orderly and peaceful manner, thus: Singapore attained self rule (1959); joined in "Federation" (1963); became an independent nation (1965).
Since 1959, Singapore has enjoyed peaceful "Co-Prosperity" with her neighbours, living among independent self-governing neighbouring nations. Our prudent and progressive rulers have lifted up the country from the slough of "Third World" despond to new heights of "First World" eminence. Credit goes to our nation's Founder, now Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, for which we thank God. (End of Article)
Here arises the question: "Whither bound, Singapore?" Our nation has never been so prosperous, but even super prosperity has its limits, and is not without risks.
The future lies with the Creator, for all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. We have our exits and our entrances.
2. A New "Bloodless"Imperialism
Great Britain built her empire by the time-honoured method of colonialisation and territorial conquest. But the better way is economic domination by open market competition. This non-combative method gives the winner borderless global economic domination, with rich reapings, far better than territorial aggrandizement.
Ironically, World War II's major losers, Germany and Japan, have turned out to be major winners in this bloodless trade-war and economic competition. Does this not remind you of the endtime global power Antichrist, who will impose the "mark of the beast" without which "no man may buy or sell"? (Revelation 13:17 )
Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor
This month is Ramadan which is a fasting month for all Muslims here. Not only should they abstain from food and drink, but also should not being rude, impolite, arguing and fighting etc. However, we still met two hooligans on last Monday night after our hostel meeting.
Due to long-working hours, the brethren usually returned to the hostel after 1100pm, therefore we had our meeting in the church (opposite their hostel) for them at 1115pm. It was 12 midnight when the meeting was over. We accompanied them to their hostel before we proceed to our apartment.
Suddenly two Arab youngsters appeared behind us and seemed to be "very friendly" towards us. The moment we turned to a small lane leading to our residence, they started to tease us and poked fun on us. One of them kept pulling my haversack and refused to let go even I reprimanded him sternly.
Finally they revealed their "true colour" by extorting money from us through violence and threats. In the past, we have been scolded "ali-ba-ba" (which means thief) numerous times; being stoned a few times; met a con-man once; cheated and played out by the drivers; deceived by the food-sellers and so on. However, this was the first time we encountered two young robbers face to face.
There was no one around to help us. Since they were tall and huge as compared to us who are short and small, there was no way we can overcome them. Only one thing we could do under such circumstance: run away from them!
So we ran backward towards the nearby Police station. On the way the Lord sent forth somebody to our rescue. Unexpectedly a car came to the quiet lane from the main road and caused the two hooligans to flee from us. When we looked at the Arab driver, he seems so familiar to us. He was none other than our neighbor who lives just one storey above us.
He asked us what happened and we told him everything. He was outraged and told us to hop into his car and started searching for the two of them. We did not expect him to do that and all we wanted was to go home safely as soon as possible.
Though he failed to locate the two youngsters, our hearts were full of gratitude towards him and especially to our gracious Father in Heaven.
As we ponder what happened to us and the following are the lessons we learnt :
1. Despite of this incident (which happened only once), we would like to thank God for His protection upon us over the last seven years,
2. We will continue to trust God in His unfailing love for preserving us in the days ahead. Nothing will happen if He does not permit.
3. We will continue to obey God to do his great commission and to lead the meetings for our brethren here.
May the Lord bless all of you through this sharing that His name will be glorified.
God bless,