Our Prayers for China

Although we are all in different parts of the world, I am sure, all of us are gripped by the sufferings of the victims affected by the recent earthquake in China.

To think that I could have been in Chengdu! For last year, I was offered a teaching post in Chengdu. The three year contract was quite attractive with airfare and accommodation provided. Morever, it would also give me a chance to see the panda bears, and perhaps be a volunteer at the Panda Bear Reserves during my free time. How I long to carry a baby Panda! I think panda bears are God's cutest creation!

I also thought I could share my testimonies with the people in China. The idea was very attractive, and I almost signed on the dotted line. Just then eldest brother informed me that he was coming to Singapore for Kam Ning's concert in April and that he would be staying with me in Singapore for a month. I changed my mind and thought I might look into teaching in China again in the near future

If I had gone to Chengdu, I might have been flattened like a pancake! Or I might be in one of the rubbles, waiting for help to come. Or the rescuers would tell me they had to amputate my leg before I could be freed.! We seldom realise how frail life is until we have a narrow escape!

What could we do except to pray for the earthquake victims and to donate whatever we could in terms of money, clothes, medicine and food. Yet all these could never ease the pain of parents who had lost their only son or daughter.

When I met my neighbour, Hari, he asked me again, "Choo, is the world coming to an end? Before I could reply, Hari continued, "Promise me one thing, Choo. Be happy and grateful, and make the most of everything. Life is short".

"Sound advice, Hari!" I reiterated.

Hari is 4 foot in height. He may be short but he is tall in his wisdom.!

Gan Chau