Sweet Hospitality

 

What an international setting with guests from all over the world.

 

The lovely Singam family

When I was studying in Canada as a foreign student, I was often invited to the homes of Canadian families. Every week, some foreign students and I would be "booked" by the church members or our professors to have meals in their homes. I enjoyed such great hospitality.

Since I came to Singapore in 1983, I had to make adjustments. Probably, life here is so much more hectic, and Singaporeans are not in the habit of inviting their guests home for dinner. When they entertain, most families would dine out. Hence it is always very special for me when people invite me to their homes. Even the simplest of meals would taste so wonderful, because they are cooked with love.

I always enjoy visiting Pastor Singam's home. Their four room flat in Yishun is cosy and reminds me of a warm home with some Western ambiance. The Victorian chairs that were given to them by a friend enhance the simple elegance of their lovely home. Pastor Singam's wife, Serene, is Chinese. Hence their children are very good looking.

Serene is a very good cook. It is amazing how the lovely couple still find time to entertain guests despite their busy schedules. Pastor Singam makes good coffee.

The family love music, and I enjoy playing the piano while everyone sings. Inviting guests home is so much more entertaining than dining at the restaurant.

I am still reeling from the wonderful testimony that Pastor Singam recently shared about his accident in Indonesia. Just as he was handing over an object to someone over the fence, the platform on which he stood gave way, causing his right arm to be pierced through by an iron bar which narrowly missed a main artery. Pastor Singam pulled out the bar, and clasped onto the wound as if to prevent the blood from oozing out. He was rushed to the nearest hospital which as a 3 hour drive. Along the way, the vehicle slowed down because of a funeral procession, and Pastor Singam heard the devil whispering, "You will be the next!" He prayed against the spirit and claimed God's healing and protection. The doctor put in a gauze and sewed up the wound.! The following day, Pastor's arm began to swell badly and he had to cut short his travel to take a flight back to Singapore. His doctor in Singapore was shocked by all that had taken place. Miraculously, Pastor Singam's arm was healed and if not for God's protection and blessings, he might have become a one armed swordsman!

I am inspired by the life and testimonies of Pastor Singam, a warrior for God. He works by faith and often goes on mission trips to Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. Often, he would hike up for hours to reach villages to share the Gospel. At times, the villagers and him would take the boat via rivers infested with crocodiles! May God bless Pastor Singam and family.

Gan Chau