Dad’s Eulogy, the late Mr Albert Tan Cheng Ban, Age 81 years and 8 months – Prepared by Dr Karen Anne Tan Su Mei January 7, 2019 bizadmin ALBERT TAN CHENG BAN – 81 years and 8 months How do you summarise a life well-lived? To many more he was simply Uncle Albert and to some he was the ICE CREAM MAN – because he rang the bell every Saturday afternoon for catechism classes for more than 15 years. He was the smiling ever-friendly Church Photographer you see, for Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmations and sometimes for weddings. For love of God and photography, daddy transitioned with the times, from manual NIKON camera to his Digital Nikon SLR camera in his 70s.He was also a COMMUNION MINISTER, and before that, a CHURCH USHER. But he also, had an unofficial role in Church – he was the church Greeter – making everyone feel welcome. So it’s natural, that many people know him. And, he was also the DAILY MASS COORDINATOR, ensuring that daily mass would run smoothly. For over 32 years he served the church and he was also the Treasurer for Catechism and ran the church bookshop – selling rosaries, cards and gifts – so it was NATURAL, that many people know him. But, they knew more than just the face because Dad made it a point to stop, chat and if you were not rushing off, he would joke with you. His warm smile was a reflection of his big, enormous heart – and if you needed a listening ear, he would provide one. DaDDY LOVED THE CHURCH – the people in church and his many friends in church. I believe because we lived so close by, he adopted the church as his second home, because his warm caring nature needed another outlet. You are his adopted family and I am so happy to meet so many of you gathered here to pay your respects to dad and to help celebrate a life truly well-lived. For some of you who knew him outside church, he was an exemplary teacher. And that is why I became a teacher as well. I remember, when I was around 10, someone ringing him up to ask if he was Mr Tan CHENG Ban; dad sounded puzzled and and said yes, I taught in Francis Light School in the 1950s. A few days later, a man turned up at our doorstep. He was now a professor in the University of Malaya, and wanted to personally thank daddy for his kindness more than 20 years ago. Just yesterday two of his former students contacted us, sharing what a good teacher daddy was. Uncle Robert Loo, very proudly shared that he still remembered the first song daddy taught him as the Cub Master: ‘Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile’. After almost 60 years – 59 years to be exact – , they still remember what daddy did and how much he meant to them. There is no denying – daddy made a difference in people’s lives. For us – he was a dearly beloved father, a loving, devoted husband who loved mummy very much; and a fantastic role model. Being a teacher he valued education, and would encourage us to study hard and to always try our best. If we were disappointed with our marks, he would say, ‘Never mind, you can do better the next time’. So there was constant encouragement and support to all three of us. Daddy was just simply proud of his girls – his three daughters whom he used to call Tan’s angels. He taught us to always be honest, to lead a life with integrity and never do anything that would displease Jesus – and he lived out his life the way he taught us. But more than that, daddy taught us to be appreciative and to see beauty in small things and to enjoy the simple things in life. More than the jovial man that he is – being a devout Christian – Daddy was also a dedicated volunteer with mummy, with the Little Sisters of the Poor for their Tuesdays Lotto and, he was also their designated driver because he was not a speed demon; but would consistently drive 10 -20 km below the speed limit – which suited the elderly and I also heard, visiting bishops – yes, he was such a warm friendly man that he was asked several times to drive visiting bishops and Pro Nuncios in Penang. Usually, everyone in his car or van, would be treated to a guided tour of Penang if they were unfamiliar with our island paradise. Daddy has a gift of making friends effortlessly – Daddy was also a highly appreciative man; a grateful man who counted his blessings and so that is why he would want me to thank all you wonderful people on his behalf who made his life such a blessing. His friends from daily mass – he adored you all and loved staying back to say the rosary, keeping Jesus company with friends, he would say. He would also want me to thank the many people, who allowed him into your life; and for all the many kind acts you rendered daddy as he became frail. He had a soft spot for priests and nuns – especially the nuns from the Little Sisters of the Poor, he would want me to thank you for your prayers and for setting such a good example for him to follow He would not want me to forget all the lovely doctors and nurses at Penang General Hospital, Pantai Hospital especially his former student & his cardiologist Dr Liew Chee Tat and the dedicated staff at IJN – Institute JantungNegara Daddy loved his food: he would want me to thank all of you lovely wonderful friends over the years who shared your delicious home cooked food with him or passed along fruits -he loved his durians – to him – he loved really loved his home cooked food but your thoughtfulness meant even more to him He loved company, and you all brought joy to him. Someone just described him as a lovely, loving and lovable man and that’s who daddy was. We know him as a loving father who would do anything for us – and that is why, we three girls strongly urged him to exercise, to strengthen his legs and to get way stronger, but wise man that he is, he found another way. His own way – and it’s hard for us girls because he had gently encouraged us all our life to be determined, strong, tenacious and forthright. And we were forthright – we were determined that he was going to get better by hook or by crook. But God had another plan for his most gentle and devoted servant – and this time, God took him away just one day before his scheduled procedure. And I believe, Daddy was happy to go with Jesus, walking strongly and striding into the arms of his Father, chatting and walking side by side with Jesus and Mary. Daddy would like to be remembered for being a gentle, friendly man, who loved the company of friends – young and old, merry and solemn, lots of laughter and home-cooked food, but also someone who adored simple hawker food. I know he’s now in better company with Jesus and Mary and he’s probably bringing them around in Penang that he knew so well, introducing them to his favourite snacks especially his favourite Penang Road Chendol with extra ang tau, and encouraging Jesus and Mary to have more. So when you have your chendol, your ang tau seng, eat for daddy and know that he’s watching from above, smiling and praying for all of us – content to be with his Lord.
You Matter to God January 5, 2019 bizadmin …he calls his own sheep by name… John 10:3 YOU MATTER TO GOD! Do you sometimes feel like you are just a face in a crowd or a number in a system? You are identified by your social security number. Even when you see the doctor, you are called by your queue number. If you feel depersonalized and dehumanized, that is exactly how the devil wants you to feel — that you do not matter much to anyone, especially to God. But you do matter to God! He calls you by name. He knows exactly what you are going through and where you are hurting. He sees you and cares for you, just as He cared for the people when He first walked on earth. My friend, He will do for you what He did for the woman in Samaria. The Bible says that “He needed to go through Samaria” to get from Judea to Galilee (John 4:4). Now, any Jew of His day would have taken a different and longer route to avoid going through Samaria because they hated the Samaritans, though the way through Samaria would take much less time. But Jesus deliberately took the shorter, avoided route, just so He could stop by Samaria to speak to the woman who had been searching for something in her life to satisfy her. This woman had had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband. Clearly, things had not been going right in her life. She was probably looking for answers and fulfillment and must have felt ashamed about her failed marriages and current lifestyle. Yet, in spite of all this, she mattered to Jesus! He needed to go to her to minister to her. And indeed, after she met Jesus, the perfect Man, she was transformed. She was no longer ashamed and went into the city to tell the people about Him (see John 4:28–29). Beloved, Jesus wants to meet you wherever you are at in life and minister His grace to you. You certainly matter to Him. He came to give you life and life more abundantly (see John 10:10). You are not just a face in a crowd or a number. No, He knows you by name and has a personal love for you. And in spite of the mess that you might be in, He wants to meet your every need and make your life beautiful! – Joseph Prince
Remember the Cross January 3, 2019 bizadmin …“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 REMEMBER THE CROSS I don’t know about you, but I would say that Hebrews 10:17 is good news. God sees all our sins—past, present and future—and says, “Your sins I remember no more!” The words “no more” are a strong double negative in the original Greek text. In other words, God is saying, “Your sins I will by no means ever remember!” Has God lowered His standards? No, He is still perfectly holy. He did remember all our sins—2,000 years ago at the cross. Every sin which we have committed or will commit has been punished to the full in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. That is why today, God remembers our sins no more. We should, therefore, not be sin-conscious. Each time we feel condemned for our past mistakes, God wants us to remember the cross and say, “Lord Jesus, you were sentenced for this sin I committed. You bore the judgment, so God will not judge me for this sin. You were condemned for this sin, so God will not condemn me for it.” If you don’t look to the cross, you will become sin-conscious and you will walk around with a certain expectation of judgment. And that expectation of judgment will give the devil a chance to get you thinking that God has something against you because of your sin. You must come to the place where you know and believe that all your sins are forgiven, and that you are saved eternally. Hebrews 10:12, 14 says, “But this Man [Jesus], after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God…For by one offering He has perfected forever…” You and I are perfected forever because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross. We are perfected by God’s full acceptance and perfect delight in His Son’s work that has so glorified His holiness. Beloved, hear God say to you, “I will be merciful. Your sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.” – Joseph Prince
30 Days to Understanding the Bible Review and Giveaway January 2, 2019 bizadmin <span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> “Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Good morning! Today is the 1st, a beginning of a new dawn of the year, 2019 … which I can hardly believe! Though since it has snowed several times already in central IL, it does seem that winter has already started! Do you want to learn the Bible but don’t have a lot of time? Do you need a quick refresher on what you already know? If so, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is for you. With just fifteen minutes a day, for one month, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines. Using a proven study plan, author Max Anders breaks down the Bible’s structure so you can learn and remember the key points of the Bible’s text quickly. 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is the straightforward, easy-to-use guide to learning that Bible that’s been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years. Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually. If you’ve ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders’ classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God’s Word. This simple-to-use, a straightforward guide has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for thirty years, and now it’s available in an expanded thirtieth-anniversary edition—with the most requested topics from the original edition restored and updated for today’s readers. You can buy the Bible here on Amazon >> or copy and paste the link http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible to your browser. Both the Kindle e-book copies and paperback copies are sold here on Amazon. If you love reading via your smartphone at night before bedtime, then you can choose the more economical Kindle version. Otherwise, if you love to carry around a paperback Bible, then the tangible copy may be your choice. Features include: The “Arc of Bible History” to help you visualize the Bible’s overarching themes The “Story of the Bible” summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years 13-week plan that provides teacher’s creative and effective tool for teaching the Bible in 30 days Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition There are pictures too to illustrate the Bible even clearer with easy to understand diagrams. For instance, the Appendix shows the Great Doctrines of the Bible and there are easy self-tests to examine how much you understand the Bible after reading it. If you cannot remember, fret not, just go through again and look out for the key points to answer the few test questions. This Bible is suitable for small bible study groups where the members can discuss even further the contents of the Bible with the help of a veteran pastor, Dr. Max Anders. And if you like to get a FREE copy, (now who doesn’t like a free Giveaway?), simply comment in this blog post and the most creative comment will get a copy, (from the continental U.S. and Canada only). Sorry, I can only give away a free copy and the winner will be notified by email. So, remember to leave your details including your address or privately email me your home address and mobile number when your email is selected. The official website is https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/biblein30days/ or click HERE Happy reading of the “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” to start your new year in a positive way and immerse yourself with God’s scriptures for they are life to your body – as Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Yes, meditating on God’s word prolongs our lives for they are nuggets of gold to handling tough situations like financial distress, deteriorating health, relationship problems, and more. When the hurricane comes, those people who are firmly rooted in God’s word and meditate on them are like houses built on a firm foundation; they will not be blown away like houses of straw! Happy New Year in 2019 and Happy Reading 30 Days to Understanding the Bible! Have a good year ahead.
Count on God’s Forgiveness December 26, 2018 bizadmin And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore… Matthew 28:18–19 JESUS’ AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US When God created man, He gave man authority to have dominion over everything on earth (see Genesis 1:26). But when man sinned, he gave this authority to Satan. And when man’s authority was transferred to Satan, Satan brought in diseases, poverty, strife, bitterness, pain, loss and death. He messed up everything on earth for man. “Pastor Prince, why didn’t God just grab the devil by the neck and throw him out of the garden?” God did not do that because He is a judicial God. It was a man who gave away his authority to Satan. So it had to be a man who would legally take it back. And God has done this through a Man. His name is Jesus! By His death on the cross, Jesus righteously restored all that man had lost. That is why, just before He went back to heaven, He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore…” Those words tell us that He has transferred His authority to us. The same authority that He had over the storm, evil spirits, sicknesses, diseases, and even death is now ours to use. So when there are reports of a flu epidemic and of young children falling sick in the media, know that you have dominion over the epidemic. Declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, this flu virus will not come near my children. I plead the blood of Jesus over them.” If you have been told that your family has a history of heart disease, take dominion and declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I destroy every form, manifestation and hereditary cause of this disease. By His blood, my family has been redeemed from this and every other curse.” My friend, the authority which has been restored to us is not just the authority on earth which man had before the fall, but Jesus’ unquestionable and complete authority in heaven and on earth! – Joseph Prince
Christmas Greetings 2018 December 24, 2018 bizadmin This year, Christmas is nostalgic for me. It is not really merry in that sense as dad has gone to be with the Lord on 17th December 2018, on a Monday morning at 5:00 am. We had mass and his wake for 5 days before his funeral on a Friday where many of his church parishioners came to pay their last respects in The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, where dad served as a photographer and lector for many years. His church friends came to sing the Marion songs during his wake, requesting for my dad, the late Albert Tan Cheng Ban, to be with Mother Mary and Jesus. Dad is now in a better place, but I will miss his jokes and gregarious character. Many described dad as a gentle soul, ever ready to lend a helping hand and words of encouragement. When you meet him, you will feel happy and he has a tendency to please people. Our neighbors, friends, and relatives came from the UK, KL, and Singapore to attend dad’s funeral. Well, he is no longer suffering now in a nursing home, but gone to be with the Lord with a mansion in heaven where Jesus has prepared a place for him. Anyway, Season’s greetings to you all!
You are Next! December 20, 2018 bizadmin For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:10 YOU ARE NEXT! Suppose you have just heard of someone whose financial debts have been miraculously cleared. Or your elated friend has just told you that despite being an average student in school, he scored straight As in all his subjects. Perhaps on Sunday, you heard a newlywed couple share about how they won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hawaii, or how a once-childless couple is now expecting their miracle child. When you see or hear of others being blessed, do you ever wonder when it will be your turn? Or do you even find yourself saying, “Oh, he got blessed with the very thing that I have been praying for. There goes my blessing.” Now, just because man’s economy operates on the principle of shortage, it does not mean that God operates in the same manner. So the next time somebody gets blessed, tell yourself, “I won’t be disheartened. I won’t be jealous. I am the next one to be blessed!” Always remember that God does not have to bless anyone at your expense. Nor does He have to bless you at anyone’s expense. We don’t have to be jealous of each other. There is a portion that God gives to you which no man can touch because it has your name on it—“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven” (John 3:27). Our God is a rich God. He owns the whole universe. He has contacts and blessings you do not know of and which are reserved just for you! There is more than enough for everybody with plenty of leftovers. In fact, you will not be able to take it all because when the blessings start coming in, they will come in a net-breaking, boat-sinking style. You will have to call for your friends in the other boats to come and help you (see Luke 5:1–7)! That is the kind of blessings that our God gives. So get ready for your blessings and overflowing abundance! – Joseph Prince
Dad Passed On Yesterday Morning at IJN and Tribute by Chanlilian December 18, 2018 bizadmin Yesterday was a hectic day for me. Early in the morning, youngest sis received a call from IJN informing her of dad being unconscious. Well, he asked for Milo at around 3:00 am, after calling for the nurse. Shortly later, he had cardiac arrest and the doctors tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes, but unfortunately, he had left us all in peace at around 5:00 am. My sister, relative and I were shocked! Dad was his cheerful self the day before, dining happily, enjoying the hospital food that comes with a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and he was joking too. It was just too sudden that he left us to return to our Lord. He was 81 years of age and departed on 17th December 2018. The wake will be at St Joseph Luu (Prayer Room 2), Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 1 Tingkat Besi Satu, Island Park from 17th to 20th December 2018. The funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Friday 21st Dec at 10:00 am. We had to rush back to Setia Skypark to pack our bags when we had booked for 16 days till the end of December in anticipation of dad’s surgery and time for recovery. After packing and having a banana for lunch, my spouse (relative) drove us back to Penang as soon as possible, stopping only to relieve ourselves in the few restrooms along the highway as dad’s body had reached Penang at 2:00 pm, sooner than expected. Here is a tribute to dad which was written by Chan Lilian and cc to Susee: Woke up this morning to yet another sad news of another person’s return to the Lord. He was the welcoming smiling face, friendly ‘church people’ when I first joined the Catholic church way back in 2002. He was the photographer of my baptism and confirmation on Easter 2003. Back then, Uncle Albert would painstakingly develop the photos, labeled them and put them up on the notice board for us to order. Back in school, I used to be the photographer and I know how difficult that task of matching numbers on the photo to the number of orders and then, having to deliver to those who ordered and get the right payment which was merely in cents. (that means you need lots of coins). So I always admired and praised Uncle Albert’s dedication to serving in that way. His photos of my children’s every little step in the church were much treasured. Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation… Back then, before the DSLR, Uncle Albert took photos with the manual camera. It is not an easy task because events like these were sacred and the lighting is hard to adjust. Squirming babies at baptism are not easy to capture. But Praise the Lord, Uncle Albert was with each and every one of us all the way, through these years. Uncle Albert had asked me to fill in for him a couple of times when he was on holiday. He always thinks of me as ‘that Lim Guan Eng photographer and editor of Buletin Mutiara’. I made deal with him that I will only take the photos but not responsible for printing them. So I reluctantly volunteer as a photographer though I dislike going up the altar during big mass because it is unnerving to have church people tsk tsk tsk… The last time I met him, he was rather frail but as usual, he always encouraged me. Whenever he met me, we would discuss politics. Or rather how he dotes on Lim Guan Eng, who is a hero in many elderly people’s eyes. Uncle Albert had shown me what serving is. Doing the smallest things with the greatest dedication without expecting anything in return. Such a cheerful, helpful and welcoming soul. Heaven rejoices.