Year 2006 is special for me and my family. It marks my 26 years in Christian ministry, most of which is in CEF — two years as staff with CEF Singapore, 12 years as volunteer, five years as Missionary Director of CEF Hong Kong and currently into my nine years as Regional Director of CEF Asia Pacific. This year also marks our 20th year of marriage which has been blessed by the Lord with four children, all of whom received Christ as their personal Lord and Savior in their childhood years.

This year is also special for me because I turned 50. Much to my surprise, Grace (my wife) and my children threw a party in my Church, inviting the leaders to share with us the evening of God’s grace. My family sang my favorite hymn, "My Tribute" which was also sang at our wedding 20 years ago. A slide presentation of the past 50 years of my life was shown. Then the leaders each shared a blessing or two from the Bible. What a pleasant encouragement!

How did each of you begin the Year 2006? Interestingly, over the last five years, most of my New Year began with death and funerals. This year was no exception but most unprepared was the calling Home of my 2nd brother, an elder of a Bible Presbyterian Church in Singapore. At age 53, he suffered a heart attack. My children reminded me and said "Dad, you need to undergo complete physical checkup!" I’m not sure what this would actually mean. Well, doctors will poke, prod, scan and even open parts of my body to assess and maybe repair damages in my body for the last half a century. People today are very much concerned and willing to pay a fortune to be in good physical shape.

What comes to mind is that Time is not on our side! As I recall my 50th birthday celebration, I responded to those present that night: "I’ve lived my life, after today it is all by the grace of God. I’ll be ready if God should call me Home anytime and people can still share the same blessings they’ve given but in the form of a eulogy." The question now is not whether I’m ready BUT is my family members ready for God to take any of us Home?

It is a timely reminder to pay attention to what might need to change in order to keep my soul in shape. What would be a spiritual action plan for my next 50 years? Someone said: "Everyday is a little life: and our whole life is but a day repeated." As our time ticks on second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day until 365 days roll by and before you know it, 2007 is here. Let us encourage one another to ask ourselves:

• How is it with your soul?
• How is it with your Christian walk?
• How have you spent the time?
• How do you intend to spend the next 300-odd days?

I trust your guiding principle is that of the Lord’s: "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4) Do not attempt this journey alone. Find companions who will see you as fellow pilgrim.

No amount of physical exercise routine or good diet can help my physical body to recover, it can only slow down deterioration. However, spiritually, I can look forward to growth and renewed vigor and improved health as long as I listen and obey what I hear God say.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, my goal is: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24)

May this also be your goal in life as we serve God together in the region.

Rev Tan Cheng Huat
Regional Director
CEF AP Family News
Jan-Mar 2006