IN LOVING MEMORY OF A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD & IN RECOGNISTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH IN AN AGEING SOCIETY

This is an inspiring inside story which I simply must tell. This intertwining story of a faithful man of God and a dedicated work of a church.

The man is Pastor Ong Poh Heng, who dedicated his life serving God and had inspired and touched the lives of many servants of God today. “He had contributed to the development and growth of Grace Chapel and many other assemblies” according to Dr KS Tan.

Many Pastors in Klang paid their tributes to him in our chat group and beautiful memories of Pastor Ong kept pouring in from one Pastors to another.

I personally remembered him telling me, “We must always give glory to God”

He ended up at De Home, a nice, aged care centre set up by Harvest Christian Assembly as a way to serve the community of Klang. Many said Pastor Ong need not be there, after all he had faithfully served God and should have a better ending to his later years and life. Now, how he ended up in De Home is not my story to tell, as it belongs to his family.

For me there are many reasons why he was at De Home. I believe his presence was to remind us that God is always good. Through His people and churches, faithful servants will still be honoured and kept in His presence. The other reason was that Pastor Ong had a medical condition where he will get into a short burst of fits and then he will fall while sitting or walking. So, he cannot live alone.

The second part of this story is about De Home and the church behind it, Harvest Christian Assembly and in particular two fantastic man, Pastor Alan Tan and Dr Goon. Fantastic in the sense that both men are willing to be used by God and ready to obey His calling. Both men were given the vision to set up a nice place where both believers and non-believers to be cared for. Located in a nice little hill in Taman Eng Ann.

I still remembered the words of Dr Goon and Pastor Alan who asked me this question, “Can De Home offer free stay for people in need?” Dr Goon later clarified that it is for faithful servant of God who now needed to be cared for. I said yes, based on the model of De Home, every 10 can sustain one without needing handouts.

 That was when Pastor Alan asked me contact Pastor’s Ong’s daughter Lynette to see how we can assist in moving Pastor Ong to De Home from another centre. I met Lynette at the centre sometime end of 2018 and I had a short chat with her. I took her to a very nice bright triple bedded room in the first floor. She saw the room and asked me these questions:

“How much is the room?”

“It is RM3,000 for this nice triple room.” I paused and waited for her facial reaction. Well her big eyes grew a little bigger.

“But, it is free for your dad.” I continued and I can see tears welling in her eyes.

“This is the church way of saying thank you and honour your dad’s contribution to churches and the lives of many.” “This is my instruction from Pastor Alan” I added.

“What about his medical and other needs like food and toiletries and what not?” Lynette asked.

“Free, De Home will cover.” I replied. This is not instructed by Pastor Alan, I assume it is part of the package.

“So, how long can he stay here for free?” She asked

“Till the end of life and when God wants to take him back.” I replied, I drew back a little because Pastor Alan didn’t say for how long.

That’s when Lynette tears flowed. Good thing there was some tissue handy.

Later when I told Pastor Alan about my conversation with Pastor Ong’s daughter that he can stay till end of life, I remembered vividly Pastor Alan’s reply, “Wah till the end of life.” We both had a good chuckle.

I didn’t get Pastor Alan’s permission to share this but this is a great testimony of faith in action. It is not in abundance that a church make a decision to care and to love. It is faith and in knowing that our God will never fail His people, believers or non believers, all and sundries that we go forward.

Now that Pastor Ong rest in peace, I hope those inspired by his life will be the light for others. For De Home and Harvest Christian Assembly, may your work continues to be a beacon in your community and an inspiration and encouragement to care for the aged in your community.