Master Calvin Chen TZ

He is Lord, He is Lord,
He is risen from the dead and He is Lord,
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

That was the last song the USJ Home Fellowship of the Trinity Methodist Church, PJ sang last Friday night, the 2nd of March 2007. I would like to think that those were also the last words that Master Calvin Chen TZ heard, if not sung together with all of us.

The night's meeting started off as usual, without any indication whatsoever, that it would turn out to be a sad and soul searching weekend for all of us present that evening.

We met, as usual, on the first Friday of the month. The home we met in could not be more perfect; a large meeting area for the adults and plenty of garden space for the children. We prayed, we sang songs and we watched a video and discussed on Paul's letter to the Corinthians. we then proceed to pray in small groups. And the moment we commenced, someone rushed in shouting that Calvin has fainted, felled and knocked his head.

Lennie, Calvin's dad, quickly carried him and tried to wake Calvin. Calvin was not responding at all.

I was parked nearest to the house, and Calvin's parents were obviously not up to drive to the hospital while holding on to Calvin. The drive to the hospital could not have been more than 5 minutes... and all this while, Calvin was not conscious...

Calvin was quickly put onto the bed at SJMC's emergency ward, and we could see the doctors and nurses frantically doing all they could to revive him. Tubes were inserted, drugs were injected..

The doctor on duty, i guess realizing that the situation was grim, took the parents into a room and as gentle as possible, broke the news that Lennie and Linda should prepare for the worst.

When we exited the room, another doctor took us back to the Emergency area and quietly told us that Calvin has passed away and there was nothing else they can do.

I was a witness to a very tragic and sad moment in a private family event. I felt like an intruder, a participant not meant to be…an opportunist.. and all i can offered was mere words, and my presence. I will not relate all that i bore witness to.

It was only on the drive home from the hospital, when all has left, except the family members and Calvin, that tears flowed… Maybe if i had driven faster.. not stopped at the red lights.. jumped queue...

Rest in Peace, Calvin. Be proud of your daddy, mummy and your sisters. they love you with all their hearts, and through it all, they trusted and still trust the Lord.

He is Lord, He is Lord,
He is risen from the dead and He is Lord,
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Chinese New Year Family Gathering

For the first time ever, my parents along with every one of their children, sons and daughters in laws and all the grandchildren were able to gather at the same place at the same time.

My parents have 11 children, plus an adopted son. So, in total there were 12 children. All, except for 1, are married and with kids. At last count, there were 24 grandchildren.

whether we will ever get the opportunity to have such an event again is the big question... My dad is now 80 and his health is not so good. The fact that my parents prefer to live in Kudat, Sabah, makes it all the more difficulty to get everyone at the same place together.