Running and Finishing the Race (2 Timothy 4:7)

As I turned 80 on 17 October, I turned to read Hebrews 12:1-3. Some of you will remember that I am recovering from 4th stage cancer. So, reaching 80 is indeed God’s grace. ​

Reading Hebrews 12:1, we can surely say we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. Brothers and sisters both in YCKC and the wider church who had run and finished the race well. I remember in particular my own spiritual father, Dr David Adeney, who had been a missionary in the 1930s; Elder Peter Yap (David Yap’s father) and Elder Goh Ewe Kheng (Beow Chu’s father). These three were truly examples of disciples and models of faith to me; they had run and finished the race for the Glory of their Master. It led me to always pray and remind myself constantly, “that may those who come after us find us equally faithful”.​

These forerunners inspired Mrs Leong and I to go into the mission field, where we were tentmakers and helped brought a number of young people to Christ. Mrs Leong also taught the word of God to many underground churches there. All Glory to Him! We still keep in touch with a number of them to encourage them to press on despite very difficult circumstances, including persecution.​

On returning to Singapore we helped start our Palm Green Fellowship for seniors. We were grateful to our Lord to serve, as we were then in our 60s. The fellowship attracted many from other churches who found our programme meaningful and spiritual. 

When my race is finished, I pray that I might be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith”.  I personally look forward to the day when I will again see those faithful brothers and sisters from YCKC and elsewhere who have gone before me. ​

By brother Dr Leong Chee Lu​

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