Boxing day or rather night was the reunion of five of us from Bentong Gospel Centre (BGC). I have not met them for over a decade. Imperial Palace, at Subang Jaya was the chosen location. The food quality was not great, but the conversations were. The bonding as friends is as remarkable as the religion that made us "brothers and sisters". It is an evening that I will remember for a very long time. Memories and names of people have to be dragged out from cells which haven't been working for a very long time. It is an exercise that could delay Alzheimer disease, I am sure. But it was all worth it, to link back names and events that have happened so very long ago. They bring back sweet memories.
I started with BGC when I was 15 years old, and that was almost 4 decades ago! I remember Roger Dalhberg, the missionary from Wanganui, New Zealand, who started it up with his family. He is now in the Philippines, continuing with his missionary work. What a remarkable man, who brought so many of us to see life from a different perspective, in the little town of Bentong.
I am glad I went through this experience of Christianity, learning many new things. I was baptised by Mr. McGregor of Jalan Gasing Chapel, in Petaling Jaya, from where several young undergraduates came to Bentong to assist us. I had a study loan from Jalan Imbi Chapel, which I am eternally grateful, which enabled me to complete my college days.
Just after Form VI (Higher School Certificate), I had the opportunity to attend a two-week bible residential school in Penang (see photo), which was one of my happiest experiences in life. For in it, was the serenity of life, as I learnt about Christianity in its depth from very good teachers.
Such reunions do bring back tears, but of joy, for to me, this is living a good life - one of sharing and contributing to the peace and happiness of others, whether I am a Christian or a Buddhist. This is indeed a marvel of living.
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