Stanley

Stanley, one of the most respected lay-leader in our church, passed away on Fri morning. He has been battling cancer for the past few years. He was only 51 years-old.

Me and Dez had only known him for a very short time. When we joined church, we were unable to be engaged in the church activities due to Charlene's condition. After we became more active in church activities, Uncle Stanley had to stepped down from his worship and youth ministry work due to the chemo, and we didn't have many opportunities to interact with him.

The greatest impression we had about him is the immense energy he exhibited during the worship that he leads. He is always bursting with joy as he give praise to the Lord.

His eulogies were given by his former girl's brigade mentee, his 2 nieces and his cell leader. From all accounts, he has been a faithful servant, giving all his best in the ministry work, and changing lives through his passion and Christ-centred life.

The impact he had on those Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade youth is visible from their tears and sorrow.

To me, Stanley's life can be summed up by one of my fave verse. He "live such good lives...they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Pet 2:12). Indeed, he's a role model for our church members.

It's unfortunate that we didn't have the chance to know him better.... Correction, it *is fortunate* that we have a chance to talk to him and visit him. Stanley spoke to Dez during the church camp, and his words prompted Dez to release the grief of Charlene's passing away.

Death is inevitable. But for us Christians, we have the hope that we will all gather in heaven, under the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, we take heart that Charlene can say hi to Uncle Stanley for us in heaven.