Monday, November 22, 2010

A true story of God’s protection to preserve the family line

A true story of God’s protection to preserve the family line



This is a true life story of God’s protection of a family line. Read this true story that proclaims the miracle of God that the present generation will honour His name.





From the onset of WWII , Mei arose daily at sunrise. Hastily she changed into old attire in the staff’s quarters of the Harbour Board of Singapore. Her father, Toh was a trading clerk at one of the best harbours in Asia.


Meanwhile Mei waited nervously. Upon the arrival of other neighbours, the woman crowd hastily grabbed some food and hurried into the adjacent jungle to hide.


This routine lasted the entire duration of the Japanese Occupation. Youthful women camouflaged themselves, wanting to elude male soldiers’ interest. Many women were sexually abused by brutal soldiers since the War started.


After dusk, Mei returned home. She would then retire beneath the antique bed in the only bedroom of the house. Nightly, Mei hid below the bed. Sides were hoarded after she was beneath it. There she lied until the next day. This was her hideout nightly until the War ended.


Only 18 when the WWII begun, Mei had 5 years of schooling and topped the class annually. Her prospect seemed bright as she prepared to be a varsity graduate.


In that era, it was difficult recruiting young girls for schooling. Parents refused them a formal education. Females were seen as inferior, having to marry at 16 and hence belonged to their in-laws. Parents spent scarcely on them, including education!


Furthermore, parents detested their daughters adorning skirts. They objected the expose of their bare legs with skirt as the uniform. They loathed men goggling at their daughters’ delicate legs.


That explained why Mei was admitted late at 13. Her mother was ultimately convinced that her eldest daughter should pursue some basic education.




The War changed Mei’s life completely. The Japanese invaded Singapore on 15 February 1942. They occupied Kuala Lumpur up north a month earlier. Next, they advanced with speed and ferocity towards south towards Singapore.


Several years of War resulted in the invasion for vital natural resources. Singapore was also essential as a launch pad for the War. At the tip of Malaya Peninsular, Singapore was a major British military base, being founded in 1819 by a British statesman, Sir Stamford Raffles.



Within a week of intense fighting in the north and severe air-raids in the south, Singapore was conquered rapidly without much resistance.


The Fall of Singapore was the greatest defeat, probably Britains’ worst defeat in WWII. Singapore was a vital part of the British Empire and was considered impregnable as a fortress, even having the name “Gibraltar in the Far East”. The Japanese later changed its name to “Syonan-to” meaning “The Light of the South”.




Concurrently, in another part of the island lived a 25 years old Chinese man. He came 17 years earlier from China, an orphan with his elder sister who controlled the family heirlooms.


For years, Cheng lived a leisure life. Living on the wealth of his late parents, he frequented the coffeeshops and spent his time discussing the latest politics in China. He led a fervent following and raised funds for the Sino-Japanese War.


When WWII arrived, Cheng was singled for spreading propaganda. Collectively with many men, they were arrested and placed in a converted prison at Fords Factory in Bukit Timah Road. The Japanese targeted mainly the Chinese. Other races were momentarily out of danger.

Cheng was transferred into a dim cell. He was interrogated at length. After refusing to co-operate, the Japanese soldier dunked him into smelly brown fluid. Repeatedly, the soldier dunked him again until he blacked out.


When he regained conscious, he realised his four limbs were tied up, his body was secured onto the mud floor. Then he heard a command shouting, “ Iku “, meaning “Go”.


Immediately, a heavy corporal with military boots jumped mercilessly onto his bloated tummy. They repeated the torture numerous times. They kicked hard at his limbs. He was beaten until he fainted. Then they left him alone .


Next Cheng recollected being forced to arise and was dragged onto a military truck. Together with many men, they were ferried to a secluded spot at Changi Beach, a 2 hours journey to the north. Every man then proceeded towards the beach, totally blindfolded.


Abruptly, Cheng felt someone forced him aside. His tied hands were crudely loosened. Although he could not understand the soldiers, he knew instinctly what was happening.


He saw many men lined up in front of a firing squad. With the command “Iru” meaning “Fire”, the men felled, shot point blank and dead in a moment.


The same procedure was carried out until 99 men were killed. Every of the 100 men were dead except Cheng !! Then the Japanese soldiers left. Cheng was deserted.


Without warning he was abandoned with all the dead corpses. He looked in disbelief at the lifeless bodies.They were his comrades and his neighbours!


Slowly it dawned on him that he was the only one spared. For whatever reason, he knew not. He slowly found strength and then began walking, bit by bit towards Chinatown. Along the way, he hitched a ride on a nightsoil truck.


At home, only did his sister revealed her bold plan of bribery of the soldiers, and how she willingly gave all the valuables, meant for his marriage, to exchange for his life.




For the next 3 and half years, both of Mei and Cheng’s households suffered extreme lack and much misery. There was insufficient food or commodities in the market.


The Japanese issued their own currency. The ‘Banana’ currency was used to barter goods. Pork , sugar and rice were sold once monthly, half kati for each family.


The locals supplemented food with sweet potatoes and tapiocas from their backyards. For clothing, they used old curtains and alter them into garments.




Mei’s father, Toh was in the Port when the torpedos started . He was alone in the vessel with his colleague, Ahmad.


Upon hearing the approaching planes, they bent down to avoid the torpedo shots. But one shot ruthlessly sliced Ahmad’s head off. The Malay man was killed instantaneously before Toh’s very eyes. Miraculously Toh was not harmed, his body fully intact.


Nonetheless, when Toh reached his Henderson Kampong home, he was in a state of bewilderment. He would act eccentric, even after the War. Witnessing the abrupt killing of his colleague was too much for him.




Those harsh years of the Japanese occupation brought much adversity. The locals lived in constant fear. It was mandatory to bow to any passing soldiers. Anyone who refused would be severely punished.


In schools, Chinese was forced to study the Japanese Language and had to learn the Japanese National Anthem. Only Japanese movies and propaganda films were screened in cinemas.




Against all odds, when the WWII ended abruptly in 1945, there was great jubilation and ecstasy .


On 12 September 1945, an impressive victory procession was held at the Padang.


Lord Louis Mountbatten accepted the Japanese surrender at the City Hall. The British flag was raised again and Singapore came under the British’s rule once more.


Every citizen, including Toh, Mei and Cheng was at this historical venue to witness the official ending of the War. There were much frenzied celebrations, with much jubilation that harsh times had ultimately ended.



After the War, normal living activities resumed. At work, Mei and Cheng met and were married a year later.


Mei and Cheng were my parents who lived through the Japanese Occupation. My late father lived many years to recount these true stories. My mother who passed on recently, recalled those difficult years frequently to me.




If they had not survived the War, it would be impossible for the writing of this account in memory of both my parents who later became Christians.


Thank God for preserving the family line, that the present generation has the privilege to know His name and become His children.


Thank God for what He has done in the past that the future generation can live on.


All Glory be to God! Amen


Note: Only names are fictitious, all others are true stories.

                          

 






Saturday, March 27, 2010

THE MIRACLE TREE OR MORINGA OLEIFERA

IMPROVE YOUR DIET WITH THE MIRACLE TREE, THE LEAST KNOWN NUTRITIONAL TREE OF THE CENTURY

Three months ago, I was having a conversation with a Indian friend. Somehow we talked about foods and herbs. Then she introduced to me a herb that has been existing here in Singapore, but known mostly by the Indians of Singapore.

The plant or the tree is called drumstick tree . I eventually went to The Little India of Singapore and bought some drumsticks and fresh leaves. Some of the pictures are shown here. They are inexpensive and so available, both air flown from India on a daily basis.
Let me explain the wonders of this plant. It is the most unknown most nutritious plant, all the parts of this tree can be used as nutrition to the body. However, due to economic reasons, the leaves and the pod are used more widely.

MORINGA OLEIFERA OR THE MIRACLE TREE
The botanical name for this tree is MORINGA OLEIFERA.
It is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals, amino acids so crucial for our body.
In addition, this plant contains anti-toxin and anti-oxidant materials which helps to strengthen the body’s immune system, for gout and arthritis, for lactating mothers, and much more.
It is of no wonder that this tree is known all over the world as the miracle tree.


I found this tree has been planted in Singapore, one of the example is at a house in the east side of Singapore, near Bedok.
The origin of this tree is from India, and was grown over thousand of years to treat various diseases and for nutritional supplements. This tree is known by different names in different parts of the world. Please see below for information.


NUTRITIONAL VALUE AS VERSUS OTHER FOOD
If you compare the nutritional values of this plant with other natural foods, you will have some ideas how nutritious this plant is.


It is 3 times more iron than spinach
It is 4 times more vitamin A than carrot
It is 4 times more calcium than milk
It is 2 times more protein than milk
It is 3 times more potassium than banana


The vitamin contents of this tree are as follows:
Vitamin A, vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Calcium, Copper, Iron, magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Zinc.
Amino acids are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine,methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine


USES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA
The use of Moringa Oleifera are as follows:
• Strengthen the immune system
• Cleanses body from toxins and heavy metals
• Exterminate parasites in the intestines
• Support treatment during radiation and chemotherapy
• Support treatment during lack of appetite in children and adults
• Help with osteoporosis treatment
• Help with diabetes treatment
• Intestine infections
• Gum infections
• Prostate infections
• Various skin disease
• Breathing disease
• Headaches and migraines
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Hair loss




MORINGA SUPPLEMENTS


Consistent intake of Moringa will help the following supplement :
1. Prevent glaucoma and cataract
2. Treat insomnia
3. Increase sperm count and motility
4. Rebuild weak bones and prevent osteoporosis
5. Enrich anemic blood, prevent anemia
6. Increase milk flow for lactating mothers, nourish breastfed babies
7. Decrease liver disorder
8. Relieve colds
9. Promote a healthy circulatory system
10. Provide anti-inflammatory effects
11. Combat malnutrition
12. Prevent childhood blindness
13. Promote normal serum cholesterol
14. Enhance red blood cells
15. Mitigate the aging process
16. Remove fine lines and wrinkles
17. Aid metabolism and digestion
18. Stimulate the brain and enhance mental alertness, alleviate stress
19. Improve strength and endurance
20. Ease the symptoms of menopause , hormonal changes and depression


MORINGA IN VITAMIN FORMS
I have bought several ready prepared Moringa Oleirfa in powder and tea bag forms. This is for those who have no available stocks of the tree or they are too busy to purchase the fresh ones on a regular basis.


I found the followings from some companies and have bought them.


These are in powder forms from 4 companies:




 1) Ilovemoringa.com


2) Enjoymoringa.com




3) Themoringa.com


4) Moringaoleifera.org
5) moringa.com.my
After all the explanations, I would encourage you, the readers to introduce this plant into your diet, whether you take them in the fresh natural form, if available in your country, or to take then in vitamin forms.
You may read more from the following websites:
http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa/names-of-moringa
http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa


DIFFERENT NAMES OF MORINGA IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD
Other names for the Moringa in English include:
Drumstick tree, from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed pods.
Horseradish tree, from the taste of the leaves, which can serve as a rough substitute for horseradish.
Ben oil tree, from the oil derived from the seeds
The Chinese name of the Moringa (辣木), pronounced "la mu" in Putonghua and "lat mok" in Cantonese, means "spicy (hot) wood", and is reminiscent of the English name "horseradish tree".
In some Indian languages, the name is phonetically somewhat similar to "moringa", while in others it is quite different:


In Tamil it is called Murungakka in singular form, the plural form being Murungakkai.
In Hindi it is called Munuga.
In Marathi is it called Shevga.
In Kannada it is known as Nuggaeekayee.
In Telugu it is called as Mulakkaya.
In Gujarati is it called Saragvo.
In Oriya is it called Munika.
In Bengali it is called Sojne danta.
In Kerala state its known as Muringa Tree and the fruit called Muringakka in Malayalam.
In Nepali it is known as Sajiwan or Swejan.
In Guyana it is called Saijan
The Tagalog name, in the Philippines - Malunggay - is also phonetically similar to "moringa". In Ilocano, another Filipino language, its called Marungay. It is called "Kamunggay" in Bisaya.
In Haiti, the moringa is called the benzolive (or benzolivier).
In Nicaragua the plant is referred to as Marango.
In Indonesian, the moringa is called kelor. In Javanese, it is called limaran.





Saturday, March 6, 2010

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS DIABETIC? READ ON!!! IT CAN HELP SOMEONE OR EVEN YOURSELF

UNDERSTANDING
DIABETES

 
Recently, I took a taxi to Gleneagles Medical Centre. In the course of talking with the Malay taxi man, I found that he is also a diabetic.

The reason why I said that he is also a diabetic, because it seems that everywhere I turn to, there is someone who is his or herself diabetic or has someone in their cycle of friends that is diabetic.

I understand from some medical reports that almost 15% to 20% of the peoples in Singapore, maybe even in the affluent countries are diabetic.

I have a personal experience on this matter. My mum suffers from this sickness for almost 33 years . At first, none of her children paid much attention to it, as she always played down her symptoms of the sickness, which is constant thirst, frequent urination , hunger and tiredness.

During those years, she was under the attention of a general practioner and eventually an endocrinologist. It begun with simple diabetic medications to eventually insulin injections.

In 1998, her endocrinologist diagnoised ,in addition to her diabetes, that she had 3 blocked heart arteries. We were shocked that a simple sickness could develop to something so serious and life-threatening.

Immediately after this discovery , she underwent a triple heart bypass operation in Mount Elizabeth Hospital that costed about  S $ 120,000/- including 2 weeks stay in the hospital.

Anyone suffering from this sickness or has a family history must be aware that this sickness can lead to complications like heart problems and kidney problems. It is thus prudent to take careful measures in their intake of the right food and to start doing regular exercises without delay. I will discuss in detail the type of foods to take and what foods to avoid.

Let me explain what happens in our human body. Our blood has sugar in the bloodstream. This level of sugar is to ensure that we have energy to do things, to walk, and to do physical activities.


The level of sugar in the blood is controlled by the organ  pancreas, which is behind the stomach. The pancreas controls the production of insulin that regulates the blood sugar level . If the blood sugar is too high due to high intake of high glucose food, the pancreas will produce sufficient insulin which is a hormone, to bring the blood sugar back to normal.

Diabetes happens when the pancreas begin to malfunction due to aging, hereditary, reasons, sickness and many other factors, like stress.

To find out about one's potential of being a victim, one could request a doctor to carry out a simple test called the oral glucose tolerance test. Usually the individual arrives at the clinic early in the morning after an overnight fast. A blood test is taken to find out the level of the sugar in the blood after the fast.

After blood has been drawn out, the individual will be given a bottle of high glucose solution. He/She will have to return 2 hours later, and a fresh set of blood is drawn. Both blood samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis. The difference is these two figures will ascertain whether the individual is diabetic.

The readings of the blood sugar is recommended as shown below:
1.   72 to 108 mg/dl   ( 4 to 6 mmol/L) as ideal ( after overnight fast )
2.   110 to 145 mg/dl ( 6.1 to 8.0 mmol/L )  as optimal
3.   150 to 180 mg/dl ( 8.3 to 10 mmol/L)   as sub-optimal
4.   above 190 mg/ dl ( above 10.5mmol/L)   as   unacceptable

I will now discuss the foods that a diabetic can take and what foods they should reduced in their daily meals.

Avoid high glycemic foods like white bread, potatoes, yam, pancake, doughnut, biscuit, white flour and rice (other than basmati rice).  Avoid fast foods ,ice cream,fruit juices with added sugar. 
Be careful of sweet fruits like durian, water melon and mango. Only consume them in small quantity and divide them into small portions of few meals.

Some of the foods that can help lowering the sugar levels are as follows:

 
1.    mini- bittergourd ( momordica charantia) , known as Ampalaya in Philippines

2.   petai seed (parkia speciosa), known as bitter bean, sticky bean

3. cinnamon stick ( cinnamomum zeylanicum) - take 6 grams daily on food throughout day.

4. Garlic ( allium sativum )

5. Onion (allium cepa )

6. Avocado ( persea Americana)
 7. Cherries ( prunus sertina)                                     

8. Lemon ( citrys limonium )

9. Artichoke ( cynara cardunculus)

10. grapefruit ( citrus paradise)







11. Asian Ginseng ( panax ginseng)



12. Starfuit (averrhoa carambola)






13. Green Tea  ( camellia sinensis)

14. Oyster Mushroom ( pleurotus ostrestus )






Keeping sugar level under control is a tedious and lifelong commitment. There is no room for laziness or slackness. The affected person should obtain a glucose reading meter, available in most pharmacies. He/She should check on the blood glucose level 2 hours after eating and compare the reading with the standard guidelines given and act accordingly.

In addition, it is prudent to have some glucose tablets readily at hand. Again, this is available at most pharmacies. This is used for diabetic who find themselves hypoglycaemic or shaking because their food intake has been burned up and their glucose level have drop drastically. Don’t despise this simple tablet, because it could save you from fainting and even unwanted injury from falling due to shaking and dizzy spells.

Ok, I have only so much to share with you. Please use it to educate your friends , family members who are in this category.

I wrote this blog  for the Malay taxi man who asked me all about diabetes. I hope he will get to read it and be familiar with the right foods to take. Take good care and help bring the diabetes population down.

Remember to eat healthily and to exercise frequently. The quality of your health and length of your lifespan are in your hands.