Church Weekly
05 Jun 2022

CHURCH WEEKLY

REMEMBERING THE LATE REV (DR) TOW SIANG HWA

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,

Remembering the late Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. Proverbs 10:7

I remember the late Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa (Dr Tow SH). I remember his hectic punishing schedule. He was always “up and about” doing the Lord’s work. He would travel from one corner of the globe, Australia, to another corner up north in Vancouver cutting across space and time zones frequently. From Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Canada. I remember him sharing with me that whenever he travelled, he would maximise the time in the flight by reading, preparing the Lord’s messages or writing articles/books for publications etc. Whenever he had the opportunity, he would also share the gospel message to unbelievers who sat next to him. He was a prolific reader and writer. He was very passionate and a fervent servant of the Lord. He was faithful, full of energy, untiring, joyful and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Indeed, the work of the Lord was 24/7 for Dr Tow SH. I was told that Dr Tow SH spared no effort to serve the Lord and often times he would also commit his own substance in building God’s kingdom. He loved and cared for God and His glory. He was truly a man seeking after God’s own heart.

In my mind’s eye I can still see his smiling face, soft spoken with humble demeanour. A man who loved God. A man who served God until he was called home for a well-deserved rest. I remember visiting him with Kelly in his condominium unit after the home going of Mrs Tow SH (the late Dr Tan Cheng Im). He showed us around his unit and study room which were filled with collections of books and writings. He was full of spirit and even fried noodle for us for lunch. After that visit we made one more visit.

As a young Christian in Calvary Jaya BP Fellowship (CJBPF) back in the 1980s’ I remember his regular trips to CJBPF. He would fly into Kuala Lumpur in the morning, delivered the Lord’s Day message, had a quick lunch, or sometimes skipped lunch, rushed to the airport to catch the next flight home to Singapore where he would engage in another church commitment. I was always, and am still amazed by his tenacity and abounding energy in pursuit of the Lord’s work. He put many who are serving the Lord to shame by his fervency for the Lord. He would remind us that “we are now living in the end of the end times. Make haste!” However, though not often, when he was accompanied by Mrs Tow SH, he would deliver the Lord’s message on the Lord’s Day and would stay over a few days. He would then take time to meet with the leaders, and often times, the members of the church. He would also write the RPG devotions or his other sermons etc. Because of his frequent lightning trips, he had his regular taxi driver, whom he called “Jepun” to ferry him from point to point in order to “save” time. His favourite stay was in Awana Hotel, Genting Highlands where it was quiet, serene, fresh and cool. He would focus on his writings and took some quick rest from his hectic schedules and commitments.

Recalling how God used Dr Tow SH brings back many fond memories. The congregation would love his visits, fellowship and his simple yet impactful Lord’s Day sermons. He was friendly, warm and approachable yet, at the same time, known for his sternness, “few words” and “no-nonsense attitude”. He would invite members to visit him in Singapore. He even said “you can stay with me in my house”. I remember the “house in Andrew Road” which he mentioned so often though, if I recall, none had taken the offer of stay. Dr Tow SH had the love of God and the brethren in him. All of us love him and look forward to meeting him again in heaven.

I thank God for Mrs Tow SH as well. She was always supportive of Dr Tow SH. She was his “help meet”, “faithful yoke-fellow” and “lifelong inspiration”. I remember her by the side of Dr Tow SH, supporting and encouraging him with her love, tender voice and action. She exuded love, warmth, concern and care to the flock in CJBPF. She was always ready to engage and interact with anyone who approached her. Indeed, both Dr and Mrs Tow SH was a perfect couple and model for us. God had given us a godly example of how full-time workers or even lay people, should serve God together as husband and wife for His work and glory. The Bible gives us many testimonials of faithful saints and, in this modern times, God gave Dr and Mrs Tow SH to encourage Christian couples to serve together.

I thank God for Dr and Mrs Tow SH. At the same time, it is also appropriate to share that Dr Tow SH was also a very successful practising O&G (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) in Singapore. He was not only known in Singapore but also globally. He was a very brilliant man. He won many accolades, international awards and recognition as well. He was much sought after for his medical knowledge and practice. Before I came to CJBPF, I heard about Dr Tow SH. I was told that many patients, Singaporeans as well as foreigners from near and far, would queue up to seek consultations and/or medical treatments from him. Even big global Pharmaceutical Multinationals (MNCs) sought him to represent them on local and international medical forums. The MNCs were willing to wait for hours at his clinic just to talk to him for a “few minutes”. Thus, Dr Tow SH as a leading opinion leader in his profession commanded the respect and attention of many. He was very successful in the world of medical practice. Today, anyone could “google” his name to know more about Dr Tow SH’s background and successes. Yet he gave all these up for the Lord!

Because of God’s grace, calling and his love for God, Dr Tow SH gave up his worldly pursuits and fame to serve the God of gods and the Lord of lords. I remember asking him whether he had any regrets in giving up his medical practice and fame in order to serve God. Without hesitation, he smiled and with voice of humility, said “no” (cf. Phil 3: 7-8). I can feel his love, joy and genuine fulfilment when he said “no”. Dr Tow SH was indeed a great man of God in this modern times. Personally, I miss him and look

forward to be with him when the Lord calls me home.

I thank God for Dr Tow SH. God raised up CJBPF in PJ through Dr Tow SH. Today CJBPF is 38 years old. I pray that CJBPF will continue to be the beacon of light for fundamentalism in many more years to come. May CJBPF continue to hold forth the Word of life forever more. May many souls be added into God’s kingdom of everlasting life.

Dr Tow SH had finally completed the work of the Lord on 8 March 2019. I remember attending the vigil service and burial in Singapore. It was just immediately after the completion of my chemotherapy. Shoou Shinu, Alice Huang, Kelly and I drove down to Singapore. Rev (Dr) Quek Suan Yew conducted the burial service. Many came. Many had tears in their eyes and hearts. Many missed him. However, we were all glad and thanked God that Dr Tow SH had finished the work of the Lord and had earned a good and well deserved rest (cf. 2 Tim 4:7-8). Today, Dr Tow SH is with God whom he loved and served. I can hear God said to him “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Welcome home.” (cf. Matt 25:21). We can all confidently say “we shall all meet again” in the presence of our God when our work on earth is done for the Lord.

Finally, to us who are still serving, Dr Tow SH is a man to be remembered and emulated. A man of great standing and stature in Christ. He served God 24/7. He gave up his worldly pursuits and fame to serve God. He served to the very end until God called him home. May God enable and raise up many more faithful brethren like Dr Tow SH to serve in His vineyard. May many follow the footsteps of Dr Tow SH as he had followed many God’s faithful servants of the past. All glory to God. God be praised! Amen.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng