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Till we meet again


Lyndon was my Bible Quiz coach when I was a new Christian in 2nd Coy, and laid the foundation for my spiritual life. When he later switched camp to 60th, I took over as 2nd's coach and battled my former mentor. It was friendly rivalry and we would share training materials. The boys probably didn't know about it, but must have wondered why the opponents behaved so similarly. The title fight was mostly just between the two schools every year, and the championship trophy stayed with KKMC, the sponsoring church for both coys, for 7 years. 

Lyndon was also the first person who taught me about missions, and equipped me for my first mission trip to the Lahu. Being a blunt young man, I remember asking him why being so qualified, he chose not to be ordained as a pastor, but served as a Lay Ministry staff in church. He humbly replied that it was his calling to do so. And I soon understood why as I witnessed his gift in missions planning, equipping and keeping in touch with the numerous missionaries sent out by the church. 

Beyond spiritual matters, Lyndon was interested in us as persons, in our holistic growth and wellbeing. Once, knowing that I liked the outdoors and was considering a future in science, he linked me up for an attachment with an NUS researcher, and I found myself bashing through MacRitchie with a professor mapping out a new trail and labelling plants. I didn't find my calling in science, but it was a fun experience nevertheless. 

When my wife and I transferred church, Lyndon didn't see it as turning our backs on our home church, but that we have simply gone elsewhere to serve. Like the eldest brother holding the fort at home, he continued to stay in touch, emailing us KK Focus, asking about us and keeping us updated on matters he thought would be of interest. 

After a while, we heard less from each other as life got busier, but would still connect briefly on occasions over text or when we visited KKMC. In April this year, he suddenly sent me a photo of my son in his car. He had discovered that our sons are in the same NS unit, and was driving my son home! My son had shamelessly asked for a ride from a new NS friend, and all Lyndon needed was his surname to instantly draw the connection. Some amazing superpower. Just a couple of weeks ago, it was also through Lyndon that we heard about Janice, a spiritual mentor in our youth whom we'd lost touch with. And thanks to him, we had the opportunity to reconnect with her and bring my entire family to say our goodbyes to her at Assisi Hospice.

In many ways, Lyndon is my role model in how he seems to care so much about everyone, remember so many things about us, and is able to draw so many connections. 

Lyndon's funeral service on Sunday night was conducted by 60th. It was a testament of his over 30 years of dedicated service with the company. The pastor conducting the service was a 60th boy, and so was the bagpipist and the worship band. Two distinguished members of society delivered his eulogy, and so did another young man - all from 60th, and I finally saw another answer to my question so many years ago at the Lahu mission trip, after looking around the room filled with people from 60th. Along with all his work supporting missions, 60th was Lyndon's mission field in Singapore. I had to join in the celebration of my mentor's life because before 60th, there was 2nd. So I stood up to deliver the eulogy that I had intended as a private writing to make sense of his sudden departure. 

Lyndon was Sure and Stedfast, and his anchor held in all the storms of life. Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love, his heart was with the church and God's people up till the very last moments before he was promoted to glory. Brother Lyndon, you will be greatly missed. Till we meet again!

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