Days of Living Dangerously
In the 1950s, Singapore was swamped with gangsters and secret societies. Armed robberies, gang clashes and street fighting were daily occurrences in back lanes, red-light districts, coffeeshops, bars, open-air movie and dark places. At the age of 15, I was involved in such activities and would move from one district to another meeting various gangs and gang leaders.
In 1957, I was not happy with my chief and I started to recruit a few fighters to form a gang under my leadership. I was often in and out of CID Headquarter for interrogation concerning criminal activities. I was detained in prison for extortion and was placed under CID supervision and surveillance. I was always on the look out for Secret Society Detectives and rival gang members.
One afternoon in June 1959, whilst lying on bed, I felt betrayed and uneasy for associating with gangsters and secret societies. Mumbling repeatedly to myself “Look right, look left, look back, look front…nobody can help me, nobody can help me.” Then I heard a tiny voice – “Only Jesus can save …only Jesus can save.” By faith, I responded “yes, Jesus can… yes Jesus can.” On that day, without a shadow of doubt, I went to a church and cried out to God in repentance. A few days later, I also announced to my associate gangs that I have decided to call it quits and disbanded my group. The following day after my announcement I saw the detectives who had often arrested me walking towards me and I wanted to run. But surprisingly, they did not arrest me. They smiled and nodded their heads instead as though I was their friend.
It was a month later that I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to attend a huge gathering organised by rival gangs. I entered the “lions’ dens” without fear. The groups recognised me and started to surround me. I stood boldly with faith and proclaim that I am now a Christian. They were stunned and backed off a little. I told them that I had disbanded my group and I was no longer involved with any gang or gang activities. Miraculously, they calmed down and gave their word not to harm me from then on and in the future.
Till this day, I was not arrested by any detectives nor harassed by other gang members.