Tan Ah Eng - A Tribute to Eric Kirton - video
My family and I are eternally grateful to Mr Kirton and I use the word “eternally” with much care, respect and in loving memory of a man who about 50 years ago, in obedience to his God, together with his wife came to a small town, Kuantan, to start a church. My family, together with several other families of aunties, uncles and cousins lived in this big compound along Jalan Wong Ah Jang, that was nearby to the Kirtons’ first home. An uncle of mine, who heard about this new church that was starting in the Kirtons’ home, thought he would do a favour to all the weary mothers, and like the Pied Piper, he led all of us – my cousins, my brothers and I – to Sunday School. And so the Phua children, including those who were carried along, formed the core group, the pioneer Sunday School group of Kuantan Chapel. Looking at the composition of the group then, I would not be wrong to say that most of us came from homes that taught us to be streetwise, tough and “to each his own”. Mr & Mrs Kirton provided a much needed alternative – stability, love, care, nurturing and a gentle nudging to the love of God in Christ. “Train a child when he is young…” became the responsibility and challenge of the Kirtons as they related with us and they soon became “uncle” and “aunty” to us – not just to us but also, to our parents and grandparents. I know Mr Kirton found it amusing to have old men and women call him – a young man then – “uncle”! As a couple, Mr & Mrs Kirton took time and effort to build relationships with our families. They often visited our homes, especially during Chinese New Year. Their visits – this Hokkien- speaking white man and his very gracious cheongsam-clad wife – always caused a flurry of excitement in our neighbourhood. Although our parents did not like us becoming Christians, Uncle and Aunty Kirton were always welcomed and regarded with the deepest respect. Many of us – my siblings and cousins – did come to know Christ and we participated in the activities and growth of the church. We loved the Kirtons and were in their home often. Another highlight of those early years was the getting ready for the new church building – in particular, the gathering of all kinds of bottles, washing them and getting them ready for the front wall of the church hall. If you go to Kuantan Chapel today, you would still see this special legacy – bottles embedded in the wall, which channel the rays of the sun. Only a Scotsman – a heritage Mr Kirton is so proud of – with his own particular creativity would dare do something like this back then; and also have the opening of the church on 29 February! For me, personally, Mr Kirton (“Uncle”), was there at many significant phases of my life. When I started dating, he did not say much to me, but I heard later he had many insightful words for the young man who was dating me! When we got married, the Kirtons were very involved in our wedding and when we had our first two children. What I appreciated most, is the way he often just stood alongside and observed. Not very much escaped his notice! And then, although he did not mince his words when he knew we were wrong, he was always careful, wise and not one to give unsolicited advice. Last night I was thinking about when I stopped calling him “uncle” – he often said in recent years that we should call him “Eric”. I guess old habits die hard and the respect and history go far too deep. My husband Kim Shah and I just could not, although in the last few years I have usually addressed him “hello young man!” I used to tease him that it was not fair that he still looked so young!! Like a proud parent, I know he was happy every time he chatted with Kim Shah and me; when he saw us happy together and serving God together and we began to chat as equals on many things. Today I stand here to thank God for a life, for a servant of God who was used by God to touch the lives of so many of us in Kuantan. The legacy is truly an eternal one: all of us, our families, friends, children, grandchildren and generations to come are blessed because one man came and shared Christ with us in those early years in Kuantan. Colin, Laurence, Carol, Yoke Lin, Barry, Laura, Dana – the Lord’s peace and comfort be yours. Your dad and granddad left behind a powerful legacy. May you be inspired to further multiply indeed this legacy of love – love for God and love for people. Thank you. |
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I would like to thank the Kirton family for the honour of sharing at this service to celebrate the life and legacy of a much loved and faithful servant of God, Mr Eric Kirton.