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B y
KAMAZH K. SOLOMON
..
At the age of thirteen, in a ‘Missionary Call Service’, when the Preacher asked
the youth; “You have only one life in this world. Will you spend it for Jesus?”, David
responded by standing up and accepted Jesus as his personal saviour. Further he
committed himself to be a missionary at that tender age.
AUTHOR
CONTENTS
Page No
FOREWORD --- 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- 3
CHAPTERS
1. DAVID MEETS JESUS --- 35
Dear Reader,
Before reading this book, I want you to know the circumstance in which this book
is written. My name is Kamazh Solomon. I retired in April, 2003 from Teaching
Chemistry in three colleges for 36 years. My husband Rev. Kenaz Solomon is the
Missionary and President of London Mission (congregational) Churches for 33 years.
We both
accepted Jesus Christ as our personal saviour and are doing His
ministry. God gave us 2 sons. Our elder son Samuel Ben Solomon was born after nine
years. He completed medicine (M.B.B.S.) and is now working in a hospital in
Nagercoil. Our younger son Bensam David Solomon was a final year student at
Thirunelveli Medical College. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour at the
young age of 13 and committed himself to missionary work. He was planning to go to
Bihar as Missionary Doctor after completion of his course. But our Lord’s will is different!
On 7th October, 2003, evening after participating in a weekly prayer meeting conducted
by Christian Medical students, he died instantly in a bike accident and had gone to be
with our Lord. He was a lover of music and used to play keyboard and guitar. My
family was terribly shaken and beyond consolation.
On the 19th day after the loss of my beloved son David, my loving Lord gave me
a promise about his ministry. From the 21st day, the Lord gave a “special privilege” to
my beloved son David to talk to me from above. Now David is giving me glimpses of
heaven little by little. I could hear his voice inside me calling me Amma (mother)
distinctly and he continues to talk. This book contains the messages conveyed by
David to me.
A humble request to my readers first. As mentioned above
this experience is a ‘Special Privilege’ given to me by my precious saviour and I believe
it completely. I fully believe this message is given with a great purpose – to console me,
my family and those who grieve over the loss of their loved ones. It is also my fervent
prayer that all
those who profess the name of Christ may know the glories of heaven and be ready to
meet the saviour when called to eternity. As Paul says death is a GAIN to God’s people
(Phil. 1:21). Now, my request is, if a reader has any reservation or if you do not believe
this book please don’t write to me your comments- just ignore it since I am giving my
son’s messages as I get them. I cannot explain them further. If you are blessed by
reading this book, I will be happy to have your comments which may be a source of
consolation to me and my family. Thank you. Please pray for us.
D.L. Moody, a great Evangelist of the 19th century writes thus: “Perhaps, if we
listen, we too might hear – in this storm tossed world of ours – some whisper borne from
loved ones afar”.
In Christ,
Mrs. Kamazh. K. Solomon
3, Henry Road,
Nagercoil – 629 001
Tamil Nadu, India.
Note : I have included many Bible quotations and Verses from
Hymns in many of these chapters apart from the
Heavenly messages conveyed by David.
- Author
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I thank my Holy, Mighty Father, His Son, my
beloved Jesus for giving me the great privilege of receiving glorious
Heavenly messages through my son David. I can’t find words to thank the Triune God
for this great and special privilege and also for their wonderful promises given for David.
I also thank ‘the great Comforter’ the Holy Spirit who has been with me constantly
throughout the most difficult and sorrowful months of my life. I could constantly feel His
presence with me, who also directed and comforted me with His still small voice. I must
thank profusely the HOLY TRINITY who according to Their perfect will, helped me to
write this book.
I must thank my dear first cousin Mrs. Angel Johnson, M.A., B.T., (Retired
Lecturer, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil) who was the first one to suggest that I
should write a book on David even before David started revealing the Heavenly
messages. She said, “David’s life story would be a great example to the youth of the
present age.”
I also thank our dear friend Mrs. Kamala Justus, M.A.,
(Retired Head of the Department of English, Women’s Christian
College, Nagercoil) for her love and concern for us. Her constant prayer and her
comforting words, always consoled me. She also helped me in the first phase of
reviewing our manuscripts. She is a child of God and involved in His wonderful ministry.
Next, I must thank our dear friend and relative Mrs. Indra Alexander, M.A.,
M.Phil., (Retired Principal and Head of the
Department of English, Women’s Christian College, Nagercoil) David was a great
admirer of Indra Aunty and they were very close to each other. One day David went to
her house to see her new keyboard, in which she played beautiful piano ‘studies’ and
‘pieces’, which she, had played in her youth for her ‘Trinity college of Music’, London
examinations. When he returned home David said, “Amma, I wish I could play like Indra
Aunty.” She helped us in the final phase of
reviewing our manuscripts. She is tirelessly involved in many projects for Jesus.
Next my thanks go to my dear only sister Mrs. Pugal Sampson, M.Sc. (Rtd. Lecturer in
Mathematics, Women’s Christian College, Nagercoil) I must say, without her help, I
would have found it very difficult to complete this book. Both David and my sister
inherited many common genes – great lovers of music, very hard working in their
studies, very sincere in doing any project assigned to them, trying their level best to
complete it with God’s help. My job is to receive the Heavenly messages and note them
down in a paper. I hand them over to my sister, who writes them down neatly in her
beautiful hand writing. Also in consolidating the messages into chapters she has helped
me in consolidating the difficult chapters. Also I found in her a great friend to share my
grief, which has equally affected her, who loves David very dearly. David also had great
affection and admiration for his dear Periamma (aunt). Because of her great love for
Jesus, she did spend more time on this book, than me.
I also thank my husband Rev. Kenaz Solomon, M.A., B.T., B.D., Missionary and
President of the London Mission (Congregational) Churches, South India for his constant
help and encouragement in
writing this book. He guided me in many ways to prepare many of the manuscripts for
this book.
I must also thank the printers ‘Peniel Printers’ especially its proprietor Mr. T.
Fredrick for his personal interest in printing this book and also I thank his staff for their
full co-operation.
Finally I thank all my friends and relatives who sincerely prayed for my comfort
during this difficult and sorrowful period, which enabled me to get comfort from my
beloved Jesus, so that I was able to write this book.
May God bless all those who were involved in writing this book.
Thank you.
Kamazh. K. Solomon
Author
LIFE STORY OF
BENSAM DAVID SOLOMON
stood first in his final examinations at 12th grade in 1998. In Science subjects he scored
198 (Maths), 199 (Physics), 197 (Chemistry) and 189 (Biology) out of 200. His marks in
Biology (189) was not enough to get admission in medical college that year and hence
decided to
improve the score in Biology – writing Biology test again hoping he would get medical
admission the next year.
My husband did his B.D. in the United States of America for three years. So, he
has many friends there. One American couple, close friends of my family wanted David
to study medicine in U.S.A. They promised to get him admission with full scholarship,
and agreed to be his sponsor and guardian while in the States. He was to do four years
B.S. Course (Pre-medicine) before joining Medicine. Before
going to the United States he had to write two tests – TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). As for my son David, he needed
no push to study! He was never tired of studying and reading as many books as
possible before going for these two tests to Bangalore. Even sleep eluded him. As
usual, he scored, more marks than prescribed by the College where he got
admission in the United States. He became eligible for full scholarship too. Finally when
he went to the American Embassy in Chennai for his Visa, embassy refused him Visa
saying ‘you are to study medicine in America for ten years. After such a prolonged
study, we are highly doubtful whether you will return to India’. On one side I felt sad for
him because it was a great disappointment. On the other side as an
affectionate mother, I had a great sense of relief because the worry of my son having to
be away from me for such a long time was removed from my heart. May be I was too
possessive! But the Lord whom
I serve did not allow him to be discouraged. After getting back from Chennai, the first
thing he did was to take his Biology book in his hand and started studying for his
improvement test. Without anybody’s help, he worked hard and wrote his improvement
test. As a human being,
I had a lingering doubt whether he would manage to get admission for medicine. I was a
bit confused. One day early morning when I was praying, I heard the voice of God
talking to me. I knew without any doubt that it was my Lord speaking because I had
heard that voice twice before. He said ‘If David dedicates himself as a medical
missionary, I will give him medical admission’. Immediately my thought went back to the
incident that happened in 1993.
It was summer vacation in 1993. We had two day retreat at Puthalam beach. In
the last session Brother Stanly Prince from Friends Missionary Prayer Band, who was
the speaker at the retreat, gave a missionary call. David was only thirteen years old
then. With David by my side, I too was on my Knees in prayer. Suddenly David stood
up. My immediate reaction was ‘shock’. I feared that David, without
realizing the real implication, was standing up. I felt it was a child’s innocent prank. Even
after getting home, I didn’t feel like asking my beloved young son about that. Gradually
the whole episode was
forgotten. After 6 years, when I heard the voice of my Lord,
I remembered his dedication for missionary work at the age of 13.
Then I told David about the Lord speaking to me and asked him whether he
really meant to be a missionary when he committed himself at the age of 13. He
immediately said, he had no second thought about it. When Brother Stanly Prince said,
‘you have only one life to live on this earth. Will you spend it for Jesus?’, David was very
much touched. David assured me that his dedication was not a
thoughtless childish act. I was very much moved and thanked my
saviour profusely. Our Lord helped David to score high marks in
Biology and in the entrance test. He had no problem in getting
admission for medicine (free seat).
He chose Thirunelveli Medical College so that he could take part in Church
and Youth Ministry among our Churches during the week ends. A few days before
joining College, on 7th August, 1999, we, arranged to have his ‘missionary
dedication’ in a youth retreat at the Y.M.C.A. Campus in Kanyakumari (Cape
Comrin). In that meeting, he shared his personal testimony among the youth and
vowed that he would go as a missionary doctor wherever the Lord calls him, after
the completion of his medical studies. Finally he played guitar and sang a
beautiful dedication song in Tamil. In Tamil
rh;nt!;tuh ck; re;epjpapy;
te;jpLk; ,r;rkak;
rh;tKk; ckf;fha; rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd;
ck; rpj;jk; epiwntwnt
1. rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; iffs;
rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; fhy;fs;
2. rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; fz;fs;
rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; brtpfs;
3. rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; tHpfs;
rkh;g;gpf;fpnwd; ve;jd; thH;it
During week ends we used to spend our time at our beach house in Puthalam.
On Saturday evenings he gathered the village
children and taught them songs with his keyboard. In the Sunday
morning worship service they used to sing those Songs. Sometimes he got back from
his College after 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Still he wasn’t tired to teach them new songs. He
sang tenor.
His brother Dr. Samuel Ben Solomon and David were very close to each other. Since
Samuel had completed medicine already, almost every day David contacted him through
the phone to clear some of his doubts. When David got home during the week ends,
they used to lie down in the same bed and discuss many things till late night. Samuel
also said, David had a better knowledge about the patients because he had the
opportunity to examine various types of patients in his Medical College Hospital and his
knowledge helped him (Samuel)much. David’s death was a terrible shock for Samuel.
Samuel said, ‘Amma, I feel very lonely and left alone now’. His grief was too much. Our
Lord alone should console him. Likewise David and his cousin (my sister’s son) who is
12 years older than David were close. In his college also, all his fellow students had very
good relationship with him. In our beach village also all the boys, young or old, were
close to him. In short, on the earth, every one was his friend which meant he led a real
Christian life during his short span of life in this world.
His life in the College is another story. His friends said he was always well-
dressed. It was hard to find him without books in his hands. His aim was to stand first in
his class. He stayed with a group of boys in a rented house. He avoided staying at
College hostel
because he felt, students, from other rooms would disturb his studies. As his friends
said, he used to study up to 2 or 3 a.m. Everyday when his fellow students went to bed
earlier, he stayed at the varandha and studied. He never went to bed without reading
his Bible as well as Daily Bread- portion for that day. It is more important that he shared
what he read with his fellow students whether they were Christians or not. Finally it
became a habit for his friends to ask him for the Bible portion and the message for the
day and he shared it with them.
Of course, it was not just all study and no play. He very much enjoyed playing
cricket. He was an important member of the team. Strange thing is, even when going to
play, he took a text book along because when he had some leisure in between games,
he could study.
For David not a minute was to be wasted. May I say he was a typical example for
perseverance and hard work !!
Please don’t think he was concerned about his studies only. For two years during
summer vacation I was giving some free special coaching in Chemistry to final year
(12th) high school students. David was good in Physics. He used to accompany me to
Palliyadi and taught them Physics both in English and in Tamil. Even though he studied
in English medium and not quite familiar with technical terms in Tamil, he studied Tamil
text carefully and taught Tamil medium students. Likewise when he was in Medical
College, he was Coaching 11th, 12th grade students Mathematics and Physics in Tamil
at the beach village. For any favour for anybody, it is hard to get a ‘No’ answer. May be
the word ‘No’ was not in his dictionary. To us he was a perfect son, never got angry for
anything with his parents, the same with others. Do you
wonder, how can you find a young boy like this? Yes, David was an exception. May be
our Lord loved him more than I did and called him to be with Him for ever.
When some poor friends or relatives went to his medical
College hospital to take scan, X-ray or for special checkup, he took them to the
concerned departments and doctors personally. If it means waiting for a while, he stayed
with them. Always he made sure to carry one of his College text books with him so that
he could study during the waiting. At times, he took blood pressure monitor from home to
check pressure for some old aunties living close to his College. If blood pressure was
high, he took them to his College hospital in his motor bike, got medicines and took them
back to their homes.
Finally, let me share with you the happenings that took place during the last few
days, before our Lord called him to His eternal home. All those things, I was and am
convinced, happened with a definite purpose. October 2, 3 were government holidays.
So, we arranged a fasting prayer at Puthalam beach on those days. Previous week
David phoned me from College these days being holidays, (Oct. 2, 3) he was planning
to go to Ooty (a hill station) for a change. I told him about the fasting prayer meeting and
asked him whether he could play keyboard
and help us with singing. He immediately cancelled his plan to visit Ooty and agreed to
participate in the fasting prayer. His friends were a bit sad, but he didn’t mind. He gave
priority to Jesus in his life. He took part in the meeting till the end and he too did not take
any food till the meeting was over. The fasting prayer was from 6 p.m. to 3 p.m. next
day. The meeting came to a close with holy communion. He helped his father in
preparing for the holy communion. He only filled cups with grape juice and set the table.
He finally took part with the others.
He was sitting on the floor only. He played the closing hymn in
his keyboard.
At the close of the meeting, he with some other boys served meals to the
participants. Then he took a group of ladies in his father’s car to the bus stop two miles
away, saw them off and got home. Next day was Saturday (October 4, 2003). A short
tour was planned for the beach village Sunday School, and choir members. We had our
car and with 5 motor bikes of his friends, we visited Thengapattinam beach, Colachel
harbour, Muttom beach, Chothavillai beach and finally got home. While going, David’s
father was his pillion rider. On the way back I (mother) was his pillion rider. He enjoyed
this tour very much. This was his last pleasure trip with Sunday School Children, Choir
and especially his childhood village friends. He very much enjoyed having me and his
father riding with him. “Honour thy father and mother” – David was a good example to
that commandment.
On Sunday (Next day) he played the keyboard, as usual in our worship service,
gave sweets to Sunday School Children (which he did every Sunday) and taught in the
Sunday School. At noon we got back to Nagercoil to our home. In the afternoon, he
had a long sleep, (to compensate for a whole week’s loss of sleep). As usual he had a
long night studying. On Monday morning he left for College 45 miles away at 5.30 in the
morning in his bike. My husband and I prayed with him and said good bye.
I knew well that he was fond of Owning a Cellular phone. Two weeks before his
end, I had a strong urge that I should buy him one.
I shared my feeling with my husband and Samuel, our elder son. They gladly agreed.
So, I bought him a cell phone and how happy he was! He used to call me and his brother
often. We were specially glad
because contact with him became easier, and I, as his mother enjoyed hearing his voice.
As usual, on 6th October (Monday), 2003. I talked to him a few times. 7th October,
2003 was his last day on this, as Paul puts it “Earthly Tent”. It was also the last day to
complete his ministry in the College. A group of medical College students were meeting
regularly for prayer and worship in a Chapel “Bethel” every Tuesday. David, too
attended this fellowship often and played the keyboard. This particular Tuesday, he only
chose the Hymms and Choruses. He
practised singing for two days, got those songs typed and then took Photostat copies for
distribution to the participants. That fateful
afternoon, he called me twice to pass on some information about his brother’s (Samuel)
higher education. Finally he said he would look in the internet and give me more details
after his chapel service. That was the very last piece of conversation my son had with
me in this world. His friends told me he sat on the College varandah and studied from 2
to 4.30 p.m. Then he took his keyboard and another junior student to the Chapel.
Le me give you the song and some Choruses which he
selected and sang in that Chapel service. They all sound as if
he prepared himself to meet his beloved saviour after completing his earthly course.
Don’t you agree that all the gospel message he was supposed to preach for a
long time (if he was alive) is contained in this particular chorus? I must say this was my
beloved son David’s personal
testimony. On the way back after the worship service, he died in a bike accident. This
happened within 10 minutes after the service. A lady in a vision heard angels saying
that David died in an instant without any fear of death and was taken to his heavenly
home surrounded by a host of angels clad in bright, white robes. When my sister cried in
agony at the feet of Jesus, regarding David’s death, Jesus in His tender mercy revealed
to her, that David was carried by the angels before he dashed, by giving her Ps: 91:12
He is safe in the arms of his beloved Master and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Paul says,
David fought a good fight, kept his faith and finished his race.
Just imagine the agony we, his parents, brother, relatives and friends must have
gone through. His friends, classmates, the whole student body, his professors and Dean
showed their love and respect for David – a well behaved, a very studious and a real
Christian, in every possible way which was indeed touching. The whole medical college
student body was present at his funeral. The weeping and wailing of students,
especially boys showed us how much he was loved. Samuel, David’s father and me
were terribly shocked and all our dreams for our missionary son stood completely
shattered.
Of course we have no right to ask our Lord “ why Lord why” you took him away
from us at this tender age who had dedicated his life for the Lord’s ministry. Still what is
God’s will? At this agonizing
moment, my dear, precious saviour started revealing His purpose for David. Let me
share with you what my Lord said to me.
It was a Sunday (26-10-2003). At 5 A.M. when I woke up, my heart was aching for my
beloved son. My heart was too heavy and
I kept on telling, “Lord you took away my precious son”. Suddenly
I heard the voice of my saviour Jesus speaking clearly in my heart. Previously in my
life, when I was very much frustrated, I had the experience of hearing His voice. So, I
knew for sure it was Jesus. He said: David? - He is my son. Immediately I folded my
hands and said, ‘Lord, I do agree’ but you chose him to be a missionary and even
helped him to get admission in a medical college. That purpose was not
fulfilled, Lord”. Immediately Jesus said; “So, you wanted him to work in only one place?
No. I will send him (David) around the world as a
ministering Angel with a healing touch”.
Suddenly, the peace that passeth all understanding filled my heart.
A CONVERSATION WITH MY DARLING SON DAVID
ON 28TH OCTOBER 2003
Still, I terribly missed my son David. I couldn’t get over the unbearable loss. Two
days later on Tuesday (28th Oct., 2003) I woke up at 3 ’O clock in the morning. I was
praying to remove the pain in
my heart. I prayed ‘LORD I cannot live with this agonizing pain in my heart for long”. AT
5.30 in the morning, I dozed off. Suddenly I heard
somebody calling Amma, amma! It was a soft sweet voice.
Amma : Oh! my darling son! How are you? What are you doing there?
TRIBUTES TO
BENSAM DAVID SOLOMON
I have known David from the time he was just seven years old. My acquaintance
with him has mainly been in the Puthalam beach, where I too have a cottage, our holiday
resort.
The charm of his face, with its ever-radiant smile, is the
attraction that any acquaintance of his would find irresistible in him. Humility, modesty
and sincerity are the gems that adorn his character. So intelligent and brilliant in his
studies and so talented, yet so humble and modest – so cultured and refined, yet so
accessible to and one with the unlettered and the unrefined – beloved of all, from the
rustic uneducated villager to the scholarly Dean of the Medical College, where he
studied – it is almost impossible to find another child of his caliber on this earth. He could
never refuse any help to anyone anytime. He was a veritable angel on this earth.
On Saturday evenings, one could see him hurrying to the Church in the Puthalam
village beach, carrying his keyboard for the choir
practice for the Sunday morning service there. I too have helped him with soprano once
or twice in these practices. The pains he takes to train the rural church choir – members,
mostly very young girls with absolutely no ear or sense for music is indeed remarkable.
He never failed in any of his missions for Christ because of his dedication,
commitment and indefatigable industry. His commitment to his Lord and saviour was
cent percent. There was never a moment of wavering.
David was indeed a very warm sunbeam that radiated many a human heart. The
free medical camp that he had arranged for the poor rustic villagers of the Puthalam
beach, with the help of his senior
doctors and friends which the villagers attended en masse and
benefitted, only showed his kind concern for the very poor villagers there. The care and
concern he evinced to get each poor villager tested freely, was just typical of his nature
and character. He persuaded even
me to get myself tested for sugar and pressure, even when I told him that I was sure I
had neither of these complaints. His burden that not a single person should miss the
benefits of this free medical camp was ever so obvious.
On Saturday David could be seen playing cricket in an open ground next to my
cottage, with the teenagers of that village, most of whom were drop-outs from school
and with no regular employment.
I always used to wonder how David could level himself with these boys. He was their
friend, hero and idol of worship. He knew them from his childhood days, when he had
played with them, without any
inhibition and so even when he grew up and had earned his seat in the medical college
in the right royal way, he never alienated himself from them. Like water on a lotus leaf,
he could keep himself unsullied, and incorruptible, what ever the company he may keep.
During the Sunday service in the choir, he used to play so spontaneously and
effortlessly on the keyboard and sing tenor in the mike. It is no exaggeration at all when I
say that his singing and
accompaniment on his keyboard added to the richness and
meaningfulness of the Sunday Service in that village. Occasionally when I attend the
service in that church now, tears automatically trickle down my cheeks and I feel unable
to sing, choked with grief at the void he has left there.
With his charming face, very sweet smile, willingness and
readiness to help any one any time, darling David has left us all for his heavenly abode,
leaving behind him just fragrant memories that can never be dimmed or erased by time.
Like the sweet child Lucy Gray of William Wordsworth’s poem, David was veritably “the
sweetest child that ever grew beside a human door.”
DAVID AT NINETEEN
DAVID GIVING WITNESS AT THE MISSIONARY DEDICATION
SERVICE ON 7TH AUGUST 1999 (19 YEAR OLD)
Nagercoil.
As a roommate and friend, there are lots of things to tell about Benz. (as we used
to call him).
During our first year M.B.B.S., he was not my room-mate. He stayed in his
Aunty’s home. At that time he was very much afraid of the seniors because of ragging.
He used to go home by Auto rickshaw. For that he had to walk some distance to catch
an Auto. I was having a bicycle that time. I used to drop him at the auto stand. Thus our
friendship started. Then he bought a motor bike. Then it was his turn. He used to drop
me at my room. During the first study holidays, he used to come to my room to study.
That time he impressed everybody in and around our room including seniors and even
our cook.
From the second year, he became my room-mate. We used to go to the hospital
by bike. He was very adjustable. I learned many things from him. He was an
encyclopedia. He was having answers for anything about our subjects. I am interested in
General medicine.
Actually that interest came from Benz only. He was also my unit mate in hospital. While
we were discussing about our subjects, he used to clear all my doubts. He was having
great memory power and learning ability. He could answer the questions asked by our
roommates, who were preparing for post graduate studies. I was very much impressed
by his ability.
He used to talk to the patients very softly and politely. He never used harsh
words. There was never any misunderstanding
between Benz and me.
He was a good Musician. He was having a keyboard. It was in
our room for awhile. He used to play pop music and Christian songs very beautifully. He
also taught us to play some songs.
He used to play keyboard in our College functions. Always his performance used
to be the best event in those functions. Everybody in our College was impressed by his
music.
During examination times (including class tests) he would have some tension. He
wanted to do the tests very well, even if it was only a class test. Always he used to score
the first mark. Still he never had any head weight. He was simple and not talkative, but
sincere in his works. He was loved by all.
During nights before going to sleep, he used to read the book Daily bread. He
used to give some information from that, daily to us. He was the pet of all our
roommates.
Finally, his last day on earth was unforgettable. I can never forget that day – 7th
October 2003. I want to talk about that day.
That day we completed our surgery posting. For that we
decided to give a treat to our Chief Professor and Assistants, in our unit. In the morning,
while we were inviting the Chief, Benz came there a little late. We planned to go for the
treat in the evening. I told Benz, “Bye, see you in the evening.” That was the last thing I
talked to Benz. In the evening I only saw him. He was not able to see me.
His death affected me, my friends and my roommates terribly. It was a great loss
for us. I couldn’t accept his death.
He was a good roll model to me. I am trying to reach that height. But I can never
ever become a Benz.
TRIBUTES TO MY LOVING
SWEET SON DAVID
Our perfect sweet son David is now the ‘Beloved son’ of Jesus, revealing the
marvellous splendour and grandeur of Heaven to his loving Mom (Amma) on earth, so
that the world will know about it, according to the perfect will of our Mighty Father and
our loving Jesus. David was chosen for this task because of his resplendent life on
earth, which was overflowing with the love of Jesus. He had been an angel from his birth
to the day when he was carried by the angels to our lovely
permanent eternal Home above.
In our short temporary abode on earth.-
David had been a perfect sweet infant, an angel in his cradle, with a radiant smile
on his lovely face, diffusing happiness around him, without giving any trouble to his
adoring Mother.
He had been a perfect child obeying his parents in every way and doing his duty
exceedingly well, to the full satisfaction of his
teachers in school, securing laurels and getting the first rank, to the delight of all his
loved ones.
He had been a perfect teenager dedicating his entire life to Jesus at the tender
age of thirteen.
He had been a perfect and understanding son, a sun beam to his adoring
parents, making them happy in every way possible, by implicit obedience and love, filling
the house with his beautiful music.
He had been a perfect loving brother, full of affection and
adoration for his elder brother and he had been a friend to him.
He had been a perfect sweet son to all his adoring loved ones including his
loving Periamma, Aunts and Uncles, always thoughtful of their needs and doing his
maximum to alleviate their sufferings and making them happy.
He had been a perfect and sincere friend to all his classmates, roommates,
cousins and others who had come into contact with him.
He had been a perfect student to all his teachers in college, and who had been a
delight to them in class and outside, securing the first rank even in the most difficult
subject ‘medicine’.
He had been a perfect choir-Master in Puthalam, teaching music to those
children with all his might, energy and enthusiasm, even if the out come was not to his
expectation.
He had been a perfect lover of children, understanding their needs perfectly and
making them happy in every way possible.
He had been a perfect Missionary in the Medical College
leading many to Jesus by his spotlessly pure, radiant life and
sacrificially giving a lot to the poor.
He had been a perfect angel in helping any one at any time at the expense of
his leisure time, study time and his health.
He had been a perfect follower of Jesus in loving and helping the poor, the
needy, the sick, the old and the lonely and forgiving all those who had hurt him.
He had been a perfect disciple of Jesus, showing in his radiant life all the fruits of
the Holy spirit - love, joy, peace, long suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance in abundance.
He had been a great lover of Jesus and music, making all religious meetings,
services, conventions, retreats and religious plays lively, glorious, grand and splendid
with his wonderful magnificent and excellent performance on keyboard.
He is loved and adored by every one who knows him on earth as well as in heaven.
He had been doing every task assigned to him on earth
perfectly using all his God-given talents to the entire satisfaction and joy of Jesus and he
is continuing that in heaven including his studies with his talents increased and with
ease.
He is crowned with privileges enjoyed by only a few redeemed in Heaven, since
Jesus loves David as his own son and Jesus knows that David will do any task assigned
to him with perfectness.
His mission on earth had been to make others happy and
comfortable. Now also my sweet son David, whom we all love and adore, is sending his
love and consolation to his family and friends through his adoring Mom and he has never
forgotten his Periamma, for whom he had been an affectionate and sweet son on earth,
he is my son of consolation at present and he will be my son of radiant glory in my Home
for ever.
CHAPTER - 1
DAVID MEETS JESUS
Amma on 7th October, 2003 (the day David went HOME) I was surrounded by a
host of angels who took me with them.
First I thought, it was a pleasant dream. But when I saw Jesus standing there
with a radiant smile to welcome me, I realized that I had left the world and entered
heaven. Jesus embraced me in His arms with such love and tenderness, that my heart
was filled with rapture.
Then I saw ammamma (my mother) grandma, my two
grandpas and other relatives. They embraced me with so much love and happiness.
Though I realised that I had left you all amma, yet
I was happy only, because in heaven there is only happiness, joy, peace, love . . . . .
There is no sorrow, no anxiety, no pain . . . . . Then I was busy telling ammamma and
others about me, about you all and the other news of the earth.
Amma, Jesus has been so very merciful to give me permission to commune with
you! So don’t feel sad Amma!
Also I was not allowed to see the scenes of the earth, when you were in agony
and intense pain. (That is upto 28th October, 2003). Now that I have talked to you, be
happy Amma! Bye!
“Carried by the angels to the land of rest
Music sweetly sounding thro’ the skies
Welcomed by the Saviour to the heav’nly feast
Gathered with the loved in paradise”
- Et. Nathan
5th November, 2003 :
David : Amma, Jesus feels very sad for your heart-broken
condition. He said, “My poor child wants to do so much for Me, but
she is now in a pitiable condition. My heart aches for her, seeing her
in such pain and sorrow. But I had to fulfil My Father’s will. So David,
My son, whenever you are free, you talk to her so that she will
be able to get some consolation”. So be happy Amma! I’ll talk to
you often.
Amma, today we sang the song, “Jesus Lover of my soul.” Also I told stories to a group
of youngsters. Bye Amma!
25th November, 2003 : 5.30 A.M.
When I was praying for a long time, I heard a voice (Holy
spirit) saying “David has gone for a walk” and the following song came into my mind.
“I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The son of God discloses.
Ch : And He walks with me and He talks with me . . . ”
Then I realized that David must be talking to Jesus. Within a short time, I heard
David’s voice.
David : Amma, three of us boys started on a tour over the
mountains. One boy is an Indian and the other an Italian. On our
way, we met Jesus. We were thrilled to meet Him! Jesus enfolded
all the three of us within His arms !! He told me that He was
planning for my mission on the earth. In the meantime, He said, that
I had to learn more and become a ‘perfect boy’. He walked with us
for some distance and then left us. Amma, you just can’t
understand the rapture, we felt in His divine presence!
Then we glided along in a horizontal direction as though we were flying with a
parachute. It was a wonderful experience and the sensation was most delightful! We
have the power of passing through the air and we ascended until we were just above the
mountains and we glided onwards and passed over the exquisite panorama of beautiful
valleys, rivers and flowering trees. We saw colourful lovely birds,
animals etc (I am talking to you amma, as I am drifting on my tour over the mountains.) I
feel so excited and relaxed! Amma, you just can’t understand its splendour! You may be
able to get a trace of this beauty, if you imagine climbing up the Kodai hills in a bus. Bye
Amma!
“My saviour comes and walks with me,
And sweet communion here have we;
He gently leads me by His hand,
For this is heaven’s border land.”
- E. Page
CHAPTER - 2
so happy that Jesus said this about me. Amma you must be
consoled by this great wonderful promise!
CHAPTER - 3
GOD’S GUIDANCE FOR WRITING THIS BOOK
Our Lord Jesus gave me a happy peaceful family life. My life’s path of sunshine
suddenly became pitch dark. The promise of my God whom I trusted all along seemed to
fail and my heart was in agony. All my dreams were shattered. When I was groping in
darkness, a
heavenly light flashed on my path. I heard the voice of my loving Saviour and saw His
promise in all its glory and splendour and His peace filled my weary heart. At the same
time all of a sudden my broken and longing heart, was thrilled with joy as I heard the
sweet voice of my darling son, who is partaking in ‘Heaven’s Glory’. I praise and thank
my beloved Saviour Jesus for His grace and tender mercy in giving me a special
privilege of communication between me and my son, at the same time bestowing on me,
the sacred duty of writing a book on the marvellous glories of heaven as revealed to me
by my son, David. I pray to God with a humble heart that this book must bring
consolation to many who have lost their children and loved ones and lead many to
our Saviour.
is English and Joe is Malaysian) went there. After seeing all their
mansions and their beautiful surroundings we had a meeting in their
lovely huge front lawn. Many from the complex came with great
enthusiasm. We three spoke and gave our witness. Like that, many
from different countries gave their witnesses. One North Indian also
spoke. He said, “Millions of Indians have not heard about Jesus
yet.” John told them about me and said, “David’s Mom is going to
write a book about heaven.” The Indian was very much pleased and
said, “The book will touch many people in India.” Bye, amma!
One day, I asked David, why he is giving only the first name of his
Friends and others and not their family name too. He replied as follows :
David : Amma, may be it is the will of my Jesus not to reveal the
real identity of persons here. Even I don’t know the family names of
my friends and others. We always use their first name only.
CHAPTER - 4
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come” is a familiar hymn sung all over the
world during Christmas season. Indeed the birth of Christ is something for us to
rejoice because through Him we find joy, peace
and especially eternal life. Young and old, poor and rich celebrate Christmas on
the earth. After my son’s going HOME, I was thinking one day during Christmas season
whether they celebrate Christmas in heaven, David provided me the answer to that
question.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who
dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be
upon His shoulder, and His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.
(Isa. 9 : 2, 6.)
- J. Byrom
The small children form a separate choir. It is thrilling to hear the baby voices
singing Christmas songs. Sometimes, we join the
children outside and sing together. But we go separately into the
mansions for singing. Outside we sing jolly good songs like “jingle bells”. What a joy!
Just compare this Christmas with a Christmas on the earth. I believe children, teens and
youth are the ones who enjoy heaven the most. So, my Jesus called me at the right
time. At the same time I cannot expect every body to go to heaven like me. There is a lot
of work to do for Jesus on the earth too.
I feel that some of those who are loved best by Jesus are taken up in heaven
when they are young.
aged lady. She is a spinster and we call her Aunt Margaret. She
has travelled all over the world, including India. She had been a
great Choir conductor. She actually conducted our choir when we
visited her mansion to sing carols. You can imagine my happiness.
Though I teach music to my group, I didn’t know how to do it
correctly. I know only Puthalam choir and our youth choir. Actually we had
a wonderful choir practice. First she asked us to stand in
2/3 rd of a circle, in the following order – Treble – Tenor – alto and
bass. We sang almost all Christmas songs. All her life, she was a
music instructor and choir director. First she gave us starting notes,
played a prelude in the piano, and then she directed our singing.
She taught us different ways to sing (soft and loud), humming parts,
treble solo, only male voices for one stanza etc. She taught us
different variations. We all were very happy and she asked us to go
often. Amma, see how I am getting trained to conduct a choir, apart
from singing. Now I have an idea about different variations by which we can
sing. We stayed there for a long time. In several houses,
they gave us different types of tasty fruit juices.
The small children are becoming naughtier. When we walk on the road, they
often dash against us or rush in between, tickle us and run away. We also pinch them
playfully. They giggle and run away. They are very cute. Oh, I just love them. Bye amma!
feel as though we are looking over Bethlehem 2000 years ago, from
above. You also try to imagine that and it will be a wonderful
experience. In the world we just sing for the tune of a song for its
beauty, but do not realize the meaning of every word. Amma, please
try to read the Christmas songs as I say. In the song “while
Shepherds watched their flocks by night”, we feel as though we
have joined the host of angels who gave the message and sing the
first carols to the Shepherds. For ‘silent night’, imagine a world,
2000 years ago – no light; such a calm and serene early morning
hours, while the world was asleep !
Amma, be happy and try to do everything for Jesus. Always use the name of
Jesus. It is the only powerful name. Bye amma!
The Bible says, when Jesus told his disciples that He was going to leave them
soon, they were troubled. Then Jesus told the most heartening news, “In my father’s
house are many
mansions, . . . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . . .
and I will take you to myself, that where I am, you may
be also” (John 14 : 2, 3). Yes, there are beautiful, spacious mansions already prepared
for His people as promised. David’s description of
those mansions has created a longing for me to go there soon. What about you?
I am giving below a consolidated account of different sites for mansions on both
sides of a huge lake, a brook, a river, near a ravine and sea as narrated by David.
There are mansions on mountain slope and top too. All mansions have huge, beautiful
gardens surrounded by woods. Pet lovers’ mansions are near the woods, and pets live
together in these woods.
Then some great sailors talked about their adventures at sea and at the poles.
They said that like doctors, sailors could not be
non-believers, since at every turn, they had to depend on divine
guidance and protection by the Lord, who made the ocean, earth and sky. They
explained their adventurous and dangerous expeditions and how Jesus saved them from
sharks, storms and winds. We all enjoyed listening since it was like a story. We spent a
lot of time there. They further told us, “Inside the deep sea there are boat houses and
ship mansions. Some people live there for some period and then come back to their
mansions here. It would be a wonderful experience to watch deep sea fishes and
beautiful gardens under the sea, since water is transparent. Fishes would play together
and one can dive into the sea.” We all were much excited. We told them that we would
come sometime with our families and children, so that we could spend longer time with
them and could stay in the ship mansions for a while. Finally we said goodbye and
entered the back waters in our boat.
It was a, wonderful sight and experience. Behind the back waters, there was a
huge forest, with many falls and streams. We saw water running down and dashing
against the rocks at the shore of the back waters. This was a very beautiful scene.
There were mansions deep inside the forest and children were going in small boats
around the rocks, where there were very many sea birds and water birds, small and big
with long legs like Pelicans. They made different sounds. Amma, heaven is such a
wonderful place !
Finally we again reached the sea from the back waters, sailed on
and on and entered the lake through a channel. The lake was
familiar to us since we went there once to sing Christmas carols, in the
mansions. From the lake we entered the river which took us home.
“We shall sing on the beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blest,
And our spirits shall sorrow no more
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest”
- S. F. Bennett
xi. Ship mansions inside the sea
David : Amma, I went to the medical study centre and spent a lot of time there. When I
got back, you were fast asleep and didn’t want to disturb you. Just then my friends
came. They wanted to go on a tour to the ship mansions and we did.
We all went in a big boat through the river near my home, reached the lake and
again went through another river. On the right side we could see the beautiful falls.
Through this river we reached the sea. At the sea, we turned our boat to the left which
led us to the mansions on the sea shore and back waters. Once before when we visited
those mansions for a short while, folks there promised to take us to ship mansions inside
the sea when we visited them the next time.
As promised, adults and children accompanied us in two huge
boats. The sea before us was like a beautiful shining glass, golden in colour.
What a sight! Far away we could see those beautiful floating ship-mansions in a
circle. Each mansion was rectangular or oval in shape on a very huge ship
which tapered at two sides. It had 4 rooms at the ground level in each ship. In
every room there were two large windows with glass shutters facing the sea. Out
side those rooms was the deck with railings all around. At the two ends of the
deck there were
As promised, adults and children accompanied us in two huge boats. The sea
before us was like a beautiful shining glass, golden in colour. What a sight! Far away we
could see those beautiful floating ship-mansions in a circle. Each mansion was
rectangular or oval in shape on a very huge ship which tapered at two sides. It had 4
rooms at the ground level in each ship. In every room there were two large windows with
glass shutters facing the sea. Out side those rooms was the deck with railings all
around. At the two ends of the deck there were many seats and beautiful flowers in
flower pots. We sat there and looked for a long time at the glorious glassy sea. We could
sea lots and lots of colourful fishes, big and small jumping and playing. It must be hard
for you to believe if I tell you that children lie on the back of huge fishes, holding tight the
head of the fishes. When these fishes jumped and dived, children too came up and went
down with them. Children were just thrilled. Their joyful shouting filled the air. It was just
fantastic
and fascinating.
There was only a slight rocking motion in the ship, say like a gentle motion of a
cradle. Rooms were furnished with tables, chairs, beds, etc. Likewise there were four
rooms on the first floor. In some mansions there was second floor too. In between
mansions, we could see many rocky islands with flowering trees, bushes with flowers,
fountains and small tents with chairs inside. We saw some people sitting inside those
tents and some working in the garden.
From each mansion, a bridge with railings led to the nearby island. The bridge
was permanently attached to the island on one side and the other side just touched the
mansion so that the ship mansion could be shifted from one place to another. Each
island had flowers of one colour and the view of the sea from the second floor of the
mansion was marvellous. Amma. This must be the superb work of the Heavenly artists
who had given each island a different colour.
People from different races were there. Some lived there
permanently and some others used them as holiday homes.
There were many empty mansions, fully furnished. So we decided to go there the next
time with our families and children to stay there for a longer time.
Amma, I felt like staying there permanently. Such a wonderful place! But all my
friends are staying near the river side. But we can go and stay there for quite sometime,
like how we used to go from Nagercoil and stay at Puthalam beach for a few weeks once
a year.
Now we are returning, home. I can hear voices shouting ‘David David’. Bye
amma !
“Oh, the music rolling onward
Like a mighty ocean tide
Oft I seem to hear its echoes
While to earth they softly glide!
And there comes to me a vision
That my soul with rapture thrills
For I stand by faith uplifted
On the everlasting hills.
- F. J. Crosby
In front of my home, my friends shook hands and hugged me. Teenagers, patted
me on the back and that is the way, they say goodbye to me.
Inside our home, I heard mamu’s excited voice talking with ammamma. I told her
that I would come down after going to my room.
Ammamma will be waiting for me and I hear mamu’s voice calling David, David.
Bye Amma!
Then people from all the mansions warmly welcomed us. All of them belonged to
the same family of different generations.
Like that there were many groups of mansions along the sea shore, belonging to
people of the different nations of the earth. They had been sailors or simple fisher folk in
the world. The distance
between two groups was about the distance between our house in Puthalam and
Manakkudi (about 3 miles). If the sea was in a straight line near the beach, the mansions
were also in a straight line. If the sea formed a bay, the shape of the mansions also was
a curve like that, so that water could enter into the mansions. If the sea was V-shaped,
the
mansions were also of the same shape.
Then we entered through a huge gate which glistened with beauty. At the front,
we saw many rows of tall trees laden with fruits of different varieties. After that we went
along a road to the interior. At a distance we saw huge mansions, radiating dazzling
white light. Each mansion was surrounded by walls and beautiful garden. We were
amazed to see angels moving within the garden. Then we saw them gliding away
gracefully and another group of angels descending there. First we thought we were
inside an abode of angels. But when we got nearer to the complex of mansions, we were
told that those were the abode of martyrs, who were tortured, persecuted in every
possible way and cruelly killed – speared, burned alive, thrown to wild animals
and by many other terrible means. There were many women and
children too.
We then went into one mansion. At the top floor we saw a group of martyrs sitting
in half circle, and we saw a radiant white light emanating from them. Each one of them
was wearing a dazzling
diamond crown and the light radiating from those crowns were blinding. They asked us
to sit down. There were angels too. Sometime we could not distinguish between human
beings and angels.
One of them said that their hearts were filled with rapture and radiant joy, since
they were privileged to suffer and die for Jesus in such gruesome way. They explained
vividly how they were persecuted and killed. The way, they explained, showed their deep
love, devotion and adoration they had and have for Jesus. He said, “We are ready to go
again to the earth, if necessary to suffer and die for Him.” Amma, what a wonderful
witness! In comparison to this what have we done for Jesus? How much have we
suffered? Nothing Amma, nothing at all. We could feel their deep and intense love for
Jesus. They were martyrs of earlier centuries. While leaving, we bent down, kissed their
hands reverently and came down.
From there, we walked along the road, looking at those huge beautiful mansions
glittering in dazzling white light. We also saw a huge chapel, where martyrs were singing
and praising Jesus on
their knees. We took off our foot wear and entered the chapel. The brightness inside
was more dazzling. The most surprising fact was ANGELS were playing harps and
singing along with them. We couldn’t comprehend their close fellowship with the angels.
We came out dazed and walked along the road. All flowers in the garden looked pure
white because of this dazzling white light. We couldn’t see any colours. The delicate and
enchanting perfume from these gardens filled the air. The streams flowing through the
garden looked like brilliant molten silver. We saw two more places of worship. Finally we
came out of the island dazed and speechless. We went around the island in our boat
once again to see its brilliant beauty. Such brilliant light will certainly blind the human
beings on the earth.
We were so perplexed that we couldn’t talk or sing on the way. We reached
home silently.
Amma, we say that we love Jesus. But compared to their love, ours is nothing.
They found intense joy in suffering for Jesus.
Amma, I am sorry I am not able to explain fully what I saw.
I have no language to describe its divine beauty and splendour. You and
Appa seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to put it down in words,
Amma, now I am going to rest before I go down. Bye Amma!
Faith prevailing, hope unfailing,
Jesus loved with single heart –
Thus they glorious and victorious
Bravely bore the Martyr’s part.
Rack’d with torture, haled to slaughter,
Fire, and axe, and murderous sword,
Chains and prison, foes’ derision
They endured for Christ the Lord.
So they pass’d through pain and sorrow,
Till they sank in death to rest;
Earth’s rejected, God’s elected,
Gain’d a portion with the blest.
By contempt of worldly pleasures,
And by deeds of valour done,
They have reached the land of Angels,
And with them are Knit in one,
- Redhead. R.
(Festivals of Martyrs)
David : Amma, we had a long pleasant journey along the sea shore
in our beautiful boat, reclining on its comfortable seats, singing and
enjoying the lovely scenery. After crossing the mansions touching
the sea, we saw a broad river entering into the sea, with marvellous
splendour and we entered in to that river with great joy. Along the
river, rather back waters, we saw palm trees on both sides and it
was a wonderful sight. After some distance, there was a branch of
this river on the right side and we went into it. John had a map and
we always followed it. Amma, all our programmes are planned by
Jesus as I often tell you.
Tucked away on these backwaters, was an elegant little town, almost floating in
these waters. As we sailed along further, we saw two rows of lovely slope roofed
cottages like mansions with a single storey, each one glittering in a different colour and
surrounded by water on all sides. The first row was touching the sea on one side and
backwaters on all other sides (front row) the second row was surrounded on all sides by
two parallel branches of back waters.
We didn’t go to these mansions, first. We saw people sitting in a
very beautiful palm grove with shining white sand and sand dunes
surrounded by backwaters, stretching as far as the eye could see, just
behind the second row of cottages. Many people sat on lovely cane
chairs and were making beautiful delicate flower pots using the green
palm leaves and canes of different colours. Also they had a roll of thin
gold plate ribbon, which was also used in between different layers of
cane. Some were like baskets with handles and sparkling with more gold
and some pots had no handles which could be used as permanent flower
pots around the mansions. The climate was extremely pleasant Amma,
and we could feel a very mild breeze as well. It was cooler than the other
places. Some women were sitting here in groups, arranging
flowers in those baskets. Also we got a glimpse of a forest through the palm trees and
backwaters. We saw children emerging from the wood, and crossing the back waters in
small beautiful boats, laden with
flowers of many colours. The scene was so breath-taking Amma, that we were
overwhelmed by a desire to click a picture of the lovely view. The wild flowers were of
such exquisite beauty and the varieties were so numerous, that we just couldn’t believe
our eyes. In the Bible Jesus describes the beauty of lilies on earth in Mathew chapter 6.
Then how can I describe the loveliness of such flowers in heaven Amma! After arranging
these flowers in pots, they used to take them to different
parts of heaven.
We also saw a big crowd of children-black, brown, white,
yellow-playing in the pure white fine sand and water. There were
beautiful marble stones of various shades on the banks of the
backwaters. Some adults were sitting with groups of children, telling them stories of
Jesus.
We were welcomed by a group of adults and they invited us and offered cane
chairs to sit on. John introduced all of us. Then one person introduced himself as an
early Portuguese missionary. He said as follows :
“This is a small town (village) occupied by Portuguese people. As you know, in
early centuries Portuguese were involved in trade and the people travelled by boats and
small ships to different countries like Africa, India, Malasia, China etc. Along with them,
many missionaries went to spread the gospel and first they started their work among
children. David, (I was introduced by John, as a medical student) you know that child
mortality was very high during those early centuries. When a contagious disease broke
out in a village hundreds of children died. In Heaven, these children are more attached
to the missionary families, than with their own parents. We don’t know whether their
parents are here or not. Jesus in His tender mercy directed them to us and they live with
us. Each home has 10-15 children from different countries living with us. We’ll show our
cottages soon. Also if you go straight in the river there is another group of cottages.
There is an auditorium, where Jesus used to come with angels. At that time, we all go
there to worship Jesus. Usually all of us don’t attend the worship services which take
place in the ‘worship-complex’ auditoriums. Only a few of us used to go over there.”
Amma, it was really fascinating and wonderful to see such a huge crowd of
children of different races from different countries,
playing together with such joy and happiness. Then we saw large
number of children sitting around us. They gave us a small round
coconut like nut. A small opening at one corner was made and they put a hollow stalk of
a grass as straw and we all drank that sweet liquid within and it had a pleasant smell too.
We enjoyed that delicious
juice Amma.
Then we took our guitar from the boat and started singing
choruses and rounds. Our girls entertained the children with their
humorous skits and mimicries. The children enjoyed those items and were laughing and
laughing. Then the missionary called his children to do their respective native dances. It
was wonderful to see all the
children with dark skins coming out from the huge crowd and gathering to perform their
native dance with their drums. They did it well – so also the browns, whites and yellow
children. Otherwise all of them were completely mixed up.
Then, they took us to the nearest row of cottages in their boats. These were built
in their traditional attractive architecture of their
country. They were elegant and beautiful. Each cottage was
round-shaped with a broad veranda with gold railings, surrounding the whole structure.
The roof and floor of each cottage were laid with glazed marble tiles of the same colour
edged with gold. Marble steps of the same colour were around the whole veranda.
Different cottages were constructed with beautiful marbles of different colours. Only a
few steps were dry and the rest were immersed in crystal clear water. There were about
6-8 rooms in each cottage. Two rooms were used by the
Portuguese family. Middle ones were dining hall and nursery for the children. The other
end rooms were for the children with many small beds. People were sitting on the
veranda, reading or watching the
beautiful birds. Along the veranda, flower pots with lovely flowers were kept in position
by a few beautiful coloured marble stones inside. They said that the flowers never fade.
Though, they can’t have the usual gardens, the cottages looked as though they were
surrounded by
gardens, filled with flowers of exquisite beauty.
Then we crossed the next channel by their small boats and went to the first row
of cottages, surrounded by water, On one side, they had the vast ocean. We saw many
people sitting on the veranda facing the sea, watching the boats and also the beautiful
birds of
many colours.
Amma, we saw all sorts of sea-birds swarming around the place. Some were
drifting out to sea and some groups were plunging into the water and then crossing
these mansions to go into the forest. The sight was fascinating. From one cottage to
another, we can either walk in knee deep water or sail by a small boat. Each cottage had
a few small boats. There were more than hundred cottages.
Finally, we came back to the palm grove. Amma we were stunned to see the
sight there. They kept hundreds of beautiful
baskets with handles holding lovely varieties of flowers. Each basket was different either
in its shape or in its flowers. They wanted to give all those baskets as presents to us.
We couldn’t keep all in our boat. Anyway they brought inside the boat atleast hundred
baskets. Finally, with a fond farewell, we started back home, singing with joy.
We decided to keep one or two baskets for each one of us and give others to our
friends and also to keep as flower – show in our common garden near the marble steps
of the river, where we used to land by boat.
As soon as we arrived , I took two baskets, said goodbye and quickly rushed
home. When I was talking with Ammamma and Mamu, girls brought more baskets
specially for me. Such affectionate friends Amma! They said, “David, you need more for
Palliyadi Patty (Grandma) and Mamu.” (My friends have started calling Palliyadi
Grandma as ‘Palliyadi Patti.”) I just took two more and asked them to distribute the rest
to the other friends. Finally I said goodbye and sent them.
Here at home, Mamu wanted to take one to Palliyadi grandma
immediately. Ammamma told him, “Let David go to his room first and he will come down
soon. Then you two can go.” He was not very happy. Amma now I hear him calling and I
am going down.
Kamazh:David, please convey our love to Palliyadi Grandma and Grandpa and also to
Ammamma and Grandpa. Convey our special love to Mamu too from his two sisters.
David : (Laughed). Amma if I say sisters, Mamu may possibly
imagine two of his two year old friends! Anyway I’ll convey your love
to every one including Mamu.
Bye Amma !
“Flowers are ever springing,
In that Home so fair;
Little children singing
Praises to Jesus there.
How they swell the glad anthem,
Ever around the bright throne;
When, oh, when shall I see thee,
Beautiful, beautiful Home?
- H.R. PALMER
CHAPTER - 6
WORSHIP SERVICES IN HEAVEN
When Jesus sat on the beautiful high throne, we all sang “Praise Him! Praise
Him! Jesus our Blessed Redeemer!” (S.S. 208). Then the heavenly choir with the
orchestra sang a few songs, so also the angels.
Then Jesus stood up and gave a very touching message on “Father’s Love”.
When Jesus started talking, there was perfect silence, even among the children. We
could feel His wonderful magnetic
presence and we all sat enchanted.
His theme was “Father’s Love – The Perfect Will of the Father, according to the
Perfect Love of the Father, for our Perfect
HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN.” HE QUOTED Himself as an example.
He said, “Can you imagine any Father giving His only Son willingly
for such an agonizing death on the cross? If My Father had accepted My
plea on the previous day of crucifixion to change His will, will you all be
here with such tremendous and glorious joy? I accepted the Perfect Will
of My Father and His Perfect Love for the whole human race, which
means Perfect Happiness in Heaven for Me and for the saved souls. I,
Myself experience Perfect Happiness, seeing the huge multitude of
humans, Praising Me with such love and joy !! Have you
experienced this ‘Perfect Will and Perfect Love of the Father’ in your life and in the lives
of your loved ones? Many of you may say ‘yes’ now and some will know it later on only.”
Amma, for me the theme is true. But for you all, you may not fully know the
happiness, the will and the Love of the Father now, but eventually, you will know it.
After the service, adults sat in groups and discussed among themselves what
Jesus told us. Our group is back home. Now I am in my room. Bye Amma !
At 8 P.M. while I was working in the kitchen, I heard David’s voice. He told me
that after completing my work ( I told him that I
was working) and after dinner, he would talk. At about 8.45 P.M.,
he started talking.
I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou most
High.” (Psalm 9 : 1, 2)
descending into that island from all sides. Amma, I just can’t describe the splendour of
this scene. Also thousands of white-robed throng
(redeemed Souls) with us reached the island from all sides by boats, which automatically
went back to pick up more people. Amma, I don’t know what power propelled these
boats.
The island was full of angels. When we glanced above, we saw hosts and hosts
of angels gliding over us with beautiful golden harps and singing. We were just gazing at
that scene with awe. Amma, I just can’t express the beauty and splendour of a radiant
host of tiny angels floating above with their tiny tinkling golden bells and singing sweetly
with their infant voices.
“And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:”
“The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave His voice.”
(Psalm 18 : 13)
We walked along our beautiful broad road towards the right from our houses for
quite sometime. Then another road branched out from this, towards the left. When we
entered this road and walked some distance, we saw hosts and hosts of angels
including tiny ones, standing in groups, along this road and singing. The whole area of
an immense circle of atleast one mile radius, around the place of worship was glowing
with shining angels. Also we saw radiant clouds of angels descending near the place of
worship and then they were filling the whole area. We saw them gliding above us and
singing melodious songs with various instruments. We walked amidst these innumerable
angels gazing at the marvellous splendour of the scene.
When we reached the place, the auditorium was full of angels as usual and they
had occupied the galleries as well. We all sat in the beautiful lawn in kneeling posture in
front of the galleries. There was a human orchestra with a large number of violins and
pipe instruments on the left and the angelic one on the right. They were playing softly the
beautiful grand hymn “Holy ! Holy ! Holy ! Lord God Almighty !” The soft strains of violins,
with the background music of other instruments and that of the angels, was magnificent
and enchanting, amma.
All of a sudden, we heard a mighty sound of tremendous
volume like many thunders roaring above and we saw a dazzling light, like the flash of
lightning coming down from above. At once we all fell down prostrate and I couldn’t bear
the glory and the mighty sound, which was like the thundering sound of a large number
of jet planes landing at the same time. Amma, I couldn’t behold the glorious Jesus, from
whom, dazzling glory was radiating in all directions. I felt a tremor in my heart.
Then I heard a thunderous voice speaking and I couldn’t
comprehend what HE said. John said (afterwards) that the Father God
was saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. My Son
will be glorified by the saved souls”.
Again we heard the noise of thunder shooting upwards amidst the mighty sound of
angel’s triumphant shouts of joy (J}jhpd; Mh;g;ghpg;g[) Then the voice of thunder was
fading in the distance and the dazzling glory was withdrawn from the stage.
When I got up I didn’t see any member of the human orchestra and I don’t know
what happened to them. They must have fallen down.
First, the angels from the stage glided away and then the
others in the auditorium followed them. They were followed by other angels surrounding
the auditorium and those in the forest. They all floated gracefully in a beautiful order and
that scene itself was of
overwhelming glory. Only after all the angels in the auditorium glided away, we came
out.
Amma, the human eyes cannot withstand this light, just like Apostle Paul, who
became blind, when he saw the light. Also the
human ear-drums will crack hearing this tremendous sound according to my medical
studies. But our heavenly eyes and ears can withstand this bright light and enormous
sound.
Afterwards, we all went and sat, in our usual place near the stream and
discussed with awe and wonder, the grandeur of the Father God and the manifestation
of His immense power, glory, majesty and His love for His Son Jesus.
Amma, before I went to the worship service, I had been to the “Medical Study
Centre”.
Now, after spending sometime with Grandfather, who is sitting in the portico of
my house, I will be going to the Department of
Neurology (Study of human brain). There are many great experts in this department.
They say that in the world, we studied the different
functions of brain by the use of different instruments and by other means. But here we
are getting the first hand information from the creator of the brain Himself. So what a
privilege and what knowledge I am getting here, when compared to the knowledge I got
in my earthly life.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
Sing O Ye people gladly adore Him
Let the mountains tremble at His word
Let the hills by joyful before Him
Mighty in wisdom, boundless in mercy?
Great is Jehovah, King over all,
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord,
Let the hills be joyful before Him!
- F. J. Crosby
David : Amma, Aunt Janet sent word that Jesus would be present
in an auditorium on a mountain top and also she gave us the
direction of reaching that site.
We reached the Palm grove island through the river flowing in front of our
houses. Then we sailed on along the left side and saw the beautiful bridge. The town,
where we met Jesus in a chapel, is situated on the left side of this river. But we crossed
the river at that point and came to the opposite edge.
There was a beautiful mountain and we saw lovely mansions of huge
dimensions, on four different levels on the mountain slope. Each mansion had an
exquisitely beautiful garden with a fountain of
sparkling spray. Amma we were delighted to note that all mansions had different
varieties of fountains of excellent beauty. Shining
waterfalls were streaming down the mountain slope and were flowing along the roads
glistening in the golden light.
Beautiful roads were passing infront of each row of houses. All the
roads were curved and stretched along the mountain to the other side
where there were many such mansions. There were broad marble
steps, edged with gold, leading from one level to another. We climbed those steps and
reached the fifth layer. There we saw a very huge auditorium, built parallel to the road,
standing in magnificent splendour and imposing grandeur.
We entered through a side door. It was filled with people
and angels. Children were in the front holding colourful flowers in their hands. Hosts of
angels were descending into the auditorium. Seating arrangement was spectacular in
that place. There was no gallery. But height of seats gradually increased from the front
to the back.
There was a huge human choir of about 100 members at the left side of the
stage. They were standing in a gallery, with a grand uniform with beautiful golden scarfs
around their necks. When we
entered, they were singing some English songs. Their singing was very beautiful and
harmonious. Each note of bass and tenor was
flowing on a wave of vitality. Amma I have never heard the singing of bass and tenor
with such majesty and grandeur, and I was simply captivated by their singing.
Then we all stood up and joined the choir in singing the song “Praise, my soul,
the King of heaven;” When we sang the chorus, “Praise Him ! Praise Him !” we all raised
our hands and sang with great gusto. At that instant Jesus descended with a radiant
glory and splendour with a host of angels. His descent increased our joy many fold. His
presence increased the tempo of our singing. Especially baby voices could be heard
distinctly.
When Jesus stood up, our joy knew no bounds and the
audience burst into shouts of joy. Then He extended His nail printed hands and said,
“Peace be unto you.” His voice was so majestic that our hearts were filled with
unspeakable rapture.
Jesus spoke about “Peace in the world.” He said, “There is no
peace in the world. My children, missionaries and peace makers are
persecuted in the world. I may have to send missionaries and peace
makers from heaven. Are you ready to go?” At once we all stood up,
raised our hands and shouted, “Amen ! Amen !” Jesus then said that it
would be performed according to the will of the Father.
Finally, the vast gathering rose to their feet and burst forth into that grand hymn
“All, hail the power of Jesus’ name !” [other tune – where bass and tenor repeats.]
While we were singing, “Crown Him, Crown Him” with full parts loudly, Jesus ascended
with glory and
majesty with the host of angels.
Amma, the repeating of “Crown Him !” by bass and tenor of the
choir was extremely grand and the volume was quite sufficient for the
whole congregation. Aunt Janet introduced me first to the choir master, who was a
middle aged man. I congratulated him and his choir for their
wonderful performance, and he was very happy. Then he introduced all the members of
his choir who sang different parts. I was very much pleased to meet the members of
such an excellent choir. The volume as well as blending of voices was distinctly audible
even when the whole congregation was singing.
Then we thanked aunt Janet and sailed along the river slowly, singing “All, hail
the power of Jesus name” in the same tune with all parts, with great enthusiasm. The
speeding boats passing us, waved and cheered us telling, “beautiful ! excellent ! etc.”
What a joyous, carefree life in heaven amma! I was just enthralled by this beautiful
service and I am extremely happy in heaven. So, for my sake, be happy Amma ! Bye !
“Praise Him ! Praise Him ! Jesus our blessed redeemer,
Sing O earth His wonderful love proclaim!,
Hail Him ! Hail Him ! highest arch angels in glory;
Strength and honour give to His holy name !
Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children
In His arms He carries them all day long;
Praise Him ! Praise Him, tell of His excellent greatness
Praise Him ! Praise Him ever in joyful song !
- F. J. Crosby
xiii. Another worship service with Jesus
25th March 2004 : 9.30 P.M.
“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up and His train filled
the temple. Above it stood the Seraphims . . . And one cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts
of the door moved at the voice of him that cried. . . .” Isaiah 6 : 1 - 4
David : Amma, after attending a long worship, service, I just got home.
As usual it was a huge auditorium near a river. We went by boat to get there. This
particular auditorium was different from the ones we had visited so far. It was very huge
and seats were arranged in galleries.
In the front, the stage occupied one third of the area. The right 1/3 area was full
of galleries, occupied by the angels’ orchestra and the left one third gallery by a huge
human choir. Smaller angels occupied the front rows with beautiful golden bells in their
hands. Angels behind them had golden harps of different sizes. At the extreme back,
angels had trumpets of different sizes.
Baby angels at the front were ringing their bells uniformly like doing a mass drill,
moving their hands uniformly like a group of people playing tambourine. The sight of the
shining tiny angels with their
glittering golden bells, swaying in the golden light was enchanting Amma and the ringing
sound was also very sweet. It was like ringing a single bell though there were so many.
The different notes of the harps
also blended beautifully and we were entranced by the lovely melody of their orchestra.
Amma, I think the angelic orchestra is superior to our human orchestra. As for as
singing is concerned, we prefer to listen to the human choir, because most of the songs
they sing are familiar to us and also they sing in four parts, which is an added attraction
to us. The uniform of this particular human choir was also beautiful. Over the
uniform, each had a golden scarf around their neck that was hanging all the way down to
their feet. They were singing songs of praise.
The human choir and the angelic orchestra were giving items
alternately. While the angelic orchestra was playing, suddenly an
intense bright light shone on the stage and Jesus, with a host of angels descended
gloriously on the stage. His garment was immaculately radiant and His face was shining
with the divine beauty. Instantly we saw all the angels on the stage bowing low at the
feet of Jesus, who was sitting on a high throne. The whole redeemed souls present
stood up, raised their hands and shouted praises in full adoration.
Amma, then we all sang a song of praise – “Praise Him, praise him, praise Him”.
You may not know this song. We sang along with the angel’s orchestra and human
choir. Amma, the singing was so loud, cheerful and with such tremendous joy, that the
whole auditorium
was vibrating.
Then Jesus stood up with His extended hand. A pure white bright light radiated
from, His holy face and His dress. We couldn’t take off our eyes from His loving beaming
divine face. Just then
I remembered the vision of Isaiah (Chap.6) Amma, we are always thrilled to see His face
and hear His voice. Then Jesus gave the message
as follows:
“The deepest affliction my children face in the world is
according to the will of the Father for saving innumerable souls for Him. My agonizing
experience on the cross was according to the perfect will of the Father to save the
whole human race”.
Again we sang songs of praises. While singing, Jesus started ascending. It was
altogether a different sight this time Amma. The whole angelic host present in the
auditorium except those in the orchestra followed Jesus just like iron filings getting
attracted to a big magnet. Thus the whole group of angels left the auditorium with Jesus.
It is hard to explain the magnificent beauty of that ascension in words, Amma.
Then the members of the orchestra left the auditorium, group by group – First the
small angels glided away with bells, then those with harps and finally the ones with
trumpets.
Amma, my group and many others stayed back listening to the
singing of the choir. Since the walls of the auditorium were
transparent, we could see the children rushing out of the auditorium
shouting. They all ran and just jumped into the river. We couldn’t help laughing. After
listening to the choir for a while, we strolled along the road by the side of the river. We
saw the huge crowd of children carried away by the river. Their shout and joyful scream
filled the air. When we went closer to them on the road, they splashed water on us. We
collected wild flowers and threw at them joyfully. We enjoyed their fun. Amma, you must
see their sparkling smile and twinkling eyes. How children enjoy themselves in heaven!
We went along singing as usual. Then we sat on our strip of land at the middle of
the stream and discussed our next programme. Steve told us that we may have to take
part in another concert soon. Amma, now I am in my room. Soon I may go down to
Steve’s room for music practice.
Amma, how is your hand now? (I had a dislocation of my right shoulder two
weeks back.) I am glad, Appa is helping you to write down these messages. Please
thank Periamma also. I know she is doing this book work most of the time. How are Jeba
Annan and Thuthie Annan? Well, I told you my last experience. I will be in touch with
you. Bye Amma!
xiv. Worship service of our king of kings Jesus surrounded by a
dazzling powerful
golden light – A sing song service
31st March 2004 : 10.45 P.M.
“I will praise Thee with the harp
For thy faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praises to Thee with the lyre.” (Ps. 71 : 22)
David : Amma I just got home after attending a wonderful and
glorious “Worship Service of our King of Kings surrounded by a
dazzling golden light.” It was a sing song service.
In my ‘Medical study centre”, I was sent from the Neurology department to the
department of medicine. Also I attended a doctors conference. So I was a bit late.
My friends were waiting for me at home, since we had to sing a song in the
worship service. We already practised an anthem called “Jesus our Saviour”. So we had
our final practice as we were sailing along the river. During our pleasant journey, we
saw luminous clouds of hosts and hosts of angels gliding high over the river. Some
groups descended on the left side of the river and drifted across the river, flying low.
Amma, every where this charming view of shining angels was
visible. Finally we reached the worship complex.
This particular auditorium was not near the bank of the river.
It was situated a little farther among lovely gardens. We walked through the beautiful
pathway in between enchanting gardens filled with
different varieties of flowers of exquisite beauty intermingled with glossy green leaves.
We reached an auditorium where we saw angels descending. Amma, we gasped
in wonder at the beautiful and glorious gardens, surrounding the worship place, filled
with lovely lustrous white lilies. The flowers were hanging with exquisite beauty on long
smooth stems. They were not like the usual tube lilies, but they resembled our big
jasmine flowers with many layers of petals, with almost the same sweet fragrance. I can’t
explain in words, the wonderful delicate perfume
pervading the whole place.
Then we entered the auditorium, which was almost full. The angel orchestra
occupied the left wing and the big human choir the right. They were singing, praising
songs. The front was filled with
children, with a glittering golden band around their heads and holding the same white
flowers with long stalks. The whole auditorium was filled with that particular lovely
fragrance.
Suddenly we heard lovely music far away and slowly, the
music came nearer and nearer. All of a sudden an intense golden light
streamed down on the stage from above and a host of angels with golden
harps alighted on the stage. Because of the golden light, the angels
appeared golden from head to foot, instead of the usual
gleaming silver white. The sight was marvellous Amma. Then we all started to sing
“Praise Him, Praise Him (2) Praise the everlasting king.” The whole auditorium was
vibrating with the tremendous sound of the Angel orchestra, human choir and the whole
multitude of the redeemed and the children.
We were thrilled to hear the grand and loud music of the harps. When the volume
reached the maximum, we saw another flash of golden light and our Beloved Jesus with
a host of angels with harps, descended on the stage. The dress of Jesus looked pure
gold in that blazing light.
Our king of kings of overwhelming glory and splendour sat on the high golden
throne of enchanting beauty. Our happiness knew no bounds and we raised our voices
and continued to sing the song. What rapture and unspeakable joy filled our hearts
Amma ! Praising
continued for a long time.
Then the programme started. When the angels played their harps softly as a
background music, the children in the front gave the first item. They sang a “Halleluyah
chorus” in which when the bigger children were singing the song, the younger ones
shouted “halleluyah” uniformly raising their hands, holding the white flowers which
looked golden in the golden light streaming down on them from the stage.
All the groups who gave items shone in that bright golden light. We went outside
through the back door and then entered the front, below the stage to give our items.
There were choirs from the
mansions around the ponds mostly Europeans. Also the American choir from the town
near the lake surrounded by mountains and many others participated.
Amma, our anthem was very beautiful. I stood at one corner and
directed. We all faced Jesus, I sang tenor, wherever tenor had to be
sung. Steve was with us to sing bass. After the end of each item, Jesus
raised His beautiful hands. At once the audience stood up, raised their
hands and shouted with great joy. About 10-12 groups sang and last of all
the heavenly choir sang with the accompaniment of angel orchestra.
Finally, when we were all singing a praising song, Jesus
ascended with the hosts of angels with harps. First the volume of
music was very high. As they ascended, the sound became softer and softer and finally
stopped. Also the dazzling golden light faded
gradually and then disappeared completely.
The angel orchestra then glided away gracefully and all the children left with a
great shout of joy. Then the redeemed souls left with shouts of praises.
We then went to the front to meet our friends there. I saw Margaret Aunty. Her
choir also gave an item. We shook hands and congratulated each other. Then I met the
director of the American choir. I shook hands and told him that I had never heard such a
powerful baritone voice like his, when he sang “Amazing grace” on the day when we
visited their chapel. He was very happy and we both chatted for sometime. I looked so
small, when I stood by his side, since he is a very tall and hefty person. All my friends
also had a happy time
chatting with everyone.
Finally, we left and went through the beautiful gardens of white lilies emanating a
sweet perfume. We saw children playing in the other gardens and we reached home.
My friends were sitting in our usual place surrounded by the stream and they
were waiting for me. There is nobody at home Amma. Hope you are all right and happy.
Bye Amma !
“Wake thou, my harp, O Mighty love,
That fills the boundless realm above !
Sweep thou, my strings, for I would sing,
Redeeming grace thro’ Christ my King.”
- F.J. Crosby
xv. Worship service in the American chapel
6th April, 2004 : 9.45 P.M.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Math.
22 : 37 – 39)
CHAPTER - 7
CHILDREN IN HEAVEN
Jesus had a special place for children in His heart while on earth. “He took them
in His arms and blessed them”. (Mark 10 : 16). Then just imagine how much children
must be enjoying their life in heaven with Jesus; David’s account of children in heaven
just thrilled me. Following is what David had to tell me about children.
11th December, 2003 : 9. A.M.
7th January, 2004 : 9 A.M.
David : Amma, we had a long music practice at my friend Steve’s
music room. I played drums. They are made up of silver and edged
with gold. What a wonderful sight ! The sound is fascinating and
Steve taught me to play drums and I picked it up quickly. Then all
our members-both boys and girls came with their guitars, violins,
pipe instruments and Steve conducted the band wonderfully. We all
played many marching and dancing tunes. It was just great. I was
very very happy. Then we all started to go to the ‘children’s
mansions near the sea. Even from a distance, we saw the
procession of children coming to receive us. It was like a glittering
silver white cloud and when they came nearer, we could hear the
baby voices of children shouting with joy. No wonder, Jesus loves
children. They were marching in a long procession with mothers
accompanying them. Those mothers invited their friends also and
so there were many adults. As soon as they reached us, they shouted
and jumped with joy and were jubilant. Then they turned back and
led the procession and we followed them. The mothers hugged us
and received us with great joy. Finally we all, passed their mansions
and reached a very beautiful lawn. There was an elevated place at
one end of the lawn and it was our stage. The steps were made up of
grass and the children decorated those steps, all around with pots of
different varieties of beautiful flowers. It seems that the children
gathered flowers from the gardens and woods. Those mothers who
were great experts in arranging the flowers, arranged them in pots.
Amma, it was indeed beautiful to behold! The whole stage looked
like a beautiful garden. We can call heaven as “a place of flowers”.
We had a special uniform- white suit, with golden belts, cross belts, shoes and
caps edged with gold. Girls had short skirts edged with gold, white stockings, shoes and
hats edged with gold.
The children in large groups dressed in white frilled dress with golden edges and
white shoes, stood in rows. Our band played and Steve directed our band wonderfully.
The very look of our glittering
instruments was a wonderful sight ! when our band played marching tunes, the children
did drill uniformly and it was very beautiful, as they glistened in the golden light. The
mothers directed them. Five of our teen aged girls danced beautifully to our dancing
music. Our girls are very good in telling stories, doing mono acts to make the children
laugh and they enjoyed the programme. All the mothers sang together with the
accompaniment of our musical instruments. Their friends invited us to go to their places
also. The whole area was bathed in the golden light of heaven and that of Jesus.
Finally we finished our programme and left them. They all gave us a fond farewell
and asked us to go there often and we promised to do that. Some of the friends came
with us, since their mansions were on our way back home. We took a different route
along a road, with streams running on both sides. All along the way, we sang and
shouted with joy. What a carefree life amma !!
Beckoning hands of a little one, see !
Baby-voice calling, O mother for thee
Rosy cheeked darling, the light of the home
Taken so early, is beckoning “come”.
CHAPTER - 8
YOUTH AND MUSIC IN HEAVEN
- J.P. Tompkins
David and his friends visiting houses – Singing
2nd December, 2003 : 2.30 P.M.
David : Amma, my friends and I visited many of our houses. Girls
gathered flowers and made them into beautiful bouquets – each
one
for a house. They know, what kind of flowers, the inmates like
best.
They gave roses to my two grandmothers. Then we started
visiting
the houses to sing. We are about 30 in number. In ammamma’s (my
mother) house, we sang “Jesus loves me this I know” (songs &
solos : 1155).
“Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong
Yes Jesus loves me (3)
The Bible tells me so.”
Then in my other grand mother’s house, we sang the following song.
“I am so glad that our Father in heav’n
Tells of His love, in the book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see
This is the dearest that Jesus loves me
Chorus : I am so glad that Jesus loves me
Jesus loves me Jesus loves me (2)
Even me. (S.S. : 38)
(David tells me only the heading of the song and I copy the verses from my Hymn book).
In all the houses, they received us with great warmth and affection, and after we sang
they congratulated us saying our voices blend wonderfully.
9th December, 2003 : 8.15 A.M.
David : Amma, I feel that the best time to come to Heaven is about
my age, since now only I can enjoy to the maximum by singing,
roaming, laughing with my friends. Even now two of my friends are
with me. We are going to collect others to visit the different choirs
singing or practising at different places.
S t a r t i n g a m u s i c a l B a n d
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing
praises !. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody !. With
trumpets and the sound of the horn, make a joyful noise before the king the Lord.” – PS : 98 :
4-6
David : Amma, I just came in after a long walk with my friends – four
boys and two girls in the age group of 16-21, and they are all younger
to me. We crossed a beautiful river and entered a wonderful forest.
There were very tall trees with a characteristic smell of the forest.
The heavenly light was slightly dimmer due to the tall trees; but a
golden light entered from the side of the forest horizontally, which
gave a heavenly appearance. The ground was so clean – there was
no grass, but the ground was not wet or marshy either. We walked
along, holding hands, singing choruses. There were small hills from
where small shining streams flowed down into a very big pool of
crystal clear water with beautiful coloured fishes. Just watching them
was a great treat for us.
My friends are very much attached to me. They are from very very rich families.
Most of them learnt about Jesus and His love in Sunday schools or from their God-
fearing parents, aunts or friends. They accepted Jesus for His perfect love and peace of
mind. I told them about my medical college, about the very very poor patients, who had
no money to buy extra medicines or food, even though our Government gave free
medicines and food inside the hospital. Also I explained to them about several diseases
like Anaemia and Tuberculosis (caused mainly by malnutrition.) I don’t know why I told
my friends all these things. Then we came back home.
After coming home from the forest, all our friends went out holding hands and
singing as usual. The friends who came with me to the forest informed the others what I
told them about the sick and the poor patients of my medical college hospital. So others
also wanted to know about these people and I explained everything to them also.
Then the boys and girls whose parents are rich decided to ask Jesus to speak to
their parents through the Holy Spirit to help the sick and the poor in their countries and in
other countries too. They said that by helping such people, they could win souls, for
Jesus.
10th January, 2004 :
David : After attending a ‘missionaries get together’ over a mountain
beyond the lake, on our way back home, my friends told me that
they met Jesus and asked Him to tell their rich parents to help the
poor who are sick on the earth. Some said that their parents were
good Christians and some said, that they did not know whether
they had accepted Jesus as their Saviour or not. Any way, they said
that Jesus had promised to convey their requests to their parents
and that it was left to them to do what they liked.
“There is a land of pure delight
Where saints of immortal reign
Eternal day excludes the night
And pleasures banish pain
There ever lasting springs abides,
And never with’ring flowers.”
- Issac Watts
Get together near a brook
30th December, 2003 : 9.30 P.M.
David : Amma, my friends told me, that if we went left of my mansion
along the road, we could reach a brook at a distance. So we walked
and walked and finally reached the brook. We found a very beautiful
brook, with small small rocks and pebbles here and there. The sky
was so colourful and the colours were reflected on the brook. The
sight was marvellous in the Heavenly light. We all sat on the rocks
and started talking. They asked me to tell ghost stories. I told them
about the shepherd who died of Cholera at Puthalam beach 50 years
ago. I told them that I heard the story from the villagers near the
beach. When the shepherd died, since his home was far away, the
sheep got scattered and people must have stolen them. So during
the particular month (November, December) every year, the villagers
used to hear a voice calling the sheep at the beach Thou-Thou as
though a shepherd was calling his sheep at dusk, at dawn or in the
nights. My friends listened very attentively. Then one of my friends
asked me to convey the following message to you to be included in
the book you are writing. “When the shepherd died, there was no
security for the sheep and they were lost. So also when we go
astray from our shepherd Jesus, we have no security in the world
and we would be lost for ever. We would have nobody to lead us to
our Heavenly Home.” Amma, what a wonderful message from my
ghost story ! Then we all started for home, singing all the way.
“I love to think of the heavenly land
The greetings there we’ll meet
The harps – the songs for ever ours –
the walks – the golden streets”
- W.B. Bradbury
Then we sat in the balcony at the back of the auditorium. Aunty Margaret and her
very big choir consisting of about 60 members both young and adults sang very very
beautifully, while she conducted it.
As soon as we came out, I met aunty Margaret and shook her hand saying
“congratulations aunty”. That was the first time, I heard her own choir singing, directed
by her. Do you know what she did ? She hugged and kissed me saying “Oh David my
boy ! thank you, thank you. Your choir was just marvellous and charming. Your voices
blended so well. My dear boy ! you have become a great choir conductor ! and your
choir is perfect.” Amma, I am so happy, since aunty Margaret appreciated our choir and
she is such a great choir conductor.
Amma, do you know what happened when we were sitting in the balcony ? There
was a playful fight among our teenage sisters “who sits near David?” Then they took
turns and sat near me. Such affectionate sisters I have here in Heaven. I did not have
my own sisters in the world. Even if I had, it is difficult to bring them up and you cannot
have many children in the world. Now you see, I have so many
affectionate sisters here in Heaven !!
A lot of other groups played Tambourine and sang. Some sang with wooden
hand pieces. They operated these musical pieces
uniformly and it was wonderful to watch them and they sang well.
Then Steve took us to the music gallery and showed us
hundreds of musical instruments which were really beautiful. He said that he works in
this complex. There were many other buildings where music and playing of musical
instruments were being taught.
David was telling me that he was coming home and it was a long way and so it
would take sometime before he got home. Then after he came to his room, he started
talking.
David : Amma, we had a wonderful trip to a tourist spot – a beautiful
mountain resort! It was a mountain like Kodai hills on the earth, but
far bigger and exceeding far in beauty and splendour.
We started from our river lake river sea and then turned left and sailed
along the sea and after a long time reached the foot of a huge, high mountain. There
was a beautiful spiral road going round and round along the mountain. At one side, we
could see the sea and on the other side there were beautiful valleys and a mountain
range.
Finally we reached the top and from there the view that unfolded was breath-taking and
fabulous. We saw the beautiful valley, mountain with clusters of mansions, shining
water falls here and there bathed in
heavenly glory and light all along the way.
At the top, there were hundreds of mansions along the edge of the mountain with
beautiful gardens around them. At the centre there was a very big beautiful lake around
which there were lovely mansions at three different levels.
We went inside the town, lake, etc and finally came to the mansions along the
edge of the mountain. The road led to the back of the mansions. Most of these mansions
were unoccupied and were used by tourists who wanted to visit this mountain resort.
We rested for sometime in a few mansions. Some adults and children also
accompanied us. We went to the upper terrace of one mansion. A group of ten mansions
were connected by bridges at the top and so we were able to go from one mansion to
the next. Then there was a path way with broad steps leading to the spiral road around
the mountain. There were very beautiful gardens with flowers of
exquisite beauty and fragrance wafting in the air. But the flowers were quite new to us.
Then we all gathered on the top of the second floor of one
mansion and started singing. People going along the road looked up and waved to us.
Our teenagers were busy identifying their nationality from their looks. They were able to
recognize them as from different countries of Europe. For me everybody appeared to be
just whites.
I was able to distinguish only the Asians and Blacks from the others. Some adults in our
group tenderly rebuked the teenagers for their futile effort, asserting that every one of
them was a citizen of Heaven.
Immediately they came and hugged me and said, “Oh ! we want our David boy to be a
typical Indian boy ! We like him that way only, even though all of us are citizens of
Heaven”. We had a good laugh together. I think that they like dark skinned people more
than their own
white people.
Then we came down and walked along the road. Half way,
we came to a beautiful chapel with low roof and a very beautiful, enchanting and
colourful garden around it. It had two wings and it looked like a four petal flower.
We went inside and there was a choir practice going on in one of the wings. It
was a gallery. We sat on the opposite wing and watched them singing and a director
was conducting the choir. There were more than 150 members and we were delighted to
hear their beautiful
singing. They had a special uniform. After their practice was over we introduced
ourselves. They asked us to sing a song. We sang the anthem “Praise the Lord” which
we sang in the last worship service.
I conducted the choir and I felt so happy amma, to do that and our members sang well.
The conductor of that big choir came near and congratulated us.
Then I told him that I didn’t have any experience of conducting a choir
and also I never sang in a big choir on the earth. At once he turned my
experience into a wonderful message. He said, : “I was a great conductor
of music while on the earth. Now I am continuing my profession here,
more happily and more perfectly. On the other hand, even for someone
who had no experience on earth-life, but had a
longing to do something for which he didn’t get a chance on the earth,
Jesus was sure to offer him, perfect chances and talents in the
Heavenly life, to do it perfectly as our David here.”
Amma, it is really true and I am very happy. Most of the
members of the big choir, belonged to the mansions there. Some were from a floating
population, who come here to stay for sometime and then go back to their own mansions
at different places of Heaven. Any way we were very happy to meet them.
Then we went around the other half of the mansions which were overlooking the
sea. Amma we were thrilled to see the gorgeous spectacle of the glittering sea and the
beautiful landscape. The
mountain was steeper on this side except the winding pathway.
Amma, climbing was not at all a problem to us. We could easily glide, which is
similar to going by a car – the same speed, except that it is more pleasant, because we
are travelling in the soft, balmy air of heaven instead of sitting inside a closed car.
The same way, gliding down was also just wonderful. Finally we reached the
golden glassy sea and came home by a boat.
Amma, I am having such a wonderful life and so try to be happy. I am going to
rest now. Bye amma!
“Far away beyond the shadows
Let us lift our longing eyes
Where the shining hills of glory
In their strength and beauty rise.”
Sailing along a river, winding through a forest with birds and
animals
“I will liken you to a ceder in Lebanon, with fair branches and
forest shade, and of great height, its top among the clouds. The waters
nourished it, th deep made it grow tall, making its rivers flow round the
place of its planting, sending forth its streams to all the trees of the
forest; So it towered high above all the trees of the forest; its boughs
grew large and its branches long from
abundant water in its shoots. All the birds of the air made
their nests in its boughs; under its branches all the beasts of the field brought forth
their young; and under its shadow dwell all nations It was beautiful in its greatness, in
the length of its branches; for its roots went down to
abundant waters.” (EZe. 32 : 3 – 7)
Then we sailed to the left shore of the lake. We saw many streams, of shining water
gushing down from the nearby mountains, and joining the lake. We went near one such
stream flowing into
the lake.
We were stunned Amma, to hear a melodious music coming from the stream,
with the accompaniment of drums. Then we sailed to the middle of the lake to see
another bunch of flowers. In that bunch, the flowers were of another hue, coming out
from a matching colour of shining marble rock and a set of dainty butterflies of matching
shades, dancing around that bunch. Then again, when we went to the shore, we heard a
different kind of music of the flowing stream, accompanied by flutes. Like that there were
so many rows of beautiful blossoms of different shades and also many musical streams,
accompanied by
different musical instruments. Heaven is a wonderful place amma, as we discover new
delights and new revelations of beauty.
Then the lake turned into another direction. We didn’t proceed to that side, but
sailed to the opposite shore of the lake. Amma, the view that unfolded itself was breath-
taking. Crystal-clear water from a distant lake came rippling over the beautiful shining
marble pebbles of different hues, over a large area and fell into this lake and there were
many, unoccupied beautiful mansions in this area too. We entered into one such
mansion which was fully furnished. Each mansion was
connected to the next by a swaying suspension bridge. As we crossed one bridge we
looked down. Amma, I have no language to describe the marvellous beauty of the
colours seen below. An infinite number of delicate colours of the spectrum (Not only the
seven colours, but
different shades of each colour) blended in a remarkable rare beauty glistening in the
crystal-clear water beneath us, as our bridge swayed and we sang together,
We all went there in groups including adults and children. You may wonder, why
we have such meetings in heaven.? These meetings help us to grow spiritually, thus
help us to love Jesus more and more.
M i s s i o n a r i e s g e t t o g e t h e r
“. . . . . He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the gentiles
and kings and the sons of
Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” Acts:
9 : 15, 16
Microbiology : Important micro organisms enlarged-their life cycle-and how they enter
into the body etc (eg.) T.B. bacteria entering
into the body, how they move, how they reproduce, how they settle
in each part of the body and what they do there and how they cause damage in lungs
and other organs. Also aids virus-how they damage
the immune system etc. In the same way they showed us several micro organisms.
Pharmacology : How each drug was administered, how it goes into different parts of
the body and how they act, shown in different colours, how they kill micro organism etc
etc.
Cancer : It was terrific. It was a quick movie. How the cancer cell spreads, how the
secondaries spread out and it was shown in yellow colour in quick motion.
Amma, I couldn’t believe my own eyes. The whole campus was so active. In
each department there was a conference hall, in which several doctors talked and
discussed by using such devices.
Amma what a happy life ! Please don’t think of me ever in the earthly life, though
I’ll come gladly to my earth – mission, when I am sent by Jesus. Amma, I am always
happy that you have loved me so much, when I was there and still love me with all your
heart. I am so happy and proud to know that I have a wonderful mother. Bye amma !
Bye amma !
CHAPTER - 11
KINGS AND PALACES IN HEAVEN
EASTER IN HEAVEN
CONCLUSION
Our God, Almighty is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. Everyone in this world is a sinner by
birth. How will you get forgiveness from your debts of sin? David, in his last chorus in
this world, sang about it in the fifth and sixth lines as follows:
Do you believe this? Let me give you a small true story as an illustration.
King Alexander the great used to pay surprise visits to his soldiers’ camps. One
night, on such a visit, he saw, a cabin door slightly ajar and light was burning within. The
King went inside softly and found the following scene : One soldier was sitting on a chair
and was lying over the table in front, sleeping with a revolver in his right hand. On the
table, there was a paper with a long list of debts, he incurred by
gambling. The added debt was so huge that the soldier would never be able to repay. At
the end he wrote “WHO WILL PAY MY DEBTS?” His intention of shooting himself was
clear by the revolver in his hand, King Alexander took the pen, wrote “Alexander the
great” below the last line and gently turned back. At midnight, the soldier suddenly woke
up and wanted to commit suicide. But suddenly he saw the signature of his beloved king
below the line. ‘Who will pay my debt?’. What a joy! What a peace ! What a great relief !
There was no need for him to die now !
Just like that our Holy Father sent His Only Son Jesus to bear our DEBTS OF
SIN ON THE CROSS. When we accept that wonderful truth, that Jesus died on the
cross to pay our debts of sin, we too can go to that wonderful and glorious Heaven, the
abode of our Heavenly Father. This is the only way.
As I started writing this book, tears were pouring down like a stream, especially
when I wrote about the last days of my beloved son David on this earth. Now I pray to
my Jesus “Father, please convert every drop of my tears into atleast one soul for Thee.”
With this prayer, I close this Book.
Kamazh K. Solomon