Called Home-Christopher Tan

Our dear friend and brother Christopher Tan was called home to be with the Lord at 5.25am on Tues, 17 May 2005, after battling with leukaemia for the last year. How he lived his life was reflected in the way that he was sent off. I have never seen so many people at a funeral wake before, and I have no doubt that each and every one of the friends and relatives who turned up were touched in some way, big or small by this incredible young man.

How does one remember a life that was so vibrant, so full of zest and truly larger than life? As I write this, my mind is filled with snippets of Chris in action, running the church watchnight, escorting the BB colours down the aisle, preparing to go overseas on his mission trips.

I remember when he first shared with Elena and myself his intention to go on staff with Crusade. Being former Crusaders ourselves, we were overjoyed to see this dynamic young man laying down his life for God, and we truly believed that God would use him to do mighty things.

I remember when he organised and ran the church watchnight service that we had one year, where there was karaoke in the canteen, and he was so enthusiastic and so proud to introduce Winnie to us.

I remember a conversation I had with him, which left a very deep impact in my mind, where he shared with me that he would not give to God something that would cost him nothing. As I remember him now in life, I realise how much he lived by this creed. He never did anything in half measure, and in everything that he did, he would pour his heart and soul into it. As I watched the video of him, nowhere was it more evident that even in his illness, he would seek to glorify God.

One of my last conversations with him earlier this year was when we were discussing the triathlon, and we were talking about doing it together next year when he got better. Those of us who knew Chris would know that he loved doing these things, from biathlons to runs and other such gruelling events. He loved challenging himself. I may not get to do the triathlon with him, but I know that he has run a far more significant race, and run it exceedingly well, that God is well pleased with him.

This year, as I do the triathlon, I will be thinking of Chris, and I know that he will be with me in spirit. Meet me at the finishing line, brother.

To Auntie Doreen, Uncle Desmond, Frederick and Winnie, we share your grief at Chris' departure, but we rejoice knowing that we will meet him again in the company of angels. You should be very proud of him for the way that he lived his life, and for the lives that he touched. We will certainly miss him too, for he was such a big part of our lives in church, but we know that he lives on in each one of us.