A new man in a new suit: David Chong, 59
A tribute to anti-drug envoy and a selfless volunteer, Mr David Chong, 59
Photo credit: Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association
A flush of the toilet, an epiphany for David Chong.
There was a sense of victory and accomplishment that he can now firmly and soundly say no to drugs.
A page has been turned. This was in 2015, a year after he was released from prison following a close to eight years stint for trafficking.
After a total of 36 years spent behind bars, having been in and out of prison more than ten times, a new man was born - old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
David invested himself in being the best envoy to a drug-free life to inmates, imprisoned by the scrouge of drugs.
He was an inspiration – if he can change, many can also change.
Then he was blind, today he can see.
Then he was in rags, today he dressed others with his life example.
Then he was in chains, today he takes the chains off others.
He not only volunteered his time to help the needy and the elderly, but also lived out every single day in pursuit of his Christian faith.
When he had freedom, he gave to others selflessly. He gave to God as he gave to others.
His sincerity, his heart of giving moved many – the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, in its tribute to David, called him an “immensely valued, dedicated peer leader”.
His was the seed that fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Thereafter, he became a sower of seeds, where he lifted others up from their predicament.
The Straits Times, 27 June 2023
In fact, on the day of his accident, he had, in fact, scheduled a sharing session with ladies in a halfway house.
On the hearts of man is engraved your name. On the minds of many, you will not be forgotten - from their tongues will speak forth of your good deeds.
David, you will not be forgotten.
His words and life was a living testament – his walk gave many a new leash of life - a life of hope.
He saw light and walked towards it. With his light, placed on its stand, he gave light to everyone in the house. His light shone brightly before others, that they may see his good deeds.
He was blind, but today we can all see.
For that, we are all grateful.
Farewell, David. You can now have your blessed rest!
Photo credit:
The Straits Times
