FLORA SANTOS
Flora Santos is a Christian Creationist,
Gospel Singer residing in Western Australia Attending Church of Christ Bassendean, Western Australia. |
" O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together " (Psalm 34:3)
SLIDESHOW - FLORA SANTOS
Flora sponsored a child through Compassion Australia in May 2003 and became aware of the suffering and poverty of children. 50% from the sale of her gospel album will go towards this cause. This album was recorded at the Pillar of Fire Studio in Fremantle, Western Australia.
SAMPLES OF FLORA SINGING On her album 'Eternity'
2006 GOSPEL CD - "ETERNITY"
Flora’s love for a wide variety of music is evident in the mixture of Funk, Jazz, Bossanova, Country, Rock, Songo and Ballads in her Gospel album. She hopes there will be something for everyone. Flora also sings in Malay and Kadazan (a native language of Sabah) in this album.
The title song “Eternity” is about a man from Sydney, Australia, called Arthur Stace who wrote “Eternity” on Sydney streets for 33 years. The word “Eternity” was brightly lit on Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate New Year ’s Eve December 1999. Two billion people around the world witnessed as it lit to signify the beginning of the new millennium. The “Eternity” word on the CD front cover is a replica of Arthur’s actual handwriting.
FLORA SANTOS MUSIC JOURNEY
Flora as a 15 year old musician
Flora grew up with a guitar in her home. Her father used to play the guitar after dinner and the whole family would gather around and sing together.
At the age of 9, Sister Michael, her School Teacher asked if she would like to join a junior choir at the Stella Maris Catholic Church in Tanjong Aru, Sabah, Malaysia. In 1973 Joseph, Flora’s father, retired and her family moved to a town called Tuaran. Tuaran is 20 kms from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. Soon after moving to Tuaran, Flora joined the St John Catholic Church choir.
At the age of 12, Flora attended the St John Secondary School in Tuaran. Her new school held a singing competition in which Flora took part. The competition was divided into three categories; English, Malay and Groups. Flora won first prize in all sections and was given the Best Singer of the year award, which surprised Flora.
At this time, Flora’s father, was finding it hard to support a family of nine with a monthly retirement pension of Malaysian $300.00 RM (ringgit).
The year is now 1976. Flora was singing in the St John Church Choir that mainly consisted of her cousins. Sabah’s Star Radio and Television Competition (otherwise known as Bintang RTM) was about to be launched and someone suggested that a group be formed from the church choir to compete. Thus, the D’Tuareans trio, made up of Flora and her cousins Sylvia Batin and Diana Wong, was formed.
The D’Tuareans entered the State level competition and won first prize for their performance. Fuelled with their success the group went on to represent Sabah in the 1976 National Bintang RTM, which was held in Malacca. The young group (aged 16 years and under) received the consolation prize.
At the 1976 National Bintang RTM final, the soloist winner of the competition, the late Sudirman Haji Arshad encouraged Flora to pursue a solo career. A singer and musician in his younger days, Flora’s father had always encouraged Flora in the singing path. Flora had been giving all her singing earnings to her father, which had supplemented her father’s retirement income.
At the age of 15, Flora competed as a soloist and won third place in the 1977 Sabah State Bintang RTM competition. In 1979, Flora competed again as a soloist in the Sabah State Bintang RTM competition. She composed two songs for the competition and won the first prize. She represented Sabah for the National Bintang RTM competition, which was held in Kuala Lumpur in January 1980. Jamal Abdillah won first place, Lanny Lim Mui Lan won second place and Flora came third.
In 1981, Life Records approached Flora to record her first album. Flora has the distinction of being the first singer ever from Sabah to record a solo album in Malaysia. Her first album was entitled “Doa Anak” (A child’s prayer) which was composed by the late famous Sabah Singer and Composer, John Gaisah.
Flora went on to record seven albums with Life Records. Six albums were sung in Malay and one album in English:
At the age of 9, Sister Michael, her School Teacher asked if she would like to join a junior choir at the Stella Maris Catholic Church in Tanjong Aru, Sabah, Malaysia. In 1973 Joseph, Flora’s father, retired and her family moved to a town called Tuaran. Tuaran is 20 kms from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. Soon after moving to Tuaran, Flora joined the St John Catholic Church choir.
At the age of 12, Flora attended the St John Secondary School in Tuaran. Her new school held a singing competition in which Flora took part. The competition was divided into three categories; English, Malay and Groups. Flora won first prize in all sections and was given the Best Singer of the year award, which surprised Flora.
At this time, Flora’s father, was finding it hard to support a family of nine with a monthly retirement pension of Malaysian $300.00 RM (ringgit).
The year is now 1976. Flora was singing in the St John Church Choir that mainly consisted of her cousins. Sabah’s Star Radio and Television Competition (otherwise known as Bintang RTM) was about to be launched and someone suggested that a group be formed from the church choir to compete. Thus, the D’Tuareans trio, made up of Flora and her cousins Sylvia Batin and Diana Wong, was formed.
The D’Tuareans entered the State level competition and won first prize for their performance. Fuelled with their success the group went on to represent Sabah in the 1976 National Bintang RTM, which was held in Malacca. The young group (aged 16 years and under) received the consolation prize.
At the 1976 National Bintang RTM final, the soloist winner of the competition, the late Sudirman Haji Arshad encouraged Flora to pursue a solo career. A singer and musician in his younger days, Flora’s father had always encouraged Flora in the singing path. Flora had been giving all her singing earnings to her father, which had supplemented her father’s retirement income.
At the age of 15, Flora competed as a soloist and won third place in the 1977 Sabah State Bintang RTM competition. In 1979, Flora competed again as a soloist in the Sabah State Bintang RTM competition. She composed two songs for the competition and won the first prize. She represented Sabah for the National Bintang RTM competition, which was held in Kuala Lumpur in January 1980. Jamal Abdillah won first place, Lanny Lim Mui Lan won second place and Flora came third.
In 1981, Life Records approached Flora to record her first album. Flora has the distinction of being the first singer ever from Sabah to record a solo album in Malaysia. Her first album was entitled “Doa Anak” (A child’s prayer) which was composed by the late famous Sabah Singer and Composer, John Gaisah.
Flora went on to record seven albums with Life Records. Six albums were sung in Malay and one album in English:
1981 Doa Anak A Child’s prayer
1981 Rindu, Oh Rindu Missing you
1982 Melodi Kasih Love Melody
1982 Gadis di Jendela A girl by the window
1983 Kasih ku pendam di dalam diam I keep my love a secret
1984 Demi Kebahagiaan mu For your happiness
1986 Near the One
1981 Rindu, Oh Rindu Missing you
1982 Melodi Kasih Love Melody
1982 Gadis di Jendela A girl by the window
1983 Kasih ku pendam di dalam diam I keep my love a secret
1984 Demi Kebahagiaan mu For your happiness
1986 Near the One
“Kasih Ku Pendam Di Dalam Diam”was number 1 on radio in Singapore’s charts for six weeks in the 1980s
Flora Santos - Gospel Singer
It was reported that the song
“Kasih Ku Pendam Di Dalam Diam” from Flora’s fifth album is still being played today in Malaysia, and it was number 1 on radio in Singapore’s charts for six weeks in the 1980s. Also in the 1980's, Flora toured with the famous singers Anita Sarawak, from Singapore and Hetty Koes Endang, from Indonesia.
Flora recorded her English Album, “Near the One”, in early 1986 and later moved to Perth, Western Australia.
In 1987, Flora joined a Country and Western Band, called Cimarron. The band entered the West Australian Country Music Competition held in Brigadoon, and performed in five categories. The band won four out of the five categories namely Best Performing Group, Best Vocal Group, Best Instrumentalist and Best original Song. To her surprise, her composition “Cimarron” won the Best Original Song. Flora also won runner up as Queen of Country. The band Cimarron recorded an album later that year to commemorate their success.
In August 1989, Flora teamed up with a well known Singer and Songwriter from Malaysia, Royston Sta Maria who had just migrated to Perth. The Roy and Flora duo first contract was the newly opened Vigneron Restaurant at the prestigious Vines Resort.
In 1990, The Vigneron Restaurant won the Western Australian Gold Plate Award for Fine Dining six months after opening their doors. The entertainment provided by Roy and Flora was acknowledged as a contributing factor in the achievement of this award. After their contract with the Vines Resort, Roy and Flora continued singing at various establishments in Perth, mainly in the International Room at the Burswood International Resort.
In 2004, after singing with Roy for fifteen years, Flora decided to spend more time with her family and thus ended the Roy and Flora duo.
The idea to record the Gospel CD popped into her head in September 2005 when she was asked by her TAFE Lecturer to give a presentation of a project in class. Flora sponsored a child through Compassion Australia www.compassion.com.au a few years ago when the Radio Station 98.5 Sonshine FM www.sonshinefm.ws in Perth had their Sponsor a Child Day. Through Compassion Australia she was made aware of the suffering and poverty of children from natural disasters and disease around the world. Although she can never compare her past family situation to the people affected by the natural disasters in the world, she can identify the magnitude of help needed. She prays her 50% contribution from the sale of her Gospel album “Eternity” to Compassion Australia will help fight poverty around the world and give innocent, suffering children a chance of a better life where it’s most needed.
“Kasih Ku Pendam Di Dalam Diam” from Flora’s fifth album is still being played today in Malaysia, and it was number 1 on radio in Singapore’s charts for six weeks in the 1980s. Also in the 1980's, Flora toured with the famous singers Anita Sarawak, from Singapore and Hetty Koes Endang, from Indonesia.
Flora recorded her English Album, “Near the One”, in early 1986 and later moved to Perth, Western Australia.
In 1987, Flora joined a Country and Western Band, called Cimarron. The band entered the West Australian Country Music Competition held in Brigadoon, and performed in five categories. The band won four out of the five categories namely Best Performing Group, Best Vocal Group, Best Instrumentalist and Best original Song. To her surprise, her composition “Cimarron” won the Best Original Song. Flora also won runner up as Queen of Country. The band Cimarron recorded an album later that year to commemorate their success.
In August 1989, Flora teamed up with a well known Singer and Songwriter from Malaysia, Royston Sta Maria who had just migrated to Perth. The Roy and Flora duo first contract was the newly opened Vigneron Restaurant at the prestigious Vines Resort.
In 1990, The Vigneron Restaurant won the Western Australian Gold Plate Award for Fine Dining six months after opening their doors. The entertainment provided by Roy and Flora was acknowledged as a contributing factor in the achievement of this award. After their contract with the Vines Resort, Roy and Flora continued singing at various establishments in Perth, mainly in the International Room at the Burswood International Resort.
In 2004, after singing with Roy for fifteen years, Flora decided to spend more time with her family and thus ended the Roy and Flora duo.
The idea to record the Gospel CD popped into her head in September 2005 when she was asked by her TAFE Lecturer to give a presentation of a project in class. Flora sponsored a child through Compassion Australia www.compassion.com.au a few years ago when the Radio Station 98.5 Sonshine FM www.sonshinefm.ws in Perth had their Sponsor a Child Day. Through Compassion Australia she was made aware of the suffering and poverty of children from natural disasters and disease around the world. Although she can never compare her past family situation to the people affected by the natural disasters in the world, she can identify the magnitude of help needed. She prays her 50% contribution from the sale of her Gospel album “Eternity” to Compassion Australia will help fight poverty around the world and give innocent, suffering children a chance of a better life where it’s most needed.
The Life & Legacy of Mr. Eternity
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Long before the giant single word Eternity was sparkled with splendor, as it was emblazoned across on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was first written by the hand of one man.
This one-word sermon was written over 500.000 times on the footpaths of its suburbs & beyond, in beautiful copperplate style. Wherever this word appeared it mystified some and fascinated others. The mystery was," who wrote it?"
When the mystery man was finally discovered the Sydney press nicknamed him Mr. Eternity but his real name was Arthur STACE.
Where did Arthur Stace come from?
How was he raised?
What was so special about him?
And why did God use him?
As we trace the life and pay tribute to the legacy of Mr. Eternity, let’s take his surname, STACE and tell his story of sin, salvation, surrender and sweet victory in the light of his dynamic relationship with Christ the Lord of Eternity.
SINFUL PAST - his condition before Christ.
Arthur Malcolm STACE was born in Sydney’s Balmain slums in 1884. His parents were addicted to alcohol and consequently young Arthur was brought up neglected and needy in an atmosphere of poverty.
As a result much of his childhood was spent stealing bread & milk, and searching for scrap food out in garbage bins. His schooling almost non-existent, young Arthur had become a state ward by the age of 12.
Things got much worse as he entered the turbulent teenage years. He became a heavy drinker, and by the tender age of 15 he was sent to jail.
In his adolescence he worked as "a look out" for police for those who ran illegal gambling dens. Later in his twenties, he was a scout for his sisters' brothels in the seedy inner Surry hills
TURNING POINT - his conversion to Christ The new birth, of turning from sin to trusting the Saviour, took place on the night of the August 6th, 1930.
The conception commenced as the Holy Spirit of God planted the seed of the word of God preached by Rev. R.D.S. Hammond the servant of God, at St Barnabas church in Broadway.
The conviction continued as he heard to the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God, he realized that he was a sinner before God and recognized that the saving grace is the gift of God.
His conversion was complete, shortly after, as he left the meeting in St Barnabas. He walked across the road to Victoria Park, and under an old big Morton Bay fig tree he repented of sin towards God, and received Christ Jesus, as his Lord and Saviour. He became a child of God. And immediately experienced peace with God, as he entered into a relationship with God
ANOINTED MESSAGE - his conviction by Christ
A few years later on a Sunday night of November 14th
1942, at the Burton St Baptist Tabernacle, Darlinghurst, the Holy Spirit who had previously convicted the soul of Arthur Stace of his sinful condition had another important message for him.
The message came through God’s anointed servant, the late John G Ridley M.C. as he preached that evening on "The echoes of eternity from Isaiah chapter 57 vs. 15:" "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
The veteran evangelist stood with the power of scripture in his hand and the love of Christ in his heart, and stressed the word Eternity. He pointed out how the echoes of Eternity are heard not only in creation and in the Christian, but also in the cross. Then suddenly, laying his prepared notes aside and seemingly in an impromptu fashion, the highly disciplined soldier-like preacher, raised his loud voice and cried:
"Eternity Eternity, I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You've got to meet it, where will you spend Eternity”**
CALL TO WRITE -- his consecration for Christ.
Arthur Stace was one of many in the large congregation that God-ordained night. This faithful, teachable and obedient servant has been obedient and active since his conversion from an old life in crime and sin to the new life in Christ and service.
As he sat taking in the eternal word of God, preached forthrightly, from the heart and lips of Australia's
beloved evangelist, Arthur Stace was yet again, confronted with sin and it's eternal punishing
consequences. His concern, however, was not for himself because his sins had been forgiven since that blessed night, where he cried “ Lord be merciful to me a sinner". But it was for the sake of those still without Christ. Once more his sensitive heart responded to God, this time "here am I Lord send me".
" Eternity went ringing through my brain" was Stace's own statement" and suddenly I begun crying & felt a powerful call from the Lord to write Eternity. I had a piece of chalk in my pocket and outside the church I bent down right there and wrote it…. The funny thing is that before I wrote it I could hardly write my own name. I had no schooling and I couldn’t have spelt Eternity for a hundred quid. But it came out smoothly, in a beautiful copperplate script. I couldn't understand it, and I still can't."*
ETERNITY- your choice to receive Christ?
God has personally written to you to prepare you for Eternity. This most important message must be read and received by all from his creation in Adam to his children in Christ.
What the Eternal Almighty God did to, in and through Arthur Stace, He is willing to do for you, but first you must answer one question. "Where will you spend Eternity?"
Your decision here and now on earth will determine your destiny there and then in Eternity
If you refuse and reject The Lord Jesus Christ you are choosing to spend Eternity in hell,
If you receive HIM you will spend Eternity in heaven and rejoice evermore.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Jesus said…., I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(John 14:6) Let me encourage you to bow your heart before your Maker and creator right now, and believe on The Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Saviour and become his child for time and eternity. It only requires 3 simple yet heart believed expressions
(This is a suggested prayer)
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am sorry that I have sinned against you; I turn away from my sins.
Please forgive me, and be merciful to me a sinner.
I receive Jesus Christ your Son into my heart as my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you for saving me, and for giving me a new and eternal life.
Make me the person that you want me to be.
In Jesus Name, I pray.
Amen
With the love of Christ
Peter Rahme, Pastor- Inner West Baptist Church
©Peter Rahme AD 2000. - 40 Cardigan Rd Greenacre NSW 2190 Australia; Tel (+61 2) 9742 5716; Fax (+61 2) 9742 5715;
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.innerwestbaptist.org.au
The messenger & message behind Mr Eternity-
60min Audio Tape is available.
The life & legacy of Mr. Eternity-
the story & the song is also available on CD.
For more copies or for the full article of this abridged version or the 60 minutes audio tape, contact [email protected]
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Long before the giant single word Eternity was sparkled with splendor, as it was emblazoned across on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was first written by the hand of one man.
This one-word sermon was written over 500.000 times on the footpaths of its suburbs & beyond, in beautiful copperplate style. Wherever this word appeared it mystified some and fascinated others. The mystery was," who wrote it?"
When the mystery man was finally discovered the Sydney press nicknamed him Mr. Eternity but his real name was Arthur STACE.
Where did Arthur Stace come from?
How was he raised?
What was so special about him?
And why did God use him?
As we trace the life and pay tribute to the legacy of Mr. Eternity, let’s take his surname, STACE and tell his story of sin, salvation, surrender and sweet victory in the light of his dynamic relationship with Christ the Lord of Eternity.
SINFUL PAST - his condition before Christ.
Arthur Malcolm STACE was born in Sydney’s Balmain slums in 1884. His parents were addicted to alcohol and consequently young Arthur was brought up neglected and needy in an atmosphere of poverty.
As a result much of his childhood was spent stealing bread & milk, and searching for scrap food out in garbage bins. His schooling almost non-existent, young Arthur had become a state ward by the age of 12.
Things got much worse as he entered the turbulent teenage years. He became a heavy drinker, and by the tender age of 15 he was sent to jail.
In his adolescence he worked as "a look out" for police for those who ran illegal gambling dens. Later in his twenties, he was a scout for his sisters' brothels in the seedy inner Surry hills
TURNING POINT - his conversion to Christ The new birth, of turning from sin to trusting the Saviour, took place on the night of the August 6th, 1930.
The conception commenced as the Holy Spirit of God planted the seed of the word of God preached by Rev. R.D.S. Hammond the servant of God, at St Barnabas church in Broadway.
The conviction continued as he heard to the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God, he realized that he was a sinner before God and recognized that the saving grace is the gift of God.
His conversion was complete, shortly after, as he left the meeting in St Barnabas. He walked across the road to Victoria Park, and under an old big Morton Bay fig tree he repented of sin towards God, and received Christ Jesus, as his Lord and Saviour. He became a child of God. And immediately experienced peace with God, as he entered into a relationship with God
ANOINTED MESSAGE - his conviction by Christ
A few years later on a Sunday night of November 14th
1942, at the Burton St Baptist Tabernacle, Darlinghurst, the Holy Spirit who had previously convicted the soul of Arthur Stace of his sinful condition had another important message for him.
The message came through God’s anointed servant, the late John G Ridley M.C. as he preached that evening on "The echoes of eternity from Isaiah chapter 57 vs. 15:" "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
The veteran evangelist stood with the power of scripture in his hand and the love of Christ in his heart, and stressed the word Eternity. He pointed out how the echoes of Eternity are heard not only in creation and in the Christian, but also in the cross. Then suddenly, laying his prepared notes aside and seemingly in an impromptu fashion, the highly disciplined soldier-like preacher, raised his loud voice and cried:
"Eternity Eternity, I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You've got to meet it, where will you spend Eternity”**
CALL TO WRITE -- his consecration for Christ.
Arthur Stace was one of many in the large congregation that God-ordained night. This faithful, teachable and obedient servant has been obedient and active since his conversion from an old life in crime and sin to the new life in Christ and service.
As he sat taking in the eternal word of God, preached forthrightly, from the heart and lips of Australia's
beloved evangelist, Arthur Stace was yet again, confronted with sin and it's eternal punishing
consequences. His concern, however, was not for himself because his sins had been forgiven since that blessed night, where he cried “ Lord be merciful to me a sinner". But it was for the sake of those still without Christ. Once more his sensitive heart responded to God, this time "here am I Lord send me".
" Eternity went ringing through my brain" was Stace's own statement" and suddenly I begun crying & felt a powerful call from the Lord to write Eternity. I had a piece of chalk in my pocket and outside the church I bent down right there and wrote it…. The funny thing is that before I wrote it I could hardly write my own name. I had no schooling and I couldn’t have spelt Eternity for a hundred quid. But it came out smoothly, in a beautiful copperplate script. I couldn't understand it, and I still can't."*
ETERNITY- your choice to receive Christ?
God has personally written to you to prepare you for Eternity. This most important message must be read and received by all from his creation in Adam to his children in Christ.
What the Eternal Almighty God did to, in and through Arthur Stace, He is willing to do for you, but first you must answer one question. "Where will you spend Eternity?"
Your decision here and now on earth will determine your destiny there and then in Eternity
If you refuse and reject The Lord Jesus Christ you are choosing to spend Eternity in hell,
If you receive HIM you will spend Eternity in heaven and rejoice evermore.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Jesus said…., I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(John 14:6) Let me encourage you to bow your heart before your Maker and creator right now, and believe on The Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Saviour and become his child for time and eternity. It only requires 3 simple yet heart believed expressions
(This is a suggested prayer)
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am sorry that I have sinned against you; I turn away from my sins.
Please forgive me, and be merciful to me a sinner.
I receive Jesus Christ your Son into my heart as my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you for saving me, and for giving me a new and eternal life.
Make me the person that you want me to be.
In Jesus Name, I pray.
Amen
With the love of Christ
Peter Rahme, Pastor- Inner West Baptist Church
©Peter Rahme AD 2000. - 40 Cardigan Rd Greenacre NSW 2190 Australia; Tel (+61 2) 9742 5716; Fax (+61 2) 9742 5715;
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.innerwestbaptist.org.au
The messenger & message behind Mr Eternity-
60min Audio Tape is available.
The life & legacy of Mr. Eternity-
the story & the song is also available on CD.
For more copies or for the full article of this abridged version or the 60 minutes audio tape, contact [email protected]