People p Features Happenings pp g
Issue 4/2008
Your Guide for
Turbulent Times! Up Your Adversity Quotient Break Through Your Limitations Gain Financial Wisdom From Recession to Abundance
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Take advantage of our Special Package Rates! Trinitarian magazine is a quality Christian publication with articles relevant to life in a contemporary society. Published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre, it has a readership of over 16,000, and reaches the churches in Singapore, the entire congregation of Trinity Christian Centre, and visitors the church. It is also available online at www.trinity.net Our special package rates will help stretch your advertising dollar. Don’t miss it! For advertising rates, contact Janica Chan at 6468 4444 or email admin@trinity.org.sg The Trinitarian magazine has an excellent editorial environment that captures readers’ attention. The contents are credible and readers trust the magazine, and that’s important to advertisers! Soh Liang Liang, media director
Trinity Christian Centre Celebration Services Jan-Feb 2009
Contents
Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am Pre-teens Services (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 11am
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20 Features 10 What do you see? Up your adversity quotient!
26 Financial Wisdom For troubled times
35 No Limits! Break through your limitations
44 Go Ahead – Dream! For the new year
65 A Transformational Leader That’s what God sees in you
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35
50
Snapshots
Buzz
People
76 A Lasting Legacy
72 Care & Connect continues!
20 Real Life Miracles
Vision Month 2008
The gift goes on
82 Fulfilling A Dream CCSS helps a mum
91 Missions Moments Unforgettable moments
85 Abounding Provision The blessings overflow
DiscoveryLand wows the kids
50 From Gangster to General Manager A potential developed
94 Changed in 90 Days! On the AlphaTrack
86 Wow Wow Wow!
From recession to abundance
53 Me, a Pastor? What can you see?
58 My Mentor Our L-Team pastors share
100 Medley of Food Food, fun and fellowship
102 Worship Experience
60 I was the Senior Pastor’s Mentor His three mentors speak
Why we worship face to face
104 God-centred and relevant TCA’s School of Divinity
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We see our worship services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where
Vibrant Atmosphere
people hunger for the presence of God and where God delights to inhabit and dwell. In a vibrant atmosphere of worship, prayer and discipleship, we see people
Adviser Wang Look Fung
encountering God and the manifestation of signs, wonders and miracles.
Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editor Tan Rou’en Editorial Support Veronica Teo
Incredible Unity
Passionate Heartbeat We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for
We see Trinity Christian Centre as a
Jesus Christ and to see His glory
church living together in covenantal
displayed throughout the world.
relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals
We see a church with a passionate heartbeat to fulfill God’s global
are flowing in corporate unity to
agenda through sending men
fulfill God’s purpose and plan for
and women of faith to equip and
the church for that hour.
empower churches and the body of Christ.
Contributing Writers Rev Dominic Yeo Rev Jeffrey Wong Stacey Padrick Wayne Cordeiro Evelyn Chan Lorraine Chee Michelle Leong Sally Sim Contributing Photographers Cynthia Lee Emily Wong Jesmond Ho Sean Lau Phyllis Phua Advertising Sales & Admin Janica Chan Veronica Teo For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6468 4444 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg
We see the church as a place for the
Strategic Leadership
empowerment and development of Spirit-filled leaders who will be
Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021
strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.
Website www.trinity.net Email admin@trinity.org.sg
Passionate Honour Passion to love and honour God
Audacious Fervour Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible
Relentless Belief Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny
Contagious Faith Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost
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ISSUE 4/2008 The Trinitarian is published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre. Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 023/03/2008 Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L001/01/2008 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions and views expressed do not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church.
We’ve got Mail! As a Trinitarian, I am proud that we have such a quality magazine! It is a good mix of articles, testimonies and news updates. The articles are easy to read and the testimonies are very touching. The sharing by the pastors is very real; it always encourages me. Your team has done a great job. A couple of years back, I subscribed to a magazine of this sort from the LETTER monies States. It has great articles and testimonies, and the layout was professionally and tastefully unch our very own crafted. Back then, I wished that Trinity would launch magazine, something closer to home that I could identify with. When Trinitarian magazine started, I found it good, but there was certainly room for improvement.
Star
Slowly, I began to see continual improvement. I must admit that the quality has even surpassed my expectations and that of the magazine from the States! Your articles are very relevant and I find the testimonies awesome, particularly the Real Life Miracles section. It has always ministered to me and reminded me of God’s goodness in my life, that God is real and working in our lives. I have since stopped reading the other magazine as the Trinitarian magazine has more relevant teachings and it ministers more to me. Recently, my wife’s cousin baby was born with some physical defects. I remembered the issue on “Our Miracle Baby.” I went to our website, downloaded the article and sent it to them. They are pre-believers and I am praying that they will come to know God. I want to let you know that your magazine has created another platform for us to share Christ with others. I appreciate all the hard work that you have put into the magazine. I believe that many of us have benefitted from and are blessed by your ministry. Keep up the good work! Roland Tan, engineering manager
I feel very proud of the Trinitarian magazine. Both its cover and contents are impressive and meaningful. It carries a certain feel of what our church is all about. It reflects the dynamism and excitement of Trinity, and of the lives of Trinitarians collectively. Kelvin Lua, hostel manager
Nancy Yow, director The Trinitarian magazine has beautiful artwork and excellent content. You have set a very high standard indeed! And having it online makes it very easy to share it with others. Keep up the good work! Tan Chong Soo, teacher I just wanted to say thank you very much for sending the magazine to me. I am so blessed by the Trinitarian magazine. The articles speak to me! Dedy Ndun, pastor Morning Star Church, Bali I am always looking forward to read the Trinitarian magazine! This excellent magazine has a beautiful mix of articles that gives us deeper insight into the Word of God. The testimonies showcase the display of the power of God’s Word in the lives of ordinary men and women. On top of that, we get excerpts from other well-known magazines, thus making the Trinitarian wellrounded. The team behind this magazine has done a great job! Jerry Louis, special education teacher
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In this climate of doom and gloom, it is important that you up your adversity quotient by training your eyes to see what is good. Wayne Cordeiro shares why, and gives practical ways in which you can do so. ALL OUR LIVES, we have trained our eyes to see what is bad. We get up and read the morning newspaper, getting our minimum daily requirement of bad news. On the way to work, we stop by a newsstand and buy the day’s newspaper, so we can find out what’s wrong with the world. After work we rush home and watch the day’s worst events all over again on the local news. We then lay down for a restless night’s sleep with bad dreams, only to get up with a bad attitude so we can have another bad day at work – just as we have done every day for years! We have to retrain our eyes. The reason is this: Whatever we’re looking for is what we will see. That’s how God made us. If we are looking for something good, we will see what is good. If we’re always looking for what’s wrong with people, what
Whatever we’re looking for is what we will see.
will we see everywhere we turn? Everything that’s wrong. Proverbs 11:27 puts it this way: “He who diligently seeks good seeks favour, but he who searches after evil, it will come to him.”
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Train your eyes Train your eyes to to see evidence seepresence, evidence of God’s of God’s notpresence, evidence not evidence of His absence. of His absence.
In 1984 we moved to a quiet little town called Hilo on
you’re thinking of purchasing a certain car, you notice it
the southernmost island in Hawaii. One day my wife
everywhere!
came home and announced, “Honey, I know what I want!”
Look for evidence of His Presence Train your eyes to see evidence of God’s presence, not
“What?” I asked.
evidence of His absence. If you are looking for God’s
“I want a Mazda MPV van. Buy me one!” she pleaded.
absence, you will conclude that this world is a God-
“Uh-uh,” I grunted.
forsaken place! On the other hand, if you are looking for
She said, “But it’s a beautiful van!”
evidence of His presence, you will soon see that He is
I had never seen a Mazda van. “Mazda doesn’t make
with us even in the darkest of moments.
vans. I’ve never seen one.” She said, “Oh, yes! They make them. They’re beautiful!”
Sometimes we have a mistaken notion of spirituality.
“Honey, Mazda doesn’t make vans.”
This is when we begin to think our own spiritual
She said, “Yes they do! Jump in the car!”
maturity is measured by how many faults we can detect
We climbed into the car and trekked into town. Within
in others. If I spot more faults than anyone else, then
15 minutes, a Mazda van pulled through an intersection
obviously I’m more spiritually mature. But watch out!
we were approaching. My wife exclaimed, “There’s one!”
Because if you are looking for cursing, curses will find you! “He also loved cursing, so it came to him; and he
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I said, “That is nice! I didn’t realise Mazda made vans.”
did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him” (Psalm
Within 15 minutes, another one came by. She said,
109:17). If you are not looking for what’s good, then
“There’s another one! And that’s the colour I want! If you
even what good there is present will be difficult to
love me...”
recognise.
Within the hour, we had seen six Mazda vans! I hadn’t
Change your definition
even known there was such a vehicle, but suddenly they
One way to cultivate staying power is to change your
were everywhere! Isn’t that how it always works? When
definition of an event or circumstance. After all, the way
in which you define your circumstances will determine,
circumstances will affect our attitudes and actions. Not
to a large degree, how you will respond to that event.
only does James tell us to define them carefully, but he also tells us to define it all as joy! Not just the good times
I lived in Eugene, Oregon, for many years. Eugene is known for, among other things, frequent
but all of our circumstances, including trials, are to be defined as cause for joy.
gray skies and rain. I remember walking to a coffee shop with a friend one
How can we possibly do
November morning when it
that? Read on, as James
began to rain. Not looking
continues: “Consider
forward to another rainy day,
[define] it all joy, my
I complained, “Rain again! I
brethren, when
wish it would quit.”
you encounter
My friend’s response surprised me. “Hooray!” he cheered exuberantly. “Rain, I love it.” “Why in the world are you celebrating this horrible weather?” “Because that means it’s snowing in the mountains. Ski season has begun!” My friend was an avid skier. He had defined “rain” as
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
heralding the beginning of a great ski season. I, on the
produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect
other hand, had defined it as cause for another day of
result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in
depression and sunlamp therapy. Between each event
nothing” (James 1:2-4).
and your attitude concerning that event lies your definition of that event.
We get to define it all as joy, even our trials, when we know the positive outcome any event can have
“Consider [define] it all joy, my brethren, when you
on our lives – deepening our faith, producing
encounter various trials” (James 1:2). James instructs us
endurance and making us complete and lacking
to define our events carefully because how we see our
nothing. Wow! Now that’s a powerful promise!
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David was a man after God’s own heart, because he defined events the way God defined them.
clear view of the situation, David defined the Israelites as “the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:26). They sure didn’t look like warriors of an Almighty God! They looked more like a bunch of chickens that had just seen a fox, or perhaps a flock of turkeys the night before Thanksgiving. If David had described the situation according to how it looked, he might well have defined these men as wimps. Instead, he called them the armies of the living God. David chose to see things the way God saw them. And because he made this critical choice, God was able to use David to overcome impossible circumstances and lead His people to an overwhelming
Define things the way God defines them
victory against the Philistines. So great was the victory
David was one of Israel’s greatest leaders, a man after
that we still speak of it even today!
God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David faced many challenges, but he seemed to rise above everyone!
It was in the cave of Engedi where David displayed a
Even when his foes were far bigger, something always
quality of leadership that was to become a hallmark of
seemed to carry him through. How was he able to do
his life. He was hiding in the cave when Saul entered,
this? David was a man who defined things, not as he
unaware of David’s presence. Weary from his pursuit
saw them, but as God saw them.
of David, Saul fell asleep. Here was David’s golden opportunity to rid himself of Saul and end the king’s
When David was still a young shepherd and Israel was
merciless crusade! David’s men urged him on:
at war with the Philistines, he faced his most famous
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challenge. Goliath stood on a hill like a bully, taunting
And the men of David said to him, “Behold, this
the Israelites and cursing them by his gods. Goliath
is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold;
made such an impression that every Israelite warrior
I am about to give your enemy into your hand,
cowered in fear (1 Samuel 17:24). They darted behind
and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’”
rocks, hid in caves and ducked behind bushes. David
So [David] said to his men, “Far be it from me
saw the giant making fun of the trembling Israelites,
because of the LORD that I should do this thing
who were hiding in the thickets. Despite having a
to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch out my
hand against him, since he is the LORD’S anointed” (1 Samuel 24:4,6, emphasis mine). Let me ask you, did Saul deserve to be called the Lord’s anointed? Did he act like the Lord’s anointed? Obviously not! Here’s the gem: David was a man after God’s own heart, because he defined events the way God defined them, and in so doing, he received strength and courage from the Lord. That kind of strength comes only as a result of having the right attitude! This is why God made David successful in all he did.
Don’t mess up inside the Father’s House Many of us suffer from the malady of an attitude trained by our circumstances rather than by the Spirit of God. When that happens, we begin to resemble the elder brother in the story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15. His
David chose to see things the way God saw them. And because he made this critical choice, God was able to use David to overcome impossible circumstances.
younger brother had taken his inheritance and squandered it, and now after seeing the error of his ways, was returning home. Their father, overjoyed at the return and repentance of his prodigal son, called his elder son to rejoice with him. But he became angry, and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began entreating him. But he answered and said to his father, “Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have
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never neglected a command of yours; and yet
may not surface for years. Our behaviour can cause us
you have never given me [one young goat], that I
to mess up our lives outside the Father’s house, but
might be merry with my friends; but when this son
our attitude will cause us to mess up our lives inside
of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with
the Father’s house. Both are devastating.
harlots, you killed the fattened calf for him” (Luke 15:28-30).
Cultivate a grateful spirit “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for
Sounds like sour grapes, doesn’t it? The prodigal had
you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, emphasis
indeed messed up his life outside the father’s house.
mine). Cultivate a spirit of gratefulness, regardless of
However, because of a bad attitude, his elder brother
your circumstances. Grateful attitudes never develop
messed up his life inside the father’s house. Instead of
automatically. We must cultivate them and train them
Grateful attitudes never develop automatically. We must cultivate them and train them according to God’s directions, much like programming a computer. looking for what he could be grateful for, he found a
according to God’s directions, much like programming
reason that could justify his anger. You see, if you look
a computer. If we set ourselves up with the right
hard enough and wait long enough, you can always
programming, we will get the right results.
find reasons that will justify your complaints. If you compare yourself with others often enough, and
You see, gratefulness is a spirit, an attitude, not a
investigate what’s fair or unfair, somewhere along the
response to gifts and favours given to you. We find the
line you will surely find that your “rights” have been
following in the book of Psalms: “The lines have fallen
violated, or you will find some other reason to be
to me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6). David wrote
offended.
these lines of gratitude even as he was a fugitive, hiding from a powerful king intent on killing him. Though
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Looking for what is bad in life can cause a person to
persecuted by Saul, young David was grateful for the
develop a deadly cancer known as ungratefulness.
protection and the sustaining hand of God. David’s
Ungratefulness affects our attitude in subtle ways that
perspective on life, his attitude of excellence, is what
Cultivate a grateful spirit, and you will soon have a garden blooming with contentment.
gave him the edge. You and I can cultivate the same
a sunrise or a sunset. Cultivate gratefulness. When you
kind of attitude.
do, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll begin to condition your attitude, to cultivate a grateful spirit, and you will soon have a garden
Take the time to appreciate the simple things
blooming with contentment.
In training your eyes to see what is good, take the time
One of the ways the Lord has trained my heart to
to enjoy the simple things again. Pause long enough to
cultivate gratefulness is by teaching me to enjoy this
smell the flowers. Stop long enough to sit down and see
ride called life. There are going to be challenges and
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hills to climb on this journey. That’s
We miss the sunrises
a given. Once you
and sunsets, too
know that hills and
often our children
trials will always be there, you will be able to expect them and no longer be surprised by them, which will free you up and enable you
We miss the sunrises and sunsets, too often our children grow up without us, and the beauty of this ride called life goes unnoticed.
to enjoy the ride.
grow up without us, and the beauty of this ride called life goes unnoticed. We begin our days with a jolt of coffee, motor from task to task, and return home exhausted –
God created things for us to enjoy. Stop and enjoy
only to get up and do it all over again. Don’t miss the
them. Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy the rain. When
ride! Instead of driving through at a relentless pace, let’s
you go home, enjoy your meal. When your wife says,
slow down. God has given us a beautiful world to live in,
“Please mow the lawn, Dear,” enjoy mowing the lawn!
a world filled with His wonders, His people and Himself.
Take the dog for a walk. Enjoy the walk and enjoy your time with your dog. This life is too short for us to not
Pause long enough to enjoy the ride. Train yourself
enjoy it. Enjoy the ride.
to see what is good. Take the time to laugh with each other. Laugh at yourself. Although there will be
The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength
imperfections and periodic set-backs, you will be
(Nehemiah 8:10). But we often limp weakly through life
surprised how wonderful life can be when you have
because God has packed joy for us, but we forget to take
a good attitude. You will hear God better. You will enjoy
it along. For every journey, every activity in your day,
His presence. You will be pleasantly surprised how a
take along a fresh pack of joy.
new perspective will help you to develop an attitude that attracts friends, laughter, joy and success!
Have you ever gotten so caught up in the details of life that before you know it, the ride is over? Ever get so
Used with permission. Adapted from Attitudes that
caught up in the preparations of a wedding that you
Attract Success (Regal Books, 2001 by Wayne Cordeiro.)
miss the wedding? Ever get so distracted with cleaning the house before guests arrive that you alienate your whole family in the process? We get so distracted with the little details, we forget to enjoy the ride!
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Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS <Trinity>space<your comments> to 77177 or email we_are_trinitarians @trinity.org.sg
77177
y o t j h e ride of life! n E Wayne Cordeiro shares a few practical ways he has learned to enjoy the ride of life.
1
Take five minutes today and
write down the names of two people you appreciate. They could be a spouse, a friend or someone who did a good deed that slipped by everyone’s notice. Write
them
2
a note of thanks. Be sure to add as much detail
3
Don’t forget to laugh. There
is plenty
to laugh about in life, and we need to
laugh.You’ll find great opportunities by listening to children or spending a few more minutes in the lunchroom with your coworkers. If that’s not working,
as you can about how that person’s actions blessed you.
go into the bathroom and imagine you’re entering a
And send it!
funny-face contest. Practice before a mirror. (Be sure
Do one thing for yourself today. Write it into your schedule. Often I will stop on the way home at a little yogurt shop for a frozen treat. 0h, the ecstasy of those few minutes! This slows me down before I arrive home. For you, it could be a short jog, a walk or listening to some of your favorite music. Whatever it is, take
time to enjoy life in its simplest form.
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no one else is in the restroom at the time!)
Make a new friend today. It only
takes a few minutes to stop and truly be interested in another person’s life.
Ask that person about his or her family, dreams or struggles. Then listen. Truly listen. By the way, a great place to start is with your family. You’ll be surprised how many of us are related but not friends. By establishing deep friendships with your family, you’ll begin to reap one of God’s greatest promises and rewards.
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From Recession
to Abundanc
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ce
Recession. Retrenchment. Josephine Tan is no stranger to the two dreaded R words. She shares how both she and her husband were retrenched, and how God began to turn things around as they sowed in faith and obedience.
IN AUGUST 2001, I WAS RETRENCHED. Two months later, my husband got a raise amounting to half of my pay. We were glad because God had told me to stay home for our kids, who were then three years old and one-and-a-half. We thought we would be comfortable, but three months later, my husband was retrenched. He had worked for less than 2 years with the company and, under normal circumstances, would not be given any retrenchment benefits. Fortunately due to a clause in the employment contract, he was given 12 months pay (based on the new pay) and some stock options (which were close to worthless). As we look back, we realise that all these were the plans of God. This was the start of our journey in the wilderness. God was good to give us something to start with. His words to us were “Sit, watch and marvel at the works of My hand”. In 2002, my husband found some temporary employment which was paying half of what he was getting before. This was halved two months later, and halved again another 2 months later. By the third quarter of the year, he was working for free. I couldn’t find a job either. God reminded me: “Sit, watch and marvel at the works of My hand.” But I didn’t obey. I tried to help God help us and in the end, lost all my retrenchment benefits in an investment. I was really upset with myself but God comforted me that someday, someone would give me a gift amounting to that loss.
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I will ll bless you with a little littl girl… Then God said, id, “I will w bless you with a little girl and she shall be called Esther”. I flipped. I told d God, God “No “N way! We’ve already got 4 mouths to feed and no income. My husband husba sba w will surely say no”. But God persisted, persis ngs will change eb before the he b baby arrives. She will bring “Things more joy than you can imagine”. agine blessing But you must convince my I told God, “How can I ever reject yourr blessings? husband”. So Somehow, when my husband said “ok”, I was already pregnant without us win knowing. Then in March 2003, my husband made a Faith Promise for Missions. A month later (four months into pregnancy), my husband’s ex-boss (for whom he had worked for free) called him to help again in a new venture. This time, it paid reasonably well. It seemed that God’s promise – “Things will change before baby arrives” – was coming true. Esther arrived in September 2003. She was a bundle of joy, just as God said she would be. But in January 2004, my husband lost his job again. We w were perplexed. We asked God, “Why like that?” God said, “Go to carecell”. We w wondered what going to carecell had to do with getting a job. We didn’t obey.
Things will change before the baby arrives. She will bring more joy than you can imagine.
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Sit, watch and marvel at the work of My hands
By the middle of 2004, we still had no income. God
At that time, I asked God what to do with
realised that God wanted us to go to carecell to connect,
our HDB executive flat in Boon Lay. He told us to sell.
to reach out, to build faith, to obey and be set apart for
Just as I was telling my husband about it, a property
His purpose.
said again, “Go to carecell”. This time, we obeyed. We
agent gave us a cold call. He sold the flat for us. We were planning to downgrade to a three-room flat. But in a
By January 2005, our savings were running really low,
twist of events, seven days later, we ended up buying
and things had not improved. I asked God, “We’ve
a good-sized apartment in Bukit Timah costing just
had the baby, we’ve gone for cell. What else must we
$7000 more than the flat in Boon Lay. It was bigger
do?” It was then that God reminded me about the
than our original flat, and the best part was that it was
faith promise that my husband had made. We had
within 1 kilometre of the school I had always wanted
forgotten to honour it when we had the opportunity
my elder girl to go to (which she did three months later
to do so through the gains in stock options.
based on distance). We sought God’s forgiveness. We emptied whatever God said, “I will not only meet your needs, I will meet your
we could (even though it wasn’t enough to meet the
wants as well”. Hallelujah! One week after we bought
full sum) to show our repentance. Things started to
the house, the worthless stocks began making money
turn around after that. By May 2005, my husband
– more than enough to take care of the renovation.
had founded a business with some reservist mates
We spent the remainder of the stock option gains on
while doing his national duty. The start-up was sluggish
a holiday. For the first time, we began seeing God’s
at first; I was afraid that it would be another failed
promise: “Sit, watch and marvel at the works of my Hand.”
effort.
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The floodgates opened
eyeing for a piece of the business, iness, ss b but God Go paved the t
Around March 2006, we received ed a love gift. It amounted
ey link to way for my husband to stumble upon the key
to the loss I made in 2003. I was amazed at the work
e it possible possi complete the deal structure. Then God made
of God’s hand. I asked God what He wanted us to do
nds in a week for my husband to raise the required funds
with the money. God reminded us of the Missi Missions faith
vironme under tight credit conditions. In the environmental
promise which we had only partially fulfilled lled. God said
nagement business busines where stringent management
hat if we honoured our faith promise, “the floodgates o that of
ulations guard the issuance issu regulations and
heaven will open and pour out more blessing than you
enewal of government licenses, lice renewal
have room to contain.”
God removed obstacle afte after spe obstacle to enable such speedy
e obeyed and ever since, the business has gone the We
nsion to take place amidst am expansion
way that God had promised it would. Within Wi two years,
stiff competitio competition.
the business expanded to 14 locations and a is now in 21
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locations worldwide. I remember one ev evening when my
meti ejoice Sometime in August this year, the Lord said, “Joy! Rejoice
husband spoke emotionally about how the company
more and more; sit, watch and marvel at the works of
ad won so many contracts, the warehouse was so full had
My hand.. I said it to you b before and I say it to you again!”
and there was almost no more space to contain the
cited as we know God’s promise omise will come We are excited
item items. Itt has happened just as God said it would: “Sit,
mi we feel like we have ve walked out of the true. As a family,
watch and marvel at the works of M ed, My hands”. Indeed,
nto the Promised Land.. It is not o only a land wilderness into
if God has said it, He will surely do it – when we walk iin
mi and money; more importantly, importantl it is flowing with milk
obedience and faith.
pre where God’s presence resides.
ow did such speedy expansion take place? It was truly How
Even in the Pr d Promised Land, we must be Spirit-led
name God’ss hand of favour. There were large corporate names
and make th the right choices so that His abundant
blessings will continue to flow. Recently, a few amazing things happened which required us to make a
In this economic downturn, many are fearful
choice between that which is logical and that which is
of losing their jobs. Having been through
Spirit-led. God reminded us that we must be Spirit-led,
recession and retrenchment yourself, what
so my husband and I decided to choose that which we
advice do you have for them?
sensed God was guiding us toward. In the words of my husband, “It was only when
When the markets crashed
I lost everything I planned for my life that I began
One morning, I was awoken at 4am to pray. God showed
to discover God’s plan for me.”
me a picture of my cell leader’s face and reminded me about what he had shared: how
God has plans to prosper us, no matter
Isaac obeyed God in the time of
how it may appear from our end.
famine and saw God’s promise
Whatever He wants us to go through,
come true. God said, “In the
there must be a reason. But He has also
hands of the Lord, a seed can
promised
grow even in famine.”
that He will not test
When the markets crashed in October, I was listening
us beyond
to the news over the radio when fear suddenly gripped
what we
me and I began to have doubts about what God had
can bear.
spoken; maybe I had not heard correctly after all! Then I heard God say, “Child, if the famine doesn’t take place,
Cling on
how am I to show you that the seed can grow!” That
to the
gave us great peace.
love and promises
We were not immediately affected by the crisis but I
of God. He
foresee that sometime in the months to come, we may
is our only
not be spared. Nonetheless, it is God’s promise that He
security.
will see us through this crisis. We are believing that the
Seek God and you will hear from Him. Take the
business will not only continue to stand, but will thrive
step of faith and obey Him. Press on, for God has
and stand firmer than ever before. We are believing that
a perfect timing for all things. Whatever famine
the spiritual seed in us will grow stronger in faith. If God
you are going through, God can cause the seed to
has said it, He will surely do it!
grow. Whatever the problem, God is your solution!
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Financial Wisdom for Troubled Times
26
Is it really possible? Can God’s people enjoy financial prosperity and peace of mind in spite of the market turbulence and the economic downturn, asks Rev Jeffrey Wong. I ONCE READ AN ARTICLE entitled ‘4 steps to getting rich your way’. It prescribed four steps towards achieving financial independence and retiring wealthy: 1 You must have the desire. You must want financial success badly enough to make an unshakable commitment to achieving it. 2 You must make a decision – a decision to do whatever is necessary to become financially independent. You must be willing to pay any price and go any distance to achieve your financial goals. 3 You must have the determination to persist until you succeed, in spite of all the problems and obstacles. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you must be prepared to pick yourself up and continue onward. 4 You must have the discipline. You must develop the habits necessary for achieving financial independence. You must discipline yourself to learn everything you need to know to achieve your financial goal. You must discipline yourself to persist resolutely, no matter how many times you experience setbacks, disappointments and momentary failure.
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I don’t know how effective these four steps are, but one thing I know: There is a difference between guarding and growing your wealth God’s way versus the world’s way. “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth and He adds no trouble to it” (Proverbs 10:22). God’s ways are free from trouble. Conversely, the world’s way often comes with lots of trouble: relationship breakdowns, the loss of health and, sleepless nights, just to name a few.
There is a difference between guarding and growing your wealth God’s way versus the world’s way. We have seen this unfold before our very eyes in the d last couple of months, on a scale that is unprecedented.
manage your wealth. Rather, I want to help you
From America to Europe, banks have collapsed or are
understand what it takes to truly experience the
teetering at the edge. Financial experts and government
blessings of God. I want to help you grasp what God can
leaders have declared the world financial system a
do with your finances when you walk in His ways. I want
failure. Alan Greenspan, the man whose word moved
you to have true financial wisdom.
the markets, has admitted he was wrong to put his faith in the integrity of the financial system. With the global
Let me begin with three fundamental keys concerning
markets awash in a sea of red, it is hard to know where
financial prosperity:
to put our money or who to trust.
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Know the Purpose
Yet, surely God sits enthroned above the storm of
Biblical prosperity is not about being rich just
turbulent markets. In these times of carnage, God’s
so that we can enjoy life to the fullest, to do
Word still holds true, and it contains timeless principles
whatever we please and to buy whatever we
of financial wisdom and prosperity for His people. I will
want. The purpose of God prospering us is to allow
not endeavour to teach you how you can grow and
us to become His channel of blessing to advance His
kingdom. Matthew 6:32-33 attests to this truth: “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will
Obey the laws of God God wants you to prosper financially, but this prosperity isn’t automatically yours just because you believe in God.
be given to you as well.”
Obedience is the key to unlock God’s blessings that leads to financial prosperity. God’s economy is based on
Seek wisdom and understanding
certain established laws, and obeying these laws is the key to experiencing His blessings.
Guarding and growing your finances begins with loving two important women. No, they are not your mother or your wife, nor your daughters for that matter. Here, let me introduce you to Lady Wisdom and Madam Insight: “You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madam Insight. She is worth far
Job 36:11 says, “If they obey and serve Him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” We can enjoy prosperity and contentment in spite of a turbulent and unpredictable economy – if we will just do what God tells us to do and live our lives as His Word instructs.
more than money in the bank. Her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings
The Bible tells us in 1 Kings 2:3 – “Observe what the
of wealth; nothing you desire can compare with her.
LORD your God requires. Walk in His ways and keep His
With one hand she gives long life, with the other she
decrees and commands, His laws and requirements as
confers recognition. Her manner is beautiful, her life
written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper
wonderfully complete. She is the very tree of life to
in all you do and wherever you go.” God’s Word also
those who embrace her… Hold her tight and you will be
tells us, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my
blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13-18, The Message Bible).
commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2).
To experience financial prosperity, start from the place of truly treasuring and embracing the wisdom and insight God has revealed in the Scriptures.
God wants you to prosper financially, but this prosperity isn’t automatically yours just because you believe in Him.
I encourage you to study the
There is one very important biblical command that is essential for prosperity. You mu m u live by it if you want must to e to experience the blessings of God: It is the law of
book of Proverbs. It contains much sound advice and
wo ord rd ‘‘tithe’ t th ti the’ e’’ means mea ean ans ns one tenth, and tithing tithing. The w word
instruction concerning financial matters.
ttu urrn nin ing 10% 0% off all all ll o ur income to God. ur means returning our
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Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” In Bible times, tithing was done by returning the first-
Tithing is one of God’s tests to clearly show whether we really put God first in our lives.
fruits of the crops produced. In today’s terms, it means returning 10% of all our income to God – our pay package (including our employer’s CPF contributions), bank interest, investment returns and any other sources of income. The purpose of tithing is to teach us to always put God first in our lives. Tithing is one of God’s tests to clearly show whether we really put God first in our lives. Tithing is also an acknowledgement that everything we have belongs to God, and that we are mere stewards over what God has given us.
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✤ “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the
That is fine if you are following the world’s system of prosperity, but Christians must follow God’s law of
LORD Almighty.” (Haggai 2:8) ✤ God asks, “Who has a claim against Me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to Me.”
prosperity as the foundation. God’s law of financial prosperity are much more precise and exact than the world’s laws of finance. Tithes and offerings are better
(Job 41:11)
than any investment product ✤ “To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” (Deuteronomy 10:14-15)
If you will follow God’s law of prosperity, no financial crisis on the face of this earth will be able to defeat you.
this world has ever seen. They are capital-protected, yield-guaranteed, and will never be wiped out by any ‘credit event’. If you will follow God’s law of
Everything in this universe belongs to God. As God’s
prosperity, no financial crisis on the face of this earth
people, we are stewards over what God has given to
will be able to defeat you.
us. The word ‘steward’ in the New Testament means a manager or an overseer. The root word in Greek,
What happens when we tithe?
‘oikonomos’, generally refers to a slave or a freedman
The Bible is very clear on
who has now been put in charge of an estate and who
this: Our finances will grow.
runs the household for the owner. Stewardship is the
Many Christians struggle
use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of
with tithing because they
God-given goals. When we grasp this truth that all the
are paid a fixed salary. They
things we possess are given by God for us to manage on
look at their jobs and their
His behalf, then God’s law of financial prosperity will
educational qualifications,
begin to take effect in our lives.
and feel that they can never draw a million-dollar salary. But God challenges us in Malachi
It is my conviction that it is impossible for Christians
3:10 – “Test Me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see
to prosper under God’s system without practising
if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and
tithing and the giving of offerings. When we tithe, we
pour out so much blessing that you will not have room
honour God by putting Him first. His Word tells us that
enough for it.”
He will honour us in return: “Those who honour Me, I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30).
If this verse does not excite you, read it again, for you have missed something very important. If I were to issue
In this world, people study the Wall Street Journal and
you a challenge: ‘Give me your money and I will bless
the stock market for tips on how to create more money.
you richly in return,’ you can ignore me. But when the
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There is no safer way to protect our finances than through tithing and giving because God Himself will make certain that the devourer of our modern times will not steal our blessings. Lord Almighty Himself says it, take heed, for God has all the power and all the resources to do what He says He will do. This is the only place in the Bible where God invites us to test Him. So go on; take Him at His Word! Don’t limit God. Believe that God will do what He says. God has many ways of increasing your income. In fact, He may choose to bless you through unexpected means. God’s blessing and prosperity is also not limited to the financial. Biblical prosperity is holistic and impacts every area of our lives – including the financial. The key is, do not limit God! God also promises that He will be the guardian over the blessings He has given to us. He declares in Malachi 3:11: “I will rebuke the devourer for your sake and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit.” Malachi was written in the days when farming was the main economy. So, the word “devourer” referred to the locusts or any form of natural disasters that might destroy the crops, causing the labour of Man to be in vain. Some of you used to have wealth, but now it is gone. The devourer – perhaps the stock market – has taken it from you. For others, your crops were flourishing and bearing fruit, but now they are not. The devourer - maybe bad investments - has caused you to suffer a great loss. For still others of you, there was something in your life that could have been powerful, but the devourer has stopped, hindered or crippled it. But when you tithe, God promises to rebuke the devourer so that it cannot destroy your fruit – the blessings God will give you as a result of your tithes and offerings. Whatever forms the devourer may take in our modern times will be rebuked by God
32
Himself. There is no safer way to protect our finances
for the basic needs of my family, and I am debt-free.
than through tithing and giving because God Himself will make certain that the devourer of our modern times
Is it because I am smart? No. I can tell you that it is only
will not steal our blessings. Malachi 3:11 is the only
because of God’s goodness and His blessings over
place in the Bible where God says that He Himself will
my family, as we sought to put Him first, walked in
rebuke the devourer for us. Not only that, God continues
obedience and practised His laws of prosperity. I believe
to say, “Neither shall your vine cast her fruit.” Now it
God will do it for you as well.
doesn’t take rocket science for us to know that not every flower will blossom and not every fruit will grow to full
For a moment, let us consider the alternative: What
maturity. Yet, the phrase ‘neither shall your vine cast her
happens when we choose not to honour God through
fruit’ means that every flower will blossom and every
tithing? We are in fact robbing God. Those may sound
fruit will grow to full maturity. In other words, all your
strong or harsh, but it is in fact God’s exact words: “Will a
labour, hard work and investments will bear fruit.
man rob God? Yet you rob Me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse
When you tithe 10% and live on 90% of your income,
– the whole nation of you – because you are robbing
that 90% will give you more mileage than living on
Me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there
100% without the blessing of God. I know this from
may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the LORD
personal experience because I have experienced God’s
Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
blessings first-hand. In 1987, I quit my job to come into
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will
full-time ministry as a Bible student, without a penny to
not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:7-10).
my name. When we got married in April 1990, my wife Janie was also a full-time Bible student. We had some
Would you dare to rob a bank? I
savings, but after doing some basic renovations in our
believe you would not even
new home, the savings were all gone. My daughter
entertain the idea. Yet, isn’t
was born in February 1991, while both of us were still
it amazing how we dare
in Bible school. In August 1991, I became a church staff
to rob God? Friends, we
while Janie became the full-time ‘Home Affairs Minister’,
cannot rob God and get
and she remained so all these years. (She went back to
away with it. But here’s a
work only two years ago.) I do not draw a large salary,
deeper truth: When we rob
but we obeyed God as much as we knew how and practised the laws of God as best we could.
God of the tithe, we are in fact robbing ourselves of the blessings of God. God has promised to bless us, and when we
Today, I can testify that I live in a flat that is fully paid for,
do not access our promised blessings, we are actually
I own a first-hand car, I have sufficient resources set aside
robbing ourselves.
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It doesn’t matter what your financial status is, whether you do not have enough, or you have just enough, or whether you have more than enough. God’s Word is clear: If you will do what God says in His Word, God will prosper you – and there is no fine print or caveat to this promise of ‘guaranteed returns’. To borrow the words of the article on four steps to wealth and prosperity, if you want to prosper God’s way, you must have the desire, make a decision, have the determination to persist, and develop the discipline to achieve it.
1
You must have the
You must make a decision – a
desire. You must want
decision to obey God and do
God’s prosperity badly
whatever is necessary to experience
enough to make an
God’s blessing and prosperity. You
unshakable commitment to experiencing and receiving it.
34
You must have the determination to persist until you
2
must be willing to pay any price and go any distance to obey His commands.
You must have the discipline. You must develop the habits necessary for achieving financial wisdom,
Rev Jeffrey Wong serves on
succeed, in spite of
including tithing. You must
the Leadership Team of Trinity
all the problems
discipline yourself to learn
Christian Centre and is Trinity’s
everything you need to know
Missions Director.
and obstacles. No
matter how many times
about His principles. You must
you get knocked down,
discipline yourself to persist resolutely,
you must be prepared
no matter how many times you
to pick yourself up and
experience setbacks, disappointments
continue onward.
and momentary failure.
May God bless you, and I mean, really bless you. Don’t rob yourself of God’s blessings, my friend.
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When we rob God of the tithe, we are in fact robbing ourselves of the blessings of God.
Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS <Trinity>space<your comments> to 77177 or email we_are_trinitarians @trinity.org.sg
77177
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
35
flood, mankind came together to build a city with a tower to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. When God looked down at man, He said that if as one people speaking with one language, with one motivation and one vision, they have begun to do this, nothing would be impossible for them. This implies that there was no limitation. The problem is that you and I have put a lid or a cap on the power that
✘ Fear is another great barrier that
God has deposited into mankind.
limitations that we place upon
causes us to hold back from
Charles Schwab said this: “When
ourselves.
sharing the gospel or inviting
a man puts a limit on what he will
✘ There are financial limitations.
others to church.
do, he puts a limit on what he can
THERE ARE MANY TYPES of
do.” How can we break through so
It is not really an issue of
✘
having no money but rather,
Yet the truth is that God has not
that we can step into the place of
a perceived lack of finances
placed any limitations upon man.
empowered living that God has
on our part. This sense of
From the very inception and
designed for us?
lack comes from a limit that
creation of the world, God created
has been placed on our bank
men and women without limits.
Whenever my children were facing
accounts.
When He created Adam and Eve,
difficulties as they were growing
God did not put a cap or lid upon
up and said, “I can’t”, my wife and
them in terms of their abilities.
I would teach them the 10-finger
Adam was able to name every
prayer based on Philippians 4:13.
creature and there was no mental
Each finger represents one word
or experiential limitation. Even after
of this verse – “I can do all things
result of a wrong mindset or
the fall of humanity, the creative
through Christ who strengthens
wrong theology of who we are.
power of God is still residing
me” (Philippians 4:13, NASB). It is
We look at ourselves and feel
within mankind to live a life that
a simple declaration but is full of
that we have nothing to offer.
is above and beyond. After the
power and possibilities.
It may also be a physical limitation – a health issue or a physical handicap.
✘ It could be a limitation as a
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Whatever limitations you may feel
don’t, you may experience the
you have, you can experience a
benefits of God’s blessings on your
breakthrough and live life without
family because of your spouse but
limitations. This very important
you will not experience your own
Scripture verse from Philippians
personal breakthrough and cross
4:13 will take you individually
the barrier into abundant life. You
and as a church beyond the
will live life below what God has
barriers of the invisible line that
intended for you.
has been drawn. As I unpack this
2. POTENTIAL
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me The Greek word for this is ‘ischuo’ and it means to have potential.
Scripture, you will arise to break
Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess
It deals with the potential that is
through and break off the lid and
with your mouth…and believe in
found in every man and woman.
limitations you have placed upon
your heart…you will be saved.” This
In order to breakthrough into
your life. You will begin to live an
deals with a personal responsibility
an empowered life without
abundant and empowered life with
to believe. It is very important that
any limitations, you must also
no limits.
you take responsibility to live an
understand the potential that God
empowered life. If you are going
has placed on the inside of every
through a financial limitation in
person. When mankind looks at a
your life but your wife is tithing
bird and wants to fly, he builds an
faithfully, you cannot say that
aircraft so that he can fly. When
your wife is tithing for both of
mankind looks up into the sky and
you. It doesn’t work that way. Your
wants to visit the moon, he builds
wife will continue to experience
a space shuttle. Do you notice
breakthrough and blessing but
that there is no limitation upon
This represents personal
you will miss out on your personal
mankind? This is because of the
responsibility. You and I must
breakthrough. You must take
latent potential that God deposited
take personal responsibility to
personal responsibility to believe
when He created man and woman.
believe and act upon this promise
and act.
1. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
of God. If you are to break through into the world of abundance and empowered living with no limits in God, you cannot depend on the belief of others like your spouse or family but must take personal responsibility to believe. If you
This latent potential within you is
waiting to be unleashed. But the sad reality is that most people, including believers, go through life without ever tapping on or unleashing the power God has placed within us. We never
377
experience the greatness that God wants for us nor realise the
potential He has put in us.
‘Ischuo’ also means an innate
ability or force that enables us to accomplish and perform. The Word of God says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The moment you say, “I cannot”, you put a cap on yourself and you live below the line. It is very important for you to say “I can” because of the potential within you. One of our zone pastors, Pastor Victor Toh, was very happy serving in the Youth Ministry. One day, I told him that I was going to move
–
him to the Children’s Ministry. His first response was, “Children?” But if you talk to him today, he will tell you that he loves it. The pre-teens adore him. Recently, he thanked me for sending him to
reat, said that “some of us are born great,
DiscoveryLand. In his mind, he had
h some achieve greatness and others
put a cap upon himself. But when
have greatness thrust upon them.”
he stepped into the Children’s
But I believe Christians have it all
Ministry, he realised his latent
because we have a ‘can do’ on the
potential inside him.
inside of us. To break through into
3. POSSIBILITIES
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
the next level of abundant life, you
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Friends, many of us do not step
need to understand the potential
It means ALL things. The Greek
into greatness. Shakespeare once
that is inside you.
word for this is ‘pas’, which means
every. This talks about possibilities.
was incarcerated in a cold dingy
to him preaching the gospel
There is the possibility of
prison cell, shackled and bound.
so that another prisoner could
accomplishment in you. All means
Yet with those limitations, he was
be saved. You can do all things
every kind, entire, whatever
able to release the potential and
through Christ because God has
and whoever. As you take the
see the possibility of being free
put latent potential within you
responsibility to release the
in his spirit to worship God with
for all possibilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beyond the
potential inside you, you will be
no limits. He could still rejoice.
environment that has ensnared
able to do all things. In the context
Despite his suffering and physical
you, beyond the situations that
of this Scripture, the apostle Paul
limitations, there were no limits
have caged you in.
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Fanny B. Crosby, as a result of an
written many poems. She didn’t
accident when she was six weeks
allow limitations to hinder her. She
old, became permanently blind.
could do ALL things through Christ
She lived at a time when society
who strengthened her. If we were
considered those who were blind
to take Fanny Crosby’s hymns out
the same way as those who were
of the hymnals of the Church today,
mentally challenged and isolated
we would not have very much of a
them in institutions. Fanny may
hymnal left.
4. POSITION
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Whether we are Christians or not,
have been blind but she could
God has created us with latent
write songs and poems that
To break through to the next
potential, an implied power for all
touched the human heart. Fanny
level, you must take personal
possibilities. It comes because of
went to the school of the blind
responsibility, unleash your latent
our education, our environment,
and by the time she was eight, had
potential and see all the possibilities.
upbringing and the associations
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we have while growing up. But all of
power. To have a Spirit-empowered
pinned him down as my brother
this will be exhausted one day. We
life, we must take a position of
retaliated and hit him back. I know
will come to the end of our abilities.
holding onto Christ, pressing into
this is not a positive illustration but
If we only focused on this first half
Christ and abiding in Christ.
it talks about a position. When you
of the verse – ‘I can do all things’ –
are weak and feel that you cannot,
we would be in trouble because it
I am the second in a family of six
you need to position yourself to
would be very humanistic and man-
children. I have an elder brother,
hold onto God, to abide and to
dependent. So we cannot stop here.
two younger sisters and two
press in for help.
younger brothers. When I was 15 The second half of this Scripture
and my younger brother was 13,
While I was still working in the Air
is where Christians live beyond
we would take the bus to school
Force, I learnt to hold on to the
the natural man. Our natural man
together. There were two other
truth of God even in the midst of
will become supernatural when
boys from another school who
experiencing financial difficulties.
we understand the second part
would take the same bus as we
At that time, there was a team of
of this verse and it comes with
did, every single day. One day, my
about 150 Americans who came
the word ‘through’. ‘Through’ is a
brother was probably standing in
to do a big production called The
linking word linking humanistic
the way and a situation happened
Master’s Plan. Just the weekend
man- dependence to God-
as they were getting down. He
before that, God had spoken to
dependence. The Greek word used
and one of the boys pushed each
me to empty my entire wallet
for ‘through’ is about position. This
other. We didn’t think much of it
which included my pay check for
is not just a conjunction. Rather,
but these two boys were on the
the month into the offering bag.
you take responsibility to unleash
bus the following day with softball
This meant that I had nothing
your potential and experience all
bats. Just before they got off the
to live on. I was involved as the
possibilities by taking a position
bus, one of them took a swing at
technical production coordinator
of holding, pressing and abiding.
my brother with the softball bat. As
and wondered what I would live
‘Through’ in Greek shows us a
he was being beaten, my brother
on during this period. But I learnt
picture of breaking through from
looked at me in a position of asking
that I could do all things if I took a
natural power to supernatural
for help. So I held onto the boy and
position of holding on to Christ and
41
pressing in. I remember pressing
– you must get into position.
in to the Lord and telling Him that
Something happens when you
I had a limitation because I had no
get into position: God takes you
money in my wallet and I didn’t
through. You will live a supernatural
have much money in the bank. For
and Spirit-empowered life just like
the whole week, I was on the set
Jesus did.
and on my feet from early morning right up to late at night for setup and training. I told the Lord that I
From Him as the source, power is
5. POWER
didn’t even have any money to eat but I was going to press on through Christ. As I held on, pressed in and abided in Him, God began to provide miraculously for me. I
You can break through natural
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
limitations because God adds His power to your life.
experienced great provision from
Christ is the source of power. He
God. I didn’t even have to take a
is the Son of God incarnate in
bus home. Someone would give
our world. He stripped Himself of
me a ride to the World Trade Centre
everything, came down as a man
every morning and then send me
and experienced the Spirit of God
home every night. I also had great
descending upon Him. The Bible
provision of food and in fact I ate
tells us in Acts 10:38 that God
The Greek word used for
at some of the nicest places. From
anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit
‘strengthen’ is ‘endunamou’, which
this, I learnt one thing – that when
and with power so that while He
means to experience the dynamic
you are in position, God will
was on earth as 100% man, He
power, to be endued from heaven.
make it possible.
would be clothed with the power of
It is an impartation of heaven
God to live life beyond the natural.
where Christ, the source of power,
God’s default position is to come to
42
delegated and passed on to us.
6. PROMISE
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
gives strength and empowers
us and help us in our time of need.
In the same way, just before
us and adds to the power. God
He is a jealous Father. We are His
Jesus ascended, He turned to the
adds His supernatural power
people and He is our God (Ezekiel
disciples and told them that all
to our human power, and
36:28). If you are to break through
authority in heaven and on earth
that makes the difference for
beyond all the different barriers
had been given to Him and now
believers. But the sad reality is
– whether financial, physical,
He was sending them. There is a
that some believers will come to
emotional, mental or relational
passing on of the power of Christ.
the end of their lives without ever
experiencing this promise. If you are going to live a Spiritempowered life with no limits, you must take personal responsibility to unleash the potential within, experience and see the possibilities through a position of holding, pressing and abiding in Christ who is your source of all power, and who adds supernatural power by giving you strength. This is the promise of God for you. Faith + Grace = No Limits! Do you want to live a life of no limits? I believe you do. A person who does not know Jesus Christ can only have the first part of this verse: ‘I can do all things.’ But for every child of God and believer, when you say ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’, you are being God-dependent. Faith = Believing that ‘I can do all things’ Grace = ‘Through Christ who strengthens me’ When you take a position of faith,
Rev Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre.
and GRACE, you will live a life of no
Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS <Trinity>space <your comments> to 77177 or email we_are_trinitarians@trinity.org.sg
limits!
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
God adds His grace to it. With FAITH
77177
43
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anything limit your goals and aspirations for the new year. Go ahead and dream â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will be surprised at what God will do! By Stacey Padrick
44
! m a e r D WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I owned a plaque that pictured
ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work
a kitten on a rock gazing up at a golden butterfly. Its
within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
caption read, “Set aside some dreaming time.” While I loved the photo, I always thought of a dreamer as
Do you limit yourself to what’s possible? Practical?
someone with her head in the clouds – forgetting the
Acceptable? Do you find it difficult to allow yourself to
real world around her. So when I entered college,
dream? The following ideas will help you begin to listen
I left dreaming to the philosophy students. It seemed
to your heart’s desires.
impractical in the real world of limited resources, changing job markets, and fierce competition. I stuck to what could be measured and graphed – often putting myself and God in a box.
Preface your planning with prayer Ask God to grant you
But several years ago, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus, which turned my “real world” upside down. Physically
wisdom and inspiration , to open your eyes to a greater vision of yo ur life and him. I used to hesitate to dream, wondering, What if I dre am something that isn ’t God’s plan for me? Who am I to say what I want?
weakened and highly susceptible to viruses, I had to withdraw from activities,
Yet, as I’m growing in
I began to trust, to my surprise, I sensed
my relationship with Go d, I’m learning He wants me to be honest with Him. God encoura ges us to pursue our dreams while we rejoic e in Him. “Delight yours elf in the Lord and He will give you the de sires of your heart ” (Ps alm 37:4). Pray God would reveal the dream s He’s written on your heart.
God beckoning me to start dreaming
A few years after colle
about doing things seemingly unrelated
graduate scholarship.
to my education and training, dreams
such as this for years,
and some of my deepest desires no longer seemed possible. As my hopes for the future evaporated, I had to start trusting God with my aspirations. And as
that may seem insignificant in others’ eyes. But these dreams – learning to swing dance, writing a book, leading a missions trip to Asia, and more – make my heart sing. I’ve allowed God to take me from my comfort zone and do “immeasurably more than all we
ge, a friend recommend ed
Though I’d dreamed of
I hesitated, wondering
me for an overseas
an opportunity
if I should stay at the where I was working. Th e trip would be a lot of work, and I wasn’t su re I was prepared for the challenges I’d face. Despite my reservation s, I paid attention to thi s dream I felt God had given me. I applied , won the scholarship, and studied overseas. There God gave me ab undant ministry oppo rtunities to share His love with students fro m around the world. missions organisation
45
e m i t e m o es d i s a t Se be alone in a quiet place – maybe
Find time to lp us ‘think ten nature can he Of y. jo en u yo ot t a scenic sp tion. Even a quie deur of God’s crea an gr e th e se e w e big’ as ide an atmospher ry or cafe can prov ra lib l ca lo a in ok to corner and perhaps a bo a journal, pencil, g in Br n. tio ec fl re for me was The book that helped e On . ng ki in th stimulate your and for Life, by atement for Work St n io iss M ur Yo Path: Creating may help you is n). Another that -io er yp (H s ne Jo Laurie Beth mmunications). Peterson (Cook Co dy Ju by t ar He Follow Your
Let your pencil go! During a job search, I took out my dreams – even the wild and craz y
Wh hat mak kes me feell as though I were made for this? All thes e can be clues to help you detect and shape your dreams.
pencil and began to list my
ones: learning Chinese, hang gliding, becoming a missionary jour nalist. Exhilaration and excitement surged through me whe n I allowed myself to dream with abandon. Let your mind and pencil go! Colo yourself: If money, time, or backgro I dream? What activities give me a gifts do I enjoy using? What things
ur outside the lines. Ask und had no bearing, what would
sense of being fully alive? What
do I do to bless my friends? What makes me feel as though I were made for this? All these can be clues to help you detect and sha pe your dreams. My friend Tamara, whose parents flair for gourmet cuisine and ente her as “Martha Stewart” and rave
ran a restaurant for years, has a
rtaining. Friends often refer to about her food presentations.
Encouragement from friends and
family, coupled with much prayer on her part, led Tamara to open her own restaurant at the age of 27. Within two years, it was the most popular gourmet restaurant in town.
46
Silence the skeptic As you pursue your dre
ams, be aware of skepti
cal, discouraging thoug hts. critic immediately acc used, Me? Write? I can’t write ! Besides, I don’t have an ything of value to say. By identifying your reserv ations, you’ll be better able to discern wheth er dreams are from God, yourself, or Satan, who will try to deter you fro m God’s plan. For example, when I be
gan writing, my inner
Don’t define your lim
its! Let God decide wh at you can and can’t do. I’ve argued with God ma ny times about my cap abilities. I can attest tha arguing only wastes tim t e and obstructs blessi ngs. God loves to work through weaknesses an d apparent impossibil ities. Truly, “with God all things are possible” (M atthew 19:26). I wanted to do somethi ng adventurous after college, but when God opened a door for me to teach in China, I tho ught, No way! I can’t tea ch. I’m too young to teach at a university! I don’t kn ow a thing about China nor do I speak a word of Ch inese! Yet, trusting God, I finally stepped for wa rd and went. That year wa s the most fulfilling ye ar of my life. Dream big about thing s ingenuity, but only by dream him!
that won’t happen by
the power and grace of
ut boouut big abo am bi rea Dre ngs that won t thing appen by your ha d gth and own streng ingenuity, but only by the power and grace of God.
your own strength and God. We can never ou
t-
ings n n i g e b d size e t i b y r T friend t cultivating smaller dreams. My , star If you find ‘dreaming big’ difficult she she turned 30, and she did it – but wanted to run a marathon before star ted by running 2 miles a day. how star t with the first step, no matter If you’re afraid to pursue a dream, er Sea, he first had to step into the wat small. When Moses crossed the Red , the hero Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade before it would part. In the movie ours arating him from the cave that harb teeters on the edge of a chasm sep ient map says he must step forward, the sought-after holy grail. The anc ng to his anything to suppor t him from falli though there doesn’t appear to be his feet ss, he feels something solid under death. Yet, as he steps into the aby we step been there all along. Similarly, as – a camouflaged bridge that had existed will open before us. out in faith, paths we never knew
47
r e l l i k m a dre t s n i a g rd a a u g d n Sta u find the unce just when yo rner, ready to po concern around ever y co y forms, such as an Dream-killers lurk m ke ta ey Th s. eam ung, pursuing your dr hen you were yo courage to begin spoken to you w ds or w s ap rh Pe . inions eaking. about others’ op g about public sp in m ea dr m fro u shy,” have kept yo such as “You’re so wanted to do, me in whatever I ed ag ur co en s er had alway don’t see you Although my fath r, he remarked, “I ito ed d an er rit w I ed a job as a that type of work. when I was offer see himself liking ’t dn di he , th tru r my work.” In launching pad fo liking that type of as an unexpected it ed us d Go it. enjoyed took the job and writing career. e, ability, tions (lack of tim ita lim al re or ed ers can be imagin ictable illness Other dream-kill g with an unpred in liv of e ng le al e, the daily ch n my health or training). For m my dreams. Whe ish gu tin ex d an upt my goals minute. Thus, I threatens to disr plans at the last el nc ca t us m n te kens, I of ms. Yet, through unexpectedly wea and pursuing drea ts en itm m m co than making ce on Him. Rather become fear ful of r daily dependen te ea gr e m s he d teac at without this challenge, Go Him, knowing th on ly re I n, io at in ngth and determ t they can’t relying on my stre of limitations, bu rm fo e m so ith w ing. We all deal Him I can do noth t in faith. n do as we step ou limit what God ca
th l wit We allll dea itations, m i l f o m r o some f t limit 't n a c y e h t but n do as a c d o G t wha in faith. t u o p e t s we
48
s
You'lll be amazed how God makes nnections and con honours the risks you take.
Be on the lookout Look for ways God might be offerin as you pursue dreams. A local chu
While visiting a friend, I mention
inevitably we’ll experience setbacks
provides insight or resources
related to your dream. Also, talk with and honours the risks you take.
dreams God’s placed on our heart,
rch or community college
may offer a class or workshop that area of interest. You’ll be amazed
As we step out in faith to pursue the
g direction and guidance
and disappointments. As I write this,
others involved in your
I’m still saddened by the loss of a
how God makes connections
long-held dream to lead a missions trip. After planning and preparing for a year, I had to forego the project
ed my interest in retreat
ministry. She told me of a couple
she knew in Virginia who’d
just purchased a bed and breakfas
t/retreat center. They needed helpers to develop the ministry. Six months later, I was living at the B&B where I could learn hands-o n about the ministry.
at the last moment because of a downturn in my health. Yet in my disappointment, I continually claim the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).
God can work powerfully in our weakness or crisis because we’re forced to trust him. We shouldn’t wait until we “have it all together” to dream. Begin now, even in the midst of brokenness. My friend Tamara, who opened the gourmet restaurant, pursued that dream after her husband left her. As we entrust broken dreams to God, He’ll release new dreams – and do more than we could hope or imagine. So go ahead – dream! Whether your personality’s
As we entrust broken dreams to God, He’ll release new dreams –
practical or imaginative, your limitations real or
and do more than we
self-imposed, your dreams grandiose or simple, set
could hope or imagine.
aside some dreaming time. Whether you learn to swing dance as I did, or aspire to do something life-changing, such as launching a new ministry, allow God to expand your horizon and use you to fulfill His purpose in your life. Stacey Padrick, a freelance writer from the San Francisco bay area, is the author of Living with Mystery: Finding God in the Midst of Unanswered Questions (Bethany House). This article was first published in Today’s Christian Woman (September/October 2001). Used with permission.
49
Care & Connect:
Bring a Friend, Connect the Friend
•
See a Potential, D Seeing potential in someone means not putting limits on what that person can become in God. Trinitarian magazine speaks peaks tto o ttwo wo Trinitarians who have blossomed and bloomed because there were no limits placed upon them.
From Gangster to General Manager Joshua Saw was a teenager who dabbled in gang fights, stealing, and drinking, and cut himself for a thrill. He failed his ‘A’ Level exams, but today, he is a general manager of a company and a sectional leader trainee in Trinity.
I
came from a well-to-do family; my father was a successful businessman. He took care of the family, and I never had to worry about finances, but all the things I had could not
satisfy the emptiness within me. I used to gamble in school after classes ended. The school keeper would go around checking the different classes and he would always find some of us gambling in the empty classrooms. I sought excitement by being involved in
50
Find a Need, Meet the Need
•
See a Potential, Develop the Potential
Develop the Potential gang fights, stealing as
just in the next block. My initial experience
well as drinking. After
in carecell came as a culture shock to me,
school I would hang
as I was moving forward from a stagnated
out with my friends and
position to a forward-looking position.
sometimes they would
However, the carecell members were very
“invite” me to join them
caring. They went the extra mile to make
in some “discussion”
my wife and I feel welcome in carecell and
sessions or to be
in church. They made us feel like a part of
involved in dispute
the big Trinity family.
settlements. (They wanted to beef up the number of people present in such situations so as to intimidate the opponent!) I also sought excitement through self-infliction using razor blades. I felt it was a challenge and dared myself to do it. If the cut was not deep enough, I would not be satisfied. I would inflict another cut to force the wound to open so that there would be more blood
They went the extra mile to make my wife and I feel welcome in carecell and in church.
oozing out. Somehow, I derived a sense of satisfaction from it. A year later, we were approached by our After secondary school, I went to a different junior college from my friends. I was lonely. I was in the commence stream, and there was not many boys whom I could click with or influence. So I skipped classes and hung around. I did not prepare for my exams, and needless to say, I failed my ‘A’ Levels. I found life purposeless and tried gaining recognition from man, especially among peers and friends.
carecell leader Soon Ann to open our house for carecell. Soon Ann nurtured me. He was the one who raised me up as a leader. I watched how he ran the cell and learnt a lot from him. He helped me discover my gifting in the area of pioneering and leadership. In 2004, he challenged me to
I came to know the Lord after someone shared the gospel to me.
take up leadership in carecell.
I was touched by the love of God and I gave my life to Jesus. I started attending a church near my house. An elder in that church established my grounding in God’s Word. He nurtured me using a booklet on Christian foundations and Christian living. In 2000, I felt I had stagnated in my spiritual growth. Through a divine connection, I joined Trinity. I found a Trinity carecell near my home,
51
See a Potential, Develop the Potential Along the way, I faced many challenges and couldn’t cope with leading the cell because of work demands. I felt very down and was very disappointed with myself. My sectional leader Malathy encouraged me. She prayed for me with regards to disappointments, and really ministered to me. In 2005, I was given an opportunity by Pastor David Chan to lead a carecell in Serangoon North. With his and Malathy’s encouragement, I took up leadership even though I was hesitant and fearful of failure. I managed to raise up leaders in that carecell, and the carecell multiplied. I am now leading another carecell. Besides
As I looked back, I could never have
serving as a carecell leader, I am also a Traffic Marshall. I was even a
imagined that being so reckless
Nursery Core Teacher before, taking care of children aged two to four!
and aimless earlier in life, I could
Recently, Pastor Kelvin Ng, my Zone Pastor, ‘volunteered’ me to be the
become who I am today: a Sectional
Chairman for my district’s Thanksgiving event.
Leader trainee, a General Manager, a husband and a father. I
All the mentoring, encouragement and opportunities given to me by Trinity has enabled me to become
52
All the mentoring, encouragement and opportunities given to me by Trinity has enabled me to become a strategic leader in my workplace.
was lowly-educated, shy, and not fluent in speech, but today I am comfortable in speaking on stage and have no problems talking
a strategic leader in my
to strangers. I can now speak
workplace. I started off in
fluently – albeit with a mixture
my current company as a one-man team. Gradually I was given more
of Hokkien! I have a purposeful life.
responsibilities and leadership positions. From no one reporting to
It is really the work of God, brought
me at the very beginning, I led a team of twenty to thirty people
about through the people who
in my team at its peak. Currently I oversee the company and report
mentored me in the various stages
to the Group Managing Director.
of my life.
If you had known Jan Cheang when she was a teenager, you would have never expected her to become a pastor. The bivocational pastor and recruitment consultant says she is the most unlikely candidate for the job – and that her friends are still in a state of shock.
Me, a Pastor?
I
was pretty ‘havoc’ as a teenager. I skipped classes, rebelled against my teachers, went to parties, and went out with boys behind my
parents’ back. When I was in secondary two, I ‘terrorised’ a relief teacher so much, she burst into tears and ran out of the classroom! The school eventually replaced the relief teacher with a very strict teacher. We were known as the infamous naughty class, and I was on the “beware” list! This very strict teacher caused a turnaround in my life. She was such a great teacher that she made me love Maths and transformed me from one who failed the subject to one who got ‘A’ for it! I qualified for the best secondary three class. Eventually I did well enough to get into the
53
best class of Raffles
the 1980s. The cell
• My district and zone pastors
Junior College
was at St Michael’s
Every one of the pastors I have
for the double
Road. My leaders
served with – from Pastor
Mathematics/
then were Joanna
Christina Onn, Pastor Bryan Tan,
Physics/Economics
(Pastor Peng Teck’s
Pastor Sabrina Chow, Pastor
course. This was
wife), KC, Pastor
Albert Khor to Pastor Larry
amazing because
Edward and his
Lee – left their mark upon my
I was not naturally bright. Before
wife Lay Hoon. They were the
life. I remember that I resisted
the turnaround, I was always at
ones who made me do many
becoming a Sectional Leader.
the bottom of my class. Looking
things for the first time – give
Thank God that they, particularly
back, I realise that the turnaround
thanks for meals on behalf of the
Pastor Albert, believed that I
started around the time that I
group, pray aloud for people,
could do it. And then there was
accepted Christ into my life. I
facilitate a small group discussion
a season when I faced some
remember attending a number of
– among many other things! I’m
challenges and as a result, I was
evangelistic rallies and accepting
sure I told them “I cannot!” many
not really giving my best in the
Christ a number of times! I believe
times during those years, as I was
ministry. They kept speaking into
having God in my life unlocked my
not confident doing whatever
my life and encouraging me.
potential.
they tasked me with. But thank God, they believed in me more
I believe having God in my life unlocked my potential.
than I believed in myself. • My spiritual mother The host of the cell was Rosie Ong, and she was my spiritual parent. She was the one who
Being in church also gave me many
kept inviting me to attend the
mentors. Over the years, there have
cell. She was so persistent in
been many people who believed
calling me that, for a while,
in me and saw potential in me.
I was afraid to pick up the phone
Among them are:
on Tuesday nights! But today, I thank God for her persistence.
She’s the main person who has
Had it not been for her, I might
developed my potential as a
and members
not have even started joining
trainer. Even before I became a
I started going to a Trinity cell in
a cell.
pastor, she brought me along on
• My very first cell group leaders
54
• Pastor Margaret Tay
See a Potential, Develop the Potential
her training trips to India. I really
accept the fact that yes, I am a
treasure the times I travelled
Pastor. I don’t know who was
with Pastor Margaret on those
more shocked by it – my friends
numerous India trips. There, she
or myself!
gave me lots of opportunities to co-teach with her in the training
Today, I am a zone pastor in West,
sessions. Even though I did ‘boo-
Trinity@Paya Lebar. I mentor the
boo’ at times, she still continued
sectional leaders and leaders, and
to believe in me and give me
provide pastoral care to them and
opportunities. She took a risk by
their families. I frequently counsel
believing in me!
couples, conduct weddings and minister to people in hospitals and
She even gave me the
in times of need. I feel really grateful
opportunity to teach at the
to God for the privilege of being
annual international Cell Church
able to minister to people as a
Conference in Singapore. The first
Pastor, and to the church for giving
year I taught at the conference,
me the opportunity to be one.
there were more than a hundred
mentors. I am really grateful to
people in our module! It really
her for believing in me, and feel
As a bi-vocational pastor, I have
gave me sleepless nights. But
very blessed and privileged to
the privilege of impacting both the
all these opportunities she gave
have her as my mentor.
church and the marketplace. I work
helped me overcome my fear of
as a recruitment consultant and
speaking to large crowds, which
Me, a Pastor?
business director with a UK-based
is a necessary part of my current
I never imagined that I would
recruitment firm. In the office, I lead
ministry.
become a pastor. Never! It all
an office cell that has been ongoing
started when Pastor Dominic
for six years now. At one stage, we
With her affirmation,
spoke to me about becoming a
had 12 people in the cell – in an
encouragement and gentle
bi-vocational pastor. I wrestled with
office that has just 30+ people!
prodding, Pastor Margaret
this and sought the Lord about
My most memorable moment in
continually challenges me to
it. God spoke to me from Luke
this office cell was when one of my
grow and develop my ministry.
chapter 2, to be obedient to His
ex-colleagues accepted Christ.
She always stirs my faith and
call. I was installed in March 2004
Now, she is a regular cell member
spurs me on in my ministry. I
and it took me almost a whole
in East, Trinity@Paya Lebar and
count her as one of my greatest
year to get used to it and to finally
was water baptised this year. She
55
See a Potential, Develop the Potential
calls me her spiritual mama and she is one of my most precious spiritual babes! There were also people who came into our company as non-believers but accepted Christ through the office cell or as a result of the office cell’s
ju ustt as as I myself m se my self elff have hav ave b been be en ccared a just for,
ministry will help them to be
efforts in caring and connecting
connected and mentored.
more successful at work, and not
with them. One of them is now
hinder it.
a cell leader in his own church.
Being mentored in Trinity has
Others were not connected to their
helped me in my role in the
church cell groups or were not actively serving when they joined the company, but by the time they left our company,
It gives me great pleasure to care and connect with them, just as I myself have been cared for, connected and mentored.
they were
As I look back, I know I am who I am
marketplace as
today because of God’s grace and
well. My ministry
the people He placed in my life. I’m
exposure helps me
not naturally a confident person.
in my confidence
When asked to do something new,
when I meet with
my first reaction is to say ‘I cannot!’
clients and when
If not for all those people who
I have to speak to
believed in me and kept telling me
the entire office.
that ‘you can!’, I am not sure where
It also helps me
I would be today. So I would say
to contribute in
this: Everyone is a potential – don’t
attending cell group and serving
areas such as organising events
miss anyone out! And I always like
God faithfully! Another of my office
and championing different matters
to encourage people who are at
cell members is now a host and
(I am currently a Values champion
their wit’s end with their spiritual
associate leader in West, Trinity@
for our Singapore office). I always
babies, with this: “You never know,
Adam. It gives me great pleasure
tell younger folks who are just
he could turn out to be a Pastor
to care and connect with them,
starting out in their careers that
Dom!”
57
n e o s e a w m So My Potential! P astt o r Jeffrey Wong
Pastor Danny Leong
Pastor Wilson Teo
Be ein ing a play ayful teenager, stu udie es
Much of my personal growth was
The one person who mentore ed me
were far down my list of priorrit ities.
through observation, reading books
was my badminton coach when nI
As a res esul es ult, t, I did badly for my ‘O’
and attending classes. I guess you
was in my teens. Mr Lee took tim me to
Leve els. I fe feltt really lost and d didn’t
could call it ‘remote mentoring!”
show me how to improve my game me
kn now wha at I should do next.
Allong the way,
through correcting and sharpening
Everyone aro round me co oncluded
I also so learnt
my strokes and footwork. He also
that I sho ould d stop stud dying and go
throu ugh the
came up with a game strategy for
find a job – alll excep pt Auntie Thong,
feed dback of
playing against different types of
the auntie e I was as clo osest to. She was
lectturers, bosses
players. He was patient to correct
a very capable and
and d colleagues.
my mistakes, constantly inspired
educated wom o an for her time.
58
me to play well, and encouraged I hav ve many other mentors. These
me whenever I did not. He would
are people who imparted values,
arrange for better players to play
Somehow, she h
skills and insights into my life. Many
with me so as to improve my overall
s w sometthin sa thing in
of my former superiors in MINDEF
game. Whenever I suffered defeat
me. I rem memb ber e one night, she took
and th he SAF helped me develop
at competitions, he would remind
me e out for a wa alk said, “Cheong (my
my adm ministrative skills. In ministry,
me of my potential and how I could
fam mily calls me by this name), you
all of the e District and Zone Pastors,
succeed in the future.
are de efinitely not stupid, just playful.
whom I had the privilege of working
I beliieve you can do o well in your
with in Trrin i ity in the past 26 years,
Besides mentoring
stud dies if you put you ur heart to it.
have helpe ed shape my values and
me in my skills, he
Yo ou are an intelligent boy.”
ssh harpen myy ministry skills. Of these
would also correct
tth here are a co coup u le of pastors who
my attitude so that
Auntie Thong helped me get int ntto
have mentore ha ed me in myy preaching
I was mindful of being a good
a school and the rest is histo ory. I
and teacchi h ng.. To all of them, I say
athlete in my skill and conduct. As
discovered that I was not stup pid.
““T Tha ank You!”
a result of his constant mentoring
In fact I went on n to do o ve v ry well iin n
and encouragement, my skills
my studies – su urrp prrising g ev e en mys y e ellf
improved. That led me to win
– and I haven’t looked ba back ck sinc sin ncce n e..
the champi pio pi on nship games in my
Thank you Auntie Thong g for or seein or ng
Second dary ary School and Junior ar
and deve deve de elopi piin ng g the he poten he e tial in me me!
College yyears arrss.. a
A father, an auntie, a badminton coach… what do all these people have in common? They were all mentors to our Leadership Team pastors – which goes to show that anyone can be a mentor to someone. (You can be a mentor too!)
Pastor Beatricc e Kang
Pa a s t o r Gerald d Tan
Th he me ent n or who has sha h ped much of the valuess that ha
Trinity is an n aw awes eso ome place of m mentoring, and I’ve had
I embrace is my father. Thou ough ou hId did not live with him m
the privileg ge to o be me m ntored by so man any different ones es.
until my earlyy adult years rs, we spe p nt valuable ti time
The firstt was Pastor Pa Dom min inic, who was my you outh t passtor
together during hi h s weekly visits, our
when en I just joined o Trinity. I had d al always struggled d wit itth
weekend outings and during the
po oor o self-esteem, ess but Pastor Dom gav ave e me opp ppor o tunities
school holidays. The ese were filled
to grow wa and serve in many differentt areas, suc u h as taking
with many unforg get etttable e and
charge ge of o th he media and logisticss
significant mo oment nts. s.
depa de parrtment, bein ng a youth le ead ader, being ei a camp comm mand ndan nd ant for
We eh had p pic icn nics, went fishing ng, wentt kit ite-flying (where we e
yyouth camp mp ps,, and nd heading var arious
desi de sig gned and mad de our very own kit ites es), had milk-shakes
projec ectts. I grew in self-confi fidence, e
at our favoritte café and helped ou out at hiss ccompany’s
a d I believe what he di an d d released
yearly road-show. But our time toget ether wass not just
me e tto o be who I am today.
about fun. They taught me a great deal al about qua u lityy tiime m , integrity, impartiality, preciousness of familyy lillife ffe,
It was also th hro roug gh him that I began sste t pp pin ing g into the
abou o t honour and about leadership. ou
prophetic minist sttry ry. I will always remem mberr tthe h time when he told me to te teach th the e Propheticc Ministries class ss!! His ss
Our meal a times were never ‘eatt a and run’ n’. He would sh hare
confiden ence in me and his wor o ds of counsel helped me e
his life jou urn r eys – his victtor ories, struggles, rugg and how he met e
trrem emen e dously as I stepped into o a totally new arena.
mum. These were ti tim mes when en I le learned what Singapore went thr h ough and how w she persevered to be a great
O er the yea Ov e rs I’ve also had the th he privilege of be ein ing
nation n. My friends dss we were always invited home for meals
mentored by Pa me Pastor Stev teven. I first came into fullll-ti t me ti
and th hesse were time es when he got to know them as well.
minist mi stry st r serving g under nder derr h him m in the t youth ministry. The he many man nyy ttimes I’ve travele a eled av ele led with w Pastor Dowdy also
Myy fathe her iiss now with th he Lo ord;; hi his bo body may be buried,
provide provided vide ed uniqu que me qu entoring oring g experien e ces as I gaine ned an ne nd
butt no ot his spirit and his lov ve. e Tha at’ t s my father – m myy
gleaned mu ucch h from m her wisdom ma and d ministry. I am m ttrruly r y
me m ent ntor.
than an a ankf nk ull forr th he ese se men nto t rs I’v ve ha had! d
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Way back in the 1980s, a young man stepped into Trinity’s youth and young adult ministry, then known as Christ’s Ambassadors. He looked every bit the party animal – loud, with long hair and seemed more interested in the girls than in God. You could say he was also audacious – daring, verging on the brink of brazen. What’s more, he reeked of alcohol, such that a ‘red sea’ parted to make way for him as he responded to the altar call and received Christ. In Trinity then were three leaders – two
I was the Senior Pastor’s Mentor
young men and a young woman – who came to know of this young man. With a look and demeanor like that, who wouldn’t have noticed? Then, something happened. Each, at different points of time, took up the challenge of mentoring him despite his unkempt and flamboyant façade. Fast forward 20 years to today. Clean shaven and articulate, he still sticks out – though not as a sore thumb anymore. Today, he cuts a striking figure because he is Trinity’s Senior Pastor. His transformation is nothing short of astounding, and his mentors unreservedly attest to that. Many know the Senior Pastor but few know his mentors. Far fewer know of their arduous assignment and of how they tirelessly sowed into his life. Trinitarian magazine comes face-to-face with Antoinette Lek, Pastor Eu Yat Wan and Mervyn Wong – people who in the initial years took up the formidable task of caring and connecting with the ‘tough nut’; people who saw a potential even though he did not look the part.
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Three young leaders. One party animal. They saw potential in him even though he did not look the part. Little did they know that he would become Senior Pastor one day. Trinitarian magazine catches up with Rev Eu Yat Wan, Mervyn Wong, and Antoinette Lek – three individuals who were instrumental in caring and connecting with Pastor Dominic Yeo when he first stepped into Trinity.
Rev Eu Yat Wan, previously a Trinity
How did you get to know Dominic Yeo, and what was your first impression of him?
pastor and now pastor of New Life City Church,
Yat Wan: I was trained under
What was Pastor Dominic like as a young believer?
the Navigators ministry whose strengths were in Scripture Memory and Inductive Bible
Perth: My first impression of Dominic was that he was
study. But it was not easy
a confident young man, good-looking although skinny
getting Dominic to memorise
(still skinny!) He also wore a moustache that did not
Scripture or do his Bible Study. He
fit his skinny look! Of course, he was interested in the
wanted more fun activities and outings rather than
young ladies in our youth ministry!
a personal Bible study session. On some occasions,
You could say that he looked every
I had to draw him out by picking him up at his Paya
part the party animal. Cool looking
Lebar camp on my motorcycle and bringing him to my
dude!
home at Sennett Estate. I had my mum cook meals so that we could
Mervyn Wong, sales agent:
eat and do our
I met him in June 1980, at the youth
Bible study after
service. He was a tua pai kia – a
that…. I guess it
loud young man in dark sunglasses,
was finally food,
with hole-ly jeans, a choker around
convenience and
his neck and long hair. He was
outings that did
obviously a First-Time-Visitor, but
him in! It worked!
behaved as if he had been here a long time. We were preparing
Mervyn: He
for a song presentation among
was vocal but
the campers for the Sunday service
teachable. He was
and he just came and joined us in the
quite different
presentation. He wasn’t even a camper…
from the rest of
Such audacity! The beautiful thing is that
the young people
everyone welcomed him wholeheartedly
at Trinity at that
and he just fitted in.
time, especially with regards to his dress sense. But he had a genuine
Antoinette Lek, administrator: I was then Pastor
love and hunger for God and he was very friendly with
Dowdy’s secretary, and she had asked me to nurture
almost everyone he met. He had this habit of bringing
Dominic and three other spiritual babies. He was very
Monica, his sister, to church, leaving her with us and
skinny, very bubbly, very inquisitive.
then disappearing off to do his own thing!
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Antoinette: He would backslide, disappear from
maybe more of an older brother and friend. There were
church, then come back and receive Christ all over
times in the early days where he would miss church
again. Every time he came back, a few of us would catch
and my wife would ask Brother Samuel Ko, the then
hold of him: ‘Eh, tell us, what have you been up to?‘ and
president of Christ’s Ambassadors (the youth ministry)
we would just welcome him back.
and I to go visit him to see what was wrong. Usually it was disappointment over some issue but he would get over it quickly.
Yat Wan: Getting him to
What challenges did you face as his Spiritual Parent?
memorise Scripture! After much
Antoinette: He would dig into the Word, dissect it in
perseverance, he did well. Our
all directions and ask me many questions which I couldn’t
community spirit was the glue
answer! Because I couldn’t answer them, I would take
that bound us all together. We did many things together: played games, swam, went to church, attended youth meetings and
them down, ask my boss Pastor Dowdy for the answers, and then get back to him. But by then, he would have more questions for me!
had many overnight beach prayer sessions. We built our friendships and were strong as a community. In those days, we did not have modern conveniences like
Yat Wan: Yes, several occasions,
mobile phones, SMS, Internet, Facebook, blogging, etc.
in fact! He rebelled, stopped
Nothing beats the face-to face interaction of personal
attending church, ‘backslided’ and
care and follow-up!
ignored our best attempts to contact
Do you recall a particular incident where you felt like giving up?
him. Eventually, prayer and continual perseverance
Mervyn: I wouldn’t consider myself his spiritual parent, 62
brought him back into the fold. The youth camps,
leadership training and many beach prayer sessions we
sometimes into the wee hours of the night. I saw that he
had in our youth days at Trinity moulded and shaped
had a lot of potential to be a good leader for the Lord.
us. Thank God for the good foundation that was laid by
He was very sincere and passionate in his faith and he
Pastor Dowdy and the other church leaders, who taught
would never say ‘no’ to anyone needing his help. He
and impacted us through their prayers, personal sharing
could be a friend to almost anybody.
and our makan (feasting) times after services and prayer meetings.
In his earlier days in Trinity, he was stumbled a number of times by some older Christian leaders. As mentioned
Mervyn: Not that I can remember. The folks were
earlier, those were the times he went missing from
pretty encouraging in helping me to accept him for who
church. On those occasions, Sam and I would visit him,
he is. He is not an easy person to dislike once you know
having long talks with him at Chomp Chomp Food
him and understand why he behaves the way he does.
Centre in Serangoon Gardens. I believe those talks encouraged Dom to keep going in his faith.
Antoinette: Not at all. He was full of curiosity. He just had so many questions. Despite not being able
Antoinette: His liveliness! And the fact that he never
to answer all his questions, I never felt like giving up,
made me feel small or lousy even though I couldn’t
although I did grumble, ‘Aiyo, why you must come with
answer his questions. In fact, he kept me on my toes!
so many questions one ah…’ But I was also thinking,
There was just something in him that made me feel
“Never mind, go back can ask Pastor Dowdy!’
comfortable. Although he was playful and would disappear for some time, I knew God had a firm grip upon his life.
Yat Wan: God has a purpose and destiny for everyone. We saw a leadership potential in Dominic and although he was
What made you press on in mentoring him?
Yat Wan: As Dominic grew in the ministry, his strengths
What were your thoughts and feelings as he later progressed to being a Leader and then a Sectional Leader in the church?
easily distracted in his earlier
of foresight and leadership
days as a youth and young adult,
were further developed. We
he knew that God’s hand was upon his life, which was
later became members of the
why he decided to go to Bible School upon leaving the
pastoral team, and had mutual
Air Force.
respect and admiration for each other’s strengths. Pastor Dowdy was instrumental in releasing many ministry
Mervyn: I guess because we lived near each other, we
opportunities – both local and global – that further
were able to share with each other on many issues,
developed our giftings and ministries.
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Mervyn: I was very happy for him that he was fulfilling
pastors. Our challenge is to be faithful and obedient
his God-given potential. I was also pleased for I saw this
to what God calls us to do at this season or moment in
as a natural progression towards him answering the full-
time.
time call he had.
Mervyn: There were thoughts that he might be Senior Antoinette: I felt happy for him. Because of the way
Pastor one day, but probably not so soon. At the night
he asked me those questions, I knew he had a certain
of the Change of Command, my wife and I were awed by
seriousness in him – this is what struck me from the very
God’s amazing way of choosing His leaders. We were
beginning.
very happy and proud to see that by the grace of God,
Thereafter, Dominic became a full-time pastor, and pastored the youth ministry, did church planting in Canada and travelled internationally to do church consultation and training. Honestly, did you even for a moment imagine that he would become the Senior Pastor of Trinity? How did you feel when the Change of Command ceremony took place on 10 March 2005?
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Yat Wan: God set forth a developmental path in the
this little brother has grown from
heart of a young man who was willing to submit himself
the loud and young pai kia to what
in obedience to the calling and purposes set aside by
he is today. My wife knew the challenges ahead would
the Divine Creator….isn’t this the story found in the
be great for him and sent an SMS that night to let him
Bible, replicated hundreds of times?
know that we would be upholding him in prayer.
Every person that God brings into your life is a potential
Antoinette: It never crossed my mind that the young
leader, minister or missionary. All we need to do is to
man who asked me so many questions would one day
persevere to build a friendship with them, and build a
be Senior Pastor. I was there on the night of the Change
desire for God in their heart. As a cell leader or youth
of Command, and I was very moved. All I could think
leader, you may well be mentoring the next generation
was, ‘God, You really have a purpose for him.’ I was so
of missionaries, evangelists, marketplace leaders and
very proud of him.
WHEN GOD LOOKS
M R A O T F I O S N N A A R
L
T
AT YOU, HE SEES A
LEADER
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What do you see when you look into the mirror? When God looks at you, He sees the potential of a Transformational Leader. Rev Dominic Yeo explains why God needs you to be a transformational leader in this chaotic world.
The greatest need in our world today is hope – hope
‘Big C’. You have stage 4 cancer; it’s terminal”.
in the midst of the economic meltdown, in spite of the social degradation that is taking place in our world
• Hope for the wife who has just received a letter from
today, against a backdrop of pestilence, famine and
the man who has decided to abandon her and their
diseases and against the currency of our days, which is
children.
chaos and confusion. The world is lost; it is floundering in a state of hopelessness. For those who do not know
As children of God, we have the hope of God residing
Jesus Christ, their greatest need is to find a Hope and to
in us. The Bible calls this “Christ in you, the hope of
know that Hope.
glory”. While the world’s greatest need is hope, the
• Hope for the retirees who have lost their entire savings in the wake of the bank collapse. Months ago those investments were yielding great returns, and in the twinkling of an eye, those Notes have become worthless.
greatest need in the church is for
A transformational leader is someone who can effect and impact the atmosphere around him so that radical change can take place.
transformational leaders to arise. A transformational leader is someone who can effect and impact the atmosphere around him so that radical change can take place. God is looking down from the portals of heaven, calling you to
• Hope for a man or woman who has just received a prognosis from their doctor, “I am sorry; you have the
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arise to be a transformational leader. I’m not talking about rising up to be a cell leader; that’s good, but
what is better is when we learn to arise to be God’s
All these point us to the Last Days. A transformational
transformational leader.
leader will look at the landscape and know what to do. 1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us that “the men of Issachar
Mark 4:35-41 tells us about Jesus Christ – the greatest
understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”
Transformational Leader ever. I have a friend who had properties in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Indonesia. At the height of the
1
Transformational leaders know the times and the seasons, and know what they should to do
construction and property boom in the 1990s, he
“That day when evening came…” (Mark 4:35)
I wanted to make sure that he didn’t go to Vancouver
decided to wrap it all up and move his family to Vancouver. I went there to meet up with him because on a whim or fancy. I spent over an hour grilling him. I asked him, “What is the matter with you? Why are you
Jesus knew what time it was, and what was about to
pulling out all your investments? Don’t you know this is
happen. Transformational leaders are able to look at the
the best time to make money?” We came to the point
landscape and the backdrop, and discern the times and
where we both understood the times and the seasons
seasons they are living in.
that we were in. There was a prophetic sensing that a great economic failure was
The economists and governmental leaders are all saying that the free market economy has failed. When I look at the economic meltdown, I see the fulfillment of the
about to happen in Asia, and
Ask the Holy Spirit to impart discernment, so that you can arise as God’s transformational leader.
Scriptures, leading us towards
he sensed it as well. Because he understood the times and the seasons, he was not made a bankrupt. God saved him from experiencing the Asian Financial Crisis.
what is prophesied in the books of Daniel and Revelations – the One World Economic
Wouldn’t you want to be a person who can transform
system with the technological imprint of 666 upon our
your family, your community and environment like
bodies. This is where the world is heading. We cannot
that? But you can do it only if you know the times
just come to church, sit in our favourite chair, enjoy the
and the seasons. If you don’t, give the Holy Spirit an
air-conditioning and worship, without discerning the
opportunity to speak to you, to give you an impartation
times and the seasons. Look at the famines and all the
of discernment, so that you can arise as God’s
diseases. Look at the wars and the rumours of wars.
transformational leader.
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2
Transformational leaders speak into lives
side’ represents a new level of faith. ‘This side’
“That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go to over to the other side’”. (Mark 4:35)
side’ represents the glory of a manifest church.
represents the glory of a mega church; the ‘other When people do not know what to do, when they are at their wits’ end, when they feel hopeless and lost, if you would just arise and speak into lives, your family,
Transformational leaders speak hope to the world
colleagues and work environment will be infused with
around them. As God’s transformational leader, Jesus
hope. Instead of criticising this and that, speak life
spoke into the lives of His disciples. He didn’t just walk
just like Jesus did. Immediately there will be a change.
off by himself, but said to His disciples, “Let us go over to
There will be an infusion of hope. That’s the effect a
the other side”.
transformational leader has.
Leaders speak into lives and inspire hope. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). In Genesis chapter 1, when God spoke, there was creative life – the world came into being. Likewise, transformational leaders speak life to encourage,
3
Transformational leaders leave the crowd of security behind “… leaving the crowd behind” (Mark 4:36)
inspire and exhort people to go from one level of faith to another. When you speak life, there is the
Jesus was preaching a great service. More and more
creative power of God to form and to reform.
people came to hear him speak. A small group became a big crowd. A small congregation became a
Or you can speak destructive elements of death. This is
mega church. Jesus could have basked in this mega
like the parent whose child came home one day with
church service they were having with the crowd. But
a report book of poor results. If the parent says, “You
transformational leaders abandon the securities of life
failed again? Stupid boy! Study harder!”, that boy will be
to embrace the faith of the purpose and the will of God.
destroyed. Yes, he may have been lazy the whole year and yet at that point, at that kairos moment, you must
I think of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22:2. “God said
understand the time and season in his life. What do you
to Abraham, take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom
do? Speak life. Inspire hope in the boy, that next year is
you love and sacrifice him on the mountain.” This was a
another year. Encourage the boy to move from failure
tough thing for Abraham to do, because Isaac was his
into success, to go from potential to fulfillment.
passport, his security, his entire bank account. But God looked down from heaven and said, “Abraham, you are
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When Jesus says, “Let’s go over to the other side,”
my transformational leader and I am not about to have
‘this side’ represents one level of faith, but the ‘other
you hold on to your human security.” Our human
A transformational leader is one who abandons the securities of his modern life and walks the line of faith to earnestly seek after God. security can come today and be gone tomorrow, just
abandons the securities of his modern life and walks the
as we have witnessed in the economic meltdown. But
line of faith to earnestly seek after God.
what you give to God, that line of faith that you walk, will bring you the blessings of God. The line off nd faith that you walk will change the environment around you. Transformational leaders let go and let God. A man was climbing a mountainous cliff when he slipped and fell. As he was falling, he tried to grab on to
4
T Transformational leaders lead by example b “ “Leaving the crowd behind, they took H Him along, just as He was, in the b boat.” (Mark 4:36)
h different things. He managed to hold on to the branch of a tree but it was a very thin.. He held on to it with alll ve e of his might. In his desperation, he prayed, “O God, save
LLet’s examine this verse for a moment. D Did Jesus take the disciples into the
me! God deliver me!” And a voice from heaven said, “Let
boat, or was it the other way round – the disciples
go, my son”.
taking Jesus into the boat? Mark 4:1 gives us a clue: “Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd
That’s the way we are. We hold on to the securities of life
that gathered around Him was so large that he got
when God says to let go and let God take over. That’s
into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the
faith! Hebrews 11:6 says “Without faith it is impossible to
people were along the shore at the water’s edge.” Can
please God. But anyone who comes to Him must believe
you imagine the scene? As Jesus continued to preach,
that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly
more people came, until He had no more land to stand
seek Him.” A transformational leader is one who
on, so He went onto the boat. Now, let’s read verse 36.
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“Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him as He was,
and buzzing around in a corner. He thought, “Wow, they
into the boat.” Jesus was already in the boat, waiting for
must be having a swell time.” He flew off in the opposite
the disciples!
direction, but not long after that, he felt lonely again. He thought about all his friends having a great time. So he
Transformational leaders lead by example. They are
flew back to where the friends were, and saw them still
pacesetters. They do not follow the crowd. God has
buzzing around. He thought, “Well, maybe not today”,
called you to be the head, and not the tail. Headship
and flew off again. Very soon, loneliness crept in again.
means leadership. In this world, everybody is following
He thought, I need to find them. With great velocity
somebody. They follow after the world’s system, the
and acceleration, he took off – vroooom! -- and landed
A transformational leader inspires p hope p and faith; he causes people and companies to turn around.
Babylonic culture, the value system of the world. The
– thummm! – onto the spider’s web. That’s when he
Bible tells us not to follow after these, but to follow the
realised why all his friends were ‘hanging around’ the
system and the culture of the Kingdom of God. When
corner.
you do that, you will become the Head. You will become the Salt and Light of the earth. That’s headship; that’s
Following the crowd will get you into trouble. But if you
leadership. God calls us to lead as pacesetters. If you
would just arise to be a transformational leader, you will
follow the crowd, and stay with the crowd, you will be in
inspire hope as a pacesetter. Trinity Christian Centre is a
deep trouble.
pacesetting church. The moment we acquired the land at Paya Lebar, people began to see that it is possible for
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Do you know the story of Harry the Fly? One day, Harry
churches to have large properties. When our zoning was
was buzzing around and was feeling lonely. As he
changed (from that of a recreation zone to encompass a
passed through a room, he saw all his buddies flapping
‘place of worship’, ‘sports and recreation’ and a ‘civic and
community institution’), the churches in Singapore were
Transformational leaders arise with the courage of
inspired with hope that it can be done. They asked how
God and confront the situations around them. Instead
we did it. I said, “We met with the officials and explained
of listening to all the negative news, they listen to
to them what we were about and what we endeavoured
the report of God and speak into the situation. They
to do.” They said, ‘That’s it? If that can be done for you, it
confront. And when they deal with the situation, they
can be done for us too.” There was so much hope in that
break through. Christians always pray for breakthroughs,
room that day because we chose to be pacesetters.
but when problems come, they say, “Lord, deliver me”. Jesus, the greatest transformational leader, broke
Today, God is saying, “Will you arise to be my
through at the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will, but
transformational leader? Will you be a role model in
yours be done”. He broke through.
the midst of chaos and turbulence?” A transformational leader inspires hope and faith; he causes people and
Today, God is calling you to be a transformational leader.
companies to turn around. God is calling you to arise in
If you will arise and say, “I will be God’s strategic leader,
this hour as His transformational leader.
a transformational leader”, immediately you will inspire hope in those who are hopeless. You will cause faith to arise in those who live in chaos. You will speak into lives,
5
Transformational leaders confront the situations of life
and confront situations with courage. As you leave the
“The disciples awoke Jesus and said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? Jesus got up, and He rebuked the wind and the waves.” (Mark 4:38-39)
you will walk in the blessings of God.
security of the crowd behind and walk the line of faith,
The world is looking at you today. It is a world of chaos and confusion, stripped of rational thinking and soul. But you have the hope of God in you. The Christ in you
When trouble comes, some Christians bury their head in
is your Hope of Glory. Will you arise today as God’s
the ground. Worse still, they run away. As the disciples
transformational leader?
were tossed to-and-fro, they lost hope. They lost faith. They thought they were about to die. Transformational leaders never run away. Jesus got up and confronted
Rev Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian
the situation.
Centre.
Acts 4:29 tells us that the early church were under
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tremendous persecution. But instead of praying for the rapture to take them out of the situation, they prayed, “Oh Lord, enable us to speak Your word boldly.”
77177
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
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M C My Colleagues ll and Ex-classmates I want to thank God for His favour and boldness whenever I invite my colleagues and friends to church events. Each year, I am in charge of twisting and selling balloons for my school’s annual carnival. At times, some of my colleagues would ask me to show them how to twist balloons into animals and flowers. So I took the opportunity to invite them to Trinity’s Life Skills Seminar on Balloon Sculpting. Two of my colleagues turned up for the seminar s and enjoyed themselves themselves. One of them even brought her frie friend along. Su Subsequently, I invited them to the Young Adult event Medley of Food. They came again and another coll colleague who came to kno know of it also came. One of my colleagues asked if three of her friends could come too! I gladly registered for them. There were six of them in all. They commented
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Shiyun & Evelee n Recently hom I hom ho Recently, I met up with some ex-classmates w whom had not met for 10 years. I found out that there were a few pre-believers and backslidden Christians in this group. Subsequently, I connected with them through MSN and Facebook. One of them came for the Life Skills Seminar “Sharpening Your People Skills” and enjoyed himself. He also made new friends and is open to come to our celebration services. Another friend also showed interest in attending our celebration service after I chatted with her over MSN and prayed for her over her job situation. My mission is to continue to sow a “Godawareness” among my friends. During conversations, I try to be deliberate in instilling a godly value or to share a testimony whenever possible. I always try to end my conversations by offering to pray for them or asking if they have a need that I can keep them in prayer. I will pray and God will do the rest as He answers my prayers and meets their needs!
that the atmosphere in Trinity is vibrant and
Eveleen Ng, teacher
warm!
North, Trinity@Adam
Trinitarians are seeing incredible results as they continue to care and connect. Read on to discover how God is connecting lives and meeting needs in marvelous ways.
My Husband & Daughterr
his cough. What’s more,
Ever since I received Christ two years
he has been smoking
ago, I would attend the celebration
for forty years and
services every Sunday with my mother
God healed him of his
and sister. Even though they were
s smoking addiction – just
with me, I felt lonely. The feeling of
li that! He now comes like
loneliness just would not go away. It
w me to service and cell with
just felt incomplete coming to church
ev every week.
g without my husband and daughter. I My daughter Cindy saw the
kept on praying
pea and joy in her father’s peace
for my family’s
life. She was very touched by
salvation, praying
God’s work in his life. When we
that God would
invited her to the Easter event
open their hearts
in church, she came and was
to receive Jesus.
touched by God’s love.
In February this
When the
year, I invited
pastor gave
my husband,
the altar call
Freddie, to our cell
for salvation,
gathering. To my
she put up
surprise, he agreed.
her hand
At that time, he was
without
having a bad cough, and the cell prayed for his healing. On Sunday, I invited him to the Chinese d. service, and he agreed.
a anyone prompting her. With great joy we w walked with her to the altar! God is faithful in indeed, and His great power has touched my fa family mightily! I strongly believe in the promise of the Lord, that when one is saved, the whole ffamily will be saved too! Praise the Lord!
He came – and accepted Christ as his Lord and
Seah Chew Hua, childcare teacher
Saviour! I was amazed and overjoyed! God healed
Chinese Ministry
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The Need for Practical Help Our cell member Ya Qun is a private school student who is taking her ‘O’ Level exams this year. Unfortunately, she missed her Chinese oral exam, rendering her Chinese paper void vel and resulting in an incomplete ‘O’ Level certificate. If she wanted to retake the exam, she would have to do so next year, thus incurring another year of expenses in Singapore. This was a big setback to her. She asked her school to let her retake her oral exams but the school staff
le letter from her school. The ccell continued to pray. Then G Gary accompanied her to see the school staff to ask for the verification letter. Praise God, the school staff
n said that was not possible, even
finally faxed the
though she was not the only
v verification letter
one in this predicament. She
to the Ministry of
was very lost. Our carecell
Education.
rallied around her and supported her through
A miracle arrived
prayer and appeals. Gary,
one week later:
a cell member, helped her
She received a call
write a letter of appeal. I also
informing that
accompanied her to MOE
she had achieved
to appeal. She was told that there was very little chance of success. She was very down. But then, God made the ‘impossible’ happen! After a long wait, she was told that they would consider her
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an A1 result and would not need to take the oral exam! Ya Qun was so happy and excited! Our cell was overjoyed too. We know that it is God who makes the impossible possible. God’s grace really knows no bounds.
case if she would submit a letter verifying that she
Florence Yong, educator
was a private student. She had difficulty getting this
East, Trinity@Paya Lebar
The Need for a Listening Ear I have a friend whom I met on a diving trip about nine years ago. We kept in contact through e-mail,
Wai Yen & her friend
Whenever my husband and I went to Trinity@ Paya Lebar for service,
MSN and SMS. When we met up again in April this
we would also make it a point to go together with
year, she shared her problems with me. As she is a
her. We continued to encourage her by giving her
private person, it took me by surprise, as we had not
Christian CDs and books to read.
met in person for over seven years! She had prayed for someone to help her go back to church, as she had neglected her relationship with God for many years. The Holy Spirit has been at work in her life, and I am privileged to be that someone! Over the next few weeks, she rededicated her life to Jesus. We invited her for church services, which she came for. I encouraged her to join me for cell
We are glad that God now has an important place in her life once again. She is growing spiritually and has gained a deeper understanding of corporate prayer, praying in tongues, daily devotion and fellowship. She is connected with many other Christian friends who are helping her to stay aligned with God. Thank you Jesus for giving us this opportunity to bring a sister back to God!
as that would help her grow. She was comfortable
See Wai Yen, recruiter
with cell and found the people warm and friendly.
South, Trinity@PayaLebar
Vi s i o n M o nt h 2 0 0 8
Vision Month How does one build a lasting legacy? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the question Trinitarians pondered upon throughout this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vision Month.
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In Trinity, every September is Vision Month – a
we could build a lasting legacy. On Vision Rally
celebration of our identity as Trinitarians, and of our
weekend, Trinitarians gave with conviction and faith
God-given vision, values and culture. The theme of this
towards the Vision through faith promises.
year’s Vision Month was “Build a Lasting Legacy”, and throughout the entire month, Trinitarians took steps to
Vision Month ended on a high note with the first-ever
do just that.
Parade of Ministries. Ambassadors from the different ministries endeared themselves to the audience
At the start of the month, Trinitarians were each given
when they entered the worship services with fanfare.
a ‘brick’ on which to write the names of people they
The lively display celebrated how Trinitarians build a
wanted to impact. The bricks were then put together
lasting legacy by being involved in the various serving
to build a life-sized “LEGACY” structure, which was later
opportunities and sowing into lives.
unveiled on stage. The act was symbolic of Trinitarians corporately building and leaving a lasting legacy.
It was a month-long discovery of what it means to leave a lasting legacy – a spiritual heritage that would impact
The preaching series
lives for generations to come.
for the month explored practical ways in which
Only one life, soon it will pass; Only what is done for Christ will last!
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We asked Trinitarians of different generations what “building a lasting legacy” means to them. Vi s i o n M o nt h 2 0 0 8
“Lasting means something that is forever and the word legacy suggests something precious and valuable that is passed on from one generation to the next. It also means impacting the lives of others with vigour, laying a foundation for them to follow, serving the church with the talents God has blessed me with and developing them further for His glory. I want to be a living example of Christ in me, encouraging my friends around me to do the same and also drawing my oikos to Christ.” Anna Soo, 19, student IGNYTE, Trinity@PayaLebar
“Building a lasting legacy means simply bearing fruit that can last for generations to come. Proverbs 13:22 says that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. We firmly believe that God’s plan is for us to live a life that impacts individuals, communities and nations, a life that transforms lives for Christ. Living this life means fulfilling God’s agenda for this season: Building the House of God. Trinity@Paya Lebar is a tangible way to bear lasting fruit. We are proud to be the generation that builds this house for God. We look forward to seeing the classrooms and halls filled with missionaries receiving training and thousands of people hungering for Christ....What a vision!” Seah Keok Choon, 37, financial adviser East, Trinity@Adam
“Building a lasting legacy is about impacting lives, community and society. It is about a desire to make a difference in and sow into other lives. Building a lasting legacy will mean having to make personal sacrifices and inconveniences but more importantly, it is having the passion to want to see lives change from impacting the community and society. These changes should be lasting from generation to generation. This is something that I hope to leave behind for the community.” Eugene Yee, 50, systems development manager South, Trinity@Adam
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e a r m D a . . g . n i l l i f l u F Ask someone to name a dream and you might get answers like a round-the-world trip or the latest
electronic gadget. Indeed, a dream denotes the tune of something wonderful, a wish waiting to be fulfilled. Not many people get their dreams fulfilled in their lifetime at all. I’d like to share with you the story of Susan* and her dream that came true. When I first met Susan (33 years old), she had just been released from prison for her eighth account of drug abuse and theft. Her life was in pieces. She was a mother of seven children and was three months pregnant with the 8th. They share five different fathers who had left Susan after she got pregnant. Two of her children had been
Care Community Services Society (CCSS) – The rainbow after the rain. Counsellor Sally Sim relates how CCSS restored a family’s broken dreams.
fostered out by MCYS as she was deemed unsuitable to be their caregiver due to her imprisonment. Despite her pregnancy, she smoked, drank, and lied so that she could get agencies to put her on their financial assistance schemes. She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life, how to start working to support her children, and how she was going to maintain a life
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of sobriety. She knew she wanted
In June this year, Susan gave birth
to be a good mother, but she was
to a healthy baby boy Freddy*. She
prepared to let it stay a dream.
was not able to breastfeed him as she suffered from Hepatitis C (from
Two months later, her fiance, whom
her history as a substance abuser).
she was supposed to be married
Freddy was born below the
to, was sentenced to 22 months of
average weight, and had gorgeous
imprisonment for attempted theft.
big eyes like his mother. CCSS
He attempted to steal a motorbike out of the desperation to feed her seven children while she was doing time in prison. He was the sole breadwinner and had promised Susan that he would do his best to provide for these children who were not even related to him by blood. His imprisonment came as a big
She was a mother of seven children and was three months pregnant with the 8th. They share five different fathers who had left Susan after she got pregnant.
managed to secure a sponsorship of six months of infant formula for him. Four days after Freddy was born, he was admitted into the National University Hospital (NUH) for a brain infection. Due to the lack of adequate attention, his fever had
blow to Susan and the kids. They
soared and he was in danger of
had grown attached to this man
brain damage and loss of hearing
and he had become a confidante to the older boys in
in both ears. Susan was shattered. The birth of Freddy
the absence of any attention. To Susan, this meant that
was a sign of new hope for her and the family. They had
she had once again lost a life partner whom she could
bonded closer to one another as they rallied around
rely on. She was back in a place where she was all alone
the addition of a precious sibling. Despite the obvious
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emotionally, physically, and financially.
lack of necessities in the family, Susan and her children were determined to look after baby Freddy and not let
Her older son decided to drop out of school. The second
him be taken away by the officials again. Although the
boy started smoking. The oldest daughter was rude
thought that he might become mentally challenged
to her and they had practically no relationship to talk
and hearing-impaired was scary, they were determined
about. Susan had two other children living with her
to let him stay with the family and look after him.
ex-partners, and she had no idea how they were doing. There was no food on the table for her children and
One week later, the pediatrician checked him and found
she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know. They survived on handouts from
that the hearing capabilities in both his ears were good,
neighbours and friends. It seemed like this family was
and that his brain was going to be fine after all! It was
doomed to shatter. Life went on.
a miracle.
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Her children complain that her This seemed to be the
repertoire of dishes is
breakthrough Susan had been waiting
limited and tease her for
for all her life.
not cooking food like
After this ordeal
those sold in their school
and with the
canteen. She banters along
support from
with them and promises to
her family, she
go learn from her mother.
discovered a new found strength and determination. She was certain that she could not return to the days of old, leading a life of drug-assisted highs. She now
Her oldest son has dropped out from school, but is no longer spending his days sleeping and moping away. He now works as a delivery boy and is able to contribute to the family’s expenses. As for miracle baby Freddy, he is still a little on the skinny side, but is nonetheless healthy, cheeky and loved.
understood that there were eight lives, all in her hands. It took her a lot of courage,
Susan took a longer route to get
but she plucked up enough to approach
to where she is today. She is on
the CDC to sponsor her for an apprenticeship
her way to fulfilling her dream as a
programme as a Healthcare Therapist Assistant. If she performed satisfactorily during the period of apprenticeship, she would then be offered a permanent position in a nursing home. This had been her dream, to work in a nursing home! Although Susan is still in the midst of her apprenticeship programme, we are witnessing a change in her
healthcare therapist assistant, with the help of many others who believed in her and lent a helping hand along the way. Her other dream of being a good mother, on the other hand, is becoming more real each day. * Names have been changed to protect the identity of the persons mentioned in the story.
demeanour we never once saw. She has put on some
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weight, due to her decision to quit smoking. To that,
To find out more how you can fulfill someone’s dream,
she said, “It’s a small price to pay.” She has to rush
call us at 6304 7604 or email us at ccss@carecom.org.sg
home every evening to cook dinner for her children.
Or, simply visit our website at www.carecom.org.sg
Two thousand families in the MacPherson area woke up to a surprise gift on a Saturday morning, as Care Community Services Society blessed each household with two kilograms of rice. By Evelyn Chan
Still Abound ing in Provision! In July this year, The Dairy Farm Group held a skipping
Within two hours, all 2000 households had received
challenge and donated 20,000 kilograms of rice to Care
their two kilograms packets of rice.
Community Services Society (CCSS). Of these, 4,000 kilograms were designated for 2,000
Blessing the community in such a
households in Balam, MacPherson,
tangible way was a meaningful exercise
Circuit and Merparti Roads, while
for the CCSS volunteers.
16,000 kilograms were distributed
“It’s good being the hands and legs of God to be used as a vehicle to bless others.” Elaine Lai, IT network specialist
to 12,351 families through 46 other voluntary welfare organizations. On 27 September, 160 enthusiastic volunteers from CCSS gathered together
“Even though it is a small gesture, it is also a nice way of touching lives, especially the elderly.” Tan Huiyin, healthcare worker
bright and early on a Saturday morning. They had the awesome task of going door to door to distribute the rice and bless the community. Each household in the 17 blocks received two kilograms of
“We want to help people, so that they won’t be weak and hungry.” Claudia Kong, pre-schooler
rice from the staff and volunteers. Their labour of love was met with positive response. These are some of the responses of the recipients:
“I feel very warm and thankful” Madam Chong, 70 s in Singapore. “We don’t get free thing y” Seng Chee, 28 I am surprised and happ
To find out how you can partner with us to serve the h community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact our Community Partnership Team: Mr John Chua at 6304 7619 (JohnChua@carecom.org.sg), or Miss Daryl Lee at 6304 7618 (DarylLee@carecom.org.sg).
“I am very happy” Madam Chin, 53
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coveryLand’s is D ! D IL W WOW WOW roved to p t n e v e l ia c ay spe occasion. Children’s D e m o s in w d cky an be a wild, wa e very least! th y a s to t, s It was a bla
Day s ' n e r d il DL Ch Event l a i c e Sp
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e l b a t t e g r o f n An U s n o i s s i M n i moment g encounters life-changiing y an m e th g Amon ) this year, pact Trips (MIT on Mission Im oments. e significant m here are som
a Chennai, India 8 200 7, 22-2 Aug Melissa Tan, media trainer East, Trinity@Paya Lebar
During the village rally, the whole village was plunged into darkness
when Pastor Kenny gave the altar call. I was afraid for Chennai, India Aug 22-27, 2008 r Roland Tan, engineering manage West, Trinity@Paya Lebar
a spilt second but when I looked up, the whole sky was filled with stars. It was not just a pretty sight – I felt God’s presence so strongly that moment. It was as if He was watching over us. It’s during the darkest
I did not expect the gospel to be so well
moment when the glory of God shines so brightly.
received. I was surprised with the openness
The team began to light up the place with torches. To
and friendly nature of the Indians to the gospel.
our surprise, many villagers came up to the front for
Many rushed forward to be prayed for. The team
prayer! God turns everything around for good.
presented songs, testimonies and a skit and we received an overwhelming response when the altar call was given. When I saw the Tsunami orphans, my heart went out to all of them. They are so young, and yet they have lost their parents in the disaster. I begin to ask God, why am I so blessed? What should I do with the blessed life that you have given me? Going for MIT made me thankful for God’s blessings in my life.
I will never forget the day we spent an entire afternoon to spring-clean the church building. It was really tiring, but very meaningful. To me, it was about servanthood and doing the things that seemed insignificant to us. Yet, it was a significant deed that blessed the church and was symbolic of a new beginning for them. Though I felt really tired after the spring-cleaning, I stepped out of the clean and freshsmelling church with
Miaoli, Taiwan Aug 11-17, 2008
a strong sense that God was proud of us.
Jasmin Por, stud ent Ignyte, Trinity@Pa ya Lebar
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Taichung, Taiwan Jul 21 - 27, 2008 Kuan Tzyy Yee, multimedia designer Creative Ministry
I had the privilege of sharing at one of the evangelistic meetings, and also leading one of the worship sessions during our team's devotion. The presence of God was so real and people simply wept because God was ministering deeply to us. I am deeply encouraged, knowing that God still uses me despite my weaknesses. I learnt to tap into and flow along with what God was doing. Serving God together with my wife on this trip also strengthened our marriage!
I am thankful for the opportunity to visit a cell
table An Unofomrgeentt m in M issions
Manila, Philippiness May 9-18, 2008 Bob Zhan Chun Lei, PhD student West, Trinity@Adam
I led praise in Mandarin for
group meeting.
the first time! Initially, I told
Despite their
my pastor that I was not
tough environment, the people were passionate
comfortable in leading praise
about God and for people. It encouraged me to
and I even asked to be excused
likewise serve with great passion.
from that role. My pastor and fellow team mates encouraged
The trip made me reflect on how blessed I am
me and I went ahead to
to be a cell leader in Trinity, where we have the
do it anyhow. I think I did
materials on hand
alright. I thank God for their
to facilitate cell
encouragement!
meetings. I am really blessed to be
Taichung, Taiwan Jun 30 Jun - Jul 4, 2008 Cynthia Lee, proper ty agent Children Ministr y
92
a Trinitarian.
Before I signed up
Pune, India Mar 6-13, 2008 Emily Wee, educator West, Trinity@Adam
for the MIT trip, I was a bit concerned about the cost of the trip. I had already gone on a Bangkok shopping holiday at the start of the year, and would be attending the church camp in June. Plus, I am anticipating more financial commitments
Pune, India Mar 6-13, 2008 Tony Chye, retiree Adam, Trinity@Adam
coming up, that is, buying a house and my wedding expenses next year!
In the trip, I have firstly experienced the salvation of
When I checked my office email upon coming
206 children of ‘Junnar School’
back from the trip, I realised that God had
which is a massive 88% of the 233 children present.
provided for the entire MIT plus my church
A miracle! Secondly, ministering to rescued prostitutes in
camp expenses through a bonus payout from
the ‘Project Rescue’ home, and thirdly, the exceptional
my company! Praise God for His timely and
interaction and unity of the team members.
more-thanenough
I was surprised that despite the cultural differences and the
provision!
vast age range of the audience, they all could understand the gospel message embodied in the various skits performed. This has given me a more rounded experience of missions. It also opened my eyes to see that God can use the seemingly childish skits to impact lives.
An Un forget t moment able in M issions This trip was a humbling journey for me and it opened my eyes to what God really wanted to do in my time in AlphaTrack and the Philippines. I was very ministered by how Pastor Carmelo shared the gospel, linking
Manila, Philippin es May 9-18, 2008 Zechariah Zhua ng, student North, Trinity@Ad am
people’s needs to the good news of Jesus Christ. I have been blessed in my growth as a co-worker of Christ and as a minister of God’s love to the people. I have learnt that sharing the gospel is not just about words but about the love of God overflowing from our lives into others.
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e if L r u o y e Ch a n g i n 90 d a ys! full decided to give three When Stephanie Phan k God in the AlphaTrack months of her life to see new her more in return – a programme, God gave r tion in life. Witness he passion, zest and direc ry entries. sincere and candid dia transformation in her
8 Ju ly 2008
I may never have the chance next time. I don’t
Free at last! Today was graduation
understand why but I choose to simply obey the
ceremony. It also marks my last official day of
voice in my heart. The decision will not be an
formal education. No more school, tests, projects
easy one…
and assignments. I’m lovin’ it! Yet, when I think of what’s ahead, I feel scared and uncertain. What do I do with my life?
12 Ju ly 2008 Today was last day of AlphaTrack
I remember during Campus Camp
sign-up, and I finally took the
last year, God placed a desire in my
plunge. Track begins
heart to join AlphaTrack. For the
in a month.
next few months, I mulled over the idea many times, wondering if this
My peers have been
prompting is really of God. The
telling me about the
more I try to rationalise, the louder the
different interviews
prompting gets.
they’ve been going for. A handful of them
But today, I’ve made up my mind to go for AlphaTrack. I need a new start in life, some
94
have already landed jobs. I’ve had to
sense of direction… Specifically, I want God to
explain to countless relatives and friends who’ve
help me overcome my fear of sharing about Him
been asking me why I haven’t gotten a job, why
with my friends. I know that if I miss it this time,
I’m not even looking for one.
I’m amazed at my ability to withstand all this
than $200 left. I told the AlphaTrack coordinator
questioning. I’ve always lived my life ‘safe’,
that I would pay half of the fees on the first
constantly following the norm, doing what
day and the rest later in installments. However,
others do. Actually, I am worried: Will there be
looking at my account now, I don’t even have
any jobs left for me? How am I going to repay
enough money to pay the first half I promised.
my study loans? My friend warned me about an
What do I do?
upcoming recession. I’ve been having second thoughts about Track.
I hope she will understand. I’m worried about what to say. God, help!
But I believe God is faithful. I desire to first seek His will for my life through AlphaTrack.
28 Ju ly 2008
Da y 1 God Providoevs i God Pr Provides
You’ll never
I’m worried about
believe it! This
payment – I’ve yet to
nt morning, I learnt
pay the programme fees.
that someone
Even if I had enough to do
anonymous hass
so, how am I going to survive
paid for my fees in full! The AlphaTrack
the three months? My part-time Research
coordinator said that this person came to her
Assistant job cannot possibly sustain me
and said that God had prompted him/her
through. Oh dear. How now?
to “pay for a fresh graduate with difficulty
G od vides
Two weeks to AlphaTrack.
paying for the AlphaTrack course fees” – and God understands me so well. In my time alone
I am the only fresh graduate in the batch, so
with Him this morning, God reminded me of His
it’s got to be me! Wow… God heard my prayer
promise in Psalm 23: 1. “The Lord is my shepherd,
and sent someone to settle payment for me.
I shall not be in want.” I know that God will look
Sounds a bit funny, like settling payment with
after and provide for me. Go for it, Steph! Trust
a loanshark. Just ‘pay the course fees for me’
your Shepherd!
k c a r T a h p l A begin s to m orrow. 11 A u g 2008 AlphaTrack begins tomorrow. Just checked my bank account – there’s less
will do? He has provided in ways I have never imagined. God never fails to amaze me! I also made 15 new friends today – all with the same desire as I to seek God afresh. Looking forward to the next 89 days of fun!
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Da y 10
The past few weeks have been tiring but thoroughly fulfilling. I have learnt how to construct and share a sermon with the trackers. I have
also learnt how to flow freely in leading worship, been blessed by morning devotions, and discovered a deeper dimension in God’s Word. I have developed a discipline in spending quality time with God. We went to Toa Payoh for Outreach today. We went out in pairs. I always let my partner do the approaching because I am afraid to approach people. Why am I such a “scaredy cat”? Hmm… At least I took my first step.
Da y 55
Da y 30
In Manila for Missions Impact Trip now. It’s
I had my first taste
so amazing seeing how God is moving here.
of a breakthrough today. I led someone
The team went out to the various campuses
to Christ! My partner
and ministered to many students. They were
and I approached two girls
so “hungry” for God. We also put up skits,
and got to know them better.
It’s still daunting, but I
and led games for the church there. In all,
I was feeling so nervous! What
feel that it’s beginning
we led 789 people to Christ, mostly through
if she thought I was weird and
to be easier for me to
our street-evangelism efforts. It’s an honour
irritating? They were very wary
approach people to
to impact the next generation for Christ.
of us. Still, we shared with them
share God’s love with
Serving God together further bonded the
the gospel. When I asked if they
them. I learnt that
team. In the past 50 days I’ve learnt more
wanted to accept Chirst, to my
God can use me if I am
than what I’ve been taught in my past
surprise, one of the girls readily
ut iin n willing to step out
ten years in school. It truly is an
said “Yes!” I later found out
on! on faith. Must press on!
experience that goes beyond
that she had been interested to know
God
Ma n
about God for a long shared with her more
96
physically tired but spiritually refreshed.
time, but no one had about Him.
the classroom – literally! I am
Je s u s Ch rist
Da y 75
My friends say there’s something
a fresh zeal to share about Him.
different about me. They ask
He has changed me from the
My pastor prayed M d ffor me today;
what happened to the “Worrier
inside-out – in 90 days. My life
The Lord has made clearer His
Steph” they once knew. I tell
will never be the same again!
calling for my life – to impact
them the experience of God
young lives. It’s an affirmation of
providing for my fees. It assures
AlphaTrack is a three-month,
a calling that God placed in my
me that I don’t have to worry.
full-time missions-training
heart when I was younger.
They fret and gripe about the
programme that trains and
economy – but I cling on to
equips ordinary believers for
I am still seeking Him for the
e that that th tha at He He will wiillll w God’s promise
strategic leade leadership in the
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my n ee e ed dss. provide for alll my needs.
church and marketplace.
will do so in His perfect timing. ly God has totally
Da y 90
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this programme, pro visit the
90 days
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AlphaTr AlphaTrack website on
have gone
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Track! He has
w www.trinity.net
great friends made in Track.
given me a
or email us at
I will miss the fun we’ve had and
se of of renewed sense
admin@trinity.
the battles we fought together!
e and an a nd purpose in life
org.sg
97
Tel: 6468 4444 • Email: admin@trinity.org.sg • www.trinity.net
Food, fun and fellowship were the order of the day as the young adults of Trinity were treated to a Medley of Food on October 4. Sharon Ho reports on the smorgasbord of food-related activities that whetted her appetite.
As famished young adults streamed into the Summit at Trinity@Paya Lebar, they were greeted to the sight of buffet tables filled with mouth-watering food. It was going to be an excellent night. The amazing array of food included piping hot mee siam, fried calamari, decadent chocolate fondue and popular desserts such as cream puffs and brownies. The food-themed games “Marshmallow Tower”, “Do You Know Your Food?”, “Battle of the Different Kinds” and “Japanese Roulette” offered plenty of entertainment and fellowship throughout the night. In “Marshmallow Tower”, each table was given toothpicks and a packet of marshmallows to come up with the tallest marshmallow tower. Up for grabs was a huge party-sized sushi plate, so sushi-lovers worked extra hard for this one! In the end, the tower that emerged tops reached a whopping height of 51cm. Then followed “Do You Know Your Food?”,
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Medley of Food
a 15-question quiz where each table had to answer
was no lack of encouragement and guidance from the
food-related questions such as the special names of the
audience. The unfortunate victims proved to be excellent
3 different kinds of nasi lemak sets in Adam Road Food
sports and we saluted their bravery with much applause.
Centre. Pastor Beatrice proceeded to share about the “Battle of the Different Kinds” called for pairs of
importance of having the right spiritual food for the soul.
volunteers from 4 different categories: Working singles,
We brought away the fact that we have to consume the
students, newly weds and parents, to answer 8 questions
Word, and be consumed BY the Word. Like Jesus, our
on stage where we could play our part by texting our
food is to do the will of God. In this light, we started to
reps the answers. Questions that particularly piqued our
view the age-old adage “You are what you eat” in an
interest included how many flowers were there on an
entirely different manner.
Oreo cookie and which legendary character you tiao was named after. It sure was tough!
The event culminated with the presentation of a colourful heart-shaped collage done by the committee,
Finally, the game which generated the most fanfare
formed with pictures each table had drawn of their
for the night, Japanese Roulette, was MOF’s version of
favourite foods. We left feeling full because of the
“I Survived A Japanese Game Show”. Sandwiches laced
sumptuous food and a great time of fellowship, and also
generously with 5 layers of wasabi were placed together
filled with the knowledge of John 6:35 – “Then Jesus
with kaya sandwiches on a table on stage, and brave
declared, ‘I am the Bread of Life, He who comes to me will
volunteers had to pick 1 sandwich to consume; there
NEVER go hungry’”.
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ity@Adam IGNYTE, Trin erience Worship Exp
to Face to come Face e lik as w it t d wha mber 2008, Ever wondere 13 & 14 Septe on l, el W ? M A I od with the Great d met with G dam came an A y@ it in Tr IGNY TErs from ed, God came l setting. Inde fu er ow p d an in an intimate t with us. down to mee sh and the om star t to fini fr er ng hu e intens of God that There was an the presence h it w d lle fi as so atmosphere w y present. ongst the man am s ar te e er w there ared, the first onies were sh im st te ng gi t Two life-chan ho talked abou Secondar y, w er p p U om fr n by Shalene, sical conditio ed her of a phy al he d an et xt how God m her life. The ne for a season in r he d te en d about how that torm hared h sh na, who an J Jo r t te s is Si S as by od od essttimony was te fe, and how G n her liliffe iin ns io at tu si n i ded us thatt od was faithful ind God nies remin on sttimo te h t o ot B Bo . s on i ti o mot em m err e he From ives. Fr iv h alled h he urr lliv ou gle detaiil off o ng s si y er ev s o s, nows, o kno God truly know s, God detaililss, t icatte de intr l in al s sm e h th o t g ngs t in he big th th es arr s. nd He cca an a hs outh nd you t r Garyy and assto Pa P y b by n e ve g gi s a as w all al a cca ltar n allt ea simple g moment A si ing ovin s mov e most h t th s p ap h rh Pe . s r ars alta e al he th eartts d d th oode oo w hea flo fl d saw arrs, and lta e alt he h t s s ss o ro c cr a ac d e k ooke oo ne en I llo a one is was was when This d. Th ressttored ng re in e b s e ve i iv l li d n an hed uche ouc ng to eiin be d.. ed ge ng ts, chan h ar ts any he eft man at le ha h t e ce en i ri r e p ex ee ne Chee ain rra By Lorr
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IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Lebar Worship Experience
The lecture theatre do
ors opened to a crowd of eager youths all geared up to worship God. There wa s a palpable expectancy in the air – everyone wanted to en counter the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The youth s streamed down the aisle to the altar area so that they could jump and dance their heart s out for the Lord. The atmosphere was electrifying as the whole place resounded with a chorus of voices procla iming that we will “tell the world that Jesus lives!” th The time of intimate wo strains of the songs tha desperation for the Liv to hearts through the woven into the worsh
rship was equally powe
t were sung came for th
ing God. God came an
sermon, which was sea ip segments. What cam
rful as
as cries of
d ministered mlessly
e out ge of why we worship – because God is who He is, great and mighty, and most worthy of our praise. IGNYTErs respo nded in worship, conv icted that He is the reason why we wo rship whole -heartedly. Besides being an opportunity for us to be refreshed in God’s presence, WWW also witnessed a total of 24 first-time-v isitors and 11 salvations! strongest was the messa
Above all, each and ev ery IGNYTEr undeniably emerged from WWW knowing de ep down inside, exactly why we worship. By Michelle Lee
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God Centred, Life Transforming, Culturally Relevant Interested to gain an in-depth understanding of the
ministry or simply to assist them in their personal
Bible? Eager to be rooted in the foundational doctrines
spiritual formation. Both these programmes can be
of our faith? Wanting to pick up key skills to be more
completed in one-year on a full-time basis but can also
effective in ministry?
be taken part-time, as and when your schedule permits. Furthermore, credits earned in these programmes can
If so, then TCA College is for you! TCA College offers
be applied toward a degree if you wish to continue.
an undergraduate certificate and a graduate diploma
Thus, they serve as “trial programmes” for believers who
programme in Theology to cater to believers wanting
may be wondering if they are suited for a Bachelor or
to deepen their faith. These programmes are specially
Master programme in theology.
designed for believers seeking preparation for lay
104
Programme
Certificate in Higher Education in Theology
Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies
Purpose
• Equip believers with a sound understanding of the Bible and Christian doctrine • Train believers to serve effectively in all forms of ministry
Main Admission requirement
A-levels
A bachelor degree in any discipline
Modules
Core • Old Testament Survey • New Testament Survey • Hermeneutics • Pentecostal Foundations • Theology 1 • Pastoral Ministries • Research and Report Writing
Core • Old Testament Foundations • New Testament Foundations • Hermeneutics • Systematic Theology 1 • Systematic Theology 2 • Systematic Theology 3 • Research and Report Writing • Church History
Electives 1 General elective 4 Ministry electives
Electives Any 3 electives
TCA College also offers Certificate programmes in Leadership, Creative Arts and Counselling. Interested to know more? Visit our website at www.tca.edu.sg or call us at 6304 7602. To apply for courses and seminars, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 6304 7602 or email admin@tca.edu.sg
The full list of programmes offered by the School of Divinity is as follows: • Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies • Master of Arts in Ministry • Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies • Master of Divinity • Certificate in Higher Education in Theology • Diploma in Higher Education in Theology • BA(Hons) in Theology • MTh in Applied Theology (Ministry) • MTh in Theology • Doctor of Philosophy
Life Skills seminars
Online Registration now available!
Creative Balloon Sculpting
Mentoring
The power of mentoring relationships
ty@Adam Sun Jan 11 2.30pm – 5.30pm Trini ty@Paya Lebar Sat Jan 17 1.30pm – 4.30pm Trini
2.30pm – 5.30pm Trinity@Adam Sun Feb 22 2.30pm – 5.30pm Trinity@Paya Lebar
age or role in Every person, regardless of gender, over the wide Disc g. torin life can benefit from men look for in a to t wha and g torin spectrum of men steps that can w follo to easy , tical prac mentor. Learn the immediate be applied to your situation and reap g relationships. benefits of having fulfilling mentorin
Always wanted to make something creative, tell stories with your balloons or just make someone’s day with an awesome creation? Learn the skill of balloon sculpting hands on! Twist and turn out balloon shapes and animals that will ‘wow’ your kids and friends and let you create your own story.
y years of Speaker: Dr John Kirkpatrick has man of mentoring in er train and er experience as a practition d mentoring ucte cond has He Asia. S.E and Australasia es for both ramm prog g seminars and designed mentorin ions. nisat orga orate corp churches as well as
Speaker: Ms Lily Tan is a Trinitarian who has always been passionate about bringing joy to others through fun activities. This hobby turned passion is one of her avenues to make a difference in society. She is a leading artist in balloon sculpting in Singapore and her creative use of balloons in her book, “Airtitude” has inspired many readers.
Sun Feb 8
Visit www.trinity.net for more information today!