Peop ple Fea atures Happen nings
Isssue e 1/2 201 10
Live th he Extrav vagantt Life m Barren nness to Possterity From www.trinity.net
Mission ns Special!
Missions CONVENTION
2010
Come and hear what God is doing in our nation and Our Speakers Rev. Wa ayne Clark and his wife Julia currently pastor First Assembly of God in Sa an Antonio, Texxas, where they ha ave been for the past 13 years. Pastor Clark also o serves as Cha airman of the Boa ard for Teen Challenge of Texas. Their ministry is marked by discipleship, stron ng church growth and church planting. The Clarks are extensiv vely involved in Missions work around the world.
Rev. Wayne Franccis, the son of missionaries, grew up in Kenya and later passtored a churcch in Peterborough, Ontario. He continued to serve in differentt churches aro ound the United Sta t tes. He then moved to Calcutta and travelled extensively th hroughout South Asia sharing God’s message of love an nd grace. Todayy, he lives with hiss family near San Diego, travelling across the e country speak aking and raising fu unds to support the work of Calcutta a Mercy Ministrries.
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around the e world! world d
MISSIONS NIGHT
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Fri, Apr 23, 8pm Trinity@Paya Lebar, Levvel 2 Sanctuarry Come dressed in a national co ostume!
MISSIONS CONVENTION Sat & Sun, Ap pr 24 & 25 5 Trinity@Adam m Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11am m Trinity@Paya a Lebarr Sat 5pm & Su un 10am Look out for ou ur ‘Missions iccons’ and visit th he Missions boo oths!
Trinity Christian Centre CELEBRATION SERVICES Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road
FEATURES 8
ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am
Behind the Scenes Your backstage pass
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Blessed to be a Blessing The Watchnight message
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Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am
Love in Action A new demonstration!
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IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am
Living the Extravagant Life Capturing God’s heart
116
The Divine Butler Has Christianity become a brand?
CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am
Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 10am Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 10am IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 10am CHINESE SERVICES Sat 5pm*** Sun 10am**
LIVING THE EXTRAVAGANT LIFE
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FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 10am INDONESIAN SERVICE Sun 10am THAI SERVICE Sun 6.30pm * Nursery (birth to age 4) & DiscoveryLand (ages 4 -12) ** With Cantonese interpretation through earphones. *** with effect from Apr 17 Information is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change.
RADIO MINISTRY Thought for the Day BE107 - Mon to Fri 7.40am & 10.30pm (repeat broadcast)
TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE Tel: 6468 4444 • Fax: 6467 6005 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Website: www.trinity.net Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road
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BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
Living THE
Extravagant Life
HEARTBEAT Missions Report: Be a Blessing to the Nations
SNAPSHOTS 98
Children’s Camp EnR3ACHed
100
58
Camp IGnormous
Humanitarian Works
An IGNORMOUS event
102
73
PURSUIT Christmas@Home
90
Island-wide parties
106
Church Development Evangelism, Leadership and Organisational
Young Adults’ car rally
104
Community Development
40th Anniversary Special Read about it!
Family Christmas Seasons’ celebrations
108
The Big Box PEOPLE
Have you looked inside?
109
20
Candy Xpress A ride to remember
110
Trinitarian Heroes
Christmas Delight
26
A joyous celebration
112
Your Five Loaves and Two Fish Five Trinitarians share
Family Communion
32
Thanksgiving time
114
I am Blessed to be a Blessing!
From Barrenness to Posterity A Real Life Miracle
Morning Prayer
40
Seeking at sunrise
Blessing Our Needy Blessed beneficiaries
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WHAT ARE YOUR FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH?
32
FROM BARRENNESS TO POSTERITY
50
BE A BLESSING TO THE NATIONS
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V I S I O N
We see our worship services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where 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 encountering God and the manifestation of signs, wonders and miracles.
Vibrant Atmosphere
Adviser Wang Look Fung Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng
O U R
Editor Tan Rou’en We see Trinity Christian Centre as a church living together in covenantal relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals are flowing in corporate unity to fulfill God’s purpose and plan for the church for that hour.
Incredible Unity We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for Jesus Christ and to see His glory displayed throughout the world. We see a church with a passionate heartbeat to fulfill God’s global agenda through sending men and women of faith to equip and empower churches and the body of Christ.
Passionate Heartbeat We see the church as a place for the empowerment and development of Spirit-filled leaders who will be strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.
Editorial Team Joshua Joseph Contributing Writers Pastor Dominic Yeo Pastor Margaret Tay Ann Loh Chiang Heng Liang Deborah Seet Peter Leong Tony Chye Will Yong
Clare Chia Pastor Bryan Jarrett Amos Lee Charmaine Wong Corinne Lim Patrick Koh Tan Shun Loong Sabrina Ng
Contributing Photographers Pastor Darick Yeo Faith Koh Jane Lim Nelson Kwan Sim Yi Jin Steven Leng William Hall Wylis Chu IGNYTE photography team Photos Credit Anita Chia Rosie Gan World Vision
Jeanie Tan Samuel Ko
Editorial Support Sarah Lau Veronica Teo
Woo May Yin
Advertising Sales & Admin Sarah Lau For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6307 7718 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021 Website www.trinity.net
Strategic Leadership
ISSUE 1/2010 The Trinitarian is published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre.
O U R C O R E VA L U E S
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Email admin@trinity.org.sg
Passionate Honour
Audacious Fervour
Passion to love and honour God
Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible
Relentless Belief
Contagious Faith
Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny
Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost
Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 060/03/2010 Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L028/01/2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions, views and advertisements do not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church.
We’ve got mail!
star letter
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’ve always looked forward to receiving the latest copy of Trinitarian, and have been particularly blessed by last December’s issue. The four “RE’s” – the four feature articles – were just EVERYTHING that I needed at that moment. The article ‘Review Your Finances’ was relevant as it convicted me to faithfully give of my tithes and reprioritise my finances; the article ‘Recharge Your Spiritual Batteries’ was refreshing as I felt the Lord drawing me back to Him. All these really prepared me for my ‘personal 2010 planning with the Lord’. The article ‘Reach Out With God’s Love’, together with the testimonies in ‘I Was Cared and Connected For’ were especially timely and appropriate as I am a mother of two young children and have been ‘out of touch’ with the ministry for some time. The stories of how lives were touched by God, through Trinitarians, stirred something in me. ur The other article which moved me was the one in which our campus students helped clean up the seven households in Circuit Road. I was very touched to see the Young Adults of this church going beyond themselves to serve the community. I would love to see my own children grow up in a caring community like this! Kudos to the editorial team for bringing to us such real and heartwarming articles every Dear Shannon, quarter. I was encouraged and inspired we’re glad the December by almost every article in this issue. issue made a difference Thank you for a job well done! to you, and we hope your Shannon Quek, recruiter
I like to read the Trinitarian because I find the sharing in it very personal and touching, especially the testimonies. There are so many good articles in it. I also hope to see more updates on Missions work and other corporate activities organised by our church in the magazine. Billy Chiu, director
TEL LL US WHAT AT YOU OU THINK HI K of th he Trinitarian nm mag agazine! e! Wha at articles would you like ke to see in future e issues? SMS Tr T inity<spac ace>your feed edback to 77 77177 or email testim test tim iimonies@ onies@ @trin triinity.org.sg ity org sg
2010 will be great one. – Eds
I attended Trinity for the first time in February this year. That weekend, I went with a heavy heart as I needed a job. As soon as I entered the Sanctuary, I began listening to the songs and singing them. As I sang, I suddenly felt blessed. That service, I accepted Christ into my heart. When I reached home, I felt worried again thinking about needing a job. I opened the Trinitarian magazine that was given, ‘Are You Ready For 2010?’ The article on ‘Release Your Woes’ caught me. As I read it, I felt inspired to release my worries to God. I learnt that prayer is the answer to worries. It was only a few hours of my joining Trinity, but my life has been touched. Thank you Trinity!
WIN COOL TEE FROM FUNKY B
Ma. Pilar Maniquiz, recruitment consultant 7
Behind the Scenes the early birds More than two and a half hours before service began, queues started forming outside the Sanctuary. We approached some ‘early birds’ to ask why they were... well, early.
Who are you here with? I came with my cell-members. What made you come early for Watchnight? Pastor Dominic
said not to reserve seats with tissue packets, that is why we came early. We didn’t want to end up in the back like during the Christmas Service, and we certainly did not want to end up in the overflow room. What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere? It’s a great feeling of joy when all Trinitarians
come together and countdown together. What are you looking forward to? I want to hear what God
has for me and to spend the last day of the year with the Lord. Kelly Sow, w homemaker
Who are you here with? I came with my cell. What made you come early for Watchnight? We were in the café
and had to give up our seats, that’s why we’re here. What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere?
After 15 years here, there’s nowhere else to go. What are you looking forward to? IGNYTErs dancing and
Pastor Dom’s message. Linda Lee, e assistant canine massage practitioner
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It was the final service of the year, a much-anticipated one at the brand new 3000-seat sanctuary. We take you on an exclusive journey as we talk to Trinitarians and uncover some of the most memorable scenes of Watchnight 2009.
Who are you here with? I came with my wife and kid.
Who are you here with? I came with my wife and two
What made you come early for Watchnight? My wife is
kids who are IGNYTErs.
“super kiasu”. That’s why we’re so early!
What made you come early for Watchnight? My son had
What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere? It’s a yearly tradition to spend the last day of
to come down early and every Watchnight the queue is long so I didn’t want to be waiting.
the year in church.
What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere? It has
What are you looking forward to?
always been a yearly affair.
Encouraging testimonies, the worship and prophetic word.
What are you looking forward to?
I expect to receive a revelation from God for the New Year to come!
Cliff Soh, h insurance agent
Francis Cheang, g horticulturist
Who are you here with?
I came with my family. What made you come early
Who are you here with?
for Watchnight? I want to get a good seat so that I don’t
My family.
‘miss out on feeling God’s presence’!
What made you come early for Watchnight? I want to be
What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere? It’s a great feeling of joy when all
Trinitarians come together and countdown together. What are you looking forward to? I want to feel God’s
presence and hear God’s prophetic word for the next year. I’m also here to pray for protection and good health for my family in the coming year. Carol Siew, w homemaker
comfortably seated in the front. What made you choose to come here instead of being elsewhere?
The testimonies were very good last year. It is nice to hear good testimonies. What are you looking forward to? A good sermon and
testimonies that inspire. Arlinda Chen, finance and admin manager 9
the burgeoning queues As the minutes passed, the queues swiftly grew.
6.30pm
7pm
the views Trinitarian ns share ab bout theirr Watchnig ght experiencee.
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I always enjoy every pa rt of the Watchnight service. Th e worship was electrifying, testimonies faith-building and the message life-ch anging. It was especially heart-warm ing to see so many of our youth pre sent at the service instead of out on the streets for the island-wide coun tdown parties. Lim Kok Tiong, finance and admin direct or
t The Watchnight message was a grea told It opening message for the year. me that I have to be a blessing to me others. The message also spoke to me, ugh thro s that God can do miracle to and I realised I am never too little y be His vessel. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m blessed with man e thes ugh thro and wonderful things things I can bless others in need. Joel Loh, student
7.30pm 8pm
the much-awaited night!
Trinitarianss gaathered to celebrate thee year of abund dant living and ush herr in a bran nd new w on ne of blesssings. The atmospherre waas electrifyiing g, the teestim moniies spoke volum mes of God dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faitthfulnesss an nd the meessaagee serv ved as an n insp piraation n to many.
What I enjoyed most about Watchnight was the worship. The atmosphere was electrifying and the presence of God was tangible. The worship team really led us in that place of worship. Everyone was worshipping God with one heart and one voice! Kelvin Leong, pending employment 11
BleSSed TO BE A BLESSING
In 2009, we talked about entering into abundant living. God has confirmed that the season of abundant living is not over yet. As we step into 2010, we are stepping deeper into abundant living! We have entered into abundant living and God wants us, in this year of 2010, to celebrate the prosperity, posterity, provision, plenteous supply, physical wholeness and productive restoration of God. We are called to celebrate this abundant living by being a blessing!
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In 2010, God wants us to celebrate the Abundant Living â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because we are blessed to be a blessing, proclaimed Rev. Dominic Yeo on Watchnight 2009.
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You are blessed!
BleSSed
God has blessed us in so many ways – with good health, life, the growth of the church, lives that have been transformed, finances and great facilities – God has blessed many of us with new facilities of a home and for some, an office. God has also blessed some of us with babies, new relationships, open doors, promotions in a year of great economic difficulties and opportunities – sales opportunities, opportunities to study abroad and to study in good schools. When I think about being blessed to be a blessing, I think about ‘the manna experience’. When the nation of Israel was in the wilderness, God provided, literally, an open heaven – manna fell to the ground and the Israelites were called to collect what was needed for the day. That is the blessing of provision! They were to take what was enough for them and not to hoard, because the moment they kept more than what was needed, the manna would spoil. Why did God not preserve the manna? Because God is against the spirit of hoarding. He is against the spirit of taking. He is against greed. The blessing of God is not just for us to take, live in and enjoy for ourselves. Some of us may be in situations that overwhelm us; as such, we can accept and believe God about entering into abundant living, but find it hard to believe that we are blessed to be a blessing. But against overwhelming odds, the more we should be ‘Blessers’. In the face of ‘hand-to-mouth situations’, God demands that we be Blessers because in-so-doing, we experience the abundant living that God has for us.
Your five loaves and two fish Whenever I am down, I read Matthew 14:14-21 and God immediately encourages me with it. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to Him and
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said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.
the feeding of 5,000 because though verse 21 states
Send the crowds away, so that they can go to the villages
that “the number that ate was five thousand men”, if
and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do
every man brought his wife, it would be the feeding of
not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
10,000! And if every man and woman brought a son and
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,”
daughter, it would be the feeding of 20,000! In 2010, we
they answered. ”Bring them here to me,” He said. And He
have entered into abundant living but God is going to
directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the
multiply His blessings in ways beyond our imagination.
five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He
God Himself will do the miracle!
gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
Genesis 12 tells us about the blessings of God. What
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up
are the blessings of God besides the ‘6P’s that we
twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The
declared over the church? The ‘6Ps’ - beginning with
number of those who ate was about five thousand men,
prosperity, posterity, provision, plenteous supply,
besides women and children.
physical wholeness, productive restoration - have been experienced in 2009. I believe that God is going to add
This is perhaps one of the greatest miracles of Jesus
four more blessings into our lives in 2010.
Christ as it is repeated in all the four gospels. This is not
A national blessing God is going to call us, blessed to be a blessing, to step into a place of national blessing.
A reputational blessing God is going to bless some of you and He is going to pronounce some of you in great ways in this nation. You are going to experience a reputational blessing. For some of you, God is about to vindicate you so that your reputation will be made good.
A personal blessing Beyond all these, there is going to be that personal blessing that will take place in your lives.
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verse 17 they presented the five loaves and two fish to
A carrier of blessings (Genesis 12:1-4)
Jesus. If we are going to experience becoming carriers
Above and beyond these national, reputational and
of the blessings, we must learn to present the five loaves
personal blessings, God is going to bless Trinity Christian
and two fish of our lives to the Lord.
Centre like in Genesis 12:1-4. All who are a part of Trinity will experience being a carrier of God’s blessings. That is why we are starting the year with the series “Blessed to be a Blessing”.
Th five loaves and two The
How do we become a carrier of God’s blessings?
fish are symbolic of the
(1) Present to Jesus
inside of us. As we put
Matthew 14:15 says, “As
our talents and sow it to
evening approached, the
the Lord, something is
disciples came to Him and
going to happen. In the
said, “This is a remote place,
gospel of John, all the
and it’s already getting
young boy needed to do
late. Send the crowds away,
was to give up his lunch
so that they can go to the
box. That’s what we need
villages and buy themselves
to do – give our talents
some food.”” In verse 16
to the Lord. That’s our
Jesus said “They do not need
five loaves and two fish.
to go away. You give them something to eat.” Whenever Jesus is in our midst, we are blessed. The
talents God has placed
The key here is that Jesus was trying to help the disciples understand that they were now going to become carriers of the blessing.
disciples were blessed by
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What do we present to Jesus?
The five loaves and two fish also represent our
time. In 2010, let’s give our time to the Lord. If ever there is a time to
the presence of Jesus. The key here is that Jesus was
serve God, it is now! Anthropologists, Sociologists and
trying to help the disciples understand that they
Missiologists are recording unprecedented harvests
were now going to become carriers of the blessing.
taking place in our world today. With the revival of
That was the reason why He said, “They do not need to
different religious faiths, greater economic crises,
go away. You give them something to eat.” And then in
terrorism and natural disasters occurring around the
world, this is the greatest
(2) Pray the prayer of faith
moment to serve the Lord.
In verse 19, Jesus “[took] the five loaves and the two fish and looking
The five loaves of bread
up to Heaven, He gave thanks.” Jesus
and two fish represent our
gave thanks for the food. If we are
treasures as well. We are
going to experience the continual
talking about our finances.
flow of God’s blessings through our
We can certainly complete
lives and bless those around us, then
paying for Trinity@Paya
we also need to pray the prayer of
Lebar as we give to Jesus.
faith. What is the prayer of faith? It is
We will then see the
the prayer of THANKSGIVING.
blessings of God transform the church as we pay off
Thanksgiving prayer is powerful.
this place and redevelop
Thanksgiving is an expression of
Trinity@Adam.
faith even before it happens. Many of us use prayers of petition (God
The five loaves and two fish also represent our
please help me, please give me, please provide…); such
testimonies. The young boy who gave up his lunch
prayers are fine but we need to go beyond prayers of
box is unnamed. Yet, he has been preached by many as
petition into thanksgiving prayer because thanksgiving
the one who gave up his lunch so that a miracle could
prayer is a representation and
happen. You also have a story to tell – it may be a small
expression of our faith. Jesus
one, but God will turn it around and bless someone
gave thanks for the five
with it.
loaves and two fish before they became
Let us not despise the insignificance of our talents,
the greatest miracle!
time, treasures and testimony. It may be insignificant to
Jessuss gave e th han nkss fo or th he five loa ave es an nd tw wo fish befforre theyy beca ame th he gre eattestt mirraccle e!
us because we are comparing it to the standard of the
Isaiah 54:1 says “Sing,
world, but God sees what we are presenting to Him, and
O barren woman, you
to Him it is good enough! This is the key. God is going
who never bore a child;
to bless us to become a ‘Blesser.’ How do we become
burst into song, shout for joy…”
a ‘Blesser’? – by presenting to Jesus. As we yield our
This is thanksgiving! The woman was barren and yet
time, talent, treasures and our lives to become God’s
Isaiah says to “SING” – give thanks – to start singing
testimonies, we will experience the blessings of God.
before she had children! When we step into the prayer
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of faith through thanksgiving prayer, we are aligning
In Genesis 32, when Jacob was alone by the river Jabbok
ourselves to come under the nature of God and His
one night, the bible tells us that a man wrestled with
ability. Thanksgiving prayers will change the language
him. The man broke the sockets of Jacob’s hip. Hence,
of this church. We need to stop saying “God, give me”
while Moses was broken in the spirit to become a great
and start thanking Him for His providence and the
blessing to the nation of Israel, Jacob experienced the
miracles that will happen through it. How do we
breaking of his physical body and became a blessing to
become a Blesser? By becoming a Blesser through prayers
the nation. Jacob was broken so that there would be a
of faith.
multiplication of his testimony.
In 2010, one of the things that God has laid upon
Jesus was also broken on the cross so that we can
my heart is that we are going to bless this nation by
experience wholeness. Today, when men and women
entering into thanksgiving prayer. We are going to thank God for our government and for economic blessings before they happen, so that when they happen, we know it is because we prayed! Thanksgiving prayers
believe in Jesus there is wholeness – spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally.
invoke the attention of God because they are prayers of faith. When Jesus was surrounded by the crowd and
It inconvenienced
a woman touched the hem of His garments, Jesus said
God when He sent
“power has gone out from me.” What happened? It was the faith of this woman that apprehended the attention of Jesus. Faith invokes the attention
His son Jesus. It inconvenienced Jesus when He was stripped of
of heaven and faith comes when
all power and all authority to
we learn to give thanks.
come to us (Philippians 2). In the gospel of Luke, the great
(3) Be broken for multiplication
Samaritan was inconvenienced
In verse 19, the disciples presented
one point to another but had
the five loaves and two fish to
to digress and make a detour
Jesus, then Jesus gave thanks and
to meet the needs of the man.
because he was going from
broke the bread. Broken for multiplication is a biblical
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concept that we find running through the scriptures.
The concept of being broken for multiplication is a
Moses was broken in his heart. In the dessert, God broke
biblical one. If we are going to experience that multiplied
Moses’ spirit so that he could find God and through his
blessing that will happen through us, then we must
life multiplication could then take place.
get ready for breaking. The process can be painful,
on e
g
e nc la
‘P
Blessings, at
6 ‘P’s
6
’s
d4 n a
Prosperity vs Survival (2 King s 4:1-7) Posterity vs Ba rrenness (2 Ki ngs 4:8-37) Provision vs Fa mine (2 Kings 4:38-41) Plenteous Supp ly vs Scarcity (2 Kings 4:42-44) Physical Whole ness vs Sickne ss (2 Kings 5) Productive Re storation vs Lo ss (2 Kings 6:17)
4 Blessings (G
enesis 12:1-4) National blessi ng Reputational blessing Personal bles sing Carrier of bles sings
inconvenient and cost us. But the greatest blessing can only come when we allow ourselves to be broken for multiplication.
2010 is the year where we celebrate 40 years of God’s In 2010, God will thrust us into a place where Trinity
faithfulness. But the faithfulness of God in these last 40
will serve the nation, the churches in Singapore and
years is not poured upon us so that we become a Dead
in missions. It will inconvenience us and in many
Sea experience. It is poured upon us because we are in
ways, it will cost us something. It will inconvenience
the abundant living, so that we can press forward and
us by ‘adopting pastors’ – pastors of churches that are
begin to share it with the world around us. Let’s get
struggling where they are – by bringing them into
ready to pass the blessing!
Singapore. Some of us may need to house them so that they will be blessed as we minister to, train and empower them. You will have to go beyond just providing bedding for them by taking time to bring them around as well.
\
There will be a breaking of some of our conveniences. God has blessed us not just to enjoy His blessings but to distribute them. We must neither be consumeroriented Christians nor convenience-minded believers. While salvation is free, discipleship costs
We must neither be consumer-oriented Christians nor convenienceminded believers.
us something.
(4) Pass it on In verse 19, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave them to His disciples. Jesus passed it on. Then notice that the disciples also passed it on. The blessings that you have, pass it on! The testimony that you have, pass it on! The finances that you have, pass it on! The time that you have, pass it on! The life that you have… pass it on! Let’s start from today. Be a Blessing!
In Luke, there is the story of the woman who broke the alabaster jar to anoint Jesus. The jar of perfume could have been sold for a year’s wages – its price was about S$24,000 to S$36,000! While salvation was free, this woman paid the price of discipleship. Similarly, while we experience salvation, which is a blessing from God, the blessing will cost us when we become a Blesser. If we are going to truly follow the will and ways of God, then it will cost us something.
Rev. Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre. Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS “Trinity<space>your comments” to 77177 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg
www.
trinity.net
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
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d e s s e l b I am a e b to ! g n i s s ble arians have t i n i r T e s e h t those f the year, t c a o p n r m i u t o e t h y t At their journe n o f ho they f w o t t u e s o b y a d a e r e alr find out mo e W . m e h t lives true to r i e h t around e v i l ontinue to c y e h t s a e ar lessing. b a e b o t d e being bless
...in my school Among the thousands that took their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) examinations worldwide, Ann Loh was one out of oh w 27 who achieved a perfect score. S She her he sshares hares h er journey with us, one that made h her er ffamily, amily, sschool chool and nation proud.
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A
fter my O Levels in 2007, I did not get
to recognise God’s work in my life, I continued to serve
into my top choice of school. Instead, I
f faithfully as a Spiritual Parent and
was accepted by Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), which offers the IBDP as
a drummer in IGNYTE.
opposed to the GCE A-Level track which most Junior Colleges offered. As my cohort was only the third
Encouragement from those around me was what kept
batch of IB students, there were no statistics to gauge
me going. My Leadership Cell had weekly conference
the school’s overall academic results. Hence, I was
calls, where we prayed for each other. It was a time of
apprehensive.
sharing our joys and frustrations, and being encouraged.
Although it was exciting to be in one of the best schools
As the IB examinations approached, I became
globally, there was much pressure on the students to
overwhelmed with worry that I could not finish studying
maintain the global ranking.
and sometimes snapped at my sisters in frustration. Despite this, my family was very understanding
As time passed I discovered the rigour of the IBDP. The
and forgiving. I
diverse modes of assessments required me to be focused
remember there
and consistent, and complete numerous assessments
was one night
while keeping up with the lessons. It was an immense
when my youngest
challenge managing my time as I juggled academics,
sister sat quietly
council responsibilities and church commitments.
by my bed as I
“Jie, the bible says that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you. So you don’t have to worry. You’ll do well for your exam.”
At times,
was studying. She
school
suddenly grabbed
became so
my arm and said,
overwhelming
“Jie, the bible says
that I
that if you have
questioned
faith as small as a
God as to why
mustard seed,
He placed
nothing will be impossible for you. So you
me in ACS(I)
don’t have to worry. You’ll do well for your exam.”
and gave
Even though it was such a simple statement, I was really
me so much
touched by her sincerity and I believe it was from that
‘favour’ which
point that every form of anxiety began to dissipate.
resulted in responsibilities
In its place, there was reassuring peace that remained
I could not
with me through the examinations till the results day.
handle. Despite
During the examinations, I was very grateful for the
being unable
different friends and family members who would SMS
21
Ann with family
Credit: William Hall
prayers of encouragement. My leader also called to pray before each paper and my mum took me out to eat after each paper. These simple acts helped me overcome discouragements and kept me focused. As results day drew, I began to feel the pressure of attaining the desired results. I chose to trust in God’s sovereignty, that He would make a way no matter what. I received my results on 6 January 2010
who had accomplished this. It was
I
really well beyond what I had asked
the meet-the-people sessions. It can
for. I knew that I could not have done
be tiring but you’ve got to balance
this with my own strength or intellect
with other things in life well. I’ve
and the glory truly belongs to God!
always enjoyed serving people and I
He showed me that He was moving
love this country.
and to my amazement, I attained a perfect score! I was shocked to be one of the 27 – among the thousands who had took the IBDP worldwide –
have a passion to serve the community. I’ve been contributing in small ways and doing things like carrying chairs,
serving residents and helping out at
in and through my life even when I When I was appointed to head the
failed to recognise it. Truly, God is a
Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront Project,
God of victories and breakthroughs and He will never fail us.
Ann in The Straits Times, 7 Jan 2010 Credit: The Straits Times
I remembered saying, “God help me; teach me how to start”. I never had
22
My parents later said that as our Senior Pastor spoke prophetically on the
any prior experience to do such a
four blessings at Watchnight, it led them to pray in faith over our family as
project and I was unsure what to
I was getting my results. God had superseded what they had asked for by
do but it had to be something that
eve, is only a glimpse of what hat giving me a global blessing! And this, they believe,
would bring people together, a
g year. God will continue to do in blessing us this coming
place where people could interact
...in my community
Heng Liang at the Kolam Ayer constituency stretch of Kallang River. Photo courtesy of Central Singapore CDC and Focus Publishing blishing Ltd.
t
Chiang Heng Liang is a banker by day, but at night and on weekends, he serves as a volunteer in the Kolam Ayer constituency as the Secretary in the Citizen’s Consultative Committee, and is the Chairman of the Kolam Ayer Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waterfront Project. A volunteer in the community for the past 15 years, he a also lso serves as a Councillor in Central Singapore gapore Community Development Council ((CDC). CDC ). We take our hats off to the man who wears ho w ears many hats, and wears them well.
and mingle. I prayed hard for God to lead and direct me and also to gain the favour of people. The project was a success. In addition, I received honours at the PUB Watermark Awards for taking care of the Waterfront
permission Reprinted with n, Voices. CDC’s publicatio
gapore
from Central Sin
Reprinted with permission fro m PURE magazine, a pu blication of PU B.
Project. God has blessed me tremendously. He has blessed me so much that I need to do something
done and He has never failed me. I commit everything
for Him in return by blessing people and the community,
to God, big or small and say “God, if that’s your will,
or in wherever He has
bring everything to pass.” When God has called us to do
placed me in. There is no need to strive and worry. All we have to do is to align ourselves with Him.
He has blessed me so much that I need to do something for Him in return.
something, we should do our best and He will do the rest. Four to five years ago, at a community event, I was just chatting with a single mother and her daughter. I said a few words of encouragement to the daughter, who
I am very thankful to God. I also feel very blessed by
was in Junior College then. I told the girl to study hard,
Him. In return, I hope to be a blessing to others.
pursue her area of interests in her studies and to do her very best so as to make her parents proud – something
God has given me much energy to do what needs to be
to that effect. Last year, I happened to meet them at
23
another event. The mother came up to me to thank me for the words of encouragement I had said to her daughter (which I had forgotten by then!) and mentioned that her daughter had just graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry. She further shared that my words had impacted them then.
E
ver since I joined Trinity’s cell ministry, I have been thoroughly blessed. Even in the marketplace, I often share about my cell life and the testimonies that come from it to encourage them.
I see caring and connecting as being part of the Christian I was very heartened when I heard that. I never
walk. It is like second nature. When leading carecell, one of
expected a casual word I shared had, unknowingly,
the favourite illustrations I share is that of a sponge.
met someone’s need. It was just a few sincere, honest words from the heart and which I felt
Every member is like a sponge and the more we soak in
was important, but God used it to meet the
the goodness of the Lord, the more we must squeeze out
daughter’s need. This incident taught me that the
in order for others to absorb its freshness. Otherwise we
words we speak can impact a person’s life. We need
will only be a sponge that is stale, lacking freshness in our
to speak more words of encouragement to people
testimonies. By ‘squeezing out’,
when opportunities arise.
I am referring to serving in church. To be alive in Christ is to serve,
Singapore is a blessed nation and we are a blessed
rather than to be served.
people. I’ve always told my three beautiful daughters (one is in DiscoveryLand, one in Pre-
Food has always been the
e other in IGNYTE) Teens and the
trademark of the carecells I lead.
hon onou ourr Him Hm Hi to love God, honour r their rn tthe heir he ir and never turn
Ang My wife, Angela will always explore with other carecell members on various
m. backs on Him.
cook cooking styles and they will take turns to come
We are richlyy
up with a wide spread of supper on Fridays
blessed and
e evenings; these include ‘pig trotters with
are to serve
mee sua’, sharks fin with abalone, ‘basin rice
alongside
with mountains of ingredients’ and ‘crab
God to bless
bee hoon soup’, to name a few of the more
others!
exotic dishes we have had to date. I have not lost weight since leading cell!
2244
...in my workplace Be it in Church or the marketplace, Patrick Koh never compromises on his passion to reach out with God’s love. His efforts to care and connect have gained recognition in publications such as ‘Human Resources Management (HRM) magazine’ and “MyPaper”. He shares his heart with us on what drives him to be a carrier of God’s blessings to those around him.
My spiritual food comes partly from the sermons preached each week. I usually apply the church’s sermon even in my workplace. They are like my spiritual food. I walk by them weekly. I am still learning to apply the weekly sermons in my workplace as I do not wish to compartmentalise church and work.
m permission fro Reprinted with . ub gH nin ar NTUC Le
My colleagues of all ages and positions normally
Source: My Pa per © Singapo re Press Holdings Ltd. Reprinted with permission
pay me a visit when they are troubled. I always find
I feel that in times of crisis, Christian leaders should lead
time for them so that they will know that I have relentless
and not succumb to it. I am glad I had the opportunity
belief in them. I often seek counsel from the Holy Spirit
to do so. This year, my work areas have been enlarged
when they are in my room and many a time, they
and I am recruiting more staff ; I hope that in doing so,
leave refreshed!
I am blessing more people.
In November 2008, many staff were at the brink of
I have also been able to connect with new carecell
losing their jobs and business activities were reduced
members as well as meet up with Trinitarians who used
by 70%. I prayed for wisdom and for the management
to come to Trinity. A colleague eventually came back
to allow me to keep 50 staff who were supposed to be
to Trinity after many years of my ‘sales pitch’ on Trinity.
retrenched. With
Now, her children attend and enjoy the DiscoveryLand
their blessings, I enrolled them into SPURS, a skills-upgrading programme and
I prayed for wisdom and for the management to allow me to keep 50 staff who were supposed to be retrenched.
services, and another is in IGNYTE. Their family also regularly come for carecell. True to this year’s theme, Blessed to be a Blessing, I want to keep the excitement going. The Lord has blessed me
paid their fees
in my business with several large contracts. Through
upfront so as to shorten the claims process. When
new deals, I hope to bless more people with jobs and
business returned, they were able to take on their roles
I am also looking forward to raising up new leaders in
with minimum inconveniences. To me, that they were
different ministries to impact people for the extension
able to keep their jobs was my reward.
of His Kingdom.
25
what are your
five loaves
and two fish
? 26
T
The Watchnight message spoke about presenting our ‘five loaves and two fish’ to Jesus: our Talents, Time, TreasureS and Testimonies. Here are four Trinitarians who have done just that – and received more than they could have asked for or imagine.
My Time
I am a mother of three boys. One is working and two
There were a few times I woke
are students. I am also a real estate agent; commissions
up feeling very tried and tried
form my income.
negotiating with God: “I will serve
only at the 11.30am service, okay?”
In 2007, I felt God calling me to join the Creative
Yet during those times, I would lie
Ministries choir. In obedience, I filled in the recruitment
back on my pillow trying to sleep,
form, all the while thinking I would not be selected
but be unable to. After much stirring
because I do not have a loud voice. However, all who went
in my heart, I would apologise,
for the audition made it through! Pastor Peter accepted us
“Sorry Lord, I will go now”, then
all believing we were there
head to church.
because of God’s calling.
Miraculously,
Truly, God sees our heart
after stepping
and not our ability. Since
onto the
then, I have attended every
platform to
practice and vocal training
worship Him,
session, and my singing has
I would feel
improved.
God’s anointing power
While serving on stage,
energising me
I often feel a deep peace
and I no longer
in my heart. The peace gives me the passion to serve God
felt tired. At times when I felt sick,
joyfully at the 8.30 and 11.30am service, fortnightly. On these
I became well.
mornings, I have to wake up at 6am in order to report by 7.30am for our ‘voice warm-ups’. There was once I overslept
I always present the practice
and a deep voice whispered “WAKE UP!” Instantly, I was
timetables to the Lord, asking Him
awakened and got up. I managed to arrive on time at 7.30am!
to help me fulfill my commitment.
27
I would pray also that the practices do not clash with
The blessings of God’s provision
my sales appointments. And indeed, practices and
have allowed for me to fully pay
my clients’ timings never clash! My faith has increased
off my new flat, renovation bills, a
and I am able to trust God more.
new car and a 10-day trip to Turkey with my youngest child to visit my
Serving in the choir is my ministry expression. I am
second son there. I was also able
also a carecell host in the East district. I am learning
to fulfill my Vision faith promise to
to put God first before my sales, trusting Him to take
God. As in 2009, God continued to
care of my every need.
help me close deals, even in some tough
Since serving Him, I have experienced God’s
cases. He made the
abundant blessings. In 2008, my commissions
‘impossible cases’
received per deal significantly increased from five to
possible! Early this
six-digit figures. At various awards-presentations in
year, God continued
my company, I was conferred:
to help me close deals
• A ‘Division Award’ for the ‘Top Salesperson’ in the
in just one viewing.
third quarter of 2007
Praise the Lord!
• A ‘TOP 100 Achievers in 2008’ award • An ‘Asia Pacific Elite Awards Winner’ in 2008 • A third position for a ‘TOP 20 Achievers’ award in June 2008 • Another ‘Division Award’ for the ‘Top Salesperson’
As I faithfully serve Him with my time, He has met all our needs.
in the second quarter of 2008. God also helped me to close two deals last year
Truly, when I first blessed people,
before the choir practices of two major church
God’s blessings flowed into the
events. Amazingly, one of these deals had no viewers
lives of my children and me. As I
for almost two months. The first interested tenant
faithfully serve Him with my time,
who viewed it liked it and the deal was done that
He has met all our needs and we
very afternoon! Miraculously, all the documents
are living in His abundance!
were completed and handed over to my clients right before those two nights of practice. The
Eunice Chan, senior marketing
timing was perfect. I had great peace of mind to serve
director
God wholeheartedly!
28
My Treasures At every Missions Convention and Vision Rally, it is routine for me to bring a cheque to service, fill in an amount I can afford and fulfill my faith promise on the spot. But at last year’s Vision Rally, God showed me an amount that was so big I did not dare write it down. All I wrote was, “Lord I do not have the courage to write the figure down.” I was at a loss as how to fulfill it. Business has always been good, but since then, more and more projects started coming in, such that I had to reject some. My project schedule is currently packed till the end of the year! This is God’s plenteous supply upon my life. But His blessings didn’t stop there.
Those in the construction
When I reached there, it was not a
business would know that
pretty sight. I prayed and God gave
this was a very serious
me the wisdom to ‘implement
mistake. The repercussions
damage control’. I reported to the
could be disastrous. To name
authorities that I was the contractor
a few, these included a fine
who had snapped the cable, and
plus legal action, demands
the addresses of affected units.
for compensations and
I ran, with my son and worker
legal suits from the house
in tow, to the houses affected,
owners, and an investigation from
apologising profusely and at the
all relevant authorities.
same time offering to buy them dinner and supply them with hot
This was the first accident in my
water. Six owners came out of
17 years in the industry; I was a
their houses with angry looks on
nervous wreck. I rushed to the site
their faces, curtly informing me of
with my eldest son, Alden. Driving
the inconvenience I had caused.
to the site, Alden prayed together with me for God’s intervention in the matter. The carecell was also mobilised to pray. I needed to know that God was in control!
On January 29 this year, I got a
However, after seeing that I was
call from my worker on site which
really very nervous, they relented
left me in a stage of panic. I was
and comforted me, telling me to take
informed that my excavator had
it easy. This was favour from God!
snapped an overhead electrical cable, causing 14 houses to be
It took a total of four hours to restore
left without electricity.
the electricity supply. By then, 15 of
29
the relevant authorities were on site, including the deputy director, regional officer, regional manager, and senior engineer. The deputy director informed me that I was very, very fortunate that none of the 14 home owners had called to complain! I told him that I had a whole cell praying and petitioning for me! He then mentioned that I was the most responsible contractor he had ever met.
My Talents Currently in IGNYTE there is a film in the making for an upcoming event. I am serving in this production as an Assistant Director. My role is to maintain the order of sets and to prepare and ready the cast for
I was let off with
filming.
a small fine as the deputy director and regional manager
God blessed me way beyond in abundance: overwhelmingly excellent business, favour and good repute!
wrote a good report on my behalf. What was more,
I chose to give of my talents in this area
none of the house owners made any demands of compensation.
My Talents With the completion of this project, I was able to fulfill the first
Last year, because of my O-Levels,
installment of my faith promise.
I took a step back in serving to focus
Through this crisis, God gave
on my exams. This year, I wanted to
me and my company a good
come back to serve Him again.
name; I am now known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the good and responsible contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! As this incident got passed by word-of-
The opportunity
mouth, even more projects started coming my way. As I
came when
honoured God with my treasures, God blessed me way
IGNYTE ministry
beyond in abundance with overwhelmingly excellent
started on a film
business, favour and good repute!
production for an upcoming
Cindy Lim, managing director
30
event. I went
because after my A-Levels last year, I felt quite lost, not
It is an honour to serve God. In the midst of our busyness,
knowing where to go and what to do. I reflected upon
for instance during my school term and the exams, it is
what I had been doing and what I wanted to do, and felt
easy to lose sight of God. But I want to serve from that
that I wanted to serve God more. As I was involved in the creative arts in school, I thought I would be able to use my talents for Him.
place of loving God. I want to serve Him with
I want to serve from that place of loving God.
the talents He has given me! Kenneth Yeo, university student
straight for it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m serving as a
involved in the audio visual club activities. That gave me
cameraman in this production.
my background for photography. Being part of this
My key role is to ensure that the
production allows me to use my
picture that comes out is perfect.
photography skills for God, and at
I need to work closely with the
the same time, for me to gain more
people in charge of lighting,
exposure and learn more about film
and sometimes I would also help with parts of
production. I want to serve God
the lighting. I also had the opportunity to be
because of what He has done for
involved in the storyboarding process, and to
me. The camera is my means of
work with the director on the various scenes. When I was in my secondary school, I was
I want to serve God because of what He has done for me.
serving Him. Johnervan Lee, junior college student
31
From Barrenness
Stepping onto New Shores I was working for World Vision in India for two years. As I prayed, I felt that God was leading us to a new place. Just around that time, I got a call from a friend inviting me to apply for the post of Programmer in his church in Singapore. That church was Trinity. As Programming was not my area of expertise, I started looking around for friends who would be able to fill that position. However I could not find any. Somehow, the only candidate left was me. After consideration and much prayer, I felt that the opening would be a great platform for me to learn new things. Since the position was in a line I was familiar with, I decided to take the job up. Having discussed this with my wife Rosline, we felt that this was an open door by God. Together, we prayed it through. We felt that through this, God would bless us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just financially but as a family as well.
32
to Posterity Where the medical world predicted barrenness, IT executive Joseph Dhanraj held on to God’s promise of posterity. He shares how clinging onto God, bore fruit.
My family and friends were
our search was futile as the units either exceeded
against the idea. They were
our budget or did not suit our preferences. Yet
concerned about the hefty
miraculously, on July 3 last year, the day we touched
expenses involved, as well as the
down, we went to view our first flat and we liked it
costs we had to bear travelling
v very much. It suited all our preferences. God provided
back and forth between the
f us just in time! for
two countries. But because we prayed, we felt the assurance of
O of the biggest challenges faced upon reaching One
God that He would bless us; with
S Singapore to work was in the area of finances. There was
this, we made the decision to go.
o once I used up all the money I had brought over and had to ask my friend to lend me $10 just to top up my Ez-
God’s Favour
L Link card, just so I could travel back that night. However,
Prior to our arrival in Singapore, for two months, that
God’s timing was perfect. That very day, Human Resource
friend who asked me to come over had already been
gave word that I would be able to get my pay early; they
helping us source for suitable accommodation. However,
had made arrangements for that to be done.
33
On Rocky Roads
us and why we were not having a child. My wife was
My wife and I have been married for six years now.
stressed and upset. Good-intentioned friends tried
About one and a half years into our marriage, Rosline
to recommend different doctors and treatments to
conceived. Our happiness was soon short-lived; 45 days
her. I wondered to myself, if God can give other couples
later, she suffered a miscarriage. She became very weak
children, why not us? It was a very disappointing, painful
and suffered a series of complications. One of it was a
and trying time.
urinal infection and the treatment for this dragged on for a while. For the next two years, she was unable to
Blessing of a Spiritual Family
conceive as she underwent the treatments.
I knew that when I went to Singapore, God was leading us to a place of blessing and
The doctor also said that because
truly He was. During this
of our age (we were in our 30s), it
ordeal, I was very thankful
would be difficult for us to conceive.
for the comfort and support
To further compound the problem,
of a carecell in the East. The
there was also the issue of our
carecell members prayed for
previous miscarriage, the cause of
my wife and I to have a child.
which was still unaccounted for.
In my first meeting with my Office Cell, they also asked
The doctor advised us to explore other medical means of conceiving. These included Artificial
When my wife and I heard it, we felt that this was it – it was God’s rhema word for us!
Insemination (AI) or Intra-uterine
for a prayer request. I was pleasantly surprised and honoured to have the cell asking me about my needs
Insemination (IU), which was a hefty $5,000 and
and being prayed for by them. Pastor Kenny, the Office
provided a 30% chance of us conceiving. He could not
Cell leader even assured me that God is able to meet all
guarantee us that we would have a child even after
my needs. I was very encouraged.
going through this process. Hence, in the end we did not subscribe to these medical means because of cost
At Watchnight last year, we were unable to attend the
and conviction. Instead, we
service in Trinity as we were in India. However, we went
chose to trust God. He was our
online to listen to the sermon. The Prophetic Word for
only guarantee.
the coming year (2009) was to ‘Enter into Abundant Living’. When my wife and I heard it, we felt that this
34
Family members started
was it – it was God’s rhema word for us! Together, we
asking what was wrong with
claimed God’s promise of Posterity.
Miracle in Motion
of delivery would be on March 1. Amazingly, the
Months passed, and Rosline continued suffering from
miscarriage in 2006 also occurred on March 1, which
the list of complications arising from the miscarriage. One
my wife remembers very vividly. We felt that it was Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
such complication was an on-and-off abdominal pain.
way of restoring His promise to us.
Contrary to our hopes, in addition to the series of
My wife was scheduled to go for a scan on January 26,
complications after the miscarriage, Rosaline began
but at 5am that morning, her water bag began to leak.
developing severe and unbearable abdominal pains
She was immediately rushed to hospital. After eight
in February. She had to go back to India for her sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
hours, she was still not able to go into delivery. The
wedding and so bore with the pain for about three months.
medical team decided upon a caesarian. During the caesarian operation, the doctors found two cysts in each
In April, the pains got worse. Scans revealed that she
ovary. They promptly removed the cysts and there were
had cysts in her ovaries. Doctors in Chennai remarked
no complications. Praise God!
that leaving the cysts untreated would lead to more pain and slowly cause infertility. They prescribed medicine
My son, though premature by about four weeks, is a
which would alleviate the pain and treat the cysts but
healthy baby. The doctor even said that his weight at
commented that the medication would
birth, 2.67 kg, is above the norm
act as a contraceptive which would
for babies born premature. His
further induce barrenness. Medically,
features are so well-formed that
nearly all chances of us having a baby
there is no way you could tell he
were forfeited.
was born early! After one week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),
In June, Rosline came back
we were finally able to bring
to Singapore with a bag of
little Joshua home.
medicine but she did not want to take them because
Reflections
they had contraceptive effects.
I believe that God has brought me to Singapore for
Miraculously, she conceived within that very month.
His purpose in our lives. This journey of obedience has
We were greatly surprised and gave praises to God.
strengthened my faith. What He has determined to
Finally, our long wait for a child was over!
bless, no one can take away. Where the medical world predicted barrenness, God has promised Posterity.
When she went for a check-up at Kandang Kerbau
God likes to bless His children, we should never doubt
Hospital (KKH), the doctor said that her projected date
Him. His ways are not just good; they are perfect!
35
To love God is to love people. Pastor Margaret Tay explains what it takes to carry Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart for the needy and hurting.
LOVE in ACTION
36
Two persons were having a conversation.
Jeremiah 22:16 – He (King Josiah) defended the cause of
The first said, “Sometimes I would like to ask God why
the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what
He allows poverty, suffering and injustice when He
it means to know me?” declares the LORD. God equates
could do something about it.”
caring for the poor and needy as knowing Him.
The other responded “Well, why don’t you ask Him?” The first man replied, “Because I’m afraid He would ask
God’s heart is indeed for the poor and needy. About
me the same question.”
2,000 verses in the bible are on poverty and justice. Book
Today we are faced with this question: “What would we
after book you will see this recurrent theme.
do with the poverty and injustice that we see around us?” and “What would we do with the poor and needy?
In Isaiah 58:1-11, the Israelites’ prayers were not answered even through they prayed and fasted, because they had
This is an invitation for us to know God and feel His
missed the point. Their religious acts of fasting and prayer
broken heart through prayer.
– their pseudo spirituality – would not get them anywhere if they were not doing what was right. Isaiah 58:6-7 explains what God told them to do: Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the
1. Pray to have God’s Heart
oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? These verses talk about justice, fairness and a concern for
Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision prayed: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” We need to have God’s heart, but it is not easy to have that in our busy society. We have compassion fatigue.
“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”
the poor. We need to pray to have God’s heart for the poor and needy, a heart of compassion and generosity.
✟ ✟
To repent of apathy and indifference To have God’s heart for the poor and needy: • A heart of compassion – to feel for them • A heart of generosity – to give of your talents, time, and treasures.
37 37
also said, “When we see them as God sees them, we will glimpse His image in their faces – Christ in His most distressing disguise.”
2. Pray to ‘see God’ in the poor and needy
This means that they have potential in God, a God-given destiny and that we must have a relentless belief in them!
✟
To repent of any prejudices
✟
To repent of any unkindness
these” were blessed and welcomed by Christ into His Father’s Kingdom.
✟
To ‘see God’ in the poor and needy
Good works do not get us saved, but when we are saved, it should
✟
To treat the poor and needy as you would treat Jesus
✟
To have a relentless belief in people and their Godgiven destiny.
In Matthew 25:31-46, those who showed acts of love for the “least of
be part of our nature to do good works. Richard Stearns, President of World Vision, US paraphrased verses 42 and 43: For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved. What will we do with the poor and needy? We need to ‘see God’ in them, which means that when we see them, we need to respond. We
3. Pray God’s Vision for the poor and needy to be fulfilled
need to love them, listen to them. We need to treat them the way we would treat Jesus. God had a vision for the poor and needy. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you
We also need to have the same vision. Isaiah
did for me. (verse 40)
61:1-3 was in fact Jesus’ mission statement. Verse 1 says, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord
The poor and needy are made in the image of God. Richard Stearns
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is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to
preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. • A double portion instead God’s vision for the poor and needy is that they will experience the “Whole” gospel – physical, economic, emotional, spiritual healing and restoration.
of shame, and • An inheritance instead of disgrace
Take time to pray Isaiah 61
The Poor and Needy (verses 3, 6 and 9)
The Poor (verse 1)
• That they will be oaks of righteousness, a planting of
• That they will experience the whole gospel and place their hope in God • The poor includes those with a ‘poverty spirit’– having lost hope in their future, they have lost faith in
the Lord for the display of His splendour, (verse 3) • That they will be priests of the Lord, ministers of our God (verse 6) • That they will be known among the nations (verse 9)
themselves
Partners of the Vision (verses 4-9) The Brokenhearted (verse 1)
• Trinity Christian Centre
• The deserted (by children, parents, or by another)
• Care Community Services Society (CCSS)
• The healing of their hurts and pain
• Social workers and agencies
• That they will find comfort and provision
• National leaders
The Captives (verse 1)
Leonard Ravenhill says: “The world is not in need of
• Freedom from incarceration
a new definition of Christianity, it is in need of a new
• Freedom from bondage to addictions: drugs, gambling,
demonstration of Christianity.”
smoking, drinking • Freedom from bondage to their past • Freedom from the devil’s lies about themselves and their future
Those who Mourn (verse 3) • That God will bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, • The oil of gladness instead of mourning, • A garment of praise instead of spirit of despair,
Pastor Margaret Tay heads the Missions Project Office in Trinity Christian Centre. She is also a missionary, church consultant and trainer of pastors and leaders. Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS “Trinity<space>your comments” to 77177 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg
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IIn th the midst id t off a d depressed d economy, T Trinity i it Christian Centre was cited into action by giving a total of $100,000 to the South East Community Development Council (CDC). The money would be used to assist financially challenged families and individuals in the district.
Beneficiary 1
Mdm A*, aged 63,
is a widow. She used to stay with her only son in a rented room in a shophouse before he was caught for Criminal Breach of Trust and sentenced to nine months of imprisonment. Before her son was caught, he had informed
Of the $100,000, $30,000 was given on May 21 for the CDC’s Upsized Breakfast Programme which supports 2,053 needy students in 13 primary schools, while the remaining $70,000 was presented to Mayor Matthias Yao at the LIFE Charity Concert Gala Night on June 26 last year.
the landlord that they would be moving out because he had found new accommodation. Thus, Mdm A was unexpectedly forced to move out of the rented room as the landlord had already found a new
Initially termed the ‘Interim Relief Scheme’,
tenant.
the fund has since been renamed the Trinity Christian Centre (TCC) Assistance Fund. Money is withdrawn in tranches of $10,000. To date, DC South East CDC has assisted 0 more than 210 needy familiess and 414 students.
Mdm A was not eligible to go to MCYS’s Destitute Home as she is still currently receiving her $297 every month under the Minimum Sum Scheme (MSS). In addition, she did not have any friends or relatives that could take her in. A CDC officer handling Mdm A’s case found her accommodation in a home for the aged. As Mdm A is unable to afford the $520 monthly nursing home fees, she is assisted under the TCC Assistance Fund with $250 per month from Dec 2009 to Mar 2010 to help with her nursing home fees until his son is released from the prison.
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ey will or and needy is that th God’s vision for the po omic, gospel’ –physical, econ experience the ‘whole inity storation. Last year, Tr spiritual healing and re h East CDC ged $100,000 to Sout Christian Centre pled are the four ts in the district. Here to help needy residen this financial blessing. stories of recipients of
Beneficiary 2
Mdm B*, aged 31 is a housewife with a three year old daughter living in a 1-room
rental flat. She has been depending on her husband for basic living expenses all this while. However her relationship with him has become very strained and he refuses to contribute anymore. They are currently undergoing divorce proceedings; she also has minimal support from her own family. As both Mdm B and her daughter are permanent residents, they are not eligible to have support from the National Scheme under its guidelines. The TCC Assistance Fund has aided her with $200 per month from November 2009 to December 2009 during this interim period.
Beneficiary 4
Mr D* is the sole breadwinner
Beneficiary 3
and a low-wage worker who is married with three children
Junior C*, aged seven, lives
aged nine, eight and six. His wife, an Indonesian on a social
with his grandparents who
visit pass, has a son aged 12 from a previous marriage who
are retirees in a 1-room
is studying in Singapore. The family of six live in a two-room
rental flat. His father is
rental flat.
currently serving his prison sentence until March 2013 and his
The family has accumulated arrears since early 2009 and
mother abandoned him in 2006.
their financial situation has worsened since Mr D was imprisoned from May to July last year.
Junior C is also unable to get the support of his grandparent’s children as they are
South East CDC assisted the family with a $61 rental
low-income earners themselves.
voucher and $60 utility voucher from December 2008 to May 2009. As the family did not have savings, the assistance
Although Junior C was aided by the MOE
was increased to include $250 in cash, $26 Services and
Financial Assistance Scheme and the
Conservancy Charges voucher from June to July 2009.
School Pocket Money Fund for schooling expenses, they are still insufficient to
The schools that the children attend have also helped by
cover his basic living expenses. Under the
placing them under the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
TCC Assistance Fund, the South East CDC
and CDC Upsized Breakfast Programme so that the children
is assisting Junior C with $200 per month
will be able to have proper meals in spite of their financial
to cover his basic living expenses.
difficulty.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of those featured. 41
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In 1 Kings 3, Solomon has just inherited the kingdom. He had just been coronated. Verses 4-5 (NKJV) says, Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?
What does it take to capture
One day as I was reading 1 Kings Chapter 3, I came across verse 4 again where Solomon sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings on the altar. In Jewish custom, when a king was coronated, as an act of gratitude, he would sacrifice
God’s heart?
one bull in an act of worship to the Lord. It would have been somewhat
Pastor Bryan
sacrificed. But verse 4 says that Solomon, from a deep heart of gratitude, a
Jarrett shares about living lavishly, God’s way
over the top, maybe excessive, if Solomon had requested that 10 bulls be heart of extravagant giving and worship to the Lord, sacrificed a thousand bulls on that altar. It was immediately after that extravagance that God’s heart was so captured that He said to him, now because of your extravagant worship, because of your extravagant giving, Solomon, ask me whatever you will and I will give it to you. As I studied the passage, I realised that Solomon had moved beyond a place of worship and giving. He had come to a level of extravagance.
Hee had com me to a leeveel of exttra avaggance.
When I understood that revelation, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me: this is it; not only should you ask for wisdom, understanding and discernment to lead the people but you must learn to live your life above mediocrity and above status quo, learning to live and worship and give as Solomon did at a level of extravagance. I found there were many of God’s people who moved beyond mediocrity and status quo and lived their lives at a level of extravagance. In 2 Samuel 24, you see David giving 21 billion dollars in gold for the sake of building the temple. It was extravagant. On the complete other end of the spectrum, in Luke 21, there was a widow woman who brings one mite as an offering. It is an insignificant amount of money but because she gave everything she had, Jesus recognised it as an extravagant gift of worship.
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It would do well for His church to move from mediocrity
Jesus said to Mary, your extravagance has captured my
and averageness to a place of extravagant devotion,
heart so much so that wherever this gospel is preached, the
extravagant worship and extravagant giving so that
story of your extravagant devotion and extravagant giving
the heart of God can reach humanity and the Kingdom
is going to be told all over the world, wherever this gospel
could be established in this world.
is preached.
In John 12, Mary took a pound of very costly oil of
Judas was on the other side. Judas was bothered by
spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet
her act of devotion. The question is, what captured
with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance
the heart of Jesus? And why was Judas bothered so
of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s
much? It brings to light that wherever there is a degree
son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant
of extravagant generosity, selfishness will always be
oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the
battling for control.
poor?” …But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of my burial. For the poor you have with you
I want to share with you some principles about Mary’s
always, but Me you do not have always.
extravagant act of worship.
It is said that Mary’s costly bottle – her alabaster jar – would have been worth a whole year’s pay. What would possess Mary to go and buy, with one year’s salary, a bottle of perfume and then in one moment dump the entire bottle onto Jesus? The answer is probably
1. Exttrav vaga antt giv ving offfers wha at is preccious to us
found in the preceding chapter where Mary’s brother,
Many might think that Mary’s devotion was beyond the
Lazarus was raised from the dead. An extravagant heart
realm of reasonable decorum but not for her, because
of giving stems from a grateful heart.
every time you see Mary in the scripture, you find her at the feet of Jesus. She sat at His feet to hear the Word in Luke 10. She knelt at His feet in sorrow over the death of her brother in John 11. And now here in John 12, you find her at His feet in an act of worship. Mary knew about extravagant devotion. Doing something extravagant was fitting for Mary because she was always at the feet of Jesus.
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Living
Extravagant Life
Many of us would rather just dip our hands in that costly bottle of perfume and dap a little of it in devotion to Christ but not Mary. Mary was willing to sell-out selflessly in total abandonment by taking everything she had that was precious and extravagantly pour it out upon Christ as an act of worship. What God is calling for, in order for the gospel of the Kingdom to be establish in the world, is for people to move beyond mediocrity to having a heart that is sold out in extravagant devotion.
Do no ot wait on som meonee elsse to o do o it beeforee you u do o it. YO OU be th he man n or the wom man tha at sets th he m ira acle in mottion. The scripture says God inhabits the praises of His people. When we bring the sacrifice of praise, the fragrance is
2. Exttrav vaga antt giv ving beco omees plea asin ng to oth herss
attractive and the key is this: do not wait on someone else to do it before you do it. YOU be the man or the woman that sets the miracle in motion.
In John 12:3 it says, And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. The whole house – not just the room they were in – was engulfed by the aroma of Mary’s act of worship. If the windows of the home were
3. Exttrav vaga antt giv ving is perrplex xin ng to some
up, the aroma of Mary’s worship would go from the room, to the entire house and into the streets.
Not everyone is blessed when others give to God extravagantly. Even something beautiful or fragrant
When we unselfishly give ourselves to Jesus, the
to God can be a stench to others. Judas’s statement
aroma is powerful. When a congregation is made up of
sounds real spiritual: ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold
surrendered and committed Christians who are willing
and given to the poor?’ But the apostle John unmasked
to give everything they have to Jesus, those outside the
Judas’s hypocrisy in verse 6. John said, He did not say this
walls of the Church will be drawn to the fragrance on
because he cared about the poor but because he was a
the inside of selfless people who have moved to a level
thief; as a keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself
of extravagant devotion and giving to God.
to what was put into it.
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You see, Judas was not in love with Jesus; he was in love with himself. For 30 pieces of silver, he would later betray Jesus. Extravagant devotion is an act that is irrational. The definition of extravagance is ‘the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability.’ Others may gripe and complain because they
Extrrav vagant devo otion is an act that is irratio onal.
cannot get their minds around the extravagant devotion of God’s people, but don’t let the crowd stop you. In spite of criticism for doing so, seek to worship Christ beyond mediocrity with the level of extravagant giving. We often so wrongly call ‘tithers’, ‘givers’, when in reality tithers are returners because the scripture says that tithes belong to the Lord. If I am giving back to God what already belongs to Him, I am not giving Him. It is not until I go above the tithe that I move from returning to giving. If we move beyond normalcy to a place of extravagant devotion, the Gospel of the Kingdom will reach the entire world.
4. Exttrav vaga antt giv ving is pleeasing to Ch hrist That day, the only voice that mattered was when Jesus said, Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. When we really give our gifts in extravagance to God, He knows it. Hebrews 6:10 says, God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.
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Living
Extravagant Life
What Mary did may have been less than what others
motion by my own act of obedience.
could have done, it may have been more then what some could have done but the scripture records, in her
In the New Testament, every time Jesus performed a
legacy: she did what she could. The fragrance of that
miracle, He gave the opportunity to the individual who
perfume has long since evaporated from the room that
needed a miracle to set the miracle in motion by an act
day but the story of her devotion will be told for as long
of obedience.
as the gospel is preached. With the man having a withered hand, Jesus said, Stretch forth your hand. The Bible says that when he stretched forth his hand, it was made as whole as the other. In John 9, Jesus told the blind man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. He had the power to heal the man immediately, but when
Obedien nce setss mira acles in mo otion
the man went and washed in the pool, he was made well
Only on a few occasions in my Christian walk
and could see.
have I been able to go the place of extravagance in devotion to God. My wife Haley and I were called of God, in a time of our life when we needed a miracle, to surrender a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary in an act of obedience to
In Luke, 10 lepers came to
Every miiracle in life is sett in mottion by my own n act of obedience.
Jesus to be healed of their leprosy and Jesus said, Go show yourself to the priests. The scripture is even clear to say that as they turned to go, they were healed. They did not even get to the priests.
Him, to learn to trust Him
Obedience sets every miracle
to provide for our needs.
in motion.
God literally provided
Even with the story of Lazarus,
our family with ravens
Jesus told Mary, Martha and
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; people who out of
believers there that day, Take
nowhere provided for
away the stone. He gave them
our family. I learned on
an opportunity to be a part of
that journey that every
something bigger by walking
miracle in life is set in
in obedience.
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Iff I will do thee natu ural thiing – ob bey, Go od will do the sup perrnatural thin ng – pr provide. I have learned this: if I will do the natural thing – obey,
of God on our family.” The little one said, “Is this a holiday
God will do the supernatural thing – provide. If I will do
or do we really get to stay here?”
what only I can, then God will do what only He can. I can obey and that sets a miracle in motion.
Eight months later, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Bryan, give me the most valuable thing that you have.” I knew
Extravagant giving is a lifesty yle
immediately it was my home. I said to God, “But God,
That year without a salary, we watched God provide. Yet
this cannot be you, because I’ve already passed this
in that year, He stripped us of everything in this world
season of my life, I’ve already proven that I can be
that we held dear as He taught us to trust Him and
faithful in obedience when it doesn’t make sense. We’ve
depend upon Him. Yet in that moment of breaking us
already been stripped of everything and we gathered
down, He built us back.
every ounce we could to be able to buy this home and we have nothing left. This is all we have.” The Holy
We were pastoring a small church in Southern U.S.
Spirit said, “It is not a season, it’s a lifestyle.”
The congregation was full of poverty. It was a small environment; we did not have much. When we moved
I said to Him, “My wife has followed me in every act of
to Dallas, we were able to see God’s provision in our
extravagant faith and she finally has a dream. She lives
lives.
in it and I’m not going to ask her to give it away. If you want us to give it away, you tell her! If she doesn’t hear
Having given everything we had to the Lord as an
from you, we’re saved and I get to stay in my home.”
extravagant act of obedience and devotion, we felt that God was honouring us for our sacrifice by moving us to
A few weeks later, Haley was troubled in her spirit in
Dallas. We were able to buy a large home. Our home was
the middle of the night and she went to prayer. At three
even big by Texan standards.
o’clock in the morning, she came and wakened me in a hotel room where we had a conference. She had tears
48
When my kids walked into the home, the first one said,
running down her face and she said, “Bryan, does God
“Dad, is this a hotel or a house?” I said, “It’s the blessings
wants us to give our home away?” I began to talk to her
Living
Extravagant Life
with how the Lord had spoken to me and this was the
And so every Sunday as soon as I finish preaching, I fly
confirmation that we must.
somewhere in the United States to preach the gospel. It was a challenge, but our family made the commitment
We called our church family together and all the
to sacrifice extravagantly together.
professionals of real estate and we deeded our home to the church so that it could be sold and the offering
On Commitment Sunday, one of the ushers asked my
could be used to expand the mission of God in the
six-year-old daughter, “What are you giving to the Lord
world.
today?” She answered, “My daddy”. She gets it. she understands. A nation must hear the gospel and it costs
I believe God is going to bless us with, at some point
something. It has to be precious to us and then it will be
in our lives, another home. But God knows, because
pleasing to others. Yes, it may be perplexing to some but
extravagant giving and living is a lifestyle.
it will ultimately be pleasing to Christ.
We lived a year without a salary, given our home away,
There are 80,000 people a day who perish into eternity
emptied our life savings, our kids’ college money and all.
without Jesus. Mediocrity in extravagance is not
We brought a cheque, my children brought their piggy
enough. If the Church could move into a place of
banks and we gave it as an act of obedience to the Lord.
extravagant giving and devotion, it would capture the
On 9 July 2006, our family were penniless paupers. But
heart of God and be a catalyst to reach the nations.
God provided for us supernaturally over those years and here we are at another level.
If Trinity could move today to a level of extravagance that you have never been, something would happen
Our church is trying to purchase this 140 acres of land
in this room; an aroma would fill this room. It will be
and God asked me, “Lead the way, give the largest
noticed in heaven and celebrated around the world.
offering of your life!” I said “God, how can I? I’ve given a salary and I’ve given my home and I have nothing left!” In the first journey He taught me about trust and
yan Jarrrett is the Se enior Pastor of Northplace Pastor Bry
obedience. With my home, He taught me about
Church in Sachse,, Texas.
extravagance and right now, He’s teaching me about
Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS “Trinity<space>your comments” to 77177 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg
the power of the ordinary. As it was with Moses, who said, “It’s just a rod, it’s just a stick”, God said to me, “What do you have in your hand? Take that gift to communicate and for the next two years work tirelessly.”
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49
Passionate Heartbeat for the Nations
50
52
Missions M Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mess Message
56
2009 At A Glance
58 64
Community Development Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
73 80
90 92
Church Development Evangelism Leadership and Organisational Development 40th Anniversary Special Reaching the World, Blessing the Nations Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Missions Firsts
51
Passionate Heartbeat Trinity’s Missions Director, Rev. Jeffrey Wong shares his heart. Missions has always been integral to the life of Trinity Christian Centre. But some of us may ask “What has missions got to do with me? Why not leave it to the pastors and leaders?” Well, fundamentally, we need to understand that missions is the expression of the heart of God. Jesus Himself came as a missionary – He came from heaven to earth. And what did He come to do? He came to serve, to give His life. In fact, one of my favourite scripture verse is Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This was the verse that propelled me to respond to the full-time call. At
Missions is the expression of the heart of God.
that point in time, I did not know what was required of me. All I knew was to serve God by serving His people. This has been a core value I live by until today. So if you ask me, simply put, missions is serving the people. As believers, if we say that we have Christ in us, then we must also carry this same heartbeat for people. Whether we are in Singapore or overseas, we must have an eye and a heart to serve the people.
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for the Nations Age is no barrier in going!
Thank Yo ou for G Goin ng
I am 77 this year. When my friend first asked ed aiwan last me to join the Missions Impact Team to Taiwan October, I was very hesitant to go for it because Indeed, we have been blessed to be a blessing. And
of my age. I was worried that the trip would be very
serving people is equivalent to serving Jesus, for
tiring for me, being the oldest in the team. In the end,
He said in Matthew 25:40 that whatever we do for “the
I decided to go, because of my
least of these” – that is, the poor and needy in both a
friend’s encouragement and
physical as well as spiritual sense – we do it as unto
also because I wished to see
Him! What a perspective that gives us. When we serve
salvation in Taiwan.
people, we are doing missions. When we serve people, we are serving God Himself!
When I took the step of faith to serve God in this new area,
Mother Teresa said, “I see God in every human being.
I witnessed God’s hand upon
When I wash the leper’s wounds, I feel I am nursing the
my life. Where previously I didn’t even dare take a bus
Lord Himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?”
on my own in Singapore, now I have been to Taiwan and back. Amazingly, in the whole trip, I didn’t even
Pastors and churches from overseas have always
feel tired despite the hours spent walking. In fact, I
applauded Trinitarians for their giving, going and
did not face any health problems at all.
praying. And I too have never stopped thanking God for you. But let us ask God for a holy dissatisfaction
God also gave me favour during the trip. When I spoke
and take a greater step of faith in serving Him this
to strangers to share the gospel, they were very open
year! Get ready for a greater engagement in praying,
and even gave their names and contact numbers to
giving and going!
me. Praise God!
Indeed, we are blessed to be a blessing to the nations!
When I came back, my family members and friends from the Chinese ministry said I looked different and more confident. Indeed, the trip opened my eyes to see what God has been doing in other parts of the world. I learned not to look back, but to look forward. I resolve to maximise the time that I have now to serve the Lord. Woo Fong Keng, housewife 53
Giving unlocks heaven’s miracles! I was away on the weekend when
Praying pries doors open!
everyone made their faith promise,
Edwin Orr, professor
and I also didn’t truly understand
emeritus at Fuller
what ‘faith promise’ meant as I am
Theological Seminary’s
nted new to the church. Still, I wanted
School of World Missions
n to participate in it because in
once said, “History is silent
our short time here, Trinity has groomed me and my family for ‘the school
Thank Yo ou for G Givin ng
of life’, and the church has d. helped us grow closer to God. So, the following weekend, I picked up a faith promise card from the Level 2 Information Counter and filled it in. I had asked God about the figure and He repeatedly confirmed it, but I did not know how to fulfill it. At work, I never thought of getting a bonus. To me, to have a job is in itself already a blessing and bonus. God blessed me tremendously in my work and I was able to outperform in my given responsibilities. A few months after I had made the faith promise, I was told by my boss that I would be getting a bonus as commendation for my performance. When I probed if the bonus would be “good or not”, her answer was simply that it was “not bad”.
54
about revivals that did not begin with prayer.” h how big or small the amount would
b e, I would use the money to first fulfill be, fa promise, and that if the amount my faith was not enough, I would try to top it up in the coming year. When I got my bonus letter, I glanced at the amount in first line of the letter. The first thought that came to me was that my faith promise could be fulfilled! But God is so good; it did not end there. The bonus had two parts to it and what I saw in the beginning was only the first part; I did not see the second figure in the letter yet. When I did, I realised that my total bonus was 10 times more than the faith promise made. I have more-than-enough to pay off my other
A large bouquet to Trinitarians who have given of their time to pray for Missions expressions of the church through these various platforms: - At Church Prayer Meeting - At Service - As a prayer partner/ local prayer coordinator for MIT members - In your personal time. Thank you Trinitarians for your history-making prayers!
financial commitments and still have additional left for savings. I have learnt that when we put God first, He always blesses us with even more!
Before knowing how much my bonus
Angkana Phisanuwongrak,
was, I told my husband that no matter
private banker
Thank Yo ou for Pr Prayin ng
Missions in Trinity An over view of Missions in Trinityy.
Missions in Trinity (Foreign and Local)
Church Development
Leadership Development
Organisational Development
Community Development
Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works
Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
Evangelism
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2009 At A Glance January – December 2009 An overview of the span of Trinity’s Missions outreach.
➥ GOING
6 >300 21 4 >6,900 278 30
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Missions Impact Teams (MIT) Evangelistic and Humanitarian Trips Countries (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand)
Trinitarians
Evangelistic MITs
Humanitarian MITs
Lives touched
Decisions
Miraculous healings
â&#x17E;Ľ GOING
Training and Consultation Trips
Training and Consultation Trips
Countries
8
31
(Australia, Dubai, India, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom)
â&#x17E;Ľ GIVING
5 166 13 3
Countries assisted in Crisis Relief efforts (India, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines and Vietnam) Through 7 organisations
Destitute children in India and Thailand sponsored Ministries
Church buildings
57
Community Development Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works
2009 saw natural disasters sweep across worldwide. Trinity partnered with trusted local pastors and churches, and reputable missions agencies and organisations to provide humanitarian aid to the many affected. Trinity also sent Missions Impact Teams (MIT) to the sites of natural disasters to assist in rebuilding and stabilising efforts there.
T
Bringing Help, Giving Hope Floods: a i d n I , l o o n r u K 500 villages affected* 2.5 million homeless 250 dead *Source: www.reliefweb.int
he floods in
could not
India, billed as
prescribe a cure.
the worst in 100
To obtain good
years, inundated 500
clean water would
villages, rendering 2.5
mean travelling over
million homeless and 250
a distance, one which
dead. In December, Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss
would endanger them of
n Humanitarian MIT arrived in
snake bites. Some of the
Kurnool, the worst-hit of areas to reach out with the
f few who tried walking
objective of boring wells to provide safe drinking water.
e ended by being bitten b snakes. by
After the flood, there was no safe drinking water.
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The villagers were hesitant to drink it. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenish-
Trinity saw the need and sent a Missions Impact Team
lookingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; water contained chemicals from the nearby
to drill and complete two bore wells. The villagers are
industries. But there was no real alternative. Many
thankful and very happy that they finally have access to
became sick; one even became paralysed but doctors
safe drinking water.
Misspiloisn hed
GOING
Accom
✔ Drilling of two bore wells to provide fresh water ✔ Distribution of exercise books and 400 sandals to children
GIVING ✔ Purchase of stoves, woolen blankets, mats, cooking vessels and food packages.
Team Reflections Jeremy Lye
or that we partnered with was truly A pastor
The team, which comprised of 22 people from different walks of life
thankful for the funds we provided, funds that
– administrators, bank executives, IT and sales personnel, students,
went to support victims of the flood. He wrote
teachers – put their hands together to complete the boring of wells.
in to update the church on the ongoing:
Amazingly, the work of digging wells that was supposed to take three days was completed only in one and a half days!
We are very grateful to Trinity for your timely help to the flood victims of Kurnool. I cannot
We also gave out sandals and exercise books to the village children.
explain what exactly people are facing there.
They were so happy to receive them that they would run a few steps
Even three-storied buildings are completely
with the sandals on, then take them off and place them in their
drowned in water, leaving only mud and clay
boxes and continue running and screaming
in their houses.
in excitement. People are desperately in need. They do not The exercise books had team members
have electricity. Everyday, they go and sleep in
writing “Jesus loves you” in Telugu (the local
the collectorate office and come to their houses
language) on the inside of every page. I will
in the morning to clean them.
never forget this gesture and I pray that the children remember that Jesus loves them!
I am sending pictures of the relief work we have done with the help of Trinitarians. People felt
Rachel Lee
so happy receiving the stoves, woolen blankets,
The focus for our trip was the construction of the two bore wells. The
g vessels! mats and cooking
villagers now have water that sustains life. I will always remember the joyful looks on the children’s faces. God’s protection was upon the team amidst the rough road conditions and the strike. Because of this strike, schools were closed for the day and more children could come to our time of ministry. God turned the strike into an opportunity for a time of ministry to the children.
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Community Development Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works
Sumatra : Earthquake onesia d n I , g n a d a P 1,100dead* 20,000 houses damaged *Source: www.reliefweb.int
T
he September 2009 Sumatran earthquake affected hundreds and thousands of people
through the total or partial loss of their homes and livelihoods. In badlyhit communities, up to 95 percent* of the homes and buildings were destroyed by the earthquake. Most of the villagers took the risk of staying in their partially-damaged houses or resorted to sleeping on a ground sheet in temporary tentages. Trinity gave towards crisis relief efforts in Padang, the worst-hit of areas. In December, a Missions Impact Team (MIT) of 17 also went to help villagers in Padang with rebuilding works.
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Team Reflections 1. House Building Our team worked together to manage the tasks at hand even though no one had prior training in carpentry. Two houses were built in the short three days there. When the villagers saw the efficiency of the team in building the houses, they were surprised when they realised that we were not professional carpenters. Many villagers were touched by our love and sincerity.
2. Community Lunch Cooking Four team members had an enriching experience cooking three days’ of community lunches for a total of 70 people! It was memorable for us to do the marketing, cooking and washing along with them. Though it had been many weeks after the earthquake, many ladies did not have the opportunity to share their fears with each other deeply. In the three days spent together, the local ladies found relief as they were able to share their fears with the team.
3. Children’s Programme Despite all but one of the team members not knowing Bahasa, it was amazing seeing them communicate with the children. We were able to impact the young lives through teaching English and also bring
Misspiloisn hed
GOING
Accom
✔ Building of two wooden houses
joy to the children who went through the calamity.
4. Distribution of Stoves and Shoes
✔ Cooking hot meals for 70 affected persons, for three days
The team managed to give away
✔ Facilitating children’s programmes
and 35 pairs of school shoes to
✔ Distributing 30 kerosene stoves to 30 families
the children. Having lost not
✔ Distributing 35 pairs of school shoes to the children
entire hard-earned savings in
GIVING
tremendously blessed with what
✔ Building of more wooden houses and tents for children and families
they received. Even the Village
✔ Cooking of hot meals for affected persons
30 kerosene stoves to 30 families
just their houses but also their a matter of seconds, they were
Chief personally came to witness the distribution. Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
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Community Development Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works
T
: a n a s t e K n o Typho d n a s o a L , s e Philippin Vietnam
yphoon Ketsana battered Southeast Asian countries severely. It brought extreme rain, submerging 80% of
the Philippines Capital Manila and affecting neighbouring cities. Ketsana also displaced thousands of residential areas in Vietnam and Laos, leaving many homeless. Trinity responded swiftly by giving to a Missions agency and the Assemblies of God, Philippines. Trinity also selected, purchased and put together ‘care packages’ containing food
The pastor of the Assemblies of God, Philippines reports on how Trinity’s giving has assisted the church in their crisis-relief efforts.
items and daily necessities. These were then shipped over to all 13 affected families of our Filipino Ministry members in the different parts of Philippines.
n on o Viissiiion dV Worrllld ediitt: Wo cred to cr oto hot Ph P
A Retrospect : is st ri Ch re he w to is is Cr From tres, normal morning. September 27, 2009. It was just a raining slightly. I was driving to work and it was just to say that water A few hours after, my wife called y. In a matter of was already reaching our drivewa -feet deep in our minutes, it had rose beyond four living room.
bers were Some of our pastors and church mem n had to climb already on their rooftops. One eve on the high onto the electric towers and walk side of the village. tension wires to get to the other
62
ided to cancel The following day, our church dec sformed our our first service. Instead, we tran and feeding area church into a temporary shelter been stranded to more than 300 people who had home because overnight. They could not get a ride that Sunday was of the severe flooding. The rest of the night on their spent rescuing people who spent roof tops, soaked and hungry.
evacuation cen Because of the poor facilities in the the dreaded the overflowing sewers had spread sses like colds, cough infections, causing common illne and fever. through the The total number of people assisted f distributions rescue operations and food and relie . Between exceeded over 220,000 individuals saw a total of October 6 to 24, the medical team tions. 5,243 patients in 17 different loca
Laguna said that A pastor of a church in San Pedro, merged in water. more than 3,000 houses are still sub members in his This pastor mobilised most of the als and serve in church to rescue affected individu r church daily for the feeding programme held at thei about three months. hip and prayers. On We ask for your continued partners say ‘Thank You’. behalf of those families assisted, we
Misspiloisn hed
Accom
A father of one of the affected families who received the care package, wrote in to express his deep gratitude.
GIVING ✔ ‘Care packages’ to 13 affected families of our Filipino Ministry ✔ Immediate needs of the affected in Philippines, Laos and Vietnam
Dear Trinity Christian Centre, I am the father of Jelaine Fabella, one of the members of your church. My family and all 10 relatives are recipients of your help and we heartily thank you for the goods sent. My family, including my grandsons were very glad when we opened the box you’ve sent. We wholeheartedly thank the Lord for you. We pray that you will be able to help more people who are affected by the typhoon here in Marikina and that you will also be able to help those in other parts of the world. With our deepest gratitude, Edwin Fabella Marikina Cityy
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Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
Blessed to Give
the Champions in India of e m Ho e th m fro 50 e For th Programme and the us Pl re Ca ild Ch e th m and 116 fro inity’s n’s Home in Thailand, Tr Abundant Love Childre ves them ongoing sponsorship gi hope for the future. About the children ren At the sight of the child e ver have playing, one would ne n d pain guessed the anguish an re du that they have had to en st at their young age. Mo have lost either one or ve both their parents, or ha able parents who are incap Some of taking care of them. tely abandoned. have also been delibera ildren would most Without a home, the ch our. often be forced into lab been through The children there have ys whose father much. There are two bo eir sister set herself died in an accident. Th it. As a t her mother had done on fire but alleged tha ys were w in jail. These two bo result, the mother is no of the were placed in the Home left all alone until they Champions. the home ents, these children at In spite of their predicam cers, doctors, aspire to be police offi have big dreams. They pray that our vernment officials. We nurses, pastors and go tial, that develop their full poten sponsorships will help . ll soon turn into reality one day their dreams wi
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Mission Accomplished Sponsoring S ponsoring destitute destitute children: children: IIndia ndia a nd T hailand and Thailand Sponsored Sp pon nso sore red re ed children ch chil hil ildr ld drre en n in in India In nd diia
: 50 50
Sp pon nso sorre ed children chiilldren ch drren en in in Thaildand Thaild Th aiild a da an nd Sponsored
1116 : 116
To ota tall number numb nu mber err o sp pon onso nsore so ore r d children chil ch ildr il ld drren n Total off s sponsored
166 66 : 166
Sponsorship Spon Sp onso on sors so r h rs hiip goes go g oe ess towards tow wards ards tthe ar he cchildren’s he hiild h ldre en’ n’s n’s food, fo ood d, daily daiilly necessities, da ne ecce essssit itie ie es, s clothing, cloth loth lo thin iin ng, g educational edu duca cati ca attiion ion nal al supplies activities. ssu upp pplilies ies and and d educational edu duca ca cati ation nal al a ccttiv vittie es. s
ible
Making our love tang
personally wrote n last year, Trinitarians tio en nv Co s on ssi Mi g Durin the destitute children gement and blessing to 1023 notes of encoura we are sponsoring. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christmas cards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to ans again wrote cards ari nit Tri r, be cem De t Las those we were not these homes, including all the 843 children in written and packaged ds were specially hand sponsoring. These car Christmas gifts o gave all 843 children als we t, tha of top On in love. es. ffed toys and soccer sho such as new clothes, stu Home in India m went over to visit the In January this year, a tea ans wrote to the mas cards that Trinitari rist Ch the t tha d lise and rea envelopes of the to them that even the ch mu so t an me ren ild ch rds at the camera, asked to wave their ca cards were kept. When ke ak refully tak the children would ca es, pes, op ir envelop their cards out of the ly gingerly wave them, and then ir put them back into the ed envelopes. This happen uses each time there were pa re or re-takes. The cards we m! just too precious to the
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65
Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
The children from ChildCare Plus Programme k wrote in to than Trinity for the d sponsorships an the many gifts, s cards and clothe received. These are their simple words straight . from their hearts
It is the most card you sent me. Thank you for the uch. I take it ve the card very m beautiful card. I lo it all the time re. I open and read with me everywhe to thank you for t you. And I want ou ab k in th I en wh This year I am you have sent me. at th gs in th e es all th to grade 5 next am going to go in 10 years old and I term. ristmas day it is so much fun. Ch ch ur ch to go I n Whe of the dance. I because I was part was so much fun my very best, ve seen me as I did wish you could ha ance. How is our dance perform and you could see u well? your family? Are yo Love in Christ, Sirinya
ll. family and I are we How are you? My I am u. yo to say hello to My family wishes 2 n rte am in Kinderga six years old and I be in grade 1. but next year I will me to Church and beco Every Saturday, I go e lik es kinds of activiti involved in many things. mes and other fun singing, playing ga at you you for the gifts th We want to thank have given us. May God bless yo
u and your family
Love and Respect, Sirada
66
!
d I are well. I am How are you? My family and g to be in grade 2 goin am seven years old and I next year. on I attend Baan Rong Saan School but to do rch Chu n Khu Pra Saturday I go to Rom games fun play , a variety of activities like sing and I especially like to colour. I live with My dad works away from home and sent me. you gift my mother. Thank you for the May God bless you. Love, Suweera
I am very happy to write you this letter. How are you and your families? We are well. My school is closed becau se it is close for the Thai New Year festival. Every Saturday, I am inv olved in activities at church. The church is ab out 1 km from where I live. I have many friend s there. What is the weather like in your cou ntry? May God bless you and your family, keeping them strong and healthy. With respect, Yongyot
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Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
Mission Accomplished Ministering M in nistering to to the the unwell: unwell: India India
Blessed to Bring Aid
Medical Me edi dical ca al Camp Cam Ca mp pa att R Ra Rahul ahu h lV Vi Vihar ih iha ha ar
: 170 17 70
Me edi dica call Camp ca Ca am mp pa Sanj njjay n a C ollon ony ny Medical att Sa Sanjay Colony
: 22 2 20 220
Medi Me diica call Camp Ca C amp amp p at at Bhopura Bh B hopur op pur ura a Medical
260 26 : 260
Medica Medi Me diica al Camp Camp Ca mp a G haz azia i ba ad Medical att Gh Ghaziabad
: 117
Total number off pa patients To ota tall nu umb m e err o p tiien ti en nts s attended att tten end ende de ed to to : 767 767 67
nss on l Missio Last November, a Medica itarians team, comprised of Trin ed out from all walks of life head e team of to the slums of Delhi. Th all e medica 13 went there to provid d.. ed ee e in ne assistance and bless thos Reflections of a city dweller At the Medical Camp at Rahul Vihar, the helming team met with an overw t needed number of people tha s, we treatment. In spite of thi with the worked hard at coping iptions and large number of prescr remained calm.
ye, a retiree, was the Team member Tony Ch poignant moments trip journalist. He recalls m experienced. the medical missions tea
y, a was held in Sanjay Colon The next Medical Camp was held rty. The medical camp colony steeped in pove of flies. ich was dusty and full next to an open field wh home in a church member’s The toilet facilities were the village. -minute walk through which was around a five d’s grace, jor challenge but by Go Crowd control was a ma e pllle p o op eo pe o p berr of be mb um nu ge the large n we were able to mana who came. set up a The following day, we ura. There Medical Camp at Bhop unity there.. was a huge slum comm camp on We eventually set up a
68
road. a section of a one lane to It was a little area similar no a shop house but with ing lighting. The surround ing as stench was overwhelm es lazed stray dogs and buffalo vehicles around and all forms of ite these were passing by. Desp best in challenges, we did our ving with our assigned tasks, ser locals the joy of the Lord. The re often!
mo even asked us to come
ction to God’s hand of prote The team can testify irits despite He kept us in good sp throughout the trip. felt tired, faced. At times when we the harsh conditions locals God. Knowing that 767 we drew strength from a blessing nistry and hard work is were blessed by our mi for a great trip! i itself. Praise the Lord in
cting me
Impacting them, impa
n officer by profession, Sabrina Ng, a probatio she Delhi. Upon retuning, also went on the trip to , with her prayer partners shared her reflections before yerfully kept her covered Trinitarians of whom pra le moments. . These are her memorab and throughout her trip
Dear Prayer Partners, yer. The me and the team in pra Thank you for keeping oothly. nistry sessions went sm medical camps and mi Praise God: n of each planning and executio 1. For His wisdom in the Medical Camp ring the trip m members fell sick du 2. That none of the tea e, the of the team was divers 3. That while the profile was oldest 63, but the team youngest being 19 and united! e) was full. re to book (3-4 star on 4. That the hotel we we the r hotel at almost 60% off God provided a 4-5 sta in the ms we worked hard in slu usual price. So though mfort at night! day, we could rest in co tions: re some personal reflec I would also like to sha als’ needs. rience meeting the loc • It was a priceless expe while not have local doctors, Some communities do when a r about once in a year others only see a docto able for them. We were only medical camp is set up s, and a ys’ worth of medication to give two to three da ving a patient say, while wa team member recalled ck? hen are you coming ba the medicine pack, “W e year?” This one enough for on
d happily ely to watch. They playe • The children were lov children much less than what the despite having much, d on were barefoot, others ha in Singapore have. Some and were messy-haired… dusty-looking clothes Rahul, we was an eye opener. At • The trip to each slum ed past dical camp. I had glanc used a school for a me only room we were using, a dark room beside the ss of and realise a whole cla to take a second look ly a bit sons in there (with on 40 students having les in through the doors) of daylight streaming ul feeling. service was a wonderf • Being at the church in to see a brother/sister It was heart-warming Lord gue/tribe seeking the Christ of a different ton y to Father. To hear them pra and loving the same big s me how real and how God in Hindi just remind songs are lovely! God is. Hindi Christian me of work with my team. So • I also felt truly glad to ders in church and have the members are not lea t at the altars, but they jus never prayed for anyone rts, don’t need to be expe stepped out to serve. We serve! ually accomplished’ to experienced or ‘spirit trip! If you’re thinking Praise the Lord for this sitate no more! of going for an MIT, he ar, refer to page 76. For a list of MITs this ye Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
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Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works
Trinity’s Missions Impact Teams (MIT) headed to Cambodia to engage in building toilets in different parts of the village to enhance the well-being of locals, as well as to assist in improving the children’s nutrition through the different feeding programmes.
Mission Accomplished ti o n sanitation ing sanita uilding Build B odia Cambodia ies: Camb acilities: ffacilit iltt uil buil bu e s built oillet Toil Toilets T To
:5
Improving Sanitation, Blessing Lives Building sanitation facilities: Cambodia Among poorer Cambodians, ss fewer than five per cent have acce to decent toilet facilities.* Trinity partnered with the local church in to Cambodia to build toilets in a bid er increase the locals’ access to prop sanitation facilities. The villagers were grateful for the tireless efforts of the team as they toiled to build five toilets. The team even held a toilet dedication service! It was a great opportunity to minister and share God’s love with the locals. In the seven days spent there, the team also embarked on children’s
70
feeding programmes. The team reached out to approximately 70 to 100 children at each programme. l women, approximately The team also ministered to the loca and around 150 children 300 youths at the youth fellowship, from 16 churches there. From the building of the five toilets to the times of ministering to the locals, the team was blessed by the openness and hospitality of the locals. God’s presence was with the team throughout, giving them strength and favour to be a blessing to the community.
Mission Accomplished Serving S erving the the community: community: Singapore Singapore
Blessing the Elderly
Campus Camp Ca m us s mp students tu ude d ntts who who o spring-cleaned: sp prrin ng--cl c ea eane ne ed: d 69 69 H u Ho us seh hol o ds spring-cleaned sprin prrin ngg-cl c ea an ne ed Households
:
7
Vo olu lunt lunt ntee e rs distributing ee dis str t ib ibut uttin i g rations rati ra tion o s on Volunteers
:
250 25 250
H us Ho useh hol old d blessed blles b esse se s ed Household
2,00 2, 000 00 0 : 2,000
(CCSS) is one Care Community Services Society ough CCSS, last of Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s missions expressions. Thr extra mile to year, Trinitarian volunteers went the rations to needy spring-clean homes and distribute d CCSS in its homes. Your giving has also supporte Lim shares how administrative operations. Corinne g to the elderly. one such initiative has been a blessin Serving the elderly: Singapore
(SAC) at Block Since the Seniors Activity Centre on 1 October last 35 Circuit Road began operations ying the new year, many elderly have been enjo rt-warming facilities there. It was especially hea ng place in the witnessing the transformation taki the centre, lives of different individuals visiting a blessing to many of whom have in turn become the community. e elderly The sense of ownership among thes gestures. One can be seen through their simple e dried leaves elderly member noticed that som ediately took had blown into the centre and imm another the initiative to sweep the floor. On occasion, one of our existing elderly members came with packets of nasi lemak, keropok and biscuits to bless the staff and elderly at the SAC. There was even a firstâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;time-visitor at
there by the centre who blessed everyone able table, sponsoring the purchase of a fold a basin and a waste-basket. e also been Friendships among the elderly hav r old met Lily, forged in the SAC. Elsie, an 82 yea while chatting, 77 for the first time at the SAC and discovered that they both lived in the same block. Noticing that her new-found friend walks with a limp, Elsie now takes the initiative to contact Lily whenever she is going to the SAC so they can go together. Elsie helps support Lily along the way.
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Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works CCSS CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre (SAC) – from Concept to Reality It was an idea first mooted by Dr Fatimah Lateef, Minister of Parliament for Geylang Serai Constituency and South East CDC. CCSS saw Elsie commented, “I felt compassion rise up in me when I saw Lily walking with a limp. I wanted o to o to make it easier for herr to g go the centre by holding her hand as we walked. I am
the opportunity for a collaborative partnership that would benefit the many elderly in the area. After many rounds of discussions with the various government authorities, CCSS received the go-ahead to start the SAC at Circuit Road after its application was successfully approved by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS).
very thankful that I can spend my time here at the SAC and also have a chance to make new friends.” Lily responded by saying, “I feel very blessed to have gotten to know someone so helpful at this place and to have a friend to help me now.”
The CCSS CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre began operations on October 1, 2009 at Blk 35 Circuit Road and serves elderly residents living in Block 37 of Circuit Road as well as Blocks 12, 13 and 14 of Merpati Road.
This is but a glimpse of the realisation of CCSS’s vision of impacting the community, a vision to see a people restored, transformed and empowered with a
The SAC had their official opening on Saturday, Mar 20. The Guest-Of-Honour was Dr Fatimah Lateef. Many activities were conducted that day for the elderly at the centre. CCSS hopes that the centre will continue to be salt and light to the elderly in our community.
renewed sense of purpose to become channels of blessings.
Care Community Services Society (CCSS) is a non-profit charitable organisation set up in 1996 by Trinity Christian Centre. It is registered with the Commissioner of Charities and is an affiliated member of the National Council of Social Services, having an IPC status. To find out more about how you can partner with CCSS to bless the community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact Miss Daryl Lee at 6304 7618 or email DarylLee@carecom.org.sg
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Church Development Evangelism
Blessed to Bring Healing
The blind can see and the lame can walk – because God has blessed Trinitarians to bring the blessing of physical and spiritual healing as they embarked on Missions trips. Read of some of the amazing healings that took place. The Missions Impact Teams (MIT) share miracles that took place as they visited different homes in Thailand.
THAILAND, Nonthaburi
FIRST HOME > The miracle took place at the first home as the
Sep 29 – Oct 5
team met with the host and family. The head of the family was an elderly man. Hit by multiple strokes, he could hardly move but as the team
prayed for him, the man received healing and started to walk around the house. He accepted Christ as the team shared the Gospel with him. There was an old lady suffering from brain damage and was not able to speak for years. The team prayed for the loosening of her tongue and she managed to speak Jesus’ name in Thai. Her face became radiant after she accepted Christ. SECOND HOME > People from around the neighbourhood gathered into
An old lady that could not
the house as they heard about the team’s visit. An old man
walk properly because one
walked in with a walking stick. As we began to pray, he
of her legs was shorter than
was immediately healed. He could walk without his
the other was also healed.
walking stick.
As the team laid their hands on and prayed for
THIRD HOME >
her, her shorter leg was
We prayed for a 90-year old lady who could not lift her
miraculously lengthened
hand and she was instantly healed. She lifted her hand up high and
and she could walk well.
rejoiced. She was also able to walk out of her wheelchair and she
About eighty villagers witnessed the
received her salvation.
healing and The team prayed for a woman with a girdle around her. She was instantly healed and accepted Christ. A
THAILAND, Khek Noi Aug 25 – 31
thirty received Jesus into their hearts.
bystander witnessed the miracle and accepted Christ on the spot.
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Church Development Evangelism
PHILIPPINES IloIlo, Oct 23 – Nov 2
The team’s journalist Will Yong reports on the amazing miracles that unfolded in the AlphaTrack missions trip to the Philippines. The team prayed for a man who was deaf in one ear. After we had prayed, he took off his hearing aid and started shouting “I can hear! I can hear! God healed the man of his deafness and his family accepted Christ as well! A middle-aged lady was brought in on a wheelchair. The bones in her limbs were distorted because of bone cancer and she could not move her legs and arms. As the pastors prayed, God healed her legs. However, she wasn’t completely healed and she felt God telling her to come back to church. She faced opposition from her son from coming back to church. But she managed to come back to church and shared that she believed that God would completely heal her within a month. She soon returned to give confirmation of the healing received! There was a lady who had a pain in her heart for a year. Doctors did not know what the problem was. However, as she was being prayed for, the Holy Spirit fell upon her. After that, the heart pain was gone. She was healed! We also prayed for a lady at a hospital who had a stroke. As she was being prayed for, she felt a ‘tingling sensation’: the patient felt as though her bones were strengthening and she could walk normally again. The presence of God was in that place and we were privileged to have been able to bless the people there!
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INDIA Haryana Nov 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16
Team members share testimonies of the healings that took place at the miracle service that they held. A middle aged lady carrying a baby in her arms had problems of body aches and pain in her knee caps. She accepted Christ into her heart. As I prayed, she felt the pain in her knee cap easing and she could even do a few kicks! An elderly woman who could not stand too long was prayed for. Even after prayer, she said that she could still feel the pain. I told her that she needed the faith to believe she was healed. As we continued interceding, she said the pain was much lesser and she was able to jump without any pain. Dora Tsoi An old lady asked for healing for the broken bone in her right arm and another in her left foot. During prayer, I felt the need for God to heal her broken heart too. With the help of a translator, I reassured her to put her faith in Jesus and His ability to heal. I challenged her to raise her foot and move it around. She started to move her foot and tears of awe streamed down her face! Syebvonne Looi An old lady with body aches had difficulty walking and raising her hands. After praying for her, she felt that her body pains had left her and she was able to raise her hands. She went on stage to testify of her healing. She also received Christ into her heart! Jane Teo
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Church Development Evangelism
INDIA Haryana Nov 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16
A Bible College student was suffering from a fractured ankle/foot for some time. I prayed for his healing, comfort and relief of pain. He subsequently went on stage to testify that God had healed him and he started to jump when the local pastor asked him to do something he could not do before. A young man suffered from a hearing problem in his left ear. I asked him if he believed Jesus could heal him and he said yes. As I started praying for his healing, I felt the presence of God there with him. He later testified on stage that he could clearly hear with his left ear and it was completely healed! And this was only his second visit to church! David Tan
Be a blessing to the nations! Sign-up now and witness for yourself the miracles of God.
ing m o c p U
s n o i s s i M Impact Teams (MIT)
June
In Ind nd diia
July
T iw Ta wan
August
Ea East astt Tim imorr (Me M di dica call MI MIT) T) Ta aiw iwa wan
September
IIn ndi dia (M Me edi dica cal MI M T) C mb Ca mbod dia i
October
India In diia Taiw Taiw Ta iwa an
November
I di In d a (Me Medi dica di call M ca MIIT T)) Taiw Ta iwan a
Fo F or en enq nq qu uirie es, ema maill tcc ccm ccm miissssiio ons@t nss@ n @ttri r ni n ty ty.o y..o org org g.sg .ssg In nfo forrm matio mat ion io on corr cco orr rrec ect ct at at ttim ime eo off p pri rint nt..
Refer Re fe er to to www. w ttrrin rin init ity. yn ne et and nd the b bu ulllle etin et tiin n fo orr lat atest esst up upda da ates te es. s. 76
10 MIT Myths
Thinking of signing up for a Missions Impact Team (MIT) but have reservations? We identify and debunk common-held MIT myths. Do these apply to you?
Read this, dni-tuc hp tthoodsaey! worries and sig
1 I feel inadequate; I’m not ready; I’m not good enough.
• God is not looking for someone perfect. Rick Warren once said, “If God only used perfect people, nothing
I’m :( not ready
I feel inadequate
(:
would get done” • Offer to God everything that you are
and whatever little you have – your five loaves and two fish; the miracle is His to work • Training T i i will ililll be b provided through a TENet
( : t o n I’m ugh. o n e d o go
course. Be sure not to miss any session!
2 I have a fear of praying for
people and sharing the gospel. • It is the anointing that makes the difference; as you g about miracles step out in faith, God’s grace will bring • Training will be provided through a TENet course • Many team members who’ve had little or no experience in praying for pe p ed out ou ut in in faith ffai aith aith ai h people and sharing the gospel stepped and witnessed for themselves the miracles of God. Read the testimony on page 73. Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
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10 MIT Myths Read this, gndi-tuc hp ttohodseay! worries and si
3 I am not good with
children, at acting in skits, singing, worship leading and I have stage fright. • As long as you are willing to go, God will use you to touch lives • There are two types of MIT: Humanitarian and Evangelism – Humanitarian efforts
4 I don’t have the expertise needed.
E.g. - I’m not a doctor so I can’t go for medical missions; - I have no knowledge in construction so I can’t help build houses/wells/toilets… • Most of the team members that were involved in medical missions were not medically-trained. There are many other vital roles needed on such trips, such as in dispensing medicine, controlling the crowd and providing security. Read the testimonies on pages 68-69 • None of our teams that built houses were in the construction line. e 61. Read the testimony on page
include building
hello
houses, digging of
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bore wells, building sanitation facilities, distributing food supplies and necessities, and helping out at medical camps
selamat matt pagi
Kumusta K po kayo p y
halo h allo a
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こんにちは
– Evangelism efforts include partnering with local churches to visit homes, pray for the sick, minister to the children and youth, encourage the people and share God’s love through skits and testimonies • Within each MIT, these are broadly the spectrum of roles one can serve in: journalist,
5 I cannot fluently ently spe speak ak a k their language.
• Language is no barrier! The language of love transcends race and nationality • Team members who could not speak the local
treasurer, photographer,
language were still able to minister effectively.
logistics I/C, prayer I/C
Read the testimony on page 61
and first-aider. • Simple conversational lines will be taught during the training.
78
6 I do not have enough
money for this trip; I have other financial commitments.
8 I have no energy to go; I am too old to be part of a MIT.
• Age is no barrier! Read the testimony on page 53 of a 77–year-old who went
• As Ask Go od to supply all your needs an a nd He nd He will amaze you
• At our weakest moments, we can draw upon His strength. Read Tony Chye’s account on page 68.
• Reeaad th he testimony of God’s provision ffo or an M MIT on page 75 of the last issue off 2 o 20 009 – “Are Yo 009 ou Rea eady d F For 2010?”
9 I am not part of a Trinity
Carecell; not a church member; not a Spiritual Parent. • Anyone who is willing to be used by God can sign-up to be involved in Missions.
10
7 I am too busy; I do not
have enough leave to take for a trip.
I cannot travel due tto health reasons. • You can be involved in missions without traveling overseas:
• The 2010 trips have been penned out in this
– Be part of a MIT that, in partnership
magazine, the website and bulletin for you to plan ahead. Prioritise and plan your leave early
with our language ministries, will minister to the Filipinos, Indonesians and Thais in Singapore – Be part of efforts to bless the needy in
• Present your schedules and commitments to Him. Read Eunice Chan’s testimony on page 27 • As you honour God with your time, you will relish in the priceless rewards of serving Him! What you will
Singapore through Care Community Services Society (CCSS) • You can also play a vital role as a prayer partner to MITs.
receive far outweighs what you give. Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
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79
Church Development Leadership and Organisational Development
Training Leaders, Blessing Churches TCA College partners with world-class universities so that leaders and ministers worldwide can experience outstanding programmes at affordable costs. To date, the College has trained and equipped more than 1,000 students from 30 nations around the world.
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TCA College was birthed by Trinity Christian Centre to provide ministerial training and raise leaders for churches and the Christian community. The College is Trinity’s missions expression. It endeavours to train and release well-rounded leaders who are ministerially trained, to make a fresh impact wherever God places them. The ripple effect is in principle here: as these students are impacted through the College, they are in turn impacting their churches, communities and nations. These students have also caught the passionate heartbeat for the nations – every year, the College organises a missions trip for its students with the objective of exposing them to the missions field. Amos Lee was a student who went for one such trip. The second-year student from the School of Divinity shares how blessed the team was to be a blessing to the villagers in Batam
On 15 April last year,
the people in Batam, we first had to
a team of 12 full-
demonstrate and extend it to one another.
time TCA College students, comprising
The reception we received from the villagers can only
Indonesians,
attest to the ongoing work of many Christian groups
Koreans, Malaysians,
who have gone before us. Many village kids were
Singaporeans and Taiwanese arrived at Jemera Island,
running around gleefully, with such angelic smiles
Batam for a three-day mission trip.
displayed on their faces. Many were dressed in torn and soiled clothes with no shoes on, but they were happy.
Batam, despite being a modern city by today’s standards,
We divided ourselves into groups of threes and visited
still has many kelongs there. I was pleasantly surprised
the homes of some villagers. There, we spent unhurried
to discover that our accommodation, a kelong, was very
time listening to them and understanding their needs.
clean albeit having wooden planks as its flooring. The fabulous view of the ocean and the quiet surroundings
We also planned and played games with the youths,
far made up for the simple amenities. Soon, the countless
volleyball with the villagers, interacted with and prayed
stars in the sky lulled me and my team-mates to sleep as
for the younger kids. These kids then performed a
we readied ourselves for the next day.
song-and-dance routine for us. The day ended with us distributing the gifts to them.
Early the next day, we faced our first challenge. In order to get to the village, we had to take a 15-minute boat
I experienced first-hand the camaraderie and love within
ride. As the tide was low, the boat was unable to land
the team. I was touched by the humility and service
near the shore and thus we had to get off the boat and
of the kelong workers. It was indeed heart-warming
wade through the waters. It was a humbling witnessing
having people from different nations joining together
how each of us looked out for the other. Surely as the
for a common purpose – to minister
Lord prepared our hearts to engage in the work towards
he heart of God!
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Church Development Leadership and Organisational Development
Training Leaders, Blessing Churches Your prayers have also enabled your pastors and leaders to embark on 31 Training and Consultation trips to eight countries around the world, namely Australia, Dubai, India, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Here are snapshots of some trips.
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Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
87
Church Development Leadership and Organisational Development
88
Here are excerpts from a Thank-you note by Reverends Daniel and Deborah Cheah from Malaysia who were blessed by a Training and Consultation Trip:
Dear Trinity Christian Centre, We are grateful to the leadership team in Trinity for your passionate and strategic approach in empowering churches beyond your own. Dr Daisy Osborne once wrote to me saying, “You become successful when you help make others successful.” Trinity is a fine example and a praiseworthy living testimony to illustrate this equation of success. We just started on this adventurous journey of the Carecell System. Your pastors have been excellent experienced trainers to us. To date, we have commissioned 129 Spiritual Parents, with more who attended the training but have yet to be commissioned. One of our spiritual parents shared that she has led 29 of her friends to receive Jesus. She believes the course has enabled her to bring God’s love to her pre-
believing friends and even a few backslidden ones. She benefitted so much from the systematic process to pray, win and nurture her oikos. We commenced on our next level of Leadership Cells at the start of January 2010 with 150 people in it. Our first Carecell Leader’s Training (CCLT) and Sectional Leader’s Training (SLT) are slated in April and we plan to launch our open cell in July. We plan to sow the initial foundational concepts of Carecell System this June during our annual Missions conference. It has been good this far since we started our first leadership cell. The leadership team, the pastoral staff and the larger body of churches have all been positive and affirmative as they anticipate the exciting future growth of our movement with your Carecell system. We are thankful for your love and investment in our lives and churches.
Reaching the World, 2010 being Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th anniversary, we take a look at our missions efforts spanning the globe, one that has reached 42 nations in six continents all over the world. Our missions outreach encompassed in nature Training and Consultation trips, Preaching and Teaching trips, Missions Impact Teams, Humanitarian Work, Church Planting and the giving of Love Offerings. This feature captures the heartbeat of this church, one that has pulsated across boundaries into nations and communities.
Canada
USA
MĂŠxico
Guatemala
Bahamas
Bermuda
Barbados
Venezuela
Guam
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Columbia
Ecuador
Argentina
Blessing the Nations England
Norway
Denmark
Germany
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Turkey
Moscow
China
Japan
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Macau
Philippines
Vietnam
Cambodia
Thailand
Malaysia
Solomon Islands
Australia
Ghana
Nigeria
Zambia
Dubai
Sri Lanka
India
Singapore Indonesia
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Trinity's Missions Firsts Since the early days, Trinity has come a long way in Missions. We go back in time to revisit some of our first embarkations.
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Convention 1st Missions
Small in numbers, big in faith
1977
Equator ia Singaplo Hotel re
The theme First Missions Convention was “Commissioned” and Jim Anderson was the main Speaker. It was held at the ballroom of the old Equatorial Hotel in 1977. Back then, Trinity Christian Centre did not have its own place of worship. In spite of this, Pastor Naomi Dowdy, who was leading the congregation was adamant about having Missions Convention before the Church’s Vision Rally. When asked why she chose this order of events, she said, “I believe we had to have our Missions Convention first because we should honour the heart of God to reach out to others before ourselves. When we give to the nations, God will build our house.’’ The congregation at the time was mostly made up of young adults who were first-generation Christians. Yet, their stand in Christ was strong. Though the congregation were small in number, their hearts were big enough to trust that God would provide as they placed their trust in Him by making faith promises. One of the exciting elements at the first Missions Convention was its visual prop. The visual prop was a delight to the audience as it consisted of a Monkey on a coconut tree. The monkey climbed a higher level each
$35,000 $35,000 $25,000
time the faith promises reached a certain amount. That Missions Convention, a total of $35,300 was raised. Pastor Dowdy said, “It was amazing as we’ve never done anything like that before and it was a phenomenal amount in those days.” Photo credit: Jeanie Tan Beng Ping
Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
93
t Team (MIT) c a p m I s n o i s 1st Mis
Empty enough for a miracle When team member Samuel Ko was asked why he went for the trip, he simply
tu Paha Malaysi t a
on
remarked, ‘Where there is a need, we would go.’ Pastor Yat Wan, the first Missions pastor of Trinity recalled the teams
(M
si is 1s t M
indeed an exciting time for the team.
IT)
1979 Ba
The first MIT to Batu Pahat in 1979 was
s I am mpact Te
packing excitedly into different cars to make their way down to a church there, just to meet
The relationships built on that
their needs.
trip were also meaningful ones. Some of the members who were
It was a fruitful time of ministry as Pastor
attending the church then and
Naomi Dowdy spearheaded the team in
are working in Singapore, are
preaching and teaching at a small church. The objective
attending Trinity. One of them was also sent to Macau
of the trip was to provide support to them and build the
through Trinity’s Missions Department and is currently
faith of believers, energising and encouraging them. The
pastoring a church in
team members ministered through songs, testimonies
Hong Kong.
and praying for people at the altar. On the way back, the The team also went beyond just ministering by
team was met with an
connecting with the young congregation at the church
interesting encounter.
they visited, playing basketball and having hearty
Pastor Yat Wan recalls,
conversations over meals. On the last evening of the
“I remember that on
trip, the team formed a combined singing group with
the way back, our Fuel Tank indicator was at ‘E – empty’.
members of the church as they ministered together.
In those days, the highways in Malaysia did not have petrol stations as they do now. We were so worried we
Not only were the congregation ministered to but our
had to push the car all the way back.”
missions team also returned feeling greatly enriched and blessed. Anita Chia, one of the team members said, “After
Thankfully, God saw them through the journey as they
the missions trip, I remember sharing about this local who
arrived at the causeway safely with sufficient petrol.
showed me that we can minister despite our setbacks.
Pastor Yat Wan said, “We were so relieved when we finally
He had lost his front teeth and yet he ministered
crossed the causeway. Apparently ‘E’ meant ‘empty’ but in
beautifully through his singing.”
our case, ‘E’ stood for ‘Enough’ for God to do a miracle!’ Photos credits: Anita Chia, Rosie Gan and Samuel Ko
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arian Trip 1st Humanit
1990 Ba
gu Philippio ines
Tilling the ground Baguio, Philippines was the very first location that Trinity’s
The people were very open to hearing about the love
MIT arrived at. Pastor Steven Tay headed four teams
of God. The team spent their time sharing about God,
to go there to provide medical assistance after a huge
and many were greatly moved. A total of 1660 patients
earthquake hit the area in 1990.
were treated and 653 persons received Jesus as their personal Saviour.
An approximate one ton of medical supplies were brought all the way there! In Baguio, the team aimed to provide medical
With never-ending nights of packing medicines, Pastor
care to as many people as possible in several communities
Steven said, “The team became so skilled that they
and in around the region. Patients with different illnesses
could tell the number of pills there were in one scoop!”
were treated and whenever possible, hygiene measures were discussed with patients and community leaders to prevent
In some villages, there were no Assemblies of God
diseases. Whenever and wherever clinics were set up, an
churches yet at the time, but after the team’s visit, there
average of over a hundred patients turned up despite the
were at least two vibrant churches built in the same
weather condition.
area the teams were at. In later years, the medical teams went back and testified that these same churches were
There were one or two doctors in each of the teams that
still present and very much as vibrant as before. Pastor
went up. Although the other members of the team were
Steven strongly believes that some of the people going
not medically-trained, they did what they could to assist
to these churches are the very same people that the
the doctors, at the same time taking care
medical team connected with and
of the children and adults who needed
ministered when
medical treatment. The team also sang
they first arrived.
songs and put up skits to lift the spirits of the people.
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95
rip tarian T i n a m u H 2nd
1999
Izmit Turkey
Going the extra mile Our 2nd Humanitarian trip took place in Turkey in 1999, after it was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale. The earthquake left a swath of more than 17,000 people dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and reduced homes, mosques, schools, and stores to rubble.* Trinity was part of the Love Singapore-Love Turkey team that provided basic and medical healthcare to those in need.
worked hard to provide basic resources for the 300 to 400 living in these tents.
One of the two teams that Trinity sent was led up to the town of Dernice in Izmit, an industrial city of one million
Beyond providing medical care, the team went
in western Turkey. There, mobile medical clinics were set
further by blessing the people with buying food and
up and health talks for children and pregnant women
‘care packages’ for those who were living in the tents.
were also held to assist those who had been stricken by
It was a great time for the team as they exceeded their
the disaster.
own expectations in being able to provide for those who needed help.
The team achieved much more than what they had set out to do as they found themselves going into the
In light of this, the people of Turkey were greatly
planning and building of structures for the homeless
touched by Trinity’s act of generosity and a certificate of
who were living in tents after the disaster. Trinity’s teams
appreciation was presented to the church. *Source: www.reliefweb.int
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2005
Aceh & Nias Indonesia 3rd
Trip n a ri nita a m u H
Building homes, rebuilding lives On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake occurred
As the team visited orphanages, they worked with the
under the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Indonesia.
children interacting with them and teaching them simple
The quake, measuring a 9.0 magnitude created a series
things. More importantly they shared their love and
of tsunamis that caused great destruction and loss of life.
attention with the children that needed it.
Trinity Christian Centre responded swiftly by raising funds, sending teams and praying for the many affected ones.
One of the villagers was deeply touched by Trinity’s efforts. He said, “The medical aid given by other humanitarian
Trinity’s social arm, Care and Community Services (CCSS)
organisations are usually air-dropped. But you gave us
worked with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
something irreplaceable and unforgettable – the
operating in the Aceh Province and Nias Island off the
human touch – by interacting with our sick, praying for
coast in Sumatra. Together, on 15 May 2005, ‘CLUB Hope’
us and playing with our children.”
– an acronym for ‘Come Let Us Build’ Hope – was also set up to ensure that the long-term needs of the people of
As the team reflected upon this visit, a Trinitarian who
Aceh and Nias were met. ‘CLUB Hope’ teams operated
was greatly blessed shared, “Although the time spent
medical clinics, built homes, distributed food and
there was short, the relationship built with the children
conducted children’s programmes.
was precious. I could tell that our presence had made an impact on the children’s lives. I had a few teenage
The team also saw the need to travel to Nias Island
kids asking me to
as not much medical aid was available or sent to the
walk them to school
remote parts of the Island, though inhabitants there
every morning and
were greatly affected by the tsunami. The first two
younger kids calling
Missions Impact Teams to the island treated 600
me ‘father’. When I
patients, conducted programmes for 620 children
first saw a number
and ministered to 2,800 people who attended the
of kids with skin
celebration services in different locations. The team
problems, I became
prayed for those who needed healing as well. God’s
a little unwilling to
hand was certainly upon the
shake their hands or
team as they witnessed more
touch them. I was reminded
than 200 visible miraculous
right there about the story
healings taking place!
of Jesus and the leper. I learnt from the kids the
In all, a total of 180 Trinitarians
simplicity of life and how to
went on 20 CLUB Hope trips.
be contented. I have learnt
Their physical presence there
how to touch lives and I am
will demonstrate the love of
touched in return.”
God in a very tangible way.
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, Dec 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 u h T e u T : Dates Campsite B G B B : e Venu ed experienc y ll a n o s r e ildren p 3ACH!, ber, 150 ch m e c e at Camp R D d t o s G Fives. f La o e c y Three to resen r p a le im r ib P g r n the ta and camp fo s touched Land (DL) e y v r li e v g o n c u is o aD ese y some of th Hear from ed. transform
The hearts rendered
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The heart work Camp R3ach was clothed in prayer as the DL pastors spent time aligning themselves to God’s heart for the camp. God revealed to one teacher the words “set apart”. It was God saying that He would, through this camp, set the children apart to do great exploits for Him. Another teacher saw a vision of Jesus pouring jugs of oil over the children’s heads, oil that thickly flowed down.
Broken, transformed and commissioned…to be a blessing Pastor Priscilla recounts the story of a boy whom pastors and teachers found challenging to handle. However, during camp, a teacher praying for him felt the Lord telling her that he was carrying a lot of hurts and bitterness. As she was praying for him, she felt the strong love of God for him and it moved her to tears. Even the boy cried. Later on, the boy shared that he had two visions: the first was a picture of many black sheep surrounding a single white sheep. The black sheep then turned white and God spoke to him to have the boldness to share His Word with his friends, and in-so-doing “turning the black sheep white”. The boy also shared about the second vision he had which was of a box which contained the list of names people used to call him. In the vision, he kicked the box over and its contents spilled out. The boy later shared that Jesus was healing him of his wounds. While before he was a rather challenging boy, his behaviour and countenance d amatically changed after that encounter. dr
A week before the camp, while praying, Pastor Mei Yee saw God ‘shaking’ the camp but nothing happened after that. Then God revealed to Pastor Priscilla the second part of the vision by showing her a big EXPLOSION! She knew that it was God saying that there would be change in the DiscoveryLand services in 2010.
For more information on DiscoveryLand service timings, refer to page 4 or visit www.trinity.net 99
Camp IGNORMOUS was not only enormous in size but also in terms of our God and our expectations. Five hundred and eighty excited youths gathered on 14 December and went on their way to Malaysia with great expectations to meet God in new dimensions. Our Senior Pastor, Pastor Dominic Yeo started the first service by preaching a powerful word on the love of God. Youths were brought back to meeting God – their Father and first love. It was a beautiful ministry of love and acceptance. Many youths were immensely touched by God’s unconditional love.
There were surprise night games planned on the second day to impart the value of team ministry. This was a start of new bonding and friendships. Although many were extremely exhausted from a tiring day of games in the afternoon, the look on their faces after the activities was priceless. The camp was packed with a variety of games and experiential workshops. Two specific workshops on evangelism and the ‘tabernacle experience’ taught the youths the value and urgency of reaching out to the lost, as well as reaching out to God with a true heart of worship. Pastor Dom continued to impart to the youths how they were made for significance and purpose. Many youths left the camp remembering what was said, that ‘God’s call is irrevocable’. Camp IGNORMOUS was indeed a camp where IGNYTErs met their BIG GOD and were touched by His presence. by Shalyn Tan and Gwen Zhou
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Camp IGnormous taught me to make my own decisions and not rely on leaders to find all the answers. I was blessed watching the IGNYTErs and how they didn’t complain when there were flies all over the place but just ate whatever was given to them. God’s purpose for this camp has been fulfilled, and His purposes for the future will be too! All glory be to God! Joash Yeo
By serving in the committee, I’ve been really blessed by God. Initially, I was worried that I could not handle camp committee responsibilities together with my O-Levels, but God was with me throughout. Most importantly, I’ve grown closer to Him, understanding that serving is not about presenting what I have to Him but about presenting myself to Him. Rachel Yong
Being a part of camp committee was a great blessing to me and I’ve learned plenty from it. Not only was God’s presence strong during camp, it was also evident in the months of planning before. Nicolette Lin
I have been touched through worshiping and praising His name. Also, I now have a renewed passion for my friends, one I never thought I would have so greatly. Jared King
I came to camp wanting to seek God, asking Him how He wanted to use my life. Through the awesome camp, God really empowered me and set me in a new direction! Thank you God for your love! Daniel Lim
I’ve been blessed by camp as I’ve experienced our great God on a fresh new level. It is an encounter I will never forget. Esther Khoo
m the two o fr s th u o 80 y the a total of 5 arian gets it w a in r s T t . a ia th s t y od. even Mala their One G enormous t Dickson, k r n e o a e P s ly in u to t tr r e o p s h Res ne Ho RMOUS wa Tiara Beac ne Faith, O O to in p r u e Camp IGNO y th a e w e tog aking their alaysia s they cam a s r e p centres m Dickson M m rt a o c P e , rt th o s h Re p from Tiara Beac inside scoo 7 • Venue: , Dec 14–1
-Thu Dates: Mon
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For the 467 Young Adults that participated, PURSUIT referred to the fun Car Rally event on 31 October last year. Participants worked in groups of three cars each to solve clues that would lead them to various locations in Singapore. Once there, at some of these stations, participants are required to perform tasks such as devouring (hot!) Buffalo Wings and flying a kite in the dark. The Car Rally was not all about speed. Winning groups were decided based on a point system which took into account the locations visited, the tasks performed and the time teams took to return to the end point. Given the short time permitted to visit these locations, the young adults had to work together to strategise, collaborate and pursue the locations among different cars and across them. The event ended with a sharing by Pastor Gerald, who exhorted the YAs to be conscious of whom and what they should pursue in their lives. This was followed by a prize presentation to the 10 winning groups. Praise God for a great event!
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;While I pursued God in planning and organising, my friends and oikos came and experienced God.â&#x20AC;? Ben Por, teacher
â&#x20AC;&#x153;PURSUIT was a great platform for the Young Adults to learn to work as a team whilst having fun in the process. I believe that many lives were touched that day. Being in the publicity team allowed me to stretch the talent that God has given me and use it for His glory. â&#x20AC;? Melanie Tan, graphic designer
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District: North, Trinity@Paya Lebar Location: Chuan Park Function Room Date: Fri, 18 Dec 09 Time: 7.30-10pm Number of cell members: 20 Number of guests: 9
A party near you
Christmas @Home
Party #1
What’s better than kicking off a party with good food? Well... nothing really! The Young Adults of “The Lord’s Crown Arise and Shine” did just that as they got together on a Friday night at Chuan Park to hold their Christmas@Home party. They whipped up a great celebration with lots of delicious food such as pizzas, sausages and cakes. The party got everyone immersed in the Christmas spirit as they started to sing carols after a short ice-breaker. The game ‘What’s The Next Line’ was up next. Members and their friends alike were enthusiastic as they cracked their heads to remember lyrics to Christmas carols. (And you thought Christmas carols were easy to sing!)
Between 11 to 20 December, a total of 162 Christmas@Home parties were held island-wide. More than 1,853 attended these parties and of these, 156 received Christ. Joshua Joseph stops-by two such parties to get into the thick of the action!
Nevertheless, guests were put on the edge of their seats with the games. Derick, an IT consultant remarked, “It is really interesting. It is the first time I’ve played a game such as this!” The atmosphere tied in perfectly for a wonderful time of sharing. A heart-warming Christmas story was told by Valerie, the host of the party about the birth of a Saviour, to an ordinary man and woman – Joseph and Mary. As the night moved on, it was time for the final item of the day. Jane Lim shared an impactful testimony of how she experienced God’s faithfulness through different circumstances in her life despite her doubts. She continued sharing about the amazing transformation that took place in her life. Though she was one to base her beliefs on physical evidences rather than the supernatural, God, in a special way, proved Himself to be the Real and Faithful God through different circumstances in her life. Jane ended her testimony encouraging others to put their faith in God because in Him all things are possible. The testimony proved to be impactful for those present. Bernard, a first-time-visitor said, “The sharing was really interesting, I hope to encounter a similar experience.” Derick agreed, saying, “I believe the testimony that was shared was interesting. I’ve heard a few but there is nothing quite like this!” The guests weren’t the only ones blessed by the sharing. Programme coordinator Sarah Jane believed that the testimony left her with something that she will remember. She said, “I believe the most memorable part of it was what was said in the last line in which she (Jane) said, “In God’s dictionary, there is no such word as ‘Impossible’!”
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Party #2 The Christmas spirit was well in the air as adults and
District: West, Trinity@Adam Location: Ridgewood Condominium, Function Room, Clementi 342 Date: Sun, 20 Dec 09 Time: 3-6pm Number of cell members: 31 Adults, 15 Children Number of guests: 33 Adults, 10 Children
children gathered together to celebrate the Christmas@Home party. Guests were presented with two separate badges at the door. Cell members were presented with butterfly badges while their friends were presented with star badges,
remarked, ‘The games really got everyone going!’ Htar a
clearly because they were the special ‘stars’ of the night
housewife added, ‘It is a real interesting game and I think
and cell members wanted to do their best in making the
this got everyone excited.’
party an extraordinary one for them. The Christmas story was then shared by Gregory Sing The party started after everyone enjoyed a generous
who talked about the true meaning of Christmas and the
spread of mouth-watering delights. The host, Pastor
significance of it. Even though it was his first time, he felt
Sabrina Lee got the crowd moving as she belted Christmas
that it was a great experience for him. Cindy Lim took to
songs on the guitar with her husband Andrew Lee as they
the front to share a heartfelt testimony which got the
got the crowd joining in.
crowd engaged. She shared about how she experienced God’s faithfulness in the dry seasons of her life and how
The games got everybody working together as a team
the support and love of her cell members drew her back
in their different groups. The highlight of the evening
to God. She also shared of how she knows she can place
was this game where groups were to come up with their
her trust in God even when all hope seems lost.
own version of the Christmas carol ‘Jingle Bells’. Certainly, there were many interesting displays from the groups
Many we talked to were moved and left the party feeling
ranging from line dancing to ‘chair drumming’ and even a
impacted by her sharing. One such person was Sim Yi Jin,
Bollywood rendition of the song. Michael, a security officer
a student who was visiting that day. He said, “Stories like this make you understand why people come to God and makes me want to come back to events like this to learn more.”
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Family Christmas marked an important milestone as the church celebrated, in grandness, the very first service at the brand new 3000-seat Sanctuary. The flashing floodlights, electrifying sound and spirited atmosphere made it a Christmas to remember. We speak to Trinitarians and visitors alike who were part of this joyous celebration.
ing ‘Joy to the wor im la oc p pr r, lou co in ed ch The 100-man choir mat
ld’ Senior Pastor Dominic Ye welcoming first-time-vi o sitor
s
ison
un Lifted hands in
Singing the Christmas special ‘ We are the 106
reason’
The three ‘kings’
The Christmas message presented through story and song
It was really great to be in the Sanctuary. It felt like being
This was my first time celebrating Christmas in Trinity and
in the theatre watching a movie with a good sound
the service was energetic; there was an amazing sense of
system! Christmas to me is a reminder that Jesus Christ
celebration. The 3000-seater was – wow! – fantastic and
came to die for my sins and He is worthy to be praised
amazing. I enjoyed the worship a lot. It had a powerful
and honoured. I enjoyed singing the Christmas carols.
impact on us because God promises to draw near to His
I wish the service would last longer so that there would
people when we draw near to Him. I also enjoyed singing
be even more performances and more carols to be sung!
the hymns and the older songs.
Trinitarian
Kow Boon Jee, remisier
Visitor
Kiran Pannu, homemaker
Being in the 3000-seat auditorium made it seem like a
It was fabulous being in the 3000-seat auditorium. It felt
grand celebration and the atmosphere was electrifying.
like we were having a grand celebration. It was a fantastic
My first impression was that it is so wonderful to see so
and memorable occasion for me especially when we
many people gathered under one roof celebrating the
sang the carols.
birthday of Jesus. It felt like a grand celebration with a
Visitor
Junus Kartara, logistics manager
family. I especially enjoyed the singing of ‘We Three Kings’ as it felt so heartfelt. At the same time, it was wonderful
It was grand being in the Sanctuary and I felt like I was
seeing the congregation supporting their pastors when
watching a play. The seats were very comfortable and
they sang. The introduction of ‘Awesome God’ was a
I believe it would be a pull factor for the young and the
majestic prelude to the whole song and it really meant
young at heart. I enjoyed the Christmas songs and it
so much to sing it on the birthday of Jesus.
was great being able to celebrate Christmas with my cell
Visitor
Nicole Joseph, teacher
members.
Trinitarian
Connie Lee, secretary
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Amiddst the Christm mas celebrationss, a total of 855 IGN NYTErs (aged 13-19) got together on the 266 and 27 Decem mber for a great time of interactive fun and games. We bring you exciting snapshots found only in ‘The Big Boox’. Have you lookedd inside??
M eeting the cheerful celeb
ration hosts
Searc hing for the best seats in th
g ahead All “geared” up and lookin
s as Worshipping with heart
Welcoming guests with bright smiles
“So w here is The Big B
Nervous stage moments
ox? ” “I ’ve got it here! ”
at time?” “Who ’ s having a gre
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e house
A time of sharing
Saying Goodbyes
one
Colours, gifts, balloons, and laughter; these were all part of the exciting DiscoveryLand party-themed event. Held on 19th and 20th December, the event was attended by 667 children, of which 44 received Jesus into their hearts. Hop onboard as we take you through the exciting happenings at Candy Xpress!
human train DiscoveryLand’s very own
ad th ‘ Told you I h
e muscles! ’
‘My hero…’
The colourful balloons on stage keeping eyes transfixed Sharing God’s lovesmalilewsayars ound brings
Hey look! Something exci ting is happening on stage!’
It’s balloons galore! together ‘How amazing! We ’ re all in pink!’ Enjoying happy moments
‘ Watch how high we
jump! ’
ts #1 Precious Momen Precious Moments #2
Run ‘Lola’ Run!
Giant lollipops, anyone?
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Christmas Delight
An exciting game show and thrilling drama presentation set the stage for a wonderful Christmas celebration for Trinity’s Mandarin-speaking folks to enjoy. The event, held on Christmas day, drew 500, including 295 guests. We bring you snapshots of what made Christmas a delight!
Strike a pose #1
The good-looking cast
“Where’s my present? ”
Strike a pose #2
DID YOU KNOW? A total of 520 tickets were sold but an amazing 580 people turned up for the event. Miraculously, there was enough food to feed everyone. Sounds familiar?
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of The tea m getting together for a time
pra yer The nicely-done costumes
on display
With cell Family Communion was meaningful because… As a cell, we reflected on what God had done for us in 2009. It was also meaningful because we were able to share our testimonies with one another during the time of prayer. Terence Yang, student IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Lebar
As mother and daughter Family Communion was meaningful because… I got to take communion together with my daughter. We felt God’s presence and both of us were moved to tears during the communion. Jenny Chow, w homemaker Chinese, Trinity@Adam
This is the second year that we had family communion together my mother, which also marks the second year of her salvation in the Lord. I have seen God’s love and growth in my mom. I’m now waiting for her baptism in the coming year. Kristen Soong, civil servant West, Trinity@Adam
As couple Family Communion was meaningful because… We thank God for what He has done for our family and cell in 2009. We also took the time to pray for His blessings in our lives in 2010. Matthew, w technician and wife Marilyn, financial adviser Chinese, Trinity@Paya Lebar
As individual Family Communion was meaningful because… I can thank God for the year before committing the New Year to Him. It is also my personal acknowledgement to honour God’s faithfulness through the ups and downs of the year. Aileen Wong, g manager North, Trinity@Paya Lebar
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December 2009 SHARE
> Comments
A cornerstone in the life of Trinity Christian Centre, this year’s Family Communion was once again a significant time for families and individuals alike. We ask some who they came with and why the event was meaningful for them. Favourites
As a family Family Communion was meaningful because… We came into the presence of God as a family. Nathan Sia, manager, wife Vicky, homemaker and daughter Phoebe, student. South, Trinity@Paya Lebar
As a family Family Communion was meaningful because… This is the first time that we have taken communion together as a family, where we could pray for each other and be prayed for by a pastor. Michael Ang, real estate agent and wife Patricia, homemaker East, Trinity@Paya Lebar
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Morning
Prayer
with God
During 18 to 22 January, many were refreshed in God’s presence as they set aside their mornings to meet with Him. We find out the significance of Morning Prayer to them.
I came because I wanted to seek God and align myself with Him. I feel that Prayer is about setting one’s priorities right and acting out of obedience to God. Steven Cheah, regional manager
I thought it would be refreshing to start the day with God and ‘set the day off right’. Morning Prayer is like TAWG because like TAWG, here I also encounter God and speak to Him. I know one thing Morning Prayer can do that devotion can’t. The Bible says in Matthew, For when two or more are gathered in my name, there am I with them. Eunice Choong, student
I wanted to be recharged and to seek God for this season of my life. I believe Morning Prayer is, as Pastor Gerald said, ”Aligning ourselves to God’s will and knowing that we can have the strength and confidence to do everything in His will. Peter Leong, self-employed 114
I wanted to have a personal touch from God and experience more of His presence. I personally like to pray in the mornings. The Bible says it is good to seek the Lord the first thing in the morning. Maniam Sadyan, marketing and business development manager
Morning Prayer is like devotion but of a different kind because there is a Pastor sharing. It is also encouraging to see others in the church praying. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like having five consecutive mornings of prayer meetings! Koh Yang Cheng, student
I chose to attend Morning Prayer because I want to draw closer to know God more. I also believe that praying together is more impactful. Diana Chia, teacher 115
THE
DIVINE
Butler C
hristian critiques of consumerism usually focus on the dangers of idolatry – the temptation to make material goods the center of life rather than God. This, however,
misses the real threat consumerism poses. As contingent beings, we must consume resources to survive. The problem is not consuming to live, but rather living to consume. We find ourselves in a culture that defines our relationships by our purchases. As the philosopher Baudrillard explains, “Consumption is a system of meaning.” We assign values to ourselves and others based on the goods we purchase. One’s identity is now constructed by the clothes you wear, the vehicle you drive, the music on your iPod. In short, you are what you consume. Consumerism has become the framework through which we interpret everything else, including God, the gospel, and church. Today, according to The New York Times, each American is exposed
to 3,500 desire-inducing advertisements every day promising
116
Ponder
that satisfaction is just one more
of religion at the University of
archaic Lord, who calls forth sacrifice,
purchase away. Rodney Clapp
North Carolina, after five years of
promises suffering in this life, and
writes, “The consumer is schooled
researching the spiritual lives of
demands obedience for his glory,
in insatiability. He or she is never to
American teens, concluded that the
the one Barth described as “wholly
be satisfied – at least not for long.
faith of most teenagers, including
other” is not what they have in mind.
The consumer is tutored that people
those who attend evangelical
They’re thinking of the Jesus that
basically consist of unmet needs that
churches, is MTD: Moralistic
adorns t-shirts and SUV tailgates.
can be appeased by commodified
Therapeutic Deism. Smith explains: The church does not exist to supply
goods and experiences.” “By ‘moralistic’ I mean being good
comfort, ease, and convenient
Has Christianity become a brand that we consume? Have we missed the point on what it means to live a life out of obedience and love while being a blessing to others? Skye Jethani discusses…
For consumers, fulfillment of desire
and nice…. By ‘therapeutic’ I mean
services to religious consumers. And
is the highest good and final arbiter
being primarily concerned with
God is not a commodity that exists to
in making decisions – even deciding
one’s own happiness in contrast to
make you feel better.
where to worship.
focusing on glorifying God, learning obedience, or serving others. Finally,
When we approach Christianity
Tragically, consumerism has led us to
by ‘deism’ I mean a view of God as
as consumers rather than seeing
commodify parts of God’s creation
normally distant and not involved
it as a comprehensive way of life,
too. Sexuality, for example, is
in one’s life, except if one has a
Christianity becomes just one more
commodified through pornography
problem one needs God to solve. In
brand we consume along with Gap,
and prostitution. Human life is
other words, God functions as the
Apple, and Starbucks to express our
commodified when we begin
combination of a divine butler
identity. And the demotion of Jesus
thinking a person has a right to live
and cosmic therapist.
Christ from Lord to label means that to live as a Christian no longer
only when wanted. Most teenagers hold this self-
carries an expectation of obedience
In our society the only value
centered perception of God
and good works, but rather the
something or someone has is the
because it is the faith most
perpetual consumption of Christian
value I give it. It should surprise no one
American adults have as well. This
merchandise and experiences –
that in our culture God has no value
god of consumerism shows no
music, books, t-shirts, and jewellery.
apart from what he can do for me.
resemblance to the Consuming Fire
Christian Smith, a leading sociologist
described in Scripture. People may
Copyright Summer 2006 Skye Jethani.
say they believe in Jesus, but the
Reprinted from Leadership.
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Live It Abundantly! // LIFE Conference 2010
Early Bird (From May 5 to 14)
Track
Normal (From May 15 to Jun13)
Walk-in Registration
Group of 5 or more
Individual
Individual
Individual
Adult* – English – Mandarin
$45
$50
$55
$65
Youth* (13-19 years)
$30
$35
$40
$50
$30
$35
$40
$50
Children (P1-P6) – includes lunch and tea on both days – dinner on Jun 17 only * Lunch not included
Register online. Look out for more details in the bulletin! For sign-ups as group of 5 or more, any combination of adult, youth and children is acceptable. Replacement is allowed in the event the person who signed-up is unable to attend. The replacement shall turn up on the day of conference and inform staff at the counter. Refunds are not allowed.
// Night Revival Meetings Jun 16-17, Trinity@Paya Lebar // LIFE Conference Jun 17-18, Trinity@Paya Lebar Anointed plenary sessions speakers… Rev. Dominic Yeo, Rev. Les Bowling, Rev. Dr Alton Garrison, Rev. Dr David Mohan and Rev. Ong Sek Leang.
Empowering workshops for every one… For men – discover how to handle mid-life crises, work-life and sexuality issues For women – discover the secrets of successfully managing family and career For youths – discover how to deal with cyber addiction For fathers and husbands – discover how to rise to be the ‘head of the household’ For single parents – discover how to raise your child in the ways of God For everyone – discover how to lead with authority and influence … and many more.
4 1970 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2010
YEARS
TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE
40th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Dedication Service
You are invited to be a part of this very special occasion.
Friday, June 18, 2010 7.30pm Trinity@Paya Lebar Level 2, Sanctuary (please be seated by 7.15pm)