MARANATHA MESSENGER. Maranatha Church Camp - 10 to 14 June 2014

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1 MARANATHA MESSENGER Weekly Newsletter of Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 22 June 2014 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: Sunday School: 9.45 am Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jack Sin (HP: ) Maranatha Church Camp - 10 to 14 June 2014 It was mentioned during the camp that we had a few firsts for this camp it was the first time the campers flew out of Singapore to a camp venue. It was the first time we stayed at a 5-star international hotel, Hilton. We had a camp commandant who was organizing the camp for the church for the first time. It was also the first 5-day Maranatha church camp. I like to add one more first, i.e. it was the first time we collected an offering for the local Iban ministry (and more than one time) at the camp venue and thanks to God that He moved the hearts of many with a total offering collected of MYR3, SGD This offering will be for the Iban ministry for the printing of the shorter catechism and other materials and equipping and training of pastors in the coming Kuching missions trip. The preparation work for the camp started as early as January 2014 and we had to bring forward the closing date to Mar 2014 in order to secure seats at the lowest possible fare. Thanks to all campers who made the commitment to attend the church camp. Pastor Jack and the organizers were initially concerned if the attendance would be affected due to higher camp fees, venue change and the extra day of leave needed. We thank God that in total 68 attended the church camp. The Camp Message The theme for the camp was Discovering Christ in Isaiah and the speaker was Rev Dr Patrick Tan. Personally, it was a very important topic to me and I wanted to learn and discover more about Christ. This is the basis on which my faith rests on the advent, the life, the death, the resurrection and the return of Christ, who is my Saviour and Lord. Isaiah prophesized a Saviour would come to save the Jews and Gentiles with a clear description of who this person was. About 740 years later, we discover in the New Testament that Isaiah s prophecies were fulfilled and clearly this person is Jesus Christ. During the camp, questions were discussed with some provided here see if you know the answers. Who is this voice that comes from the wilderness? Isaiah 40:1-11 What is an allegory? Galatians 4:24 Who has God promised to send to Judah? Isaiah 42: 1-9 What is a covenant? The LORD has called Judah and made a covenant with His people. What do you think is the nature of His covenant? What is the nature of Jehovah God? How is Isaiah 53 the most messianic chapter of Isaiah and the whole Old Testament? In the midst of the thematic messages, we had a workshop on Spiritual Insights into Proverbs where we learnt from Solomon : 4 Things Too Wonderful (Proverbs 30:19) The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. 4 things little on earth but exceeding wise (Proverbs 30:25-28) - The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses 1

2 in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. 4 things dignified in nature (Proverbs 30:30-31) - A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. revisit the qualities of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) Besides, the thematic messages and workshop, we were fed spiritual food in the morning devotions from Psalms 73:23-28, what is good for me? It is good for me to : draw near to God, start first-thing in the morning put my trust in the Lord and do good declare the word and works of God i.e. what great things He has done for me. On the second morning devotion, we were fed by the mediation of Psalms 78:4-8, leaving a legacy to the next generation. To pass on to the children : spiritual aspirations, that they might set their hope in God remembrance and not forget the works of God at the cross, in salvation, in creation and His redemptive program observance, to keep His commandments - Joshua 22:5.. to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. On the third morning devotion, we had Psalms 55:22, knowing that God s people will have burdens and trials whether from home or workplace or even the work of God and sickness. The Lord gives comfort, promises and blessings to us, that whatsoever are the burdens, He will sustain and keep us. Let us not be discouraged and doubt the goodness and mercies of God. During the prayer meeting, the prayer of Hannah (in the camp booklet) was shared by Pastor Jack and thereafter the whole church camp was involved in praying for one another within and without of Maranatha Church. The final message on consecration night was taken from 1 Chronicles 28:8-10, the last (or lasting) words of King David. Four verbs, four thoughts, four closing meditation for all the campers. Know. Do we really know the Lord our God? See Matthew 7:21, is there true repentance, regeneration and sanctification? Serve. Do we serve whole-heartedly or half-heartedly Seek. Do we seek Him continuously, that he may be found of us? Take heed because the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary which includes the family, the church and the greater kingdom of God. Camp Sharing and Bonding Activities Besides feeding on the Word of God, we also had some bonding activities organized by brother Shaun Ng and sister Lee Yu Wei. The camp started off with a brief self-introduction of ourselves as some of us were first timers to the camp. The introduction took longer than expected generally with light-hearted sharing and thanks to God but also a need for serious soul searching concerning our faith, burdens on the salvation of our loved ones, strength and zeal in the preaching of the Word. We thanked the Lord who moved many to come for the camp and enabled some to be able to attend - one had pain in the leg and another had pain in the hip, my daughter developed a fever just the night before the camp. One camper shared how she was affected initially when a blood test showed high cancer marker related to a 2

3 deadly type of cancer but she thanked God for peace and not much fear. We are reminded to live our lives well for the Lord and the need to prioritize our lives for they are but a vapor that can vanish in the air. During the camp, one sister received news that her sibling was in critical condition and he went home with the Lord the next day. May the Lord comfort us with 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 and strengthen her Psalm 116:15 says, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Another highlight of the camp was the bonding activities. We had games that utilized our intellect, general knowledge, physical endurance and motoring skills all we have probably played before. However, when these are played as a group, we need another element which is teamwork and strategy and we all had a good, fun time together. Even the children who did not participate in these activities had an enjoyable time learning the Word, practicing the skit for consecration night and of course their self-created bonding activities. Thank sisters June and Pui Meng for taking care of them so well. At least I know my three kids are not easy to handle one tends to drift into his own world (lose concentration), one drifts away unknowingly (move away without informing) and the last one drifts everywhere (cannot keep still). Camp Tour Part of the programme was a tour of the Sarawak Cultural Village. We had many places that we could go and our considerations were on costs, logistics, educational value, so what can be better than to see/experience the cultural and architectural diversity of the place we are in, all within three hours. There are six major tribes in Sarawak, Iban being the largest (29%) and they live in what is called the Iban longhouse. Among us were 7 Iban brethren and some travelled five hours to Kuching just to attend this camp. Maranatha Church Camp 2015 We thank God for a safe journey and good health, for providing good accommodation and food, for the speakers and teachers, for co-labourers and helpers, for brethren who came together from Singapore, Malaysia and Sarawak and for a fruitful and blessed time of learning, discovery and fellowship. For those who attended the camp, we pray that you will come again next year. For those who have missed or have not attended the church camp for many years, may you purpose in your hearts to come and let us know your concern if there is any. The Lord promises blessings to those that seek Him in knowledge and in truth and in the fellowship of the saints Matthew 5:6, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Psalm 119:2, Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Dn Ng Thiam Koon Camp Commandant, 2014 and

4 Camp Reflections Han Kin Kheng The Spiritual Revival that I was so in need of Before my retirement, I always shook my head whenever Pastor Jack asked if I was going for the annual church camp which was usually held in West Malaysia. But, from this year, I would nod my head because of my personal retirement motto, I retire to re-fire my life for God. Initially, I was re-fired, walking closely with the Lord sustaining a prayerful life, faithfully reading the Bible and doing my Quiet Time and even attended ERBL Courses twice a week for the last semester. Then, came the temptation! Alas, I fell headlong into it. I challenged God defiantly and purposely! I knew what I had been doing for the past one and a half months or so was MOST sinful and grievous to our MOST gracious and merciful God! It was indeed a terrible sin against God! Was it a case of the spirit is willing, but, the flesh is weak? Or, was it just plain complacency to drop my guard against the roaring lion which is ever ready to attack! I was very miserable. I was struggling to return to God but... it was after what seemed like eternity, that I thanked God for convicting me of my sins and granting me His strength to STOP living in this hypocritical manner, to sincerely REPENT and SEEK His forgiveness. I cried my aching heart out to Him like the prodigal son, an errant child who had gone astray for far too long a duration of unedifying living. It was time to return to the Master who will not test you beyond what you can bear! From 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says... but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able... and from 1 John 1:8-10, it says... If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Then, came the morning of Tuesday, 10 June I woke up very early. I was eager and excited to be travelling to Kuching, Sarawak for the church camp as part of the MBPC family. But, suddenly, I felt a pain in my upper left thigh! Never before had I that experience... I was immobilised! My mind was concerned with the thought that a final dart from Satan was thrown at me to doubt God s loving kindness and forgiveness. I prayed for God s intervention and approval to either attend the camp or to get medical attention and give the camp a miss. By God s sovereign grace and mercy, I went on time to Terminal 1 to meet the campers. Yes, it was and still is a long and exhaustive test of my walk with God, especially so after my retirement. However, I was very certain that God had planned for me to attend this camp to REVIVE and REFLECT my commitment and faithfulness to serve and learn more about Him. The moment I spotted the group of campers, I was warmly welcomed and greeted by dear sister Tan Chan Ping who whisked my luggage off to put it next to hers! Likewise for the return journey, she again ensured that I was not left behind in the queue! Not only do I thank God for her, I was also very touched by the love, care and concern showered on me by the MBPC family... especially, the elders and deacons and their spouses, dear sisters in Kim and Pit Yuen. I am also grateful to God for the new found friendships in the senior ladies, awe-inspiring sisters June Tan Mei Lan and Chan Pui Meng and brother Christopher Chan and his wife, sister Tham Lai Youk... and definitely for Pastor Jack and sister Angie for being who they are. 4

5 I would also like to thank and praise the Lord for the GREAT TEAM WORK led by brother Thiam Koon and all members (God knows who they are) involved for the success of this first overseas church camp! Moreover, our Game Masters did an excellent job for the Lord too! Very authentic and interesting and well-planned activities for all age groups in mind. Kudos to one and all, even to Miss Doreen, for our 5D4N stay at Hilton, Kuching. The four thematic messages on Discovering Christ in Isaiah (chapter 40: 1-11, 42: 1-9, 53: 1-12 and 61: 1-11) by Camp Speaker, Rev Dr Patrick Tan, the morning devotions by Pastor Jack (Psalm 73: 23-28, Psalm 78:4-7) and Preacher Yap Kim Chuan (Psalm 55:22) and the singing of hymns were God s words to remind me to constantly abide in Him. So were all the other sharing and testimonies and the focus - group discussions. My precious take-away lessons are : The Word of God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) To proclaim God to the world / To behold God. (Isaiah 40:9) Jesus Christ was oppressed but not a word of defence was uttered. (Isaiah 42:2) Four Commissions (Isaiah 61 :1) 1) to preach good tidings 2) to bind up the broken hearted 3) to proclaim liberty to the captives 4) the opening of the prison to them that are bound Must pass on the legacy to the future generations (Psalm 78 : 7) 1) Aspiration : To set our hope in God 2) Remembrance : NOT to forget the works of God 3) Observance : to keep God s commandments (do, love, walk, keep, cleave, serve. Joshua 22:5) God is the first resolve you should turn to for help (1 Samuel 1:10). Hannah s Prayer - Her Plight, Her Prayer, The Promises made to her. Her Pledge and Her Praises of Jehovah In the final challenge on consecration night, we were reminded from 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 : To KNOW - do you really know God personally as Saviour and Lord? To SERVE - with a perfect heart, wholesome commitment and a willing mind To SEEK - continuously seeking God in His will To TAKE HEED and to BUILD (as a warning) commit our lives to engage in building God s Kingdom and not our own To Live a life of faith with assurance from God God knows I need to be revived spiritually to serve Him better. His timing is perfect. He is our wonderful God, the creator of the universe and my Lord and Saviour. All praise and glory to God. Amen

6 Chan Kim Siu Thank you Rev Dr Patrick Tan, Pastor Jack Sin and Preacher Yap Kim Chuan for the precious messages you shared. It was a good opportunity to see Christ in the book of Isaiah. It was wonderful meeting the eagle, serpent, ant, conies, locust, spider, lion, greyhound, goat and God's manifold creation, spiritual insights from which we can learn from the Book of Proverbs. What struck me most was the reminder from Pr Yap Kim Chuan's morning devotion on what to do with burdens. Psalm 55:22. 'Cast thy burden upon the LORD and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.' More often than not, in the busy hustle and bustle of life, we tend to still carry our burdens with us. We pray but we still hold on to our burdens. We have to learn to completely commit them unto our Lord trust Him and remember He is sovereign. Another thing I so gladly experienced at this camp is the fellowship we had with our Triune God during the prayer meeting, fellowship with Maranathans, with Mr and Mrs Christopher Chan, Mrs Irene Tan, San San and Mr Calvin Chan. Thank you Lord and thank you Dn Thiam Koon Julia Kwok I would like to praise and thank God for the opportunity to be able to attend the church camp and went with a peace of mind. Two weeks before the church camp, Ching Hong and I underwent a health checkup. The results were acceptable except for one blood test which indicated the pancreatic cancer marker to be slightly above the normal range. This revelation raises an alarm and was disturbing as I knew from personal experience that an illness of this nature can be ominous. My world was shaken. Suddenly, the course of my life took a different turn and everything in life appeared uncertain and fragile. The plans that I looked forward to for my family, children and work became questionable. My feelings was mixed; I knew that my life is in the higher hand and order of God but conversely I was struggling to come to terms to this new found medical condition with an uncertain future. During that week, both Kai Ling and I continued to visit Hong Kong to see our relatives as previously scheduled. However, the trip to Hong Kong was to be an emotional visit as I was unsure if there would be another opportunity to return again. On my return, a further medical checkup was arranged one day before the church camp. Praise be to our God, the ultrasound scan result showed no abnormality and the doctor gave me a clean bill of health. Another blood test would be required in 4 weeks time for a follow-up to ensure that my health is in order. From this incident, I experienced life to be uncertain and fragile. We cannot always assume that our lives will continue the way it is right now. The message of the brevity of life always seemed so far away until illness brings the reality home. But by then, it may be too late to do the important things that really count. Serving God and asking our lives useful for His purpose becomes urgent when we know that our lives on earth has a definite time. We should wisely heed Moses s exhortation in Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 6

7 Calvin Chan (Philadelphia BP Church) I praise and thank God that I was able to attend the church camp. The first half of this year, I was stressed up with the full-time and night class teaching; getting my new flat and selling of the old flat; and the spiritual trial I am going through. Thank God for his Word in Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. That, I was able to commit all these problems to Him in prayer. God not only answer my prayer with the smooth transaction in the buying and selling of the flat; also the teaching was ended earlier than expected; and most of all God have given me the peace of mind to my decision on my spiritual trials but also given me two weeks to prepare for the camp. The thematic messages on the theme Discovering Christ in the book of Isaiah by Rev Dr Patrick Tan shown me the prophetic beginning ministry of Christ which was by John the Baptist (The Voice in the Wilderness) to prepare the way for the LORD to save those who are lost and judge with righteousness. Christ had to quietly suffer as a lamb to the slaughter and finally, give good tidings unto the meek, to bind the up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. We accept Christ s atonement for our sins and iniquities and ask Christ to be our Lord and Saviour. The morning devotions by Rev Dr Jack Sin and Pr Yap Kim Chuan were a timely reminder for me to Commune-draw near to God, Commit-put trust in the Lord, Consecrate-Declare His Works (Psalm 73:28). The second devotion is Aspiration : Set our Hope which stands for Hanging On Praying Expectantly. Remembrance - not forget the Word of God, Observance - keep His commandments (Psalm 78:4-7) and finally to be humble. There were many first mentioned in the camp and this is the first time for so many years that I have heard a Pastor challenging the young and old to serve God full-time as the Lord wills. I hope and pray that those who have heard your Pastor s call for full-time workers, will not shy away with excuses but commit to God in prayer. I had a wonderful time and good fellowship in the camp through the group discussion, games, outing to the Sarawak cultural centre and sharing with campers. I thank your camp master, Dn Ng Thiam Koon for the precise running of the programme and constantly updating any changes. He was not only macro managing but also micro managing. He even arranged for the morning wake-up call on the last day. Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

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9 from Bangalore Thanks for your continuous prayers and counsel and support for the work here. We are now into our tenth year of ministry at Covenant, and we could see the growth in almost all areas of the ministry, and this could not be possible without the partnership that we could establish by the gracious providence of the Lord ten years ago. Thank you for standing with us and guiding us in the right way forward for the work here. The latest update from here is that Elim's new academic year has just begun with an intake of almost 70 children for preschool and daycare together. The admission is still going on and the intake may touch 80 soon. This is a very good growth for the school within three years of Elim's existence. More families and children are brought in that we are able to share the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His mercy and forgiveness for our souls. At the same time, this growth requires more logistics, more helping hands, much more grace and strength of the Lord to persevere and work hard. Please pray for us as last few weeks have been very demanding. For the church side, we are appointing brother Freddie Charles as a part-time office admin. He has been coming to our church for almost one year now and he has a very good understanding of the Reformed tradition, and he wants to serve the Lord. Right now he is helping in managing and maintaining our now ministry, the Book Table, together with Belin and Rohan. He is also helping the distribution of the Ref Now Magazine. As he joins as a part-time staff, he will further co-ordinate the magazine distribution side, and help in the church office admin. For Elim admin, we are making Sirisha, Paul's wife, involved, as she is a fulltime staff of Elim. From June onwards, Relda also rejoined, after her maternity leave last year. For the school, we are looking for one more driver and a gate watchman. For the construction plan, we are meeting the architect again this week. Since we have the fund issue, the general feeling here is to first go for the structure, and then slowly complete the work floor by floor as the Lord provides. We will send a detail plan to you, if possible, this week itself. Rev Dr George Skariah Covenant BP Church Bangalore, India (NB. A mission team of 5 comprising Han Kin Kheng, Beverly Ye, Shuning, Angie Sin and Pastor will be ministering from 2 to 8 July 2014 at the CBPCI 9th Anniversary, VBS, Seminars and outreaches.) Theme for the Quarter : Great Spiritual Invitations of the Bible Rev Dr Tim Yates, Dean of China Reformed Theological Seminary, Taipei, Taiwan speaks on Emigrated to God while Living as Alien Resident Christians before Men (1 Peter 2:11-25) [End of MM] 9