BRMC Church Camp Special Pullout Page 11-30

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1 A Publication By Barker Road Methodist Church MICA(P)093/12/2011 July to October 2013 BRMC to Shine Forth for Jesus for the Sake of the World My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. (John 17:20-23NIV) Inside: BRMC Church Camp Special Pullout Page 11-30

2 Contents Front Page BRMC Church Camp 3 The Pastor Speaks 4 BRMC Local Conference Executive Committee BRMC as House of Salvation 5 BRMC URS Evangelistic Service 6 BRMC URS Ministry Walk & Talk BRMC as House of Compassion 7 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok Update 8 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok 7th Anniversary Report Pullout Special 11 BRMC Church Camp 2013 BRMC as House of Bread 31 BRMC Small Group Love Our Lord 32 BRMC Small Group Sunday Report BRMC as House of Prayer 33 BRMC GYM Ministry Report 34 BRMC Indonesian Congregation God Provides! Special Features 35 Interview with Mr Lim Keng Boon 37 World Vision Mongolian Children s Choir 37 BRMCK Update 38 Announcements 40 Coming Events Uphill & Beyond welcomes article contributions on all aspects of church life at BRMC. Publisher: Rev Malcolm T H Tan Editor : Corinne Teo (LMS) Editorial Support: Dr Jeanette Hui, Mrs Sally Tan, Mrs Lee Tan Lynn Photographer: BRMC Volunteers 48 Barker Road Singapore Tel: Fax admin@brmc.org.sg Do you have a passion for writing? BRMC needs you! If you are keen to contribute, do contact: corinneteo@brmc.org.sg or sms/call A Publication By Barker Road Methodist Church MICA(P)093/12/2011 July to October 2013 BRMC to Shine Forth for Jesus for the Sake of the World 2 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

3 The Pastor Speaks Rev Malcolm Tan Pastor-in-Charge Rev David Wee BH Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li Rev Daniel Terence Yeo Rev See Swee Fang at Bukit Batok Preaching Point Dear Members and Friends of BRMC Greetings in Jesus Precious Name This edition of Uphill & Beyond reveals a community that has vibrant energy for Jesus Christ. Read about the initiatives of our Small Groups Ministry, the BRMC Upper Room Charismatic Service and the BRMC Family Camp all within the pages of this church quarterly news magazine. The recent activities mentioned have been lay-driven community events. To God Be the Glory! This edition of Uphill & Beyond also has a write up on our Indonesian Ministry and their computer literacy course that was conducted especially for our Indonesian domestics who are members and friends of our BRMC Indonesian Service. It was a fruitful endeavour to enrich the lives of those who have come to work in our homes from the neighbouring country of Indonesia. May the grace of God be with them. May God bless BRMC to be a Community of Blessing to others, near and far for Jesus sake! Grace and Peace Rev Malcolm Tan o.s.l Pastor-In-Charge July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 3

4 Local Church Executive Committee New LCEC Rev Malcolm Tan Pastor-In-Charge Lui Chong Chee Chairman LCEC Rev David Wee BH Loke Beng Fong Vice Chairman Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li Benjamin TK Tan Secretary LCEC Rev See Swee Fang Valerie Wee Assistant Secretary LCEC Rev Daniel Terence Yeo Sam Pei Pei Treasurer/Pledge Tay Kim Hock Assistant Treasurer Choe Peng Sum Lay Leader Peter Ding Associate Lay Leader Mark Wee Associate Lay Leader Ong Cheow Lan Associate Lay Leader Lim Wee Chiong Associate Lay Leader Eric Teo Yew Hock Assistant Lay Leader Dr Benedict Chong Church School Superintendent Yvonne Foo Creative Arts Chairperson Kwok Aie Bee Discipleship & Nurture Chairperson Mervyn Fong Finance Chairman Sia Kheng Hong Kindergarten Management Wendy Lim Mandarin Ministry Chairman Dr Michael Ong MCYC-CSS Chairman Dr Kenneth Ng Missions Chairman Dr Irene Kwee Outreach & Social Concerns Chairman Dr David Ng Prayer Committee Chairman Ng Chee Beng Property Management Chairman Kevin Tan Small Group Coordiinator Lim Yu Chiang Witness & Evangelism Chairman Teo Tow Yong Worship & Music Chairman Andrew Chang Young Adults Ministry Chairman Chong Yew Hong Youth SS Superintendent Timothy Kho Church Governance Chairman Vincent Thong Discipleship & Nurture Steward Chang Chong Tian Discipleship & Nurture Steward Hugh Yii Oldham Hall Steward Koh Kok Hong Worship Leading Steward Teoh Hup Kheng Bukit Batok PP Steward Gan Boon Kiat Bukit Batok PP Steward Fong Kim Choy Missions Steward Claire Chong Youth Steward Mrs Irene Tan GP Steward Vivienne Chiang WSCS President Tye Yew Meng 12th Coy BB Group Chairman Evangeline Chong 84th Coy GB (SCGS) Tan Khye Suan Ex-Officio BRMC LCEC Executive Director MCYC-CSS Chan Kai Yau Honorary Steward Benjamin BC Tan Honorary Steward 4 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

5 BRMC Upper Room Service Evangelistic Service House of Salvation The Upper Room Service has been organizing Evangelistic Outreaches every 5th Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to bring pre-believing family members and friends to this Evangelistic Service to hear the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ, as preached from the pulpit, and to have the opportunity to receive Him as Lord and Saviour. This is followed by warm fellowship over light refreshments to enable BRMC folks and visitors to mingle and surface questions about our faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Here is a short write-up on the June 30 Evangelistic Sunday Service. Evangelist John Onyeka (from Africa) shared from Matthew 6:9-13 on Our Father. Father God is love. He is good. We praise Him because of who He is. We were reminded that according to Psalm 103, our heavenly Father has promised us, His children in Christ, all His benefits, forgiveness for all our sins and healing of all our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion, satisfying our desires with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle s. The Upper Room Service congregation responded to the call of a loving father who desires to enjoy and bless His children in Christ, by receiving the salvation offered by Jesus alone and re-dedicating themselves for God s divine purposes. A spectrum of people across various generations age-groups received prayers for healing, restoration and the outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Bonds of love in Christ were sown and nurtured during the fellowship feast which ensued. The Upper Room Service s next Evangelistic Sunday will be held on September We warmly welcome all to bring their nearest and dearest to hear and receive the Good News, as well as those who are led to answer the call of Father God to re-dedicate and sanctify themselves for His purposes and glory. July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 5

6 BRMC Upper Room Service Ministry Walk & Talk Report By Corinne Teo (LMS) Photos By Cecil Lee House of Salvation Indeed God has been good to BRMC as we continue to pray to bring in pre-believing friends to the church and to foster deeper relationships in all our services. The BRMC Upper Room Service which meets every Sunday at Sophia Blackmore Hall at 8.30am continues to show forth God s grace in this aspect in their ministry. This is a report on their latest endeavour appropriately named Walk & Bukit Timah Hill. It was launched on August , 645am at Bukit Timah Hill. 17 URS enthusiasts showed up for the initial walk. All had fun walking, talking, exercising and joking away. Most of all, everyone enjoyed one another s company while walking up the hill. We also saw a camaraderie in spirit where the stronger team members encouraged the weaker ones. This was heart- warming indeed. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) that came into our mind. For those who are interested to join us for our weekly URS Walk & Bukit Timah Hill, please text any of us: Leo Jo Rachel Praise God for such an overwhelming response on our inaugural launch on 17 August!! The purpose of the ministry is: To foster fellowship & bonding amongst the URS members To enjoy nature that our loving Heavenly Father has created for us To remember to slow down and smell the roses in the midst of our hectic and stressful lifestyle To take time out to exercise in a natural environment To find a way to burn those calories and tone up in a fun and enjoyable way To have a way to invite pre-believing friends for the walk & evangelize in a fun & non- threatening environment So far, we have embarked on the easy trail called the green route. We hope to progress to the yellow route one day. That s the advance traill. Our 2nd session on August , 2.15pm saw 7 people conquering that trail. Nothing is impossible if we put our hearts to it. 6 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

7 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok F.O.T.O.S Report By Corinne Teo (LMS) Photos By Mr Aric Paul Lee Huang House of Compassion Our Preaching Point at Bukit Batok continues to persevere in reaching out to the community as well as to live out their theme for this year, which is to grow in Christ-likeness. We ask that you join us in praying for them as they pursue this theme in their outreach activities and their walk in Christ. Here is a report on their latest endeavour: To teach and shape youths in the community to develop a healthy sense of self-worth, and wisdom growing up as adolescents in this turbulent world. On May , the Oasis 153 Youth Centre at our own Preaching Point was transformed into a mini-restaurant where a special 3-course dinner and a generous dose of fun-filled interaction were served alongside a powerful potion of Christian discussion that the Oasis youths really needed. The event, titled, F.O.T.O.S. (which stands for Friends Of The Opposite Sex) attracted 30 youths, mainly from Primary 6 to Secondary 3. It was organized and put together by our own Preaching Point s young adults as well as other young adults from our pool of external volunteers. The event sought to inform, instruct and inspire youths to gain a healthy sense of self-worth and wisdom to maneuver through the turbulence of adolescent emotions. The speaker for the night, Mr. Joseph Lim, LMS of Covenant Community Methodist Church, was able to keep the youths thoroughly engaged with his witty humour, personal anecdotes, and most of all, his heartbeat for this generation of youths to be anchored in their Christian identity. July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 7

8 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok (BBPP) We are 7! House of Compassion We praise God for His blessings on our preaching point in Bukit Batok as they celebrated 7 years of God s faithfulness on August with a thanksgiving service. The worship place was bursting to the brim as 145 worshippers, ministry partners from BRMC, old friends and members of the community came together to worship and praise God. Here is the report by our Lay Professional Staff, Margaret Ho. We began entering into God s presence with a dance of praise by two of our lovely young ladies. Our younger girls who are part of a weekly Bible study group then continued the act of praise with a Mandarin song presentation with movements that celebrate God s steadfast love. We also had a brother-in-christ testify to God s goodness as an act of praise. TRAC President Rev Dr Gordon Wong delivered a stirring and encouraging message based on Hebrews 12:1-3. He reminded us that the Preaching Point is on TRAC together with the other TRAC sister churches, and that we should press on with endurance the vision that was placed before our Preaching Point. 8 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

9 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok (BBPP) We are 7! By May Oon House of Compassion As part of our anniversary celebrations to acknowledge God s blessings and to remember the vision placed before us, we also galvanized our worshippers to deliver NTUC vouchers to reach out and bless new needy families in Bukit Batok in a one-off Bless-the-Community project. This is the second year we are doing this. We have witnessed how God opened doors and through a process of continued relationship building, two of these families are now worshipping with us. The anniversary service was also a fruitful time of fellowship as we lunched together after the worship service with friends new and old. We had people from different nationalities Singapore, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. It was wonderful how the love of Christ brings us together. July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 9

10 BRMC Preaching Bukit Batok (BBPP) We are 7! Report By Corinne Teo (LMS) Photos By Cecil Lee House of Compassion This anniversary celebration was extra special as it came right after the weekend of our first overnight church camp for the Preaching Point. We had a meaningful time at the camp and had a special moment of showing each other love and appreciation. So, as we came together to serve one another and praise God at our church anniversary, we experienced a wonderful unity in the Spirit as one body in Christ. May God continue to lead us to bear fruit in the Spirit as we seek to run with endurance the race at Bukit Batok Preaching Point. Above: BBPP church theme for uphill & beyond July to October 2013

11 SPECIAL CHURCH CAMP PULLOUT BRMC Church Camp 2013 Father, make us one! June Equatorial Hotel, Malacca...that they may be one as we are one I in them and you in me... John 17:20-23 July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 11

12 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! The Camp Chairman Speaks Report By Hui Mei Ling, Photos By Moses Goh 19 March 2011 Uphill & Beyond presents this special edition on the BRMC Church Camp 2013 held at Hotel Equatorial, Malacca from June Father, make us one! was the camp theme and Unity was the camp vision. The mission for the camp was to highlight the importance of unity in Christian faith and to bring all brothers and sisters in BRMC and beyond together as one body in Christ. Regardless of gender, age, language, race, we are one together bonded by the blood of Jesus, the center of all our lives that they may be one as We are one I in them and You in Me John 17: IT IS GOD S WORK Doing His work is a privilege, and God provides all resources for those who do His work. I used to hear people say this and was cynical, thinking that such platitudes were mouthed because they were the right things to say. Then I found myself placed in the organizing committee, in the same position as those whom I had been critical of. But now, I too believe that doing His work is a privilege and He does send all the resources required. Indeed, in every step of the way, God was guiding and orchestrating the preparations for the camp from the formation of the committee, the planning and the execution, to the preparation of hearts. He was there. Praise Him for His grace in showing me this truth! Let me relate one such incident. During one of our meetings, as we discussed about prayer ministers and who can be prayer ministers, an issue arose as to whether such persons who wish to pray for others at the prayer ministry on the last night of camp need to be trained. Opinions were divided, and we were going to seek Rev Malcolm Tan s counsel on this. At the same time, because of the inclusion of our Mandarin congregation and a significant number from the congregation attending the camp, there was a request for a workshop to be conducted in Mandarin. We had no slot available to accommodate that request. in his second workshop, he will be sharing about how to pray for others. My heart leapt with joy and excitement. In one masterful stroke, Father God addressed and provided the solution to 2 of the issues that arose at our meeting the very night before. There are many more incidents of God s provision. As we see His provision, one sees the reality of the truths of His Word. Lest I give an impression that everything went smoothly in the preparations, I must say there were also trying moments. But He prepared us for that as well. From early on, He gave us Psalm 133 and Philippians 2:3 to guide us and those verses helped us move along as He pruned us in moments of tension and disagreement. In the end, His will prevailed as we submitted to Him and to each other. For many of us, it has been a special privilege and joy to be able to serve! I urge all of us who are called to serve in the next camp committee to say yes unreservedly! By Lee Soo Chye, Camp Chairman The next day, I received an from our camp speaker Joe Purcell asking if he could conduct 2 workshops instead of the 3 we requested him to do. He also informed us that 12 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

13 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! The Pastor s Church Camp Messages In his opening address, Rev Malcolm Tan shared from Jeremiah 29:11-13 which was a message of hope for the Israelites. This message revealed: 1. The heart of God (v11) 2. God s invitation being extended (v12) 3. Promises of God (v13). In verse 13, God promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him but we must seek Him with all our hearts. God calls us into intimacy with Him. This camp Unity in One should bring us to higher ground. Those cynical about God, disappointed with circumstances in life, and find it hard to relate to God, can have Hope of Restoration. God, who is in control, will know how to work in the present so that we can glorify Him in the future. He exhorted us to rediscover the joy of prayer and keep our eyes on Jesus. We must not let ourselves be spiritually crippled as an individual or the church will not be able to move forward. In his address the 2nd day, Rev Malcolm Tan asked: Are we a maintenance church or a great commission church? What does a New Testament Church look like? Rev Malcolm Tan prayed that BRMC will be a great commission church and one that will follow the New Testament pattern. He said that a maintenance church is one which is inward looking and tends to be full of cliques. A great commission church is one which is outward looking, aware of the larger society outside the walls of the church. He shared with us Matthew 18:18-20 on the importance of the local assembly. The church is the only organization that works hard on earth and can impact the spiritual realms. He also shared from Acts 2:40-42 and the model of the early New Testament church. The church there was interested in the local community beyond. He urged us to be a church where people come and find out how to find Jesus and that all of us BRMC members know how to share Jesus with others. At the Camp Sunday Service, our Pastor-In-Charge shared on John Wesley s 3 Stages of Spiritual Growth. The scripture reading was from 1 John 2: The first stage is when we start to learn about our Father God through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. As we grow, we become adults, young men and women, strong in the Lord so that we have victory over the evil one. The Lord also wants us to grow into the third stage and that is to be spiritual fathers and mothers in the Lord to the younger ones. The growth into maturity as spiritual fathers and mothers takes time. There is no substitute for time. The longer we serve Him, the sweeter He grows. One generation shall declare His works to the next (Ps 145:4). All of us have to get involved in shepherding spiritual children. We all can pray for our spiritual children. He urged all grandpas and grandmas even (if we do not do anything else) to pray for the younger generation in our church. By Lee Soo Chye, Camp Chairman July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 13

14 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Plenary Sessions Our guest speaker this year was Reverend Joseph Purcell, accompanied by his wife, Mary Purcell, who serve as the directors of RHEMA Bible Training Center Singapore (RBTCS). Rev Joe Purcell has been serving in the ministry since 1986, preaching in Asia as well as in the United States. Formerly a lawyer, he graduated from RHEMA in the US in 1988, after which he began ministering in Bush Alaska, followed by Chukotka and Khabarovsk, both located in Russia. In 2004, Rev Joe and Mary Purcell moved their ministry to Singapore, where they have been based since. The first plenary session was titled Made One by His Glory. 20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that You gave me, that they may be one as We are One 23 I in them and You in me so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. John 17:20-23 (NIV) Rev Joe Purcell also emphasized that BRMC be a presencebased church, where the glory of God resides (verse 23). He spoke of how although knowledge is important, too many facts, with the absence of the Spirit, would dry out a person s spiritual life. He also talked about the kind of supernatural union that exists between the Father, Son and Spirit, which we too should have with God. This is accomplished by us being kept in the name of Jesus, as well as through the glory that the Father gave to Jesus, which He in turn has given us. This unity with God brings about more than just people being nice to each other. As we come into the presence of God, we are transformed, so the world may see the glory of God shining through us. During the second plenary session, Conformed to the Image of the Father and the Son, Rev Joe Purcell highlighted that the image of God, which we are to be conformed to, is represented in the Word, and that whatever opinions or experiences we have do not change that image. As the Word and Spirit of God renew our minds, we are transformed from glory to glory. We are purified and unified as the Body of Christ, manifesting God s glory to the world, such that they may believe that Jesus was sent for them. The third plenary session, Sent As One to Reveal the Father and the Son, was about how we must know both the Scriptures and the power of God. The Spirit allows us to know Jesus who in turn allows us to know the Father. The Spirit empowers us to be like Jesus, in both his character and gifts, and we are called to manifest that glory of God in signs and wonders! At the end of the session, some of those who had received the impartation of the Holy Spirit earlier came forward to pray for fellow campers. Many were touched by God during this time, praise the Lord! By Dominique Tan, Camp Committee 14 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

15 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Workshops with our Pastors The Power of a Biblical Worldview in a Postmodern Age By Rev Malcolm Tan Pastor Malcolm provided insight into how the Gospel makes sense in our postmodern age. He highlighted that the postmodern mindset is suspicious of every attempt to totally explain Life and Reality. He emphasized that the Bible provides a coherent and meaningful explanation of the universe. In fact, through Christ, we receive grace and strength for life, which is more than just a mere explanation of things. The workshop gave the history of intellectual thought from the Renaissance onwards, with the theme that Jesus Christ answers the great questions of the heart that humanity has asked. Tell Your Children By Rev Chiu Ming Li Pastor Chiu shared on how to teach our children the Christian faith, and how to deal with difficult questions they may ask to which we may have no answers. How do I discuss hot issues of Christian faith and ethics with my children? Is there a Christian curriculum that I could follow when teaching faith to my children? Those were some concerns he addressed. His workshop explored creative ways to not only teach the tenets of Christianity, but also to share the faith that we live by. It also included a look at how the ancients taught faith to their children, and how the exercise of imparting faith deepens our relationship with our children. Be Not Dismayed (BND) By Rev Chiu Ming Li Pastor Chiu explored how friends and family can be a source of hope and inspiration to others in the face of suffering and death. Drawing from his personal experience of having journeyed with people who have faced death from illness, old age, and judicial execution, Pastor Chiu shared on how we can talk to those in pain, fear and suffering. He also discussed literature on the subject of death and dying, to further illustrate on how we can stay strong in faith and provide strength to others in such situations. God s Blessings, Promises and Covenant By Rev Daniel Terence Yeo In the first-ever Mandarin workshop at camp, Pastor Terence discussed the eternal purpose and plan of God, which can be found in the New Covenant from the following Scriptures: Mt. 26:28; Heb. 8:8-13,13:20-21; 10:16; Jer. 31:31-34; 2 Co. 3:6. To understand the covenant of God, he said it is imperative that we know God s blessings and promises, and it is in the word of God, that we can find God s new covenant, blessings and promises. July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 15

16 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Workshops with Guest Speakers Prophetic Prayer By Rev Joe Purcell In two workshop sessions, Rev Joe shared his understanding of Ephesians 6:18, where Paul instructed us to pray at all times in the Spirit. He said Prophetic Prayer for purposes of these two workshops, referred specifically to Spirit-led, Spirit-inspired and Spirit-empowered prayer, which is one of the ways in which the Father, Son and Holy Spirit unify us to work as one to bring to pass the will of God upon this earth for ourselves, our loved ones, the Body of Christ around the world, and the nations. In the first workshop, he emphasized three keys to effective prayer from 1 John 5:14-15; John 15:7; and James 5:16. In Workshop 2, Rev Joe gave further insight into how we can be Spirit-led, Spirit-inspired and Spirit-empowered in prayer by praying according to the written word of God as well as by the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own spirit. He looked at simple, practical and scriptural ways to recognize the voice of God and how He speaks to us in prayer and particularly through the word of knowledge. Our Identity in Christ By Dr Nicholas Ghows We are Christians but do we know what that really means? Who are we in Christ and what does that bring into our lives such that our actions change? Surely Christ is the ultimate example both in His actions and motivation. In his workshop, Dr Ghows told of how much more could be gained from knowing our identity in Christ; freedom, authority, responsibility. He talked about how much there was to be given out of knowing our identity in Christ; love, praise, worship, effort, time. He highlighted the importance of spending time in the Word, and being guided by the Holy Spirit. So as to truly know who, what and why we are in Christ. Biblical Spiritual Growth: The Key to Oneness By Dr Tan Gee Paw In three separate workshop sessions, Dr Tan provided his insight on how to develop spiritually, in terms of our personal growth, in our homes with our children, and the art of achieving an overall balance. He urged us to examine what brings true meaning to our lives, and emphasized the need to check if our life with God is based on rules or relationship. Faith At Work/For This Child I Prayed By Ms Lim Soo Hoon Ms Lim conducted two separate workshops during camp. In the first, she reminded us of the importance of bringing God to our workplace, and shared some practical tips for exercising faith at work. In the second, she emphasized the need for us, especially those as parents, to be good stewards of our children, who are ultimately God s children. Designing Your Personal Getaways By Mrs Kwok Aie Bee God loves you and is always inviting you into His Presence. Yet our lives are so full, complicated and challenging, that awareness of God may not come to our attention frequently. Mrs Kwok showed us how to make time with God by designing our own personal ways with Him and to return to a close relationship with Him that suits our individual lifestyle. 16 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

17 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Worshipping Together Before planning commenced, our Camp Chairman set the tone most fittingly when he declared that the only committee which will still have a job when heaven comes down on earth is worship. Along with this, the Lord placed a vision in my heart prior to camp: of all the campers gathering in a vast field surrounding the worship team which stood in a circle. In the centre of the circle stood the cross of Christ and thereby the hope that the allure of Jesus and who we are in Him would make us one. The June camp experience reminded me of 3 key identity issues in the process of unity. First, that in service we are fellow humble servants in the House of the Lord. Regardless of our service, age or spiritual maturity, each and every band member serves with the same heart of humility for the Lord. With bands that span across services and ages, most members played with one another for the first time. However, it presented the opportunity for members across services to build relationships and gain a greater perspective into how God is moving in the church at large. Thus even with the variety of styles that exist in our church, each band member brought the same heart of service to the table. members and allowing our Mandarin congregation to sing along, it offered us a tiny glimpse of heaven where our praises to God would involve multitudes of languages and tongues. The presence of God was strong and we believe that the Lord came as a rushing wind and a gentle breeze to those who were hungry and expectant. Finally, it is our prayer as we worship God in the weeks after as a church, that we would not be divided by our differing analysis of spiritual experiences, nor by our unchanged lives cheapening each encounter, but rather be made one as we are transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory. By Justin Low, Worship IC, Camp Committee Secondly, that we are fellow sinners at the foot of the cross. Regardless of whether we are serving or not, when we worship our God we are equally in need of Him. The worship team is never to be the focus of worship and thus this year our camp set the worship band off the stage on the same level as the congregation. This coupled with the large wooden cross brought up and assembled on stage helped to fulfill our hope that one only sees the cross and the lyrics when looking up to worship. Truly may the Lord be seen above all! Thirdly, that we are the redeemed by the Son to behold the Glory of the Father. Many can testify that the Lord truly poured His spirit out abundantly at each session. The experience transcended language this year as each session had at least one song sung simultaneously in Mandarin & English. Beyond challenging some of our worship team July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 17

18 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Group Discussions & Optional Youth Night Sessions Similar to the camps from previous years, campers were split into groups for games and discussion sessions. Youths from the Sec 1 to Sec 3 levels were split into their respective levels for discussions led by youth leaders while the older youths (Sec 4 to JC 2) joined the rest of the adults for the discussions. Discussion groups brought people across the ages and services together to share about how God has spoken to each one during the various talks and workshops.. This proved to be a useful platform to help campers fully grasp and internalise the message through learning from the perspectives of fellow-brothers and sisters-in-christ. It was also a great platform for campers to meet strangers in the Church community, building spiritual friendships and strengthening bonds across the ages and services. There were a total of three group discussion sessions held after plenary and workshop sessions. Our hope was that the lessons learnt and friendships formed over the group discussion sessions will truly prove to be lasting ones and will help each camper live lives of love and good deeds as a united body of Christ. Over the first two nights of this year s Church Camp, optional night sessions of prayer and worship were held. Led and organised by members of the Youth and Young Adult community, and with the help of members of the Church s pastoral staff, these sessions were open to all campers, regardless of age or service, to come together as a family to bask in the presence of God, to sing praises to His Name, listen to His Word and to pray forth His will into our community and our lives. The format for each session was to have a time of singing praises unto God, followed by a time of listening to God s Word and responsive prayer, and ending with a closing session of worship. On the first night, Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li addressed those in attendance, sharing on the topic of being clean on the inside with scripture passages from Matthew 6:1-18 and Matthew 23: He shared the Biblical warning of living as hypocrites, seemingly clean but dirty on the inside, and gave the encouragement to live as Christ calls us to, serving Him and the people around us with pure motives. Iris Sin (LMS) shared on the second night about a vision of a fountain of cleansing found in Zechariah 13:1 and how we, as believers in Christ with the power to bless, all need to have clean hearts, hands and spirits that our ministries may be pure. She then led the congregation in praying for right motives, attitudes and posture in our lives and service. It was truly a blessed Spirit-filled and Christ-centred time, with many experiencing the tangible presence of God and having their lives changed as their eyes and ears were opened to God s transforming Word. It was also a greatly encouraging sight to see groups gathered together to pray for each other in brotherly and sisterly love. God truly proved Himself faithful to His promise, rewarding all who came hungry and thirsty for Him with His presence! By Luke Yan, Deputy Camp Commandant 18 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

19 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Bonding Through Games & Fruits Fiesta Mass games took place on Day 2 of the Camp. Initially, the games were planned for an adventure around Malacca enabling campers to explore the various prominent landmarks of Malacca. However, due to the unforeseen haze, prior planning had to be scrapped and the Games had to be shifted within the compounds of the hotel. Nonetheless, God s faithfulness did not cease. Though limited by space, campers still had their share of fun. Moreover, we even had the older adults join in the fun! Without compromising anyone s health, groups still had the opportunity to take the time to bond with one another. Groups also had more time to complete a greater number of station games because walking time was eliminated. And the winners are... All our worries were uncalled for when we saw how everything unfolded so perfectly. It was a worthy reminder that no amount of planning would suffice if God has another plan. We give God the glory for the blessed time of fellowship the campers had together. Truly, it was a blessing in disguise! By Julia Lim & Lynette Sim, Games ICs, Camp Committee On our 2 nd evening, all campers were treated to a Fruit Fiesta at the poolside of the hotel on level 4. Despite the hazy evening, the air was filled with sounds of excitement, laughter and fellowship. Campers were in and about trying the buffet spread of numerous types of durians such as Mao Shan Wang, XO, Old Granny, Tai Yuan, Golden Phoenix, D88 a total of 11 varieties of different durians. Another section of the atrium was set up to include other seasonal fruits like rambutans, mangosteens, jambus, longans, mangoes and jackfruits. Everyone found something to enjoy. This year, the hotel included additional cocktail tables for campers to sit and enjoy their evening of great fellowship! For the convenience for campers, drinking water points were also strategically set up at the side of the atrium, bowls of salt to remove remnant smells of durians and wash areas for easy clean up. This evening was an opportune time of good bonding, catching up with old friends and making new ones! Thanks be to God that the Fruit Fiesta brought campers together bearing abundant fruits of love and joy for one another. By Angelina Ng, Camp Committee July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 19

20 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! God loves the Little Children I have a Maker He formed my heart Before even time began My Life was in His Hands However, they also came to realize that our Heavenly Father is the Creator of all bugs and all children, and more than that, our Lord God can transform a bug into a butterfly! We pray for God s transformative work in their lives. Let the little children come to me for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. The BRMC Camp 2013 Children s Programme was prayerfully planned with the conviction that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to our children. As such, together with our Ministry Partners from MCYC, our hope was that the Children s Programme would reinforce each child s Kingdom Identity in Christ. Our children were split up into the Kindergarten Programme for 3-6 Year olds, and the Primary Programme for the 7-12 Year olds. For the Kindergarten Programme, our MCYC Team went all out to transform a drab hotel conference room into a fun Bug s Zone for our little ones who were enthralled and kept thoroughly entertained throughout the 4-day Programme. Through the analogy of bugs, our children realized that bugs are often not nice, much like our human condition. For the Primary Programme, our MCYC Team used the stories of Moses, Samuel, David, Paul as well as the Game of Life to teach these principles Identity in Christ (Who Am I In Christ?), Involving Christ (Journeying with Christ in Life), and Intimacy with Christ (Drawing Close to Christ). It was a joy witnessing the children s growth and maturity even over this short 4-day Programme even as they stumbled their way through the Game of Life but also grew strong from seeking and donning the Armour of God. All Praise and Glory to our Lord God! In closing, the children touched their parents and the adults with their moving performances during the final service. We ask that you join us to pray these words which the children had sung during their performance That our children will know that their lives are always in His Hands. By Elaine Tan, Children Programme, Camp Committee 20 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

21 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Camp Highlights in Photos THE DAY BEFORE DAY 1 DAY 2 July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 21

22 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Camp Highlights in Photos DAY 3 THE LAST DAY 22 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

23 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Reflecting Together The experience and pleasure I had in being in 2012 s church camp committee led me to say a resounding yes when asked by Pastor Malcolm whether I d like to take up the Camp Chairman or Camp Commandant role for this year s camp. I told him that I was more comfortable handling an operational role than an administrative one. Many who know me well will agree that operation is my forte. I believe that God had prepared the way for me to use my strength to serve Him in this capacity. Our Lord gives us many gifts and it is our responsibility to hone these gifts to offer ourselves as living sacrifices for our Lord and Saviour. For some, it may take months to discover their strengths, while for others, years. However, it is always God s perfect timing to use us as instruments in His time and service. In the few months leading up to the camp, I was privileged to work with a dynamic team of brothers-and-sisters-in-christ of various ages and talents. Working in this committee, be it big or small, is a collaborative effort to serve together as one united body. This committee serves as a constant reminder that God granted all of us different gifts in order to work cohesively as One, which is why the Camp Theme this year, Father, make us ONE is so meaningful. I am thankful to be reminded time and again that the reason we are here is give all Glory to our mighty God, and nothing else! The culmination of 6 months work resulted in BRMC s biggest camp attendance ever and what made the work all the more gratifying was the presence of our Aunties and Uncles from the Chinese service. Many were touched through their willingness to share with us their experiences and testimonies. The altar call on our final night was an awesome sight to behold! Many came forward to receive the gift of tongues and for healing. A friend s mum shared this with me on the final day of camp she couldn t lift both her arms beyond a certain height for many years because of a pain in both her shoulders. After seeking prayers for healing, she can now lift up one of her arms beyond her shoulders without experiencing any pain at all. As for the other arm, she says: Maybe I don t have enough faith in God as yet, so He s waiting for me to have more faith in Him before healing my other arm. And of course, not forgetting the energetic presence of the youths and young adults, seeing their hunger for God s word and love of God puts many of us to shame as we try to recall the last time we felt the same way about God! I am thankful for their presence both in the committee and at camp as they serve as a constant reminder for us to be zealous in our walk with God. By Lesley Ma, Camp Commandant July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 23

24 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Reflecting Together Praise The Lord! I am from the BRMC Mandarin Service. This was my first church camp and I was amazed by the warmth of the church campers, from both the English and Mandarin service congregations. The awesome organization committee team! Their tireless effort and unconditional loving kindness really lifted up my spiritual life! Why are there such nice people on earth? Also thanks to the interpreters, who diligently and meticulously translated the pastor s sermon. Little did I realize that God s anointing was so powerful! Indeed, Rev Joseph Purcell and Rev Malcolm Tan s messages have lifted up my spiritual life. Way before I was a Christian, I used to waste away my time and had no clear direction. At this church camp, I have come to realize there is so much more to be expected, as I found myself drawn near to Christ during camp. I was very negative and grumpy in life. It seemed that, whatever I did or how hard I strived towards my goals, I could never be satisfied. It seemed that there was no meaning in life but just working hard for three meals a day. But God touched my life! During the camp registration period in May, I kept seeing the registration counter within the canteen with a poster stating Father make us One! When I first received the camp T-shirt with the logo and verses printed on it, I did not really understand what that meant at the time. But after the 4 days at camp, I now understand the theme verse. I believe it is the Holy Spirit s anointing. I felt fired up and hungered for more of God s Word, and the need to earnestly seek a positive purpose in life. I told my sister Jane that I will not miss a single lesson of the Disciple One classes I am attending, as I must get close to Him and to meditate on His Word and apply them in my life. I also want to share with others that we have an awesome God. Because of the blessings and experiences that I have received from Him, I am no longer the old self as I have a new life in Christ! Thanks to BRMC for giving us this privilege to participate in this camp. I will definitely be looking forward to next year s camp! By Sherry Liu, Mandarin Service Though I have been a member of BRMC for more than 30 years, this was the first camp I attended. Overall, the camp has provided an opportunity for me to gain a better understanding of God s Word. The worship sessions and workshops were truly Spirit-filled and I felt that the Lord was speaking to me personally. Thanks to the camp committee for their hard work, careful planning and execution of the programme. Shalom, By Elsie See, 8:30am Sanctuary Service 24 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

25 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Reflecting Together This camp was a great opportunity to serve as well as an immense blessing to my spiritual life. By working to help organize the camp, as well as participate in it, I have come to know so many more people throughout the church. The diversity of the organizing committee and its smooth operation is also a great testament to the unity in Christ present at BRMC. The camp was an exciting opportunity for the church as a whole to grow deeper in Christ. Through the worship, plenary sessions, and workshops, campers were able to mix between services and generations, reaching out to one another in the love of Jesus. I especially found it so encouraging to see and hear the Mandarin translation going on in the plenary sessions, a powerful reminder of the diversity of the church and yet the unity in Christ that binds us together. I found the group time to be refreshing, the group was diverse in age and background yet we were all ready and willing to contribute to discussing how different parts of the camps were affecting us and how God impressed various truths on our hearts. The theme of Father Make Us One! was not only preached but was truly worked out by the campers during the many activities. I look forward to continuing to build off of the unity demonstrated in the camp throughout the coming year s events and church life. By Joel Stephen Short, Camp Committee Member from USA BRMC Camp this year made a huge impact in my life. Worship, was great and the talks were intriguing. This camp made me learn new things, to love one another, to understand one another. At first I was feeling down, I couldn t feel what everybody was talking about, God s presence. I could feel only emptiness in my heart, it lingered. But Pastor Malcolm prayed for me and reminded me that we walk by faith and not by sight. This camp made me realize that feelings don t matter as God is always by our side, even when we don t feel it. This camp made me open my eyes to see what His love really is. We had this workshop for youths, where we had to get a partner we didn t know and pray. Whatever popped into our minds as we prayed, we had to tell our partner. If they saw meaning to it, then it would be from God. This prayer exercise gave me a chance to share my thoughts, instead of keeping it to myself. Surprisingly, what I considered random thoughts actually had meaning to them, I really appreciated this exercise. Although I wish camp had been longer, good things always come to an end. I m really looking forward to next year s family camp! By Daniel Nicholas Chua, Youth from Korea This is the second year I have attended church camp. There are many reasons I really like going to the camp, though I especially enjoy the discussion groups, the workshop sessions, and the games. There were a variety of topics available for the workshops this year, and I very much enjoyed listening to some of these sessions. I learnt a lot. I also made several new friends, from the Philippines and also from Myanmar. I loved watching the campers from the Chinese ministry. Their passionate faith and willingness to share openly was very inspiring. My group leader, Carol Low, was encouraging and even gave me a copy of the book From Darkness to Glorious Light to read. It was about the amazing true story of a Myanmese spirit worshipper who turned evangelist. By Naw Shar Ro Paw, 10:30am Sanctuary, from Myanmar July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 25

26 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Reflecting Together 26 uphill & beyond July to October 2013 BRMC Church Camp 2013 was a truly enriching and refreshing experience for me. It was the first camp I ve attended on such a huge scale, and seeing the congregation from all the BRMC services encouraged me greatly. This camp opened my eyes to all the different congregations and ministries which made up BRMC that I rarely had the chance to interact with. There could not have been a more apt theme than Father, make us One. The four days away from the hustle and bustle of daily life gave me the opportunity to pray and seek God more, something so lacking in the midst of all the distractions. It is so easy to be swept away by anxieties due to establishing a career, relationships, financing needs etc, that we forget how less burdened our lives would be when we allow God to guide our every step. I came away from this camp with a renewed spirit and the comfort of trusting that God has good plans for us even if circumstances don t seem that way. I have also been really blessed by the people I met, listening to testimonials firsthand, having prayers answered, and having the opportunity to lead in worship. These showed me how real God is and the power He has in all our lives. My prayer is that we can experience these and bless others not just through church camp, but also through more serving and interaction as a BRMC community, and being more sensitive to God s presence in our daily lives. To God Be All Glory! By Cheryl Chong, Young Adult For me, the words that describe the camp are those that were spoken by God through Uncle Soo Chye Divine Appointment. For four months, I had been struggling with God s future for me in a university I was unfamiliar with, and the disappointments and hurts that came with it. I had good results and I did not understand why God had not given me what I had wanted. Not that where I was going was not good (in fact, I am so blessed to be going there), but God knew my desires, and yet did not fulfill them. I was wounded and I knew I needed healing. So during the camp, I waited for God, for Him just to tell me something, anything that would comfort me. On the third day of the camp, Aunt Mei Ling (she did not know me at all, then!) told me, Do you know, God loves you very much, and He has given you everything and more. The phrase everything and more touched me so much that I had to hold my tears till I reached the back of the room. Then I cried and cried. I cried because I had hurt God with my feelings of abandonment and accusations. I cried because I never knew that God could care so much about me. I cried because all along, my heavenly Papa had been beside me, carrying me in His arms, and all I had ever done was to cry at the single set of footprints on the sand. Now, I am prouder than ever of where I m going to for university, because this is where God is calling me to, even though I don t know what lies ahead, and I know God has done the same for everyone. If anyone of you feels like God has disappointed or abandoned you, or if you are dejected due to your circumstances, just remember that God has a higher calling for you. He loves you so much! Jesus was subjected to the most painful death on earth by the people He loved most, and yet, He did it for them. It is just that He is building us up for something higher. We have a divine anointment. And because we have that divine appointment, He has given us everything and more. By Isabel Lim, Young Adult

27 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! Reflecting Together I was scheduled to sing for the first worship service at camp. As the band was practicing in the hall and people started streaming in, I couldn t help but sense that these people were here with expectant hearts to receive. It was a particularly strong inkling though I kept wondering if it was merely reflective of my own emotions. Being able to attend camp was a relief for me I never did set aside the time to attend a single church camp throughout my three years in polytechnic. Even so, there was something in the atmosphere that had me sensing that God had so much to say, and that God will meet with those who were seeking Him at camp. As the band and I were singing Shekinah Glory, I felt that the words we wait for You to walk in the room and shekinah glory come down epitomized the exact prayer of our hearts and served as an invitation to God to be with us and how He moved The first night, my roommates and I attended worship that started at 8.30 PM. Pastor Chiu had just finished preaching about the importance of praying in secret and the room was in a peaceful, contemplative mood. As the musicians led worship, I found a quiet spot without distractions to pray. Leaning forward in my chair, I sensed a prompting in my spirit, with the words, I know where it hurts. At once I knew that God acknowledged that I had come to Him to lay an old hurt down at His feet. My vision grew blurry and as the tears flowed, I realized that He wants to let me know how much and how well He KNOWS me. But God didn t stop there. He wanted to give me a reassurance that would impact and resonate within my heart whenever problems like that arose again. We awoke in the morning and went down to attend the 6.45 AM prayer session. Like the previous night, I found my own spot in the room, greeted God in prayer and as I was resting in His presence with my eyes closed I saw a towering, grey rock. It didn t have the pleasant serenity of a picturesque, The Sound of Music sort of mountain - all I saw was a blockage. I thought, How am I going to move this thing?! Then God s fingers reached down, picked it up and flicked it away. Just like that. At once, light burst forth and my eyes flew open. I felt my lips mouthing Wow. It was as if God was telling me that there is no setback big enough in which He cannot alter or move. It was as if He was saying, Ling, look BEYOND the setback and look at ME. Psalm 51:17 says: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart These, O God, You will not despise. I was so amazed, I couldn t even cry. I had never expected that God would even take the time to comfort my begrudging, hurting heart (the incident happened a year ago), nor did I ever think a vision would have been so simple and gentle. By Loh Li Ling, Young Adult This year s camp was amazing, and I felt especially thankful and blessed. God reminded me over and over again about His omnipresence, mercy, grace and love; manifested through verses and people who radiated with the gentle understanding of Christ. People I never met before were kind and friendly; my group especially helped me understand the sermons better with warmhearted and lively discussions. One thing that impacted me the most was the youth workshop, which was very powerful as God spoke into many people s lives. We were paired with random people we had never met before and supposed to just let Him speak to us through them by prayer, which He really did. I was paired with two people for the activity and they honestly struck a chord with what they told me and vice versa. There was no way we could have known prior to the prayer session about each other s lives, and yet God revealed Himself in such a wonderful way. He is indeed good and with us all the time. This experience strengthened my faith and joy in Him, because we are all truly blessed to have a God who cares and loves us so deeply. This camp reaffirmed my belief that faith in God can move mountains, heal the broken and bring true joy to those who find their hope and light in Him. For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) By Anneka Hon, Youth July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 27

28 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! God Heals! Madam Chua Siew Hong, aged 82 years, as narrated to Rev Daniel Terence Yeo Madam Chua, who only speaks the Hokkien dialect, shared at camp how a long-time ailment was healed during a night prayer session at camp, touching the hearts of many campers My God knows me. He knows my name. As I was prayed for, I heard someone call out my name twice. Who would know my name, especially when I had lost my camp ID at the start of camp. My God knows how hard my life has been. He has walked alongside me through the years of pain and suffering. And now, He says that He will take care of me that I do not need to worry any more about the present or the future. This is my Jesus. Jesus has healed me of the pain and swelling in both my legs. It has been so difficult and painful for me to move about by myself. Now the pain and swelling has gone. I do not need an umbrella to support me as I walk. For the first time in a long time, I slept so soundly, like a baby, last night after prayer. My God truly loves me. He knows my name Pastor Terence Yeo: Truly, God has touched her. Her son, Choon Min, has been faithfully attending our BRMC Mandarin Service. His mother, Madam Chua, who lives alone in Province Wellesley, Penang, had travelled down to Singapore to join her son and daughterin-law at the BRMC Camp. Madam Chua at 82 years old had deliberately made the journey to seek the God of Jesus to heal the pain and swelling in both her legs. Madam Chua visibly suffered from pain as she very slowly made her way up and down the coach to Malacca. She used an umbrella as a walking support. And now, she has been healed by God. She walks with confidence, no longer needing the umbrella for support. I see her demeanour being transformed by God s glory into someone who knows God and what He has done for her. If it was not the ladies who had prayed for her who called her by name, it can only be God through His angels who did. Father God has healed and restored Mdm Chua s heart and life in Jesus. This is an encouragement to dig deep and pray one s best prayer under the direction and authority of the Holy Spirit. God is fully able, He is in charge. We should not be floored by outward appearances, challenges posed by sickness and a life of hardship. The Holy Spirit enabled me to minister beyond my inability to speak in Mdm Chua s native dialect. As directed by the Holy Spirit, I lovingly held her swollen foot, ankle and leg in turn and prayed healing through to the kidneys. Then God led me to pray for her heart and the restoration of His promises to her. At that juncture, I sensed from the Father that Mdm Chua should be led through the Steps of Faith to re-dedicate herself for His glory. I then asked Nancy Khoo to lead her through the steps of faith. By Hui Mei Ling, 8:30am Upper Room Service I was pleasantly surprised when Mei Ling asked me to help lead this elderly lady through the steps of faith in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit prompted me to simplify these steps into Hokkien, which is not a dialect I am truly conversant with. Madam Chua affirmed her trust and belief in Jesus as she went through these steps of faith. Like Mei Ling, I do not remember calling Madam Chua Siew Hong. I was blessed as I sensed God s glory shining through Madam Chua s life to drive away darkness as she responded to the spiritual prompting of the hour. This joy in the Lord was evident in Madam Chua s Spirit thereafter. By Nancy Khoo, 8:30am Sanctuary 28 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

29 BRMC Church Camp Father, Make Us One! God Heals! I came to camp this year with a heart seeking to experience God in whatever way He had in store for me. What took place during camp was beyond anything I would have ever thought possible. I ve been an athlete my entire life, and have also practised various forms of martial arts. Over the years, this has resulted in an accumulation of injuries. My shoulders have torn ligaments, my knees are shaky and constantly produce a clicking sound, and my ankle is badly sprained. The most persistent of these bodily ailments is my spine, which is bent by about 3 degrees to the right. This resulted in a lump in my back, and is presumably the cause of all my other injures, due to not having proper form when doing sports. I discovered this in 2010 when I went for a medical check-up after experiencing back pain since This affected me seriously as I was unable to walk, run, or stand for long periods of time without feeling a strain in my back. At its worst stage, I was unable to stand for worship for a long time and was forced to sit down due to the pain. Even sleeping became an issue as I spent hours moving in bed before finally finding a position that would not be agonizing enough to prevent me from sleep. I have many times before sought healing on occasions where there were calls for healing and ministry time, yet I always walked away the same as before: not healed. On the last night of camp, I went forward again to seek healing for my back as it was my heart s desire to be able to worship without pain in my back. My heart was expectant of God s power but one part remained doubtful that anything would truly happen. Many people came forward to pray for me, most of them my friends. As they prayed for me, they sensed a spirit of restlessness within me and told me that they felt I had to let go of many things that I was holding on to in my heart. These were things like letting go of past relationships with people, feelings of rejection and betrayal amongst many other issues having to do with me personally. This took some time, and with much effort, I let everything go into the hands of God. At that moment, I felt a burden being lifted off my back. Apparently, when you re being healed, you should feel the healing take place physically, someone had told me. Not so in my case. I did not feel healing outwardly, but inwardly. I felt a feeling of happiness manifest over me, and at that moment I stood up. To my immense awe, I felt a feeling that I had not felt in my back for over 4 years: that of having absolutely no pain whatsoever. I stood there in amazement and wonder! How great is our God! I have often heard of these miracle healings taking place, but not once would I have ever thought that God would have healed me in the way that He did. I jumped up and down on the spot and I was just filled with immense joy. I was healed! And God s mercy did not stop overflowing after camp. When I used to walk up the hill in ACS Barker Road, or stairs for that matter, it was often a hard walk as my knees would feel strained by the effort. On the Sunday following camp, when I walked up that same hill, there was absolutely no pain whatsoever! I came to the realization that my knees too had been healed! Truly, God is a great God who gives us more than we ever expect Him to give. What I got out of camp was more than what I could ever have dreamed possible. With this experience, I now know that in the name of Jesus Christ, nothing is impossible. God is very real, and He wants the very best for His people. By Bradley Smahon, Youth July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 29

30 BRMC Church Camp 2013 Father, Maker Us One! BRMC Church Camp that they may be one as we are one I in them and you in me... John 17: uphill & beyond July to October 2013

31 BRMC Small Group Ministry (SG) Love the Lord SG s 1st Anniversary House of Bread Uphill & Beyond presents this 2-page special on our Small Group Ministry. On this page we feature a report written by Leonard Sim, SG Leader of BRMC s newest Intergenerational Small Group Love Our Lord, which has by God s grace turned 1 year old this August! We celebrate with them in the knowledge that families can love the Lord together in Word and Worship as a Small Group! We urge your prayers as more Intergenerational Small Groups take on the challenge to create the best environment for families to grow in the Lord. Listening intently during the devotion We are God-loving Christians, we are an Intergenerational Small Group in BRMC called Love Our Lord. Betty leading the combined praise We are 8 families, mostly with young children from 3 years old to 14 years old. A few of us are relatively new to BRMC, and decided to stay with BRMC after visiting a few churches. We all wanted our children to be part of a bible study group, so that ideally, the family will move from drinking milk to solid food together. We all wanted to be in a small group that accepts interruptions from children, and bring up children who will encourage each other not to be of the world even as they grow up in the world. The name, Love Our Lord, was chosen by the young ones. We started in August 2012 in BRMC s Music Room, with Betty Ong (LMS), one of our SG Ministry Staff, leading us all through big challenging moves during worship. Everyone was sporting enough to follow her large movements and laughed away. That really moved the heart and mind away from the happenings of the day into the small group setting. We believe it was no coincidence that we got together, and warmed up quickly. Another SG Ministry Staff, Low Kee Hong (LMS) initially led us in the study of God s Word. The adults have since settled into a structure for bible study by using one of the Fisherman Bible Study Guides. We plan for fellowship, roster each other for worship and facilitation of bible study lessons. We will be looking to do the same for the children s bible study next. We look forward to the small group growing in God s word, and to lead our children and each other in God s way. Young and old worshipping together Wei San leading the devotion July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 31

32 BRMC Small Group Ministry (SG) SG House of Bread The BRMC Small Group Ministry has slightly over a 1000 people in 86 small groups. On Small Group Sunday and almost every month of the year, we are reaching out to the other 2000 worshippers in our church who have yet to join a small group. This decision to join a small group is potentially one of the most important choices we can make in our journey of faith with God. We are called to be part of the vine belonging to Jesus Christ and that is a strong reminder that our faith cannot be meaningfully sustained without being part of the body of Christ. The good news is that on account of the responses to join we have recently started another small group and as of the writing of this article, another 2 new groups are being formed. To God Alone Be the Glory! The diligent hands that prepared the baskets Handing SG pen and card with respect and humility SG members gathering the card responses SG greeters at ShineForth service Presenting the SG video at service Joel ready to spread SG cheer SG video presentation in the sanctuary 32 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

33 BRMC Glowing Years Ministry GYM Update House of Prayer BRMC s Glowing Years Ministry aims to get senior members of BRMC to have fellowship and to bond with one another through monthly social get-togethers, an Activity Day (every Wednesday), weekly Bible study, excursions within Singapore, and overseas trips. Its committee also visits GYM members who are unable to attend church for one reason or another. Below is a report from Mrs Susan Tong, its Vice-Chairman, on GYM s visit to Kuching in July this year. Thirty-four GYM members visited Kuching on July BRMC GYM members with Iban leaders On Saturday, July 6, we were treated to lunch at Trinity Methodist Church, where we were served Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and drinks by Pastor Rev. Lenita Tiong and the LCEC members. That night, we had dinner at the home of an Iban church leader, Mr Stewart Saga, where we were received very hospitably by the Saga family. To the delight of Mr Saga, the GYM members responded by singing many songs that made the evening more convivial. The following day, we attended a service at the Iban Methodist Church (Gereja Methodist Iban), where we sang two songs and presented a love gift that had been collected earlier from GYM members. Our generous Iban hosts gave each GYM member a beautiful hand-made table mat, and provided tea (complete with Sarawakian goodies) and then lunch (including typical Sarawakian dishes such as manuk pansoh, babi pansoh, and midin, as well as fruits). Mr Saga, who had enjoyed our singing at his home, asked that we sing a song for his church members during the tea, and we gladly obliged. Sheila Dharmaratnam (LMS) leading the morning devotions Mr Saga sharing about his family A gift from GYM to Trinity Methodist Church July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 33

34 BRMC Indonesian Congregation God Provides! House of Prayer Our BRMC Indonesian Congregation successfully ran a 3-month Computer Literacy course. We thank God for all He has done for us! Here is a sharing by the training coordinator, Famajati Sastro at the graduation ceremony on June 30. Trainers, assistant trainers and technical support people Course participants who received certificates The idea of computer literacy course first crossed my mind last year when I heard a couple of churches offer such a course to Indonesian domestic workers. I paid a visit to such a class. It was very impressive. There were 7-8 course participants, and 5-6 assistant trainers. However, my heart sank a little as I thought, How on earth am I going to find so many assistant trainers? So I was quite reluctant to start the course. Meanwhile, I prayed about it. Early this year the Lord put it in my heart that it was time to run the course. I had to take a step of faith. The first step was to put up an announcement in our church bulletin to ask for volunteers and donation of used laptops. The outcome was discouraging. There was almost no response for donation of used laptops. There was no response at all for assistant trainers. It was by God s grace and miraculous provision that we managed to run the course. 15 people signed up for the course. God provided exactly 15 laptops - some from friends outside BRMC and the Graduate Christian Fellowship. Some employers such as Mrs Chow Khan Yoke, Ms Kon Mei Leen, and Ms Agnes Chang, lent laptops to their helpers. Amazingly, God sent two assistant trainers who are not BRMC members: Jimmy Santoso, who was experienced in computer literacy training, and Yulia Jomono, who was most helpful by getting us 3 laptops. Trainers, course participants and employers First session of the computer class on 7 Apr 2013 Antok Wibowo, a student from the Discipleship Training Centre who was doing his field education with us, was asked to be one of the instructors. I sensed that he was a little anxious about it, but as it turned out, he was one of the best and most patient instructors I have come across. Naomi Harmini, our musician, also helped as assistant trainer. Knowing her circumstances, it was amazing that she was able to take time off from her family on Sunday afternoons. Rev Andum initially could not fully commit when I asked him to be an instructor but he soon warmed up to the role, enjoying himself and doing a good job. All in all, it was a great teamwork. It was a big step for the participants to sign up for the course. All of them had never used a computer before. It was not easy for them to come every Sunday for 3 months. I thank the Lord for their perseverance. My heartiest congratulations to our graduates! 34 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

35 BRMC Boys Brigade Ministry Interview with Mr Lim Keng Boon House of Prayer Our church LPS Pang Seng Hock writes this touching tribute to Mr Lim Keng Boon whom he fondly remembers as his Boys Brigade Captain with the soldierly bearing and gentle voice - who graced the BB Juniors picnic in Seng Hock was privileged to have the honour of catching up with Mr Lim recently at several ACS and BB events. War disrupted Mr Lim s schooling in Hard times challenged him at age 10 to work as an office Boy, take up brick-laying and carpentry: If others can do it, why can t I? After the war, he resumed studies at Anglo-Chinese School, joined the St. John s Ambulance Brigade, then enrolled in the Malayan Air Training Corps pilot training and supply-drops during the Malayan Emergency followed. In the Singapore Volunteer Corps, he served as a drill instructor. On graduation, principal Mr Thio Chan Bee persuaded him to return to ACS as a teacher. His former Sunday School teacher Mr Wee Choon Siang recruited him into BB: Mr Wee and Mr Ong Kim Kiat inspired me with their dedicated commitment. I regarded Mr Wee as my mentor. Mr Lim succeeded Mr Wee as Captain in On Sundays, Mr Lim helped conduct BB Bible Class at Barker Road Methodist Church. BB members joined the Church Junior Choir, Methodist Youth Fellowship and Church Junior Council; taught Bible Class, performed at fundraising events for BB and Church. At BRMC s 11th Anniversary, the BB donated neon lights to brighten the cross at night. Mr Lim and his dedicated team of officers pioneered bold initiatives many of which are still ongoing: setting-up of the Life Boys (later called BB Juniors) at Anglo-Chinese Primary and Junior Schools; a special ACPS Coleman St. Platoon for upper-primary Boys; a combined BB-GB Camp; recruitment of ACS Pre-University Girls as BB Staff-Sergeants; a Big Walk to raise funds; and Trooping of the Colours a ceremonial parade. In his capacity as Battalion Training Officer, he trained officers and Non-Commissioned Officers. As his forte was outdoors training his favourite venue was Pulau Tekong was ideal for hiking quiet tracks, swamps, a hot spring and jungle. I returned often to Tekong with BB members for leadership training. Perhaps the most memorable was the 1967 Battalion Camp at Tekong when two landing crafts ferried tents, cooks, rations and over 200 Boys and officers from Changi to Tekong campsite. There British Army instructors trained campers in communications, jungle survival skills, first aid and seamanship. Eventually we organised community service work camps at the School of the Blind, the Children s Society Convalescent Home and the Red Cross Crippled Children s Home. July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 35

36 BRMC Boys Brigade Ministry Interview with Mr Lim Keng Boon House of Prayer Mr. Lim s strong British Army ties enabled him to send BB NCOs for the highly-prized Outward Bound School training. As much was given to these privileged NCOs, much was also required of them! So the NCO Council was formed. These NCOs shouldered responsibilities to lead the younger Boys, launched a Company Newsletter and organised campfires, helped the Girls Brigade in drill and bandsmanship. Outstanding NCOs became Boyhood heroes to many BB Boys. After leaving ACS, several excelled in national service and returned to serve as officers. At the New Zealand Expedition Camp with Sir Edmund Hilary, Mr Lim trained in river-crossing, fire-lighting in difficult conditions, camp diet and safety. We were led to places such as Valiant Peak, Hallelujah Flat and Mount Misery with morning and evening Bible devotions wherever we went. The Camp theme was Meditations among the Mountains of the Bible. The rugged country was very tough going, but enjoyable. Views from the peaks were just magnificent. On his return, Mr Lim s camp-craft and hiking lectures inspired love for the outdoors, and it brought many closer to nature and to God. Beyond the awards and accolades won by the 12 th Company under his charge, and his later appointment as Battalion Vice-President, Mr Lim mused on what was most satisfying to him; There was a BB Boy who gave his teachers lots of problems. Kicked out of BB for bad behaviour, I gave him a second chance to rejoin BB. He failed repeatedly and left ACS but much later he turned out to be a businessman with good character. On his appointment as Principal of Anglo-Chinese Primary School ( ), he fondly recalls; I always enjoyed camping with the Boys it s the only time I could have fun with them to let them throw me into the sea! Today Mr Lim worships with his wife at St. Andrews Cathedral and serves as Honorary Captain of the 12th BB Company. Thank you, Mr Lim, for your sterling service to advance Christ s kingdom in BB and ACS! 36 uphill & beyond July to October 2013

37 World Vision Mongolian Children s Choir Special Feature The Blue Sky Choir, a Mongolian Children s Choir On July , the Children of the Blue Sky Choir, a Mongolian Children s Choir ministered to us and gave heart warming testimonies of the love of Jesus at our 10.30am Sanctuary Service. The children in the choir were former street children who were able to find the saving grace of Jesus through World Vision, which is a Christian Agency dedicated to working with children, families and communities worldwide to tackle poverty and injustice. This was a rare treat for us as this choir is an award-winning one and this was their debut performance in Singapore, the first of many more. Our BRMC congregation was challenged to consider playing a part in helping the poor and vulnerable children around the world by being a child sponsor and transform a community. More information is available at the World Vision website. Barker Road Methodist Church Kindergarten BRMCK Update In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. We continue to give thanks to God for His guiding hand upon the children in BRMCK and over the teachers and principal. Here are photos of the children s in 4 recent events held this year. BRMCK Book Week Dental Talk National Day Orientation at ACS Canteen July to October 2013 uphill & beyond 37

38 Prayer Sanctuary On Sundays, prayer ministry at the altar is available in the sanctuary after worship services. For those who need someone to pray for them, please use the left railings near the pulpit. The Pastors and Lay Ministry Staff are available to pray with all who come forward. Those who wish to pray by themselves should use the railings on the right. During the weekdays, the sanctuary is open and available from 10am to 2pm for anyone who wants to be alone with God in prayer. Uphill & Beyond is looking for volunteer photographers. For details: Do sms/phone Corinne Teo (LMS) at Or 38 uphill & beyond July to October 2013