Greater Faith Conference 2015

Transcription

1 AG TIMES A Bi-monthly publication of Assemblies of God, Singapore MCI ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 Nov - Dec 2015 (P) 031/08/ Greater Faith Conference 2015 No Turning Back - Pg 11 Christmas Through the Eyes of Simeon - Pg 15 I Promised and He Provided - Pg 20

2 2 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES

3 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec General Superintendent s Message How Can This Year s Christmas be Different? Time flies. Christmas is just around the corner again. The question we need to ask ourselves is, How can this year s Christmas be different from years past? The night Christ was born was a very different night from all others before it. It broke the monotony of the shepherds lives and forever changed the course of life for the three wise men as they followed the star. Christmas should make a difference in the lives of people. Christmas is a powerful message of hope. And hope is the greatest need in our world today. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the many events that have happened around the world this past year the refugee crisis in Europe, the spread of Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Ebola, the earthquakes that shook Nepal and Sabah taking the lives of many people. Many in our world are probably left wondering if there is any meaning and hope left to life. Church, we have the Good News to share. Christmas is not just about the parties and the presents. It s about changing lives through God s transforming power. I am not a party-pooper I believe God wants us to enjoy our fellowship and live our lives to the full. However, if we have been hearing what the Spirit of God is saying to His church through our Fresh Fire and Greater Faith Conferences, it s about us going outside the walls of our churches and getting people saved! It s about going out to every highway and byway. More so than ever, we need to completely immerse ourselves into ministry works. We need to be more eager and passionate to take our message of hope into our families and communities. The true meaning of Christmas is not something we should keep to ourselves. We are a church on a mission! In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus commands His disciples to Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Let us take the opportunity at Christmas to invite our friends and loved ones to understand and experience its true meaning. God has done marvelous things in our lives. But there are many more lives that need the hope of Jesus Christ! What God needs are men and women to stand in the gap, fueled by faith, and willing to do whatever it takes to see His Kingdom come. Therefore, as we enter into the season of Christmas, let s be prayed up, geared up, and fired up for Christmas to make a significant difference among our families and in our communities. May the hope, joy and peace that this season brings be carried upon your hearts for His glory! 时间飞逝 圣诞又来临了 问题是, 今年的圣诞如何能与往年的不同呢? 基督诞生的那一晚是个极为不同的夜晚 它打破了牧羊人单调的生活 它永久的改变了跟随星辰从远方到来的博士们的生命轨道 圣诞就是要改变人们生命的轨道 圣诞带来最强而有力的信息就是盼望, 而现今世界最需要的, 就是盼望 随着今年进入尾声, 我们回顾世界周遭所发生的多起事件 欧洲的难民危机 中东呼吸综合症冠状病毒和伊波拉病毒的扩散 导致多人丧命的尼泊尔大地震 以及使许多新加坡学童登山时丧命的沙巴地震 这种种不幸的事件都使我们质疑, 生命是否仍然有意义和盼望 作为神的教会, 我们有好消息要分享 圣诞不仅关乎欢庆派对和礼物, 它也关乎以神的转化大能来改造人的生命 我不是个派对狂热份子, 但我相信神要我们享受我们之间的团契, 并活出更丰盛的生活 然而, 如果我们一直都在倾听神的灵透过我们的 新火研习会 (Fresh Fire Conference) 以及 更大的信心研习会 (Greater Faith Conference) 对教会所说的话, 那就是要我们走出教会的四面墙, 去使人得救! 这是让我们走到大街小巷去 我们要更胜于前的完完全全把自己投进事工里 我们需要更积极 更火热的把盼望的信息带入我们的家庭和社区里 圣诞的真正意义不是个可以让我们私藏的东西 我们是个带有使命的教会! 在马可福音 16:15-16, 耶稣指示祂的门徒 : 你们往普天下去, 传福音给万民听 让我们在这圣诞邀请我们的朋友和所爱的人来了解并体验圣诞的真正意义 神在我们的生命里行了许多美好的事 而世上有更多的生命急需得到耶稣基督所带来的盼望 神需要的是男男女女站在破口当中, 以信心为动力, 并愿意完全的委身来看见神的国度降临 为此, 在我们进入圣诞季节的同时, 让我们也为圣诞积极祷告 做好准备并全力以赴的为我们的家庭和社区带来巨大的改变 愿这季节所带来的盼望 喜乐和平安充满你的心, 并为主带来荣耀! BY REV DOMINIC YEO

4 4 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community Royal Rangers Singapore Celebrates SG50 Over 600 children, youths, leaders as well as family and friends gathered on St. John s Island to celebrate Singapore s Golden Jubilee in a unique event themed Balik Kampung. One of Singapore s lost experiences is the kampung. While the word means village in Malay, it represents more than just a settlement of people. It encapsulates the carefree existence we once enjoyed when children explored nature freely and every kampung resident was a friend. This was also known as gotong royong the community spirit. To celebrate Singapore s 50th anniversary, on August 8, 2015, Royal Rangers Singapore organized a day trip to St. John s Island for children, youths, leaders as well as family and friends. The various activities recreated the gotong royong atmosphere, helped by the delicious food and joyous interactions among the different outposts (churches). This was certainly a memorable and momentous event to celebrate SG50 in a uniquely Royal Rangers style. Children engaged in various activities on the beach playing tug-of-war, discovering starfish, shrimp and shellfish, layang layang (kite flying) or simply playing in the sand. By Royal Rangers Singapore

5 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec togetherness - AG Community A mass dance to celebrate SG50 was performed by the children and adults on the beach with Singapore s skyline as the backdrop. (Watch the video here: (Top L-R) Participants flew foam aeroplanes and played the Zero-Point skipping game. (Bottom L-R) Rangers enjoyed the atmosphere and made friends with participants from the various outposts (churches). Nostalgic food and sweet treats like nasi lemak, BBQ chicken, potong ice cream, mai ya tang (malt sugar sweets) and ice lollies were distributed and shared freely by the various outposts (churches). National Commander Chia Eng Kiat illustrates a devotion about God s love protecting us in the same way a mother hen guards her chicks from the eagle. Everyone pitched in for the SG50 Giveback activity with a beach clean up, tidying and making St. John s Island a better place for fellow Singaporeans to enjoy. Royal Rangers is the premium mentoring ministry for children and youths aged 5 to 18 years old. They are mentored holistically Physically, Mentally, Socially and Spiritually to be future servant leaders. The RSAF Black Knights flew over St. John s Island, providing everyone with a great view of their aerial performance. us at info@royalrangers.com.sg or visit us at for more information to join.

6 6 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community AG Training and Together in Prayer Our pastors and ministers gathered for a time of envisioning and prayer on October 1. Dutch Sheets is one of America s foremost prophetic voices today. An internationallyrecognised author, teacher, and conference speaker, he travels extensively, empowering believers for passionate prayer and societal transformation. He has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the boards of directors for numerous organisations. He has also written over 20 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international best seller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold nearly one million copies worldwide. His newest book, An Appeal To Heaven, was released recently in May On October 1, Dutch Sheets paid us a visit and shared his heart and vision with our pastors and ministers. Looking at things through the natural senses can cause alarm, but looking through the eyes of the spirit bring hope. He has never been more hopeful that the Church is moving into the greatest harvest of souls in all of history. He had witnessed God doing amazing things in his travels to different parts of the world and he firmly believes the Church has never seen what God is about to do. Sheets then shared a prophecy from Tim Sheets entitled, The Alarm Clock of Heaven is Now Ringing found on The Elijah List. We are about to move into the season of unprecedented manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit. Entire nations are going to be awakened to what God is doing. We were born for such a time as this. There is a fresh new wave of evangelism that is about to hit the planet. A new breed of prophetic evangelists with apostolic DNA is about to be raised one the world has yet to see. The more intellectual people become, the harder it is to reach them with the gospel, and the greater the need for signs and wonders. Mark 16: performing the word with great signs and wonders. Accordingly, there is coming an unprecedented wave of creative miracles. New wine is coming and new wineskin is needed to contain it. There is no model or prototype for what God is about to do. We have to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to shape and form us into His new wineskin. Sheets also said that God is leading him in connecting different streams of revival, mixing it all up to pour it all out. God is mixing the different movements of signs and wonders, from apostolic to prophetic, prayer or even evangelism movements. What do we need to do to prepare ourselves for the next great outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Yesterday s experience and equipping are inadequate to prepare us for today and tomorrow. We need to prepare to transit to the next level. Transition in order to move to new phase of a higher level of God s Kingdom authority. A radical shift is coming there has never been a pattern in church history for what God is about to do. Stay in the flow with the Holy Spirit in wisdom and revelations to learn God s directions because He is doing a new thing. This is a season where God will do more in us than through us. Sheets concluded, We need to prepare for what God wants to do in the nation of Singapore. What is the role of this nation in God s end-times strategy on the earth? The session ended with the ministers presiding over a powerful time of intercession, with Rev Gerald Tan leading the prayer session using the 8 Traits of an Irresistible Church : 1. Hungers for the presence of God 2. Remembers who the Church is as the Bride of Christ 3. Lives heart-first 4. Practices gratefulness 5. Always learning 6. Promotes spiritual self-feeding 7. Connects everything to soul-winning 8. Takes risks It was a powerful time together for the AG ministers as we received from an anointed speaker and prayed for our churches. By Rev Samuel Heng, New Horizon Church

7 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec togetherness - AG Community A Ministry Report from our itinerant evangelist, Ev Johnnie Tan Update of a Ministry Trip to Telok Intan, Muar, Pulau Pangkor and Sitiawan, Malaysia. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Recently I made a trip to a few places in Malaysia Telok Intan, Muara, Pulau Pangkor and Sitiawan. The journey was tiring, but worth it. My first destination was Telok Intan, a 10-hour bus ride from Singapore. Once I arrived the pastor asked me to share in a house fellowship meeting. After which, the leaders and I had a good time of discussion that lasted into the night. At the worship sessions on Saturday and Sunday, we held a healing service, where I taught the congregation about how God heals and later, we then prayed for the sick. Following lunch, my co-ordinator arranged for me to visit two families who requested to see me. The pastor has since scheduled another trip for me to minister in at her church camp in March On Monday, I travelled with my co-ordinator, a fellow evangelist and his wife to pray for a family in Muar a five-hour journey from Telok Intan. The husband and wife I prayed for suffered from physical and mental health issues, in particular the wife is afflicted with depression and insomnia. As I shared God s Word and prayed for them they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. The next day, we visited and had a wonderful time fellowshipping with a pastor of a church I ministered to before. She has since planned for me to minister again in her church at their Good Friday and Easter service next year. We then ended our day in Sitiawan, making a stop for dinner in Kuala Lumpur along the way. The next day, the pastor and I went to Pulau Pangkorm, a small island with a fishing village. After a survey of the island we learned that most of the Chinese population there worshipped their gods it did not deter us from sharing the love of God Rounding off the day was a celebration of my co-ordinator s birthday and our 30 years of ministry together. After the celebration, I prayed for many of the sick, and a pastor from Sarawak brought many of his members to me for ministry he too invited me to minister in his church in September Healing of a mild stroke patient This trip was very fruitful. God is good in saving souls and healing the sick. To God be all the glory and honor! IN KING JESUS BUSINESS Ev Johnnie Tan Evangelist, Healing Ministry JESUSPOWERHOUSE Thanking God for this sister s salvation We returned to Sitiawan, and over the next two days, I visited about four to five families and prayed for the sick. On Sunday, I ministered in an independent Tamil church. God was very good. A sister with a leg condition came to church that day, limping though she had a walking stick. God healed her, loosening her injured leg. Then she was able to run round the sanctuary. God also healed many with bone conditions. The pastor also experienced the healing power of God, feeling it flow like fire through his wounded leg. A sister of another faith also accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord that day. I have since been invited by the pastor of the church to conduct a healing seminar in September Teaching on the minstry of Jesus *Please watch the video on my Facebook page at:

8 8 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community Greater Faith Conference 2015 The AG Community came together to receive an impartation of faith in the Greater Faith Conference. Through the inspirational preaching of conference speaker Rev Wilfredo De Jesús and God-exalting worship sessions, the September 16 17, 2015 Greater Faith Conference (GFC) stirred up the attendees, imparting timely, vision-steering faith to them. Attendees were encouraged to arise in faith to take on the challenges God is calling them to in these coming years within Singapore s Assemblies of God churches. Myungbuk, a procurement officer and leader in the Women s Ministry at Grace AG, shared how God was telling her, Move on, move on! She said she received much courage and perspective for the next few years in this journey of serving the Lord. When asked what she took away from one of the sessions, Irene Hsu from Trinity Christian Centre said, God uses the most unusual people, so in however He leads us, may we dare to take that big step to trust him. The times of worship played a major role in preparing God s people for His word, fostering this zeal for faithfully following Him. Rev De Jesús also stressed that through worship and hungering for His presence, God activates our faith. This was the theme of Rev De Jesús preaching, and he emphasized that An irresistible church hungers for the presence of God. Affectionately known as Pastor Choco, Rev De Jesús is the Senior Pastor of New Life Covenant Church (NLC) AG in Chicago, USA. Using examples from his life and NLC, Rev De Jesús illustrated links between hungering for God s presence, worship, and activating faith for embarking on the dreams God gives us for joining Him in mission. For instance, in 2000, when NLC appointed him as its senior pastor, the church grew from 120 to over 17,000 members throughout its many campuses and daughter churches. Today this multi-ethnic and socially diverse church comprises more than 130 ministries, which are focused on Chicago s most disenfranchised including povertystricken people, prostitutes, drug addicts, and gang members. Rev De Jesús himself was born and raised in a dysfunctional family, in one of Chicago s poorest and gang-ridden communities during the 1970s. In spite of this, in April 2013, Time Magazine named him one of its 100 Most Influential People in the world, recognizing him for his national influence and leadership roles in the nation s Hispanic-Evangelical community. Drawing from his own experience and those of NLC members, Rev De Jesús regularly proclaimed throughout the sessions that God likes choosing unlikely people for doing the impossible. He also applied this dictum to teamwork, stressing that God builds dream teams comprised of diverse kinds of people. Another theme running through the sessions highlighted that God desires that we activate faith in Him. For as Rev De Jesús exhorted, Faith moves the hand of God, even as faith is obedience to God regardless of circumstances. He often quipped, If no one is laughing at your dreams, then your faith is too small. Dream big! Yet as God gives us fresh vision, we will experience tension with our current realities. He thus admonished participants not to lower your vision but rather, let the tension force you into God s presence, and cry out, Stretch me Lord! Wilson Lee, a freelance music educator who attends Eternal Life AG, expressed this GFC lesson well, saying, Without God s presence we can t do anything. Yet, the word that also sticks out is faith. We need to activate our faith, to the things God tells us to do. Reflecting on the meritocratic, competing and comparing cultures of our society, Pastor Paul Ng, Pastor of Church of Christ the Rock AG, added that By Monte Lee Rice

9 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec togetherness - AG Community these lessons on greater faith remind us, God can use any one of us too, if we trust and believe Him. The GFC forwarded the spiritual momentum ignited from the May 2015 Fresh Fire Conference, fostering a broad conviction well expressed through one of the GFC praise-declaration choruses: Greater things are yet to come! Another timely GFC chorus recalled the Pentecostal stress on how the Holy Spirit works to repeat the miraculous and restorative ministry of Jesus through his apostolic people. Thus attendees confidently prayed the song lyrics, Do it again, do it again Jesus! What makes the GFC even more historically significant is that, as was announced in the final night session, the Assemblies of God of Singapore will host the eighth triennial World Assemblies of God Congress from March 28 31, This upcoming congress will build on the vision and goals earlier established at the 2014 Congress in Springfield, Missouri, USA, which marked the centennial of the now worldwide Assemblies of God. The 2014 theme was Vision AG 2020, which targets that by 2020, the World AG Fellowship aspires an increase to 100 million believers and 500,000 churches worldwide. Just like Rev De Jesús oft-quoted motto, Let s empty hell and fill heaven, another pivotal theme running through the GFC sessions was the reminder to our mission as Pentecostal believers to reach the lost and make disciples of Jesus, through the miraculous and transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The participants enthusiastic worship, along with their encounters with God via the conference altar calls, demonstrated a renewed embracing of God s local and global missional purposes. As we finish the year and move forward, let us hunger for God s presence, grow in compassion, and dream big for the glory of God!

10 10 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Getting to know International Correspondence Institute (ICI) ICI is the Singapore link to Global University, a fully accredited nonprofit Christian university in the Pentecostal tradition, based in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Global University s course materials are used in small groups and Christian education classes. If you are keen to purchase them or find out more, please refer to the below information: Special Offer - Any two course titles for just $10 (Use Code: AGT12) No postage charge A certificate of completion when you mail back your answers to a short test A class of 30 students studying Christian Maturity in Chinese Please tick TWO course titles below. The Counterfeit Wealth (8 lessons) Your Bible (6 lessons) How To Study The Bible (8 lessons) Your Helpful Friend (The Holy Spirit) Where do we send your books to? Name Mobile No. Students from the School of Ministry and Discipleship Mailing Address (Postal Code) Please make checks payable to: INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE INSTITUTE LIMITED Mail this order form and your check to the address below. Group of five students in the undergraduate program studying the Book of Acts 203 Hougang Street 21 #03-83 Singapore For more information, please call INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE INSTITUTE LTD 203 Hougang Street 21, #03-83 Kovan City, Singapore Tel: /

11 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec togetherness - AG Churches The BIG AlphaTrack Reunion To celebrate 20 years of God s faithfulness, 130 AlphaTrackers reconnected on August 29, 2015, some for the first time in many years, in the largest AlphaTrack Reunion to date. For the average Christian, the thought of devoting three full months to ministry training sounds like an impossible dream. For Trinity Christian Centre s former Senior Pastor, Reverend Naomi Dowdy, AlphaTrack was that dream. Her desire to give God s people Trinitarians and people from other churches and nations a platform to take time out, become equipped, and serve God was finally realized on December 26, 1996 with an inaugural batch of seven. Now, 20 years, 45 batches, and over 500 AlphaTrackers later, the purpose of AlphaTrack remains steadfast: to help men and women discovery their destiny and purpose in Christ, to raise them as Harvest Warriors, and subsequently release each person into the ministry both full-time and within the marketplace. Through the three-month AlphaTrack program, men and women in all seasons of life students, graduates, those in mid-career, and retirees learned to hear the voice of God, acquired ministry and leadership skills, discovered their passions and gifts, captured God s heartbeat for the lost, and grew in boldness to testify of God s goodness. Toward the end of the program, every AlphaTracker was given the opportunity to put what they learned to practice in an overseas evangelistic mission trip. Since learning about Trinity s missions efforts in 2009, I always had a desire to go and impact the nations, shares Jessie Ng, corporate communications executive, Batch 43. However, the desire was never strong enough for me to take that next step and sign up for a missions strip. Through AlphaTrack, I finally went on a missions trip to the Philippines. The favor of God was with us and we had the privilege of sharing about the love of Jesus to thousands. My one desire for the trip was to be a channel for healing and God used me to bring sight to a man blinded by a cataract! I am blessed to have been a blessing and look forward to participating on another missions trip! Eugene Cheng, CFO, Batch 38, shares a similar sentiment. What amazes me is how a group of people, with very diverse backgrounds a sophomore student in law school to a 60-year old lady can perform wonders when they are committed to His purpose to help the lost. The most precious moment of my time in AlphaTrack happened when we were on our MIT. I preached the gospel in a youth revival meeting in Iloilo, Philippines. After giving an altar call for salvation, I was amazed and overwhelmed by the number of young men and woman that rushed forward to give (or re-dedicate) their lives to Christ. The tears that flowed on their faces showed me how precious the gift of eternal life, and Jesus, was to them. That moment also reminded me of the need to always be alert for opportunities to share the gospel and to live a life of service the Lord in all forms and at all times. During the BIG AlphaTrack Reunion, bonds formed through the three-month program were remembered and AlphaTrackers encouraged one another by sharing how God was working in and through their lives. Pastor Dominic, founder of the AlphaTrack program, also shared a word of encouragement based on Philippians 3. You are seared and special! Pastor Dom exhorted, You have been specially trained, developed, and equipped. Your experience in AlphaTrack is something very few have and a springboard for something greater! By committing three months to seeking God, you have found Him and His purpose for your life. Because you have experienced the power of God in and through your life, you can do great damage to the kingdom of Hell! Remember the passion that AlphaTrack ignited, re-fire that passion, and live to your fullest potential! The BIG Alpha Track Reunion had an immediate effect on AlphaTrackers. Lily Koh, consultant, shared that, On the first working day after the reunion, while travelling to Manila for work, I was seated beside a young Filipino lady on the plane. Though I needed time to prepare for work, God prompted me to talk to this lady, that the harvest was ready. We started talking and God gave me the opportunity to share the bridge illustration. She was ready and I had the privilege of leading her in the Salvation Prayer. Praise God for His faithfulness! Indeed, Once a Tracker, Always a Tracker! Want to find out more about AlphaTrack? Visit the Trinity website, (I want to Develop my potential > AlphaTrack > About AlphaTrack) for more information! By Jessie Chew, Trinity Christian Centre

12 12 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Churches No Turning Back! Eric Moo rocked the night with his personal testimony and songs, with people being led to Christ. An Evening with Eric Moo at Emmanuel AG on August 30 proved to be a night of witnessing God at work. 10 people gave their hearts to the Lord after Eric rocked the night with some of his gospel songs and shared many powerful testimonies of how God has transformed his life. About 800 people attended, with crowds packing the lobby of our sanctuary even before the doors were open for the concert, all excited to hear their favorite singer-songwriter. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the crowd waited patiently for Eric to make his appearance on stage. I had the opportunity to interview Eric in person just before the concert started. When asked how his life as an artiste has changed since he became a believer, he replied that firstly, he had made the decision to declare his faith and the gospel clearly, publicly and unashamedly the moment He accepted Christ. This took courage as an artiste faces the real possibility of losing popularity with the world. Eric chose to walk the high road, as he didn t want to keep silent about his faith. There was no turning back, he said. So he decided to testify about God and serve Him whenever he s given the opportunity to share the gospel. And so he did. Eric shared stories of how God has transformed his life as he sang some of his gospel songs. In his song, 一定是你 (It Must Be You), he challenged the audience with the fact that there must be a higher power who created the universe it had to be God. But what truly captured the hearts of the audience was his testimony about how God helped him break his smoking addiction. Through the encouragement of a friend, Eric prayed for God to help him quit this bad habit. God came through for him taking away his desire to smoke completely when he made the decision to depend on God and not his own strength to stop smoking. Eric s testimony reminded us that God honors the prayer of a sincere heart and one who trusts in Him with all of his heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). Nothing is impossible with God! The same God who transformed Eric s life is still transforming lives today! We witnessed 10 salvations that night and many more were exposed to the gospel, touched by Eric s heartwarming stories. Crowds stayed behind even during the prayer for those who made the decision to accept Christ into their lives. Let s continue to pray and trust in Him to water the seed that s been planted in the hearts of those present, so that they too will someday give their hearts to God. In my question to Eric as to what motto he lives by, he answered, Do not worry, surrender yourself to God and He will grant you a plan that best suits you. All you need to do is simply follow His plan and leading. What a great reminder this is to all of us believers today. We have a God who cares for each one of us so much that He has made a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11) all we need to do is to surrender our lives to Him. By Rebecca Yong Mun Ching, Emmanuel Assembly of God

13 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec togetherness - AG Churches Celebra7ing God s Goodness The People s Church celebrated seven years of God s goodness in their church. The word Celebra7e is the combination of the word celebrate and the number 7 reminding us of God s goodness in The People s Church over the past seven years, as well as to celebrate in anticipation of many more good years to come. The number 7 holds great significance for many people, as it is perceived to be synonymous with many things. The Chinese believe it to be an auspicious number because the Chinese pronunciation of it sounds similar to the Chinese translations for to rise ( 起 ) or life s essence ( 气 ). The number 7 also represents spiritual perfection. It appears in the Bible several times, starting from Genesis: Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. The holy Sabbath falls on the seventh day of the week, and in Revelations we read about the seven churches, seven trumpets, etc. All these mentions are only a fraction of the copious biblical references to the symbolic number 7 the number of perfection. Front row: Speaker Rev Dominic Yeo and his wife with veteran minister Rev Pang Ek Kwan with his wife. Back row: Middle: Senior Pastor of The People s Church, Rev Patrick Cheong with his wife, Pastor Lillian; with invited guests and church council of The People s Church. How fitting is it then that The People s Church celebrated its 7th anniversary on August 7 this year? Are we a symbol of spiritual perfection? No, but I dare say that the church must be a symbol of spiritual perfection a light to this world and a salt of the earth. The Message Bible aptly translates this for us in Matthew 5:13-16: You re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth; you re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. And so, young and old, we put our hands and feet together and worked in preparation for that day. We moved in the banquet tables, dolled up the hall, invited our friends and family and prayed in earnestness that everyone would attend our celebration. The church was in a celebratory mood on the day of the festivities, and the atmosphere no less ecstatic. The close to 200-strong crowd raised their hands in worship, and we listened to Rev Dominic Yeo s personal testimony of how he was redeemed as a young rascal, and then being called to be an available instrument for his Redeemer. The most joyous moment in all of our celebrations was when two young ladies stepped up to the call of God to give their lives to Jesus truly the climax of our celebrations. One of our youth leaders, You Qian recounted, I was pleasantly surprised when Nicolette decided to take the step of faith. She told me that she had ignored the fact of God s existence for a few years because she was going through a difficult time in life. But she began to see how He has helped her in her journey to taking this step. This wasn t the first time Nicolette visited The People s Church, neither was it my perennial persuasion that spurred her to rededicate her life to our Maker. Her sudden epiphany stems from a spiritual touch from God. Nicolette said, I sense that God is powerful. He can change our lives for the better. And so she decided she had to do something. Nicolette has been attending our church regularly since, and we pray for even more souls to be added to the Kingdom of God. A time of fellowship and celebration. Reflecting upon the events of the past seven years, it was indeed God who saw us through each time a challenge was put to the church and her leaders. And each time, God amazed us with His impeccable timing of leadership and provision. For when we put God in His rightful place and in public adoration, He works miracles in a way we least expect, and our lives are truly changed for the better. Glory be to God whose ways are perfect, and in whom everything is made beautiful in His time! By Ng You Qian, Grace Cheong & Pastor Clement Cheong, The People s Church

14 14 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Churches Celebrating family and fellowship - Elim Family Day 2015 Church members bonded and celebrated the goodness of God in Elim during a meaningful and fun Family Day. On July 26, 2015, Elim Church celebrated Elim Family Day, shifting our Sunday services from Serangoon Road to East Coast Park for a day of fellowship and fun outdoors. The event was organized by the church s Family Life ministry. Church members turned up at East Coast Park in the morning, all dressed in our sponsored Family Day T-shirts. The excitement became more palpable as we approached the event site a large tent overlooking the beach, surrounded by bouncy castles and station games. We began the day with a Praise Exercise led by Brother Derek Foo and the teachers from our Children s Ministry. Everyone sang along and got a good workout performing the actions for a warm-up exercise incorporated into the praise songs! Senior Pastor Rev Glen Lim then shared a message from Psalm 128:1-6 and pronounced a five-fold blessing on the congregation. The sharing ended with the Aaronic Benediction sung by Brother Derek, and a prayer of blessing on every family unit in Elim Church as well as the whole Elim family. We joined hands and prayed for one another and our church, thanking God for His faithfulness and committing our individual lives and families to Him. Then began the Family Day activities! The kids quickly gravtitated to the bouncy castles, while some of the youth and adults formed teams to play a game of inflatable, life-sized foosball. The archery and basketball stations also proved popular, and many also gathered at the handicraft stations to learn how to make kites and flowers. Our creative event organizers even created game stations shoot-the-cans and memory-matching with biblical themes! Players had to use sling-shots to shoot down Goliath cans, or match pictures of Bible characters to their names. There were also telematches families played including the classic spoon relay race and a banana hockey game. It began to rain heavily nearing lunchtime, forcing us to gather under the tent. We nonetheless still had a good time! To pass the time we play a stage game, in which fathers were called up as volunteers to be dressed up by their families using random items provided. The winner was our brother from Myanmar, who was dressed in authentic Myanmar traditional dress. The event ended with prize presentations to the winners of the various games and a prayer of blessing and journey mercies. We thank God for granting us this day of family-bonding, fellowship and celebration of His favour and tremendous blessings. We are also ever thankful for the organizing committee who put together an event that offered something to everyone, and we are grateful to everyone who volunteered to help in one way or another. All glory and praise to the One who makes all things possible! By Elim Church

15 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec training Christmas Through the Eyes of Simeon Rev Simon Ang shares his insights on Simeon s story: The inescapable Jesus (Luke 2:25-35). Amazon is probably the biggest and best store on earth. Compared to stores on this side of the world, it sells some of the best products at a fraction of the price. Its logo also tells you it always serves you with a smile. The founder and president of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos once said, We re in this for the long haul. Built on this foundation, the people behind Amazon don t make decisions that will give the best return in the next quarter or next year; they make decisions based on what gives them the best results in the next ten years. An amateur investor or businessman would find that this is one of the most enduring advice he or she could receive, even if it means spending much of life waiting. Simeon did exactly that. He was a righteous and devout man who spent his entire life waiting for God to send the Messiah to redeem Israel. Why? Because the Holy Spirit had promised Simeon he would not die until he had met Christ face to face. Did Simeon expect to meet a baby? Most likely not. Like everyone else, he was probably expecting a grown man a rabbi, prophet and political leader all rolled into one. But the promise was fulfilled in Simeon s life when he saw Jesus, as a child, at the temple. Something stirred in Simeon s spirit, and he knew that this child was the fulfillment of God s promise. He took the little boy into his arms and gave praise to God: Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! (Luke 2:29-32) What a heart-stirring moment that was! When he met young Jesus, Simeon was so overwhelmed with peace, optimism and assurance. He knew this child was hope for all humanity and the Savior of all people in every nation and every generation. Meaning because of Jesus, we know that everything can be alright. This story reminds us of why Christmas is such a meaningful time of the year because God sent his Chosen One, his only begotten Son, to die on the cross for our sins, so that whosoever believes in him should never perish but have everlasting life. Many people think the human race is set on a course to self-destruction, and they quote chapters and verses from the Bible to prove it. But the truth is the Bible also shares God s ultimate plan for the future of the human race when Christ was born. Look, God s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. (Revelation 21:3-4) Please do not think we only have the distant future to look forward to. The Christian life is made up of daily glimpses of the glory of God. Jesus came into the world to pay the price for our salvation by dying on the cross. But that s not all. Because of Jesus, your life can be full of light. Simeon called young Jesus a light to reveal God to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. He came to show us what God is really like, to teach us how to know God, follow Him and love Him. He also came to teach us how to give, forgive and serve others. The Apostle John said, God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. (1 John 1:5) But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) People who walk with Jesus discover that the world is full of light. Because of Jesus everything will be alright? Yes. Because of Jesus your life can be full of light? Yes. So, to whom are these promises given? To those who choose Jesus! Finally, all of us must make a choice! Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby s mother, This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul. (Luke 2: 34-35) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13) Everyone will receive a fair chance to know and follow Jesus. No one will stumble his way into hell any more than he stumble his way into heaven. Jesus is the dividing line between light and darkness, happiness and misery and heaven and hell. You have to choose, in two ways: a) Make the decision to invite Jesus into your life, forgive your sins and be your Lord and Savior b) Make the daily decision to live in the light, to follow the way and move according to God s direction Why do I say that He is the inescapable Jesus? Because eventually all of us must choose how we will respond to Him. How will you live your life? Will you accept or reject Jesus? Believe or dismiss Him? Follow or ignore Him? Where will you spend eternity? Simeon spent much of his life waiting for the Messiah. Just before he died, he got a glimpse of the Savior. The Christian life is similar to Simeon s life. It s not the spiritual equivalent of a get-rich-quick scheme. It s a marathon and a long term investment that will reap an eternal return. On this Christimas Day, it is my prayer that you will look at this newborn child and say, I choose Jesus to be my salvation, my light, my future, and my hope. Rev Simon Ang pastors Moriah Assembly of God. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Singapore Executive Committee. By Rev Simon Ang, Moriah Assembly of God

16 16 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES training Christmas Through the Eyes of Herod As the main antagonist of the Christmas story, Herod s life holds lessons for us. Rev Gerald Tan takes a peep into his diary and draws out some truths for us. From the diary of Herod BC 65: It s almost there. I can sense it, I can feel it. I WILL BE KING. I will make history. I will be great. BC 68: I am King! This is the moment I ve been waiting for. Now I can rule. Everyone must obey. It s my kingdom. I have it all. The Romans have made me their vassal. This is a necessary partnership. I will play my cards, and make it work. But I am King. I will rule! BC 19: I have accomplished so much. Look at all I have built! But surely nothing can compare with the extension of the second temple. The Jews will surely honor and revere me even more now. This is my kingdom! BC 7: I m hearing renewed interest in the old prophecies about a coming Messiah, a King of the Jews. People seem to be intrigued by this. What is going on? Who dares challenge my authority and rule? I must get to the bottom of this. No one, nothing can threaten my throne! BC 6: Has he been born? No, I must to put an end to this! This is my chance. These wise men from the East, they are looking for the Messiah. Surely I can find out from them where he is and put an end to this madness. Let me summon them and find out what they know. Yes, I shall pretend that I am a devout Jew, that I too want to worship this Messiah. Surely they will tell me all that I need to know! Come let me call my most trusted aides to bring the wise men to me. BC 5: It looks like the wise men have tricked me. How dare they! If I ever find them, I will have them crucified! Treachery! They think they can win? Never. I shall have to do it myself. I shall have to make the hard choices for my kingdom. I shall have to root out any insurrection and nip it in the bud before it takes root! I ll do whatever it takes, pay whatever the price. I ve come too far to stop now. I know the only way, yes the only way is to kill all the boys born in the last two years. I ll do it. It s a small price to pay to ensure my reign. A small price to pay for the peace and security of Judea. I m sure they ll understand. BC 4: It is done. I am still king. But why do I feel that something is still not right? Why is the darkness closing in on me? These nightmares they haunt me. What s happening to me? What s going to happen to my kingdom? No, my reign shall not end like this! I am the king! I am Herod the Great! Herod the great. A self-made man, who had no need for a Messiah. The birth of Christ was not a season of hope, but a threat to all he had built. Friends, as we approach the Christmas season, we have to confront the little Herods in our hearts. Christmas is a time for throwing parties and giving gifts a time we can fall into the trap of showing off our accomplishments. There are two important truths we can learn from Herod s Christmas story. Firstly, the greatest enemy to the precious gift of God is pride. Herod s pride caused him to miss the greatest gift of heaven for humanity. Pride causes us not to to recognize God s gift, and renders us unable to embrace His love and grace. This season, let us humble ourselves before the Lord so that Christ can fill our hearts and transform our lives. Christmas is also a time when many get overwhelmed with emotion. Herod succumbed to his insecurities and ordered the murders of thousands of babies. At the end of the year, many people often struggle with loneliness and face the repercussions of their mistakes and failures. Some may even descend into depression, while others may simply mask their true feelings in the festivities. God sent His son Jesus on that first Christmas, because He knows we are all in need of His love and mercy. Open your heart to the security of His love, that we may face our deepest fears and struggles, and find the Christ of Christmas bringing hope and victory into our lives! Herod stood in the greatest time of history and witnessed the birth of the Saviour, the Messiah. But in his foolishness and pride, he has become known as the king who sought to kill the baby Jesus. Friends, Christmas isn t just a holiday to mark the birth of Jesus, it is also a time to awaken our hearts and spirits, and bring our lives back into alignment with God s purpose to become the blessing to our world. As we look at Christmas through the eyes of Herod, may our hearts be filled with joy rather than pain, and may our lives be a blessing and not a curse. Blessed Christmas, friends! Rev Gerald Tan is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God (Singapore), a thriving congregation with a strong missional and discipleship emphasis. A passionate preacher with an apostolic-prophetic anointing, he has a passion to raise and release people to fulfill their God-given destinies. He is also serving in the Assemblies of God, Singapore Executive Committee. Rev Gerald is married to Audrey, and they have two children: Davian and Evanny. By Rev Gerald Tan, Calvary Assembly of God

17 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec training 在马利亚眼中的圣诞日 Christmas Through the Eyes of Mary 马利亚接近产期的时候, 与夫婿约瑟像其他在罗马统治下的百姓一样, 为了户口普查, 必须回到自己家族所在地 即将临盆又必须行远路, 是件非常危险的事 在途中, 马利亚开始阵痛, 并在一个叫伯利恒的小地方停留 但是, 他们找不到客店 因为人口大迁徙, 客店全都客满了 由于情况紧迫, 于是他们被安排在客店后的马房中, 让马利亚能够顺利生产 这就是为什么孩子出生时, 是被放在马槽里 孩子终于平安的诞生了 马利亚心中的激动又有谁能理解? 望着怀中安静沉睡着的可爱脸庞, 回想起怀孕前后的种种经历, 眼中的泪水满是安慰 感恩之情, 也是对未来的向往与担忧 1. 喜乐的一天圣诞日是马利亚少女梦想的实现 以色列的少女都曾拥有美丽的梦想 幸福美满的婚姻, 并生下一个伟大的儿子 更有者盼望生下弥赛亚, 恢复以色列昔日的辉煌 就在十个月前, 天使加百列突然在加利利的拿撒勒向她显现, 并告诉她一个令人惊讶的信息 当时, 她已经许配给约瑟, 但还是童贞女 她回忆当时天使向她发言 : 蒙大恩的女子, 我问你安, 主和你同在了!... 不要怕, 你在神面前已经蒙恩了 你要怀孕生子, 可以给他起名叫耶稣 他要为大, 称为至高者的儿子 ; 主神要把他祖大卫的位给他, 他要做雅各家的王, 直到永远 ; 他的国也没有穷尽 ( 路加福音 1:26-33) 当时, 那番令她惊喜的话, 现在已经真真确确的落实了 我可以想象她心中的纠结 : 你终于诞生了 你是带着伟大的使命诞生的 我这平凡的妈妈要如何养育你呢? 2. 充满敬畏的一天抱着怀中的婴孩, 脑子还记忆犹新 那天, 她回应天使说 : 我没有出嫁, 怎么有这事呢? 天使回答说 : 圣灵要临到你身上, 至高者的能力要荫庇你 因此, 所要生的圣者必称为神的儿子 况且你的亲戚伊利莎白, 在年老的时候也怀了男胎, 就是那素来称为不生育的, 现在有孕六个月了 因为出于神的话, 没有一句不带能力的 ( 路加福音 1:34-56) 当时, 马利亚说 : 我是主的使女, 情愿照你的话成就在我身上! 她发现, 就这么 情愿照你的话成就在我身上 的一句话, 对她的一生所产生的意义是何其大! 她的上帝会为她负责一切 若不是神的使者通知约瑟, 或许她已经成为众人的责罚与家人的羞辱 未婚先孕 ( 申命记 22 :23-24) 这时突然来了一群牧羊人 这群牧羊人说, 有天使出现, 告诉他们救世主出生了 救世主的记号 包着布躺卧马槽的婴孩 然后又出现了非以色列民的显贵 他们说, 从东方星象得知这伟大君王的诞生 噢, 奇妙伟大的上帝, 竟然以天使 大自然 从牧羊人至异国显贵, 全都齐聚来 报告这大喜的信息 人类的救世主诞生了 现在这么真实的躺在她怀抱中的孩子, 是从她腹中诞生 ; 但又不全属于自己 上帝啊, 你太可敬可畏了! 3. 预见永恒福分的一日几个月前, 拜访伊利莎白时, 伊利莎白高声喊着说 : 你在妇女中是有福的! 你所怀的胎也是有福的! 46 马利亚说 : 我心尊主为大, 47 我灵以神我的救主为乐, 48 因为他顾念他使女的卑微 从今以后, 万代要称我有福, 49 那有权能的为我成就了大事, 他的名为圣! 50 他怜悯敬畏他的人, 直到世世代代 51 他用膀臂施展大能, 那狂傲的人正心里妄想就被他赶散了 52 他叫有权柄的失位, 叫卑贱的升高 ; 53 叫饥饿的得饱美食, 叫富足的空手回去 54 他扶助了他的仆人以色列, 55 为要记念亚伯拉罕和他的后裔, 施怜悯直到永远, 正如从前对我们列祖所说的话 ( 路 1:57-79) 马利亚立了坚定的心志, 她乐意将主耶稣归回上帝, 用她的一生陪伴 支持他 结论上帝高举马利亚作主耶稣的母亲, 这是马利亚料想不到的 同样的, 上帝高举我们由罪人的地位而成为上帝的儿女, 并享受永恒的福分 所以在这圣诞期间, 我们更当存感恩的心, 感谢他 记念他 敬爱他, 为他而活 保罗说 : 基督耶稣降世, 为要拯救罪人 在罪人中我是罪魁 然而我蒙了怜悯 ( 提前 1:15-16) 我们都是蒙了怜悯的人, 是主耶稣从死门把我们救拔起来的 诗人说 : 他从灰尘里抬举贫寒人, 从粪堆中提拔穷乏人 ( 诗篇 113:7) 陈鸾卿牧师是新加坡神召会活泉团契的创建牧师 她与夫婿育有 1 男 1 女 女儿曾是新加坡政府奖学金得主之一, 目前就职予教育部 ; 儿子刚从柬埔寨宣教回来, 目前任职丰收群众神召会青少年传道 陈牧师在祷告 启示及辅导的服事上大有恩膏 ; 在心灵医治及建造更是被上帝大大使用 她是亚洲最受欢迎的讲员之一, 常受邀主持圣灵复兴会 营会 领袖培训 婚姻与家庭讲座 她也是好几间神学院深受欢迎的讲师 除了神学学位外, 也拥有南澳大学社会科学系辅导硕士文凭 她拥有丰富的临床辅导经验, 曾在监狱 戒毒所转化生命 目前是多家社区服务中心的顾问, 也是蜕变国际企业有限公司的创办人 蜕变国际企业有限公司是间领袖培训与人才培训公司, 旨在做职场转化 陈鸾卿自由传道与人生教练, 蜕变国际企业有限公司

18 18 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES training Christmas Through The Eyes Of Jesus A closing thought: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21 NIV). If your treasure is on firm footing, and lies in earthly things, your hearts will be set upon them, and be in them, in your personal belongings, your safe deposits and financial institutions, and then your souls will be in danger of being lost. This loss will be an irreparable one, even though you would have gained the whole world. Only if your treasure is put into the hands of God, will your hearts be with Him, and be settled on Him; your desires will be after heavenly things; your hearts will be set on things above (Col. 3:1); you will have a foretaste of heaven, though you are on earth; and that will be the home and seat of your blessedness, for all eternity. There was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 7). Rev David Lim shares the possible perspective of Christ. In Ancient Rome it was decreed that every fourteen years, each Jewish male had to go back to his father s hometown to register his name, occupation, property and family a census for both taxation and military purposes. Thus God used Caesar s edict to move Joseph and Mary, my mother, eighty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill His plan. The inns at that time of the year were fully packed, thanks to swarms of visitors to Bethlehem. As the guests partied with their kin and old friends, my mother gave birth to me in the stable. While they slumbered on their soft beds, I was nestled in a trough, as there was no room for me on Christmas night. As Christmas Day draws near, people all over the world are dreaming of the parties they will attend. Shopping malls spend thousands of dollars on Christmas decorations and department stores advertise aggressively hoping to cash in on the Christmas purchases people invariably make. Churches get ready for caroling, with choirs rehearsing until the eleventh hour. At home, feasts made from recipes handed down from grandma are being cooked, as children wait for their presents. So much for a Christmas break! With all this hustle and bustle, I wonder, Is there room for Me at Christmas? What is the actual purpose for which I came into the world? Those celebrating in Bethlehem the night I was born were drawn together by a minor affair. Only they were witness to the historic event that would alter the fate of Man an event that took place in the quiet of the night in the most humble of places. Today, Man can still be preoccupied with a myriad of activities, so much so that there is no room left for God, My Heavenly Father, who sent me into the world to die for sinners. Christmas should be celebrated, but it becomes meaningless when people fail to reflect on the true significance of my birth the very hope of Israel and the world. I came to redeem fallen man, and offer him everlasting life. Christmas isn t just one more remembrance of my coming, but should also be a time for my followers to think about their responsibility to proclaim the gospel to their neighbors and the world. May this Christmas be special for them and Me. I long to see them, not just engaged with the preparation or celebration, but also to make room to contemplate the true implication of Christmas, and worship Me. Bear in mind, without Me there will be no Christmas. Without Me, Christmas would be meaningless, Jesus mused. Rev David Lim is the Founder/Director of Gospel Recordings Singapore Ltd (GRS), since Their mission: To reach the illiterate and tribal people worldwide. GRS has free CDs in more than 6000 of the estimated 18,000 languages and dialects. He was a pastor in an AG church, a Mennonite Church and two Baptist Churches. He preaches across denominations local and overseas. His calling took him to nearly 70 countries. He taught Cross-Cultural Communication at YWAM, Perth, and pastoral ministry in Vietnam and Cambodia. He is also the author of the book My Hand in His, published by Armour Publishing in April Rev Lim, a grandfather, is a member of Faith Assembly. By Rev David Lim, Gospel Recordings Singapore

19 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES Nov - Dec transformation God Provides More Than I Asked God has a way to surprise and provide for me! In my previous job, I often had to work on Sundays. It didn t start out that way but due to changes in the job scope, I found myself missing Sunday services with increasing frequency. I finally decided to resign and trust God to open the way to a job that would not prevent me from going to church on Sunday. I was between jobs for about six weeks. Then one Saturday morning, I came across a job ad in the Classified section of the newspapers. The job was in the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector and it would be a fiveday work week with rest days on Saturday and Sunday. How wonderful! I had worked in the F&B sector all my life so it was perfect for me. Best of all, the position gave me back my weekends a rarity for a job in F&B! The ad invited applicants to send an SMS text message to a given mobile number. I prayed and then did what the ad asked. Within minutes, I received an SMS response. The ad was placed by the owner of a chain of salad cafes who was hiring salad artists. In his message, he asked me three simple questions: Are you Singaporean? Are you looking for a holiday job? Can you speak fluent English? After I responded, he texted me an offer and said that if the terms were acceptable to me, I could start work on Monday morning. That was the easiest job interview I ever had! Just last week, I marked the first anniversary of my employment with that company. Getting a job in a familiar industry that didn t require me to work weekends all within 10 minutes from application to job offer is a tremendous blessing. But being the God who loves and blesses abundantly, He gave me over and above what I asked. He went on to bless me with a promotion to manager after just five months on the job. The blessings didn t stop there. When I was plagued with anxiety while contemplating the increased responsibilities that would come with the promotion, He stilled the tempest within me and showed me the way forward through the counsel, encouragement and prayers of Pastor Cher and Pastor Leng. All glory to God! A God Who Opens Doors Our God is more than sufficient for me. For the last 10 years, I was unable to have off days on Sundays and public holidays due to my job at a departmental store. God opened a door for a new job to start a business with my sister in fashion apparel. The joyous part of starting this business is that I am able to rest, worship and serve God every Sunday! In the beginning, I experienced conflict with my sister. However, thanks to God I was able to exercise patience and tolerance. As a result, I now have a closer relationship with God and have been greatly blessed, with our business improving gradually! Praise the Lord for His strength and confidence to overcome all the difficulties. His grace is indeed sufficient for me! I believe that it was God s plan for me to start this business with my sister as it had enabled my family members and I to experience God as He makes a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. By Adam Aziz, Church of Praise By Carol Kee, Church of Praise

20 20 Nov - Dec 2015 ISSUE 022 AG TIMES transformation I Promised and He Provided! In 2013, God asked Andrew Ng to take a greater step of faith by committing a large sum for the Vision Faith Promise. Although his family was in a period of uncertainty with a new job and fresh loans he chose to see beyond his present circumstances and trust that God would provide for the future. What Andrew experienced over the course of the year completely changed his perspective on giving. The second half of 2013 was a season of transition for Andrew Ng. Professionally, work was demanding he had just changed employers and was serving a three-month probation with his new company. His family situation was also challenging. They had recently moved to another flat to be closer to his son s secondary school, his parent s home, and church (Trinity@Paya Lebar). However, the flat required extensive renovations, which the family paid for with a bank loan. During Vision Weekend 2013, God prompted Andrew to write a certain amount on his Vision Faith Promise card. I couldn t rationalize how I would able to fulfill that amount, it seemed impossible, Andrew shared, Things at work were uncertain and the amount could instead be used to pay off a large portion of the renovation loan. Andrew knew he was being challenged to turn the focus away from his circumstances and towards his Provider. Despite his worries, Andrew obeyed God s prompting by writing that sum on his Vision Faith Promise card and handing the card to a Pastor. Over the next few weeks, Andrew and his wife, Mun Hwa, set aside time to pray together for the Vision Faith Promise. He also shared with his son about the Vision Faith Promise and how they, as a family, were trusting God to provide. At work, Andrew would start his day early at the office, praying and committing each workday to God. Despite all this, Andrew continued to worry about the Vision Faith Promise. Given his work situation, it seemed impossible for him to fulfill the large amount, as he felt the chance of a favorable year-end appraisal or a good performance bonus was remote. I regularly looked at my Vision Faith Promise card and thought of the impossibility of the situation. The timing was just not right, Andrew recalled. One day, he came across Mark 10:27, with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. This verse helped steer my focus back to God, Andrew said. It reminded me that He is the Source and Creator of all things. Over the course of the year, Andrew saw God s favor in the workplace. His new team had understanding bosses and supportive colleagues that worked with him to achieve his unit s business goals. At the end of the work year, Andrew was surprised to receive strong appraisals from his superiors. He was even more amazed to learn that he was receiving a bonus for the year, an amount that was twice as much as his Faith Promise! With this financial provision, Andrew was able to fulfill his Vision Faith Promise three months before the start of the next Vision Faith Promise. I serve an awesome God, declared Andrew, God is good all the time, and all the time He is good! Through this experience, Andrew now uses every opportunity to share his testimony of incredible provision. He also prays boldly for others, especially in situations that seem impossible. Expect the impossible, Andrew exhorts, Be confident that through Him, all things are possible! EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chief Editor: Asst. Editors: Coordinator: Design: Publisher: Rev Simon Ang Rev David Lim Rev Winnie Wong Stephanie Siow Carol Lim Infinite Print Solutions The Assemblies of God of Singapore 8 Lorong 27A Geylang #02-08 Guilin Building Singapore Printer: Singapore Press Holdings Ltd Nov - Dec 2015 By Daniel Koh Zhi Guo, Trinity Christian Centre